All Dentists Are the Same. Or Are They?

Look a little closer at the writing on the wall. Literally. If you see a certificate displayed in a dental office with the words “American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry”, there’s a big difference. You’ve found a very special dentist. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is dedicated to advancing the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. Members concentrate on cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry and are encouraged to reach the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.

Dr. Paul Schoenbeck and Dr. Vinay Nagappa of North Country Dental in Gorham New Hampshire are members of the AACD and are currently pursuing AACD accreditation. It’s an intense process. It involves a lengthy written exam, required courses, and submission of five clinical cases, including before and after photos of several patients’ cosmetic treatments, for evaluation and approval by a jury of accredited dentists selected by the AACD.

Although they are allowed five years to complete the course, Drs. Schoenbeck and Nagappa look to complete the requirements and be accredited within three years. They have already completed the required coursework and have passed the written exam. Both are now working on three of their clinical cases - two single tooth restorations, two direct veneers, and a bridge (replacing a missing tooth) – for presentation.

New Hampshire requires general dentists to have 40 hours of credit within two years to maintain a New Hampshire license. Drs. Schoenbeck and Nagappa will accomplish this 40 hour credit during their second AACD conference alone, held in Vancouver in April of 2004. They routinely complete twice the required credit hours.

“Being accredited helps to develop good habits,” explained Dr. Schoenbeck. “It’s a personal and professional goal of achievement. You keep learning about dental techniques; it forces you to keep learning, to be the top in your field.”

Dr. Nagappa agrees. “It trains your eyes to find details you might otherwise miss as a general dentist. Anyone can do a crown; an accredited dentist knows how to make a more natural crown where no one but the cosmetic dentist can detect which one is the restored tooth.”

North Country Dental’s professional staff performs cosmetic procedures, like those seen on the television show, “Extreme Makeover”. Porcelain veneers, composite bonding and veneers, advanced prosthetic work, implants, and creating natural looking “back teeth” (molars) restorations are an every day occurrence here. “People are surprised they can get the kind of cutting-edge technology and care right here in Gorham that they associate with larger areas like Portland, Portsmouth, and Boston,” stated Allison White, Office Manager for North Country Dental. “When they see the work we do here, they’re ecstatic. It’s about more than just driving distance, too. It’s a relaxed, friendly environment here. Patients feel comfortable; they get the high quality results they want; and they can get all their dental care under one roof, which makes it really convenient.”

To learn more about North Country Dental, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit the Cosmetic Dentistry section of their website at www.northcountrydental.com.

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