A multi-layer coating is particularly useful for the coating of implants such as orthopedic and dental implants, particularly metallic implants. The multi-layer coating has both high bond strength to implants and excellent bioactivity with the surrounding body tissue. A method of making a coated implant includes depositing a first layer on a metallic substrate, wherein the first layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nitride compounds, boride compounds, carbide compounds, and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing materials; forming at least one slurry comprising an apatite and a binder, wherein the apatite has greater than about 90% crystallinity, and wherein the binder is inert in body fluids; depositing the slurry on the first layer to form a green coating; and sintering the green coating to form a second layer.