The first step is to achieve Accreditation by the AACD, which involves prestigious training, education, and cases. Here’s the process I had to go through to accomplish this elevated status:

Take a written exam: The written exam tests a dentist’s foundation knowledge in cosmetic dentistry and is administered at the Annual AACD Scientific Session.

Submission of clinical cases: The clinical case submissions allow the dentist to demonstrate diagnostic skills and clinical excellence. Five specific types of cosmetic dental treatments have been chosen to cover a variety of techniques. The cases include photo documentation, radiographic documentation, and a written report. Each case is examined anonymously by a panel of five examiners.

Oral examination: The purpose of this is two-fold. One is to provide the dentist with an opportunity to verify and authenticate passed casework. Questions may include case selection, diagnosis and treatment planning, or materials and techniques. The second purpose is to provide the dentist with an opportunity to demonstrate their treatment planning abilities. The dentist will be presented with a pre-selected case and invited to formulate a treatment plan which will be discussed with examiners.

Receive Accreditation: With the successful completion of the oral exam, a dentist becomes an Accredited Member of the AACD. A recognition ceremony and presentation of the award will then be held at the next scientific session.

There’s a reason why only 86 dentists worldwide have achieved Fellowship – it takes years of training and continuing education. After reaching the high pinnacle of being Accredited with the AACD (passing five specific cases), I was deemed to have the trained eye to create beautiful dentistry. But Fellowship is about accumulating enough beautiful cases to qualify.

To achieve this next level in the AACD, I had to submit 50 cosmetic dentistry cases and have them pass by the highest of the AACD’s standards.

Submitting these 50 cases comes from my continued dedication to achieving the highest cosmetic results for my patients. I know what materials to use and who the best ceramists are. This investment and training results in beautiful smiles for all my patients.

Receiving the approval of these 50 cases allowed me to achieve Fellowship in the AACD. From there, I was recognized for my achievements at a recognition ceremony, and I will continue to create the best cosmetic results for my patients. I’m truly honored to be an AACD Fellow in North Oaks, MN, serving our surrounding neighborhoods, including Arden Hills, Minneapolis, Shoreview, St Paul, Twin Cities, and White Bear Lake.