Q. What special education, training, skill, experience or certification is required for a dentist to call himself or herself a cosmetic dentist?
A. None.
The fact is that the American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty. Actually, since standardization in training, levels of skill and extent of experience are almost nonexistent, any dentist, qualified or not, can claim to be a cosmetic dentist.
As the Wall Street Journal has reported, "Cosmetic procedures, which typically are performed to improve the color and shape of teeth, are risky and can cause permanent damage to teeth, roots and gums if done incorrectly."
The newspaper added that the latest trend in cosmetic dentistry was "fixing other dentists' mistakes."
So, what specialty should you look for when choosing a Top New Jersey Dentist? To begin with, you should know that the American Dental Association recognizes prosthodontists as the only genuine specialists in cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry, best able to restore optimum function and appearance to your teeth.
Prosthodontists are specialists in restoring and replacing teeth with dental implants, bridges, dentures and cosmetic/aesthetic restorations. They are required to have completed two or more years of continuous formal training beyond dental school in a university or hospital program approved by the ADA in order to receive their specialty certification.
Their "extensive training and experience provide prosthodontists with a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth and the creation of tooth replacements," notes the American Academy of Prosthodontists.
Specialized Dentistry of prosthodontist, Dr. James Courey has earned his reputation as "a dentist who treats dentists and their families." For an appointment call 732-298-6551.
