Introductory GuIde to AccredItAtIon

Reward Fulfillment Recognition

AmerIcAn AcAdemy of cosmetIc dentIstry e c d
xcellence In osmetIc entIstry

Welcome Accreditation to an Introduction to

Table of ConTenTs How You Can Change the lives of Your Patients 4-5 accreditation Process Chart 6 Case Descriptions 7-9 annual scientific session 11 Resources 12 - 15

his guide is designed to give you an overview of the american academy of Cosmetic Dentistrys accreditation process. We hope to spark a desire in you to

further your professional and personal growth in a very positive and unique way.

since its inception in 1986, the aaCD accreditation process has provided an exceptional opportunity for dentists and laboratory technicians to greatly enhance their professional skills and knowledge in the area of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. The aaCD accreditation process is unique in that it requires a dentist or technician to implement what they have learned and to demonstrate a level of proficiency as dictated by the american board of Cosmetic Dentistry. The accreditation process is accessible to all aaCD members, regardless of location, educational background, or years of clinical experience. The only requirements are a resolve to meet challenges head-on, to continually seek growth, and to be persistent in pursuing a worthy goal.

Newly Accredited, San Diego, CA

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry you need

to be Accredited.

~ Accredited Fellow William Dorfman, D.D.S.

Excellence through Accreditation

The AACD Accreditation testing process comprises three parts:

a Written Examination, which tests foundational knowledge in cosmetic
dentistry. The exam is administered at the aaCD annual scientific session each year. Passing the written exam starts the clock for the five-year time frame given to fulfill the additional requirements.

Clinical Case Examinations (five cases for dentists and three cases
for laboratory technicians) and reports, which form the heart of the testing process. each case is documented with specific preoperative and postoperative photographic documentation. The cases must meet the standard of excellence as set forth by the american board of Cosmetic Dentistry and encompass a broad range of specified cosmetic treatment solutions.

an Oral Examination, which allows each candidate to present his or her

cases to a team of examiners, answer clinical case questions, and treatment plan a presented clinical case.

for those practitioners with an interest in advancing their education and skills in cosmetic dentistry, the american academy of Cosmetic Dentistrys accreditation process has proven time and time again to be the

pivotal growth experience of their career.

for more detailed information, please visit www.aacd.com, call (800) 543-9220 or e-mail credentialing@aacd.com.

Opportunity is knocking.
We invite you to answer the call!
www.aacd.com (800) 543-9220 credentialing@aacd.com

How

You Can Change the Lives

of Your Patients

illiam is a 40-year-old former soccer player who, self-conscious about his teeth, had always hidden

them behind closed lips. He had postponed addressing his discolored teeth due to an active sports career, as well as time and financial constraints. In the past, his teeth had been only minimally responsive to bleaching procedures. In addition to the severe tetracycline staining, his teeth exhibited chipping and uneven wear. William considered himself a wise and careful healthcare consumer. He wanted to proceed only with treatment that he felt would result in a natural appearance. He specifically sought out an aaCD accredited dentist to help him explore the possibilities available for improving his smile. Treatment goals included brightening the smile, lengthening the teeth, and establishing an attractive smile line with proper anterior/posterior gradation. other goals aimed to optimize occlusion, expand the buccal corridors, and create a more pleasing proportion

and arrangement to the anterior segment. It was determined that there was negligible display of the lower teeth when William was smiling or speaking. It therefore was established that his appearance could be transformed by addressing the upper arch, contouring the lower teeth, and providing an occlusal guard for long-term protection of the restorations. Teeth ##3-14 were restored with all-ceramic restorations. enamoplasty was performed on the lower anterior teeth to facilitate optimal placement of the upper incisors. occlusal rehabilitation was incorporated to restore proper functional dynamics.

Excellence through Accreditation

Upon completion of treatment, William appears healthier and happier. He says that not only does he love his new smile, but he also definitely feels Different on the inside. no one will ever really know how this has changed my life. Pursuit and achievement of accreditation in the aaCD enables practitioners to predictably achieve esthetic results like these, which meet or exceed their patients expectations.

