The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recently recognized and honored five dental professionals who have demonstrated their dedication to continuing education and responsible patient care by becoming credentialed by the AACD. This year, the AACD acknowledged four newly Accredited Members and one newly Accredited Fellow during the 32^nd Annual AACD Scientific Session in Toronto.
 
There are only 419 dental professionals worldwide who have achieved AACD Accreditation and only 69 Accredited Fellows in the history of the AACD. AACD Accreditation is an honor, and can only be reached by completing a rigorous credentialing process including a written examination, oral examination, and the submission of clinical cases for peer-reviewed evaluation.
 
The newly Accredited AACD members recognized this past week include:

	Jeffrey A. Babushkin, DDS, AAACD, FICOI – Dr. Babushkin graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry, completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Maryland Medical System and an AAID Maxicourse in Oral Implantology at Brookdale Hospital. Dr. Babushkin practices in Trumbull, CT.
	George W. Childress, DDS, AAACD – Dr. Childress is a native of Roanoke, Alabama. He is a graduate of Auburn University earning his B.S. in 1986, and his DMD in 1991 as a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, Birmingham. Dr. Childress practices in LeGrange, GA.
	Per Eric Ekblom, CDT, AAACD – Mr. Ekblom graduated from Stockholm Dental School in 1985 and studied economics at Stockholm University. He continues to work out of the same dental lab he opened in 1992, Stockholm Dental Institute, and resides in a northerly suburb of Stockholm called Taby.
	Deborah Gennero, DDS, AAACD, FAGD  – Dr. Gennero graduated from the University of Texas receiving her Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in chemistry and went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. Dr. Gennero practices in Houston, TX.

The AACD welcomed one new Accredited Fellow to its ranks. Dwight Rickert, CDT, FAACD is the 69th dental professional in the history of the AACD to become distinguished as an Accredited Fellow – only the fifth Accredited Fellow Laboratory Technician in the history of the AACD.

Rickert is a fourth generation dental technician with nearly 40 years of laboratory experience. In 2000, Dwight joined the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and in 2006 he became an Accredited Member of the Academy. He has served on many committees and boards within the Academy and is currently President-Elect of the AACD Board of Directors. Rickert will ascend to President in 2017.
 
When asked about his accomplishment, Rickert commented, “Becoming an Accredited Fellow means that all of the continuing education and time away from the lab and family was worth it. Having another goal to attain kept me motivated to learn . . . I would never have accomplished Accredited Fellow status without the never ending encouragement from my clients and friends.”
 
The Accreditation process, which was developed by the AACD and is the world’s most recognized advanced credentialing program, encourages further education, interaction with like-minded colleagues, and the opportunity for professional growth. Accreditation requires dedication to continuing education and responsible patient care. The purpose of Fellowship is to provide the highest level of achievement for members in accordance with the AACD's mission of education and excellence.
 
The newly-credentialed dental professionals were recognized and received their awards during a special ceremony at the 32^nd Annual AACD Scientific Session held April 27 – 30^th, in Toronto.
 
For more information about AACD’s credentialing programs, visit www.aacd.com/accreditationfellowship.