Cosmetic Dentistry Standards

   The largest professional cosmetic dentistry organization in the nation - and the world - is the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). From their mission statement, the AACD is "dedicated to advancing the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care among cosmetic dentists."

The AACD has developed the world's most recognized credentialing program in cosmetic dentistry, and is dentistry's largest organization offering a rigorous Board Certification in Cosmetic Dentistry, designated "Accreditation". The purpose of Accreditation is "to set standards for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Achieving Accredited status from the AACD requires dedication to continuing education, careful adherence to the protocols, and a resolve to produce exceptional dentistry".

Accreditation by the AACD serves to set standards for excellence in cosmetic dentistry and represents the acknowledgment of a doctor's or dental technician's enhanced skills. Accreditation is a three-part process - which must be completed in sequence - consisting of a written exam, submission of clinical case reports, and an oral exam.

The written exam tests the candidate's foundational knowledge in cosmetic dentistry, including all disciplines of dentistry with an emphasis on those subjects with a special relevance to aesthetics. Subjects on the exam include:

• Smile Design
• Porcelain Restorations
• Implants
• Whitening
• Periodontics
• Orthodontics

Cosmetic dentists taking the AACD exam are also tested on their knowledge of photography, laboratory communication, occlusion, adhesion and materials science.

Clinical case submissions and reports are the core of the Accreditation process, and allow the candidate to demonstrate diagnostic skills and clinical excellence in such procedures as bridge and implant placement, indirect and direct resin restorations, and veneers. The AACD specifies strict criteria which must be met regarding the quality of photographic images submitted, verification of authenticity of the images, and comprehensive written reports on each procedure.

The final step in the Accreditation process is the oral examination. The candidate may be asked questions about diagnosis and treatment planning, materials and techniques on any of their passed case submissions. Candidates will also be presented with a pre-selected case and asked to formulate a treatment plan which will then be discussed as part of the oral exam process.

With the successful completion of the oral examination, a candidate becomes an Accredited Member in the AACD. To maintain Accredited status, the Accredited doctors and technicians must stay abreast of advances in cosmetic dentistry and are required to fulfill continuing education requirements, as well as serve as a board or committee member in the AACD. In addition, Accredited members must agree to abide by the AACD Code of Ethics.

Although the AACD is the largest professional cosmetic dentistry organization, there are others, including the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED) and the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry (IFED). Both the AACD and AAED are members of the international organization, IFED.