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How to Pick a Good Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry is a unique area of dentistry. While it requires great specialized knowledge and even a different temperament from most dentists, the dental profession hasn't yet set it aside as a unique specialty. There are political reasons for this that are very sensitive for some dentists. Meanwhile, you as a patient are therefore left somewhat on your own in trying to find which dentists are actually qualified cosmetic dentists and which don't. Here are some keys:

	Look for the credentials of the cosmetic dentist. If the dentist has certain credentials in cosmetic dentistry, this will assure you that the dentist has the knowledge and artistic skill to give you a beautiful smile. One credential is the recommendation of the cosmetic dentistry web site, www.mynewsmile.com. This site is published by a retired accredited cosmetic dentist who screens the dentists listed on the site for competence in cosmetic dentistry. Another credential is accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. A word of caution—the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has four membership levels. Only when a member becomes accredited or is a fellowship member has he or she demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and artistry of cosmetic dentistry. So look for an accredited cosmetic dentist, or a cosmetic dentist who has achieved fellowship status. A dentist can be a member of the AACD by merely paying membership dues. A sustaining member has passed written exams in cosmetic dentistry, but has not yet demonstrated artistic ability.
	Look for a commitment of the dentist to cosmetic dentistry by nature of the emphasis of his or her practice. If a dentist lists cosmetic dentistry as only one of several areas of interest, it indicates less commitment to this specialty.
	Look for a dentist who proudly displays photographs of his or her cosmetic dentistry. This again is a helpful indication, but not a guarantee.
	Look for a dentist with extensive continuing education in cosmetic dentistry. This is hard for a patient to evaluate, because there are so many courses that dentists can list that may or may not provide adequate training. Dentists who have completed cosmetic dentistry training at the Las Vegas Institute are generally fairly competent in cosmetic dentistry. There are also advanced cosmetic dentistry programs at Baylor College of Dentistry, at Louisiana State University, at UCLA, at the University of Minnesota, and at some other dental schools.