American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - What You Need to Know

A good smile can go a long way in making a person feel confident and happy with their appearance. Patients that do not have a healthy mouth thanks to issues with the teeth and gums can address these problems by having cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental bridges, crowns, dental bonding and veneers performed on the mouth. In order to make sure doctors across the country are following the highest standards of care when it comes to cosmetic dental work, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) was formed to oversee the accreditation of dentists in the medical field of cosmetic dentistry.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Accreditation Process

According to the website of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry “is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of comprehensive cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.” In addition, the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry is “committed to protecting and preserving the validity of the AACD Accreditation and Fellowship examinations while maintaining the standard of excellence the credentials have come to represent. We will assure the rights and privileges of the accredited members are honored while allowing the opportunity for dentists and laboratory technicians to achieve their full potential in cosmetic dentistry.”

In order to become an accredited member of the AACD, qualified candidates must complete the following steps:

Written Examination:

• Qualified candidates can apply for, and take, the written examination at the Annual AACD Scientific Session or at an approved testing center. Once the person passes the written examination, a five-year time period begins.
• Candidates must attend one of two required workshops at the Annual AACD Scientific Session or watch them online.
• Written examinations and two required courses must be successfully completed prior to submitting any clinical cases

Submission of Clinical Cases:

• Once all of the clinical cases have passed, the qualified candidate will receive an invitation to take an oral examination.

Oral Examination:

• According to the AACD website, the “Accreditation Oral Examination is an opportunity for the dentist/lab technician to verify and authenticate passed casework and treatment planning abilities. The candidate may be asked questions about case selection, diagnosis and treatment planning, or materials and techniques on any of their passed clinical case submissions. Knowledge should clearly demonstrate a familiarity and understanding of these cases. The candidate will also be presented with information regarding a pre-selected case. Adequate time will be allowed for the individual to formulate a treatment plan, which will then be shared and discussed. Additional questions may be asked that cover related topics considered relevant by the examiners.”
• In order to take the oral examination, the dentist must have passed all five of the required clinical cases while the lab technician must have passed all there of the required clinical cases.
• In addition, the person must have attended at least half of the annual scientific sessions starting with the testing center or session where the dentist or lab technician took and passed the written exam.

Clinical Cases and Documentation

• The examiners will have a copy of the report submitted by the candidate at the time of the clinical case examination. Candidates should be familiar with the nuances of the clinical cases and written reports prior to the oral examination.
• Notes cannot be used during the oral exam.

If the qualified candidate successfully completes the oral examination, the dentist or lab technician becomes an Accredited Member of the AACD.

If the qualified candidate fails the examination, the dentist or lab technician can retake the oral examination one time immediately after the expiration of their five-year period and the person must successfully pass the next time the oral exam is administered to candidates. If the person fails to pass the oral examination the second time, the Accreditation process is terminated. If the termination process occurs, there must be a submission of a new written examination application in order to begin the Accreditation process once again.

Members that are newly accredited will receive their award at the next regularly scheduled Annual AACD Scientific Session.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Continuing Education

As part of its ongoing mission, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry promotes continuing dental education through the offering of education opportunities to dental professionals such as the annual AACD scientific session, virtual dental education courses and other events throughout the year.

As part of the continuing education efforts at the annual scientific session, those in attendance are able to gain the latest information on a number of topics including clinical procedures, cosmetic dental practice development, up-to-date materials and methods and self-enrichment methods.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Patient Trust

Patients that visit doctors accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry can feel safe in the ability of their dentist to provide superior results as well as long-lasting results that rejuvenate the appearance of the mouth. In addition, cosmetic dentistry can improve the functionality of the teeth thanks to procedures such as dental implants or dental bridges. Patients that are interested in finding a dentist that is accredited by the AACD can search here for an accredited cosmetic dentist in their local area.

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