By Salvatore Lotardo, DDS, AAACD

Not even Einstein was a lone wolf.

In 1905 Albert Einstein published multiple papers, notably his earthshaking theory of special relativity. It has become common lore to portray Einstein as an isolated genius, gazing out the window of his patent office using only his thought experiments to solve some of science’s greatest mysteries. His theories would forever change the very foundation upon which the science of physics was built. In reality, Einstein wasn’t a lone wolf working in a vacuum lost in his own mind, but rather his theories were built upon the scientists who preceded him and his contemporaries with whom he exchanged ideas.

Was it just an amazing coincidence that the greatest minds in science at the turn of the century like Einstein, Planck, Thomson, Rutherford, Heisenberg, Bohr, and Schrödinger all came from the same region of Europe? No, it was through the collective efforts and shared ideas of these men that led to the explosion of breakthroughs ushering in the modern era of science. All facilitated by the organizations and institutions that provided the opportunity for these interactions.  

As was the case then, it is now in dentistry. The days of the lone dentist working in his practice cut off from the profession are gone. In its place, organizations and associations emerged to fill the void created by the rapid rise of technology and the need for access to education, shared resources and the exchange of ideas.

Share in the experience and be a part of the future.

Over the last 30 years the AACD has and continues to bring together the best of our profession. As was the case in the Einstein era, this coming together of the top minds and technicians resulted in advances in cosmetic dentistry at a rate not seen before.

Is the AACD then a group of elitists joining forces for their own betterment? It’s the exact opposite. The AACD welcomes the experienced and the novice, the teachers and the students, the innovators and the steadfast. History has taught us that we progress together, and the environment found in this Academy fosters the type of camaraderie that benefits the dentist, the profession and ultimately our patients.

" . . . maybe most importantly, the AACD brings us together to share and learn."

The AACD provides world class educational opportunities, is the leader in comprehensive responsible esthetics, and has an Accreditation track second to none; but maybe most importantly, the AACD brings us together to share and learn. Concepts such as lingual matrices for anterior composites, customized impression copings to capture soft tissue profiles, and bisacryl mockups to ensure minimally invasive veneer preparations are now common place because of the cooperation and the building upon each other’s ideas and techniques fostered in the AACD.

Aspire to AACD Accreditation.

The great scientists and thinkers didn’t aspire to win Nobel Prizes; they were motivated by solving nature’s mysteries, challenging themselves to excel and realize their potentials, and improving their worlds.

There isn’t a Nobel Prize for dentistry, but we do honor dentists who achieve a level of excellence that is worthy of recognition. Accreditation is our recognition of that achievement and one of the highest honors for cosmetic dentists. Attaining this level of excellence and realizing your true potential requires a goal and a plan to get there.  Accreditation is more than a medal; it is the framework and pathway that helps dentists reach their potential.

Navigating the world of continuing education, processing all the information, and developing the skills needed to practice at the highest levels are all part of your journey toward Accreditation.  Don’t go it alone, be a part of an Academy that supports its members every step of the way. Experience the excitement waiting for you, the future is now, start your journey today.