I can say with certainty that my restorative dentistry would not be at the level it is today if I hadnt pursued Accreditation. ~ Accredited Fellow Betsy Bakeman, D.D.S.

Case selection is of paramount importance when approaching accreditation. There are no bonus points awarded for degree of difficulty. Therefore it is wise to select a case that has the potential for an ideal final result.

www.aacd.com (800) 543-9220 credentialing@aacd.com

1.

Dentist or Lab Technician who is interested in continuing education and is current in dues

General Member

2.

Participating Member
General Member who has attended 2 of 4 current AACD Annual Sessions

Apply for written exam given at the Annual Scientific Session

3.
Application received and processed at Executive Office ($350)

Participating Member that has attended 2 of 4 current AACD Annual Sessions and has passed the written exam

Sustaining Member

Take the written exam at Annual Scientific Session

Attend the two required courses: 1. Accreditation Workshop 2. Criteria Course

Pass
Time period of five years begins Written exam and two courses must be successfully completed prior to submitting clinical cases

Unsuccessful

Submission of clinical cases ($150 per case) Dentists - up to five case types per exam session Lab Technicians - up to three case types per exam session only one of each case type per exam session

4.

General Member who has passed the written exam, taken both required workshops and in addition has passed one clinical case

Accreditation Candidate

All clinical cases passed. Invitation to oral exam sent to candidate

Oral examination application filled out and processed at Executive Office ($400)

Pass 5.
Gain Accredited Member status

Oral examination Date/location to be determined by the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry

Receive award at next Annual Scientific Session

Oral unsuccessful Reapply within the original five-year timeline

Excellence through Accreditation

Case Type I Six or More Indirect Restorations

ase Type I requires six or more laboratory-fabricated restorations within the maxillary arch, treating at a minimum the cuspids and incisors. If the case would benefit from additional restorations to comprehensively address smile design criteria, this is encouraged.

This case type is highly relevant to accreditation for a number of reasons. It requires that the clinician have the ability to create an open, working, and successful rapport with the laboratory technician, and vice versa. smile design elements weigh heavily with this case type. The case shown here, because of the extensive decay and severe breakdown, is a more extreme example of this case type. However, all the fundamentals noted above enabled this case to clearly meet the criteria for accreditation success. bonded all-ceramic crowns were utilized to achieve the dramatic and beautiful result.

Case Type II One or Two Indirect Restorations

his case involves one or two indirect restorations in the maxillary anterior region treating incisors. The adjacent teeth must have no indirect restorations. Case Type II challenges the clinician and the technicians ability to match the restorations to the natural dentition, a situation frequently encountered in daily practice. It also tests the dentist and the technicians ability to work together to successfully communicate the various micro-esthetic issues such as shade, incisal translucency, and surface texture. It is critical for the team to deliver a natural-looking result that adheres to predetermined esthetic parameters. The accompanying photographs demonstrate treatment of the two lateral incisors with porcelain veneers. The right lateral incisor had previously been treated endodontically following trauma and the incisal edge had fractured. Restoring the two teeth achieved a proper esthetic balance to the smile, as it achieved a better balance of color, size, and proportion.

www.aacd.com (800) 543-9220 credentialing@aacd.com

Case Type IIITooth Replacement Tooth Replacement with a Fixed Bridge

n this presentation, the clinician or technician must demonstrate the ability to deliver esthetic results via a fixed bridge or implant-supported restoration. The prosthetic replacement must be a maxillary incisor or canine. This case provides the examiners with an impression of the candidates ability to establish soft tissue esthetics within the edentulous space.

ne option for Case Type III is to place a fixed bridge. additional teeth may be treated if appropriate. options for treatment can include full-coverage bridges or adhesively bonded bridges. smile design considerations become more relevant as greater numbers of teeth are treated. This case tests the candidates ability to handle soft tissues in regard to pontic site development. Proper development of the edentulous site through socket preservation techniques or subsequent ridge augmentation is essential in order to achieve an ideal result. shown here is a case with conservative tooth replacement of the left central incisor with a bonded Maryland bridge. Pontic site development, with soft tissue ridge augmentation, is critical to achieve proper contours for an ovate pontic. Proper preparation design of the Maryland bridge provided both adequate retention and an excellent esthetic result.

