Why AACD – American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Unlike the field of plastic surgery in medicine, there is no state or national board certification in the field of cosmetic dentistry. This becomes a serious dilemma because the general public has no barometer or standard to determine if the dentist that they are seeing is qualified in providing aesthetic dentistry at an acceptable level. As published in a Wall Street Journal article by staff reporter, Amir Efrati, it is estimated that half of the $70 billion spent annually on dental work in the U.S. Is related to cosmetic procedures and about $10 billion is related to redoing other dentists’ shoddy work and misdiagnoses.

Founded in 1984, the AACD is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care. The AACD serves over 8000 members in 70 countries around the globe, with its members seek out continuing education through lectures,
workshops and publications in order to keep up-to-date with advancements in cosmetic dental techniques and technology.

However, unlike members of AACD, Accredited Members only receive such honorary designation after having completed and passed a rigorous examination process in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Jack Ringer, cosmetic dentist in Orange County, California for example, is one of only five AACD Accredited Member in his county and one of only 220 worldwide amongst 8,000 AACD members.

He believes that contemporary cosmetic dentistry is a comprehensive approach to total oral health care that combines art and science to achieve optimal dental function, health and aesthetics; thenceforth devoted a substantial amount of his time in educating both his patients and as a faculty member in different teaching institute to aid his colleagues in formal cosmetic dentistry training.

AACD Recommendations When Seeking a Cosmetic Dentist
In order to make sure a dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, the AACD recommends that patients ask for the following items before undergoing treatment. As is the case before undergoing any dental treatment, patients should consult with an AACD Accredited Member cosmetic dentist to find out which procedure is right for them.

Before and After Photos - Examine the dentist's treatment results on other patients to make sure his or her work fits your dental needs.

References - Get a sense from other patients as to what type of quality care the dentist provides.

Continuing Education - Be certain that the dentist is an active AACD Accredited Member and has taken continuing education courses to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.

For more information about cosmetic dentistry, visit the AACD’s Web site at www.aacd.com, send an e-mail to info@aacd.com or call (608) 222-8583.

Dr Ringer practices general family and restorative dentistry and is President of the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) and an accredited cosmetic dentist (only one of 5 in Orange County and one of 300 worldwide), and is certified as a dental sleep medicine practitioner by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Jack Ringer is the President of OCACD (Orange County Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) and has been serving Orange County, California, located in Anaheim Hills near our neighbors in Yorba Linda, Villa Park, Orange and surrounding communities for almost 30 years.

A nationally renowned lecturer in contemporary esthetic dentistry, Dr. Jack Ringer is faculty mentor for the Spear Institute at the Scottsdale Center in Arizona, a faculty member for the Esthetic Professionals Dental Education and Training Center in Tarzana California, and is past Associate Professor at Loma Linda Dental School and past Assistant Clinical Director for Center for Esthetic Dentistry at UCLA.