About the AACD

The AACD is the worlds largest international dental organization dedicated specifically to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and administers dentistry’s most recognized advanced cosmetic credentialing programs for dentists and dental laboratory technicians.

The AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the both the public and the profession. The AACD Members are offered the highest level of Cosmetic Training and credentialing. While there is no guarantee to pass, some dentists choose this rigorous process of testing. Dentists are given 5 -years to pass the first level. Those who pass are credentialed as  Accredited Members.  Dr. Landers has joined this  elite group of other dental professionals in the world who have earned this prestigious Accreditation credential. In addition to meeting the rigorous requirements of an Accredited member, as of January 25, 2008 Chicago, IL – Dr. Kevin Landers, of Chicago, Illinois has completed the highest level of achievement “Accredited Fellow status.” – joining 69 dental professionals in the world.

 

Why Select an AACD Dentist

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of comprehensive cosmetic dentistry. The AACD encourages and expects the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care of its members.

A variety of dental professionals are proud to call themselves AACD members: cosmetic and restorative dentists, laboratory technicians, researchers and educators, dental students, hygienists, and more. By virtue of their membership, these professionals have indicated a strong interest in continuing their education in order to bring their patients the latest advancements in cosmetic dental techniques, technology, and materials. Because the field of cosmetic dentistry is on the cutting edge of technology and ever changing, this is a critical component in maintaining clinical leadership.

AACD Members are offered education and training on the latest procedures, techniques, and products through AACD publications, mentorship, lectures, and hands-on workshops. AACD dental professionals stay ahead of their peers by keeping informed on market trends and the latest products and technologies to benefit their patients and embrace the concepts of systemic oral health and responsible esthetics. By selecting an AACD member as your preferred dentist, you know your dental professional cares enough to continue his or her education and stay in the leading edge of the cosmetic dentistry field, so you receive the best care available.

AACD Accredited Members have gone the extra mile and submitted to a rigorous process of testing, case submissions and peer review to bring their skills to a new level and offer their expertise to their patients.

Accredited Cosmetic Dentist

Certification Criteria – process of gaining AACD accreditation

The process of gaining AACD accreditation often takes years to accomplish and requires a strong dedication to continuing education, combined with a firm resolve to produce exceptional dentistry.

During the 5-year accreditation test, the candidate must partake in a three-part process:

1. 6 hour Written examination plus the Accreditation & Criteria Workshops
2. Submission of 5 highly complex clinical cases types documenting superior diagnostic and clinical excellence.
3. Sit for an in-person oral validation examination before the accreditation board.

As an example of the complexity of one of the 5 clinical cases, one case type may consume as much as 70 clinical chair hours to complete, with no guarantee of a passing. Candidates routinely complete multiple cases for each of the 5 case types. This hard work and focused effort to achieve excellence, elevates the skill level of each dentist whether or not they pass the testing process.

These case types must be well documented for review. When assessed, these images and case diagnostics are projected on a large screen in front of a panel of examiners from the AACD. These trained and equilibrated AACD examiners scrutinize the results and grade the images based on 72 different criteria. If more than 3 criteria’s are missed, the case will not pass and the candidate will need to start over on the failed case.

It’s important to note, a strong emphasis is apportioned for healthy results. In all cases, any signs of oral disease or side effects of treatment are scored as catastrophic and the case fails. If candidate passes the five cases, he/she will then qualify for an in person oral examination with accreditation board and must pass this final step. This final step is very important as an in person panel review validates that the candidate did in fact complete the work presented.

With his AACD Accreditation, Dr. Landers joins an elite group of other dental professionals in the world who have earned this prestigious designation.

In addition to meeting the rigorous requirements of an Accredited member, as of January 25, 2008 Chicago, IL – Dr. Kevin Landers, of Chicago, Illinois has completed the highest level of achievement “Accredited Fellow status” in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) – joining 69 dental professionals in the world.

An Accredited Fellow has successfully completed cosmetic dentistry that meets the Accreditation standard of excellence set forth by the American Board of Cosmetic DentistryA® for an additional 45 patients.

By successfully completing this process, an Accredited Fellow demonstrates a continued ability and sustained commitment to deliver excellence in cosmetic dentistry. The status of Accredited Fellow pertains to one individual and does not necessarily denote the credentials of other individuals within their practice.

Giving Back -Our AACD Charity