Tooth Replacement with an Implant

or

he second option for Case Type III involves replacement of a missing tooth with an implant. additional teeth may be treated if appropriate. This case type tests the candidates ability to handle the soft tissues so that the final restoration is indistinguishable from a natural tooth. because a specialist frequently is involved in the placement of the implant, interdisciplinary communication is vital for the case to be successful. The example of this case type shows replacement of the retained primary right lateral incisor with an implant and an all-ceramic crown. In addition, porcelain veneers were placed on the two central incisors and the left lateral incisor, which was an undersized peg lateral. The final result created more natural gingival contours and a more appropriate height-to-width ratio of the implant-supported restoration and better symmetry of the two lateral incisors.

Excellence through Accreditation

Case Type IV Restoration with Anterior Direct Resin

his case type consists of an anterior direct resin (Class IV or diastema closure) restoration, in which the candidates ability to blend composite resin with the natural dentition is tested. In cases demonstrating diastema closure, the space should measure approximately 1 mm or greater, and two adjacent teeth (i.e., maxillary incisors or canines) must be treated. Class IV restorations must be demonstrated in situations that replace a minimum of 10% of the tooth structure on the facial surface of one or more maxillary incisors. because the focus of this case type is to evaluate the candidates skill in matching the natural dentition in shape, size, and shade, the overall smile design may be less critical. The ability to adequately contour and finish the restoration so that it blends indistinguishably with the natural tooth structure is essential. The use of tints and opaquers often is necessary to achieve a level of excellence in the final result. shown is a case in which a fractured central incisor was restored with direct composite. With such a large percentage of the tooth being replaced, matching the opacity of the restoration to the remaining tooth was critical.

Case Type V Six or More Direct Resin Veneers

his case involves six or more direct resin veneers, treating at least the maxillary incisors and canines. additional teeth may be treated, if it positively affects the outcome. Case Type V tests the candidates ability to create an optimal esthetic result using direct composite resin materials. The emphasis of evaluation is on smile design and tooth morphology. Care must be taken to develop a functional and esthetic result using a direct technique with composite resin. In the accompanying case, teeth ##4-13 were treated with direct composite bonding to address generalized hypocalcification, some incisal chipping, and stained and failing composite restorations. The final result demonstrates the clinicians ability to achieve a very nice incisal translucency, a highly polished surface, and an overall beautiful result in a conservative manner.

www.aacd.com (800) 543-9220 credentialing@aacd.com

I wanted to be the best I could possibly be in cosmetic dentistry. Accreditation gave me the motivation and direction to get there.
~ AACD Accredited Fellow Dr. Michael Sesemann, Omaha, Nebraska

E XC E L L E NC E
IN

C O S M E T IC D E N T I S T R Y

IGNITE YOUR CAREER BY EARNING

THE HIGHEST DESIGNATION IN COSMETIC DENTISTRY-

in the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY Confidence, Credibility, Excellence N OW ITS Y OUR TURN v ISIT WWW.AACD. COM OR CALL 800.543.9220

Accreditation

The Annual AACD Scientific Session

The aaCD is dedicated to advancing excellence in cosmetic dentistry, with a primary focus on providing cutting-edge continuing education. The aaCD scientific session offers dentistrys most comprehensive and energizing conference experience. Courses include large-scale lectures led by dental luminaries and in-depth hands-on workshops taught by some of the greatest innovators in the field. Multiple accreditation courses are offered at the conference, along with the accreditation written exam, numerous accreditation networking opportunities, and the accreditation awards ceremony. experience the excitement, the education, and the energy at the annual aaCD scientific session! Visit www.aacd.com for complete details.

My life has not been the same since becoming Accredited. It was a springboard for greater dentistry. ~ Accredited Member Bruce Stewart, D.D.S.

www.aacd.com (800) 543-9220 credentialing@aacd.com

11

Resources for Your Journey to

Excellence through

Accreditation

aaCDs accreditation program encourages further education, interaction with like-minded colleagues and the opportunity for professional growth. Dentists hone their clinical skills, laboratory technicians improve their restorations and, ultimately, patients benefit from the higher quality of service and treatment that is provided. The aaCD encourages and assists members as they pursue accreditation by offering a variety of online resources, as well as publications and a mentoring program.

