Credentialing Frequently Asked Questions

ACCREDITATION

Q. What is Accreditation?

A. Accreditation serves to set standards for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Achieving Accredited status from the AACD requires dedication to continuing education, careful adherence to the protocol and a resolve to produce exceptional dentistry.

Q. Why become Accredited?

A. The Accreditation program of the Academy benefits you and your patients. The process encourages further education, interaction with like-minded colleagues, and opportunity for professional growth. You will become a better dentist or technician and patients will benefit from the higher quality of service and treatment that you will be able to provide.

Q. How many Accredited members are there?

A. 286 total 264 doctors/22 lab technicians

Q. Do I need to be an AACD member to be in the Accreditation process?

A. Yes

Q. What are the three levels to be completed in the Accreditation process?

A. 1. Written Examination 2. Clinical Case Submissions/Exams 3. Oral Examination

Q. What is the cost of this process?

A. Written Examination $350.00 non-refundable

Clinical Case Submissions $150.00 per case non-refundable

Oral Examination $400.00 non-refundable

Q. Is there an application that I need to fill out to begin the process?

A. The application begins with the written exam application.

Q. Are there useful books or study tools for individuals pursuing Accreditation in the AACD?

A. The Guide to Accreditation Criteria and Guide to Accreditation Photography are a valuable resource for anyone pursuing Accreditation.

Q. Is there additional training for candidates?

A. Yes. The two required workshops are wonderful learning tools. In addition to these workshops, the Advance Accreditation Workshop is available at different times throughout the year.

Q. When can I take the two workshops?

A. Anytime that the AACD offers them. Always given at the Annual Scientific Session.

Q. Is there a particular order I should take the workshops in?

A. Accreditation Workshop (recommend first)

Criteria Workshop (recommend second)

Q. Do I have to pre-register for the two required workshops?

A. Yes – it is a requirement.

Q. When can I take the written examination?

A. Attendance at your first AACD Annual Scientific Session.

Q. Who is eligible to take the written exam?

A. Dentists and laboratory technician members in good standing.

Q. Is the written examination difficult?

A. The written examination tests the candidate in foundational knowledge of cosmetic dentistry. Dentists and laboratory technicians who are knowledgeable in all phases of cosmetic dentistry are expected to pass the test. Failure to pass the written examination indicates that a candidate would likely benefit from further education prior to attempting the clinical cases.

Q. Is there additional training for the written examination?

A. Yes. There are sample exams available to purchase online and a list a periodicals for resources.

Q. As a member in the Accreditation process (an individual who has passed the written exam) do I need to attend the AACD Annual Scientific Sessions?

A. Yes, attending half of the Annual Scientific Sessions since passing the written examination is a requirement.

Q. When can I submit my cases?

A. After passing the written examination and attending the two required workshops.

Q. When will my case submission be examined?

A. The exact dates are determined by the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry. Case submission deadline dates are June 1 and November 1.

Q. How is the written examination graded/scored?

A. The philosophy of the criterion referenced testing is based on the concept that members should be measured against the skill and knowledge represented in each test question. This is represented as an absolute standard so that all members who meet the standard will pass. The decision to pass or fail a candidate is based solely on the total subtest scores that are for information purposes only and cannot be averaged to achieve a total test score.

Q: What is the time span of this process?

A: In becoming an AACD member you are eligible to take the written examination with your attendance at the first Annual Scientific Session. If you pass the written examination and have completed the two required workshops, you could then submit your clinical case(s) immediately after the results of the written examination are received. Once all of your clinical cases pass, you will be invited to appear for the oral examination at your third Annual Scientific Session.

Q: Protocol states that there is a five-year time limit to complete the Accreditation process. Please explain.

A: You have a five-year time limit to complete the entire process, beginning with notification of successfully passing the written examination. This five-year period includes attending the two required workshops, completion of clinical case submissions, and successful results of the oral exam.

Q: Where can I find information on the required digital requirements?

A: The digital requirements are listed under “Submission Procedure” in the dentist and lab technician Accreditation protocol. It is also listed on the website in the credentialing area.

FELLOWSHIP

Q. How many Accredited Fellows are there?

A. 43 total 41 dentists 2 lab technician

Q. Is there a deadline for submitting cases for Fellowship?

A. Case submission deadline date is December 1 of each year. Candidates must call the Executive Office to schedule for exam time slots several months in advance after application has already been processed.

MAINTENANCE

Q. Once I become an Accredited or Accredited Fellow member of the AACD are there maintenance requirements that I have to meet? How do I keep up my status of an Accredited or Accredited Fellow member?

A. Per the Protocol, Accredited and Accredited Fellow members do have maintenance requirements that are to be met once every three years. Please view the Accreditation and/or Fellowship protocol for the specifics and complete details.

Version: February 25, 2008