The method comprises placing an elongate probe 10a, 10b, 10c into a predrilled aperture in a bone to be assessed, such as a jaw prior to dental implant. The probe is excited to physically oscillate and the resonance frequency monitored, to determine the quality (Lekholm and Zarb classification), density and/or stiffness of the bone, which may be output via graphical display, the probe preferably removed after analysis is undertaken. The probe may have markings indicating insertion depth and may have a threaded or spiral external profile. Coil 16 may be wrapped around or bonded to the probe for excitation, or a coil 24 may act directly upon a magnetic portion of the probe 22. The probe may match the drill bit used and the probe inserted into the hole prior to an implant being inserted, the implant selected after knowledge of the stiffness and quality of the bone is obtained.