Online Resources
www.aacd.com offers a wealth of accreditation information. examples include: Reference Library The online Reference library lists books and journals recommended by the Written exam Committee to assist dentists and laboratory technicians in preparation for the aaCD accreditation Written examination. Sample Exams online sample exams serve as a study tool and realistic gauge of how individuals will perform when taking the aaCD accreditation Written examination. Sample Written Reports The online samples provide members with a variety of examples of suitable written reports.

12

Excellence through Accreditation

Publications
he Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry T The accreditation essentials section of aaCDs highly acclaimed The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry is entirely devoted to accreditation. featured in every issue are successful (and sometimes, unsuccessful) accreditation cases as well as examiner and laboratory perspectives. Diagnosis and Treatment Evaluation in Cosmetic Dentistry - A Guide to Accreditation Criteria an invaluable reference for any dentist or laboratory technician, the AACD Guide to Accreditation Criteria serves as an aid in recognizing the clinical details that provide the basis for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Highlights of the manual include graphics and photographs of properly treated clinical cases contrasted with those that are less than ideal. Photographic Documentation and Evaluation in Cosmetic Dentistry - A Guide to Accreditation Photography This revised photography guide was designed and produced specifically to provide guidance relating to photographic requirements for an aaCD accreditation exam presentation. as individuals refine their photographic techniques, they will be better equipped to review and critique their own dentistry.

for a complete list of aaCD accreditation resources, visit: www.aacd.com/professional/accreditation

www.aacd.com (800) 543-9220 credentialing@aacd.com

13

AACD Accreditation Courses

Accreditation Workshop
The aaCDs accreditation process begins with attendance at this required workshop, which provides a detailed overview of the required parameters of the credentialing process. This course is open to all aaCD member dentists and laboratory technicians attending the aaCD annual scientific session.

Criteria Workshop
This is the second required workshop in the aaCDs accreditation program. This course begins with a presentation of cases, both successful and unsuccessful, which are then evaluated by using criteria that accreditation examiners follow in judging clinical cases.

The relationships I have formed within the AACD are some of the finest relationships that I have ever had. ~ Accredited Fellow Lawrence Addleson, D.D.S.

14

Excellence through Accreditation

Photography Workshop for Accreditation Documentation

This workshop is designed to teach participants basic camera operation, and focuses on documentation of cases. Techniques for improving the quality and consistency of clinical photography are discussed, and mentors are available to answer questions and provide clinical instruction.

Pursuing Accreditation is one of the best investments I have ever made. ~ Accredited Member Trevor Laingchild, R.D.T.

Advanced Accreditation Workshops

advanced accreditation Workshops are offered at various times and locations and provide an intensive review of aaCD accreditation examination criteria. attendees have an opportunity to work in small groups with experienced examiners, who guide discussions on accreditation cases.

Volunteer Mentor Program

Camaraderie amongst aaCD members is legendary in the dental profession and it truly comes to life at the aaCDs annual scientific session, through the online aaCD list serv, and through the accreditation process. The accreditation Volunteer Mentoring Program is available to those members in the accreditation process that are seeking someone to guide them with any questions they may have. Mentors are accreditation examiners who volunteer their time and expertise to assist colleagues in their journey toward accreditation.

www.aacd.com (800) 543-9220 credentialing@aacd.com

15

It really is about the Accreditation journey the confidence that you will gain from knowing that you are able to meet and, many times, exceed your patients expectations is

life-changing.
~ AACD Accredited Fellow Brian LeSage, D.D.S.
Discover in Cosmetic Dentistry through

Excellence

Accreditation!
excellence In cosmetIc dentIstry

Join AACD today at www.aacd.com or call (800) 543-9220 for more information.

AmericAn AcAdemy of cosmetic dentistry 5401 World dAiry drive mAdison, Wi 53718 (800) 543-9220

PRsRT sTD U.s. PosTage Pa i d MaDIson, WI PeRMIT no. 2583