Can I Trust a Best Dentist Award?
Posted by Annmarie SanSevero
I want to get a smile makeover, but I’ve heard some of those cosmetic dentistry horror stories and don’t want to end up one of them. I see a lot of dentist’s proporting they are the best dentist or that they’ve won a “Best Dentist” award? Can I trust those or should I be looking for something else?
Ellie
Dear Ellie,
You are wise to check about this and do. your homework. Some “Best Dentist” awards are based on patient nominations or community voting. Those are great for showing that their patients enjoy going there and trust their dentist, but it doesn’t tell you much about why. It could be they are friendly. It could be that they run on time. It tells you nothing about their skill as a cosmetic dentist and ability to give a gorgeous smile makeover, which is a completely different beast.
Other awards may come from organizations that invite dentists to participate in marketing programs. That doesn’t necessarily mean those dentists aren’t skilled, it simply means the title itself doesn’t always tell you much about their training or experience.
How Can You Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist?
Rather than focusing solely on awards or online rankings, look at some of these qualifications:
- Has the dentist completed advanced training beyond dental school? Smile makeovers are not taught in most dental schools and even the ones that do just touch on it.
- Do they regularly pursue continuing education to stay current with the latest techniques? You don’t want someone who just does the bare minimum requirement for their state, but rather someone who is passionate about the field and keep up with those advances.
- Can they show examples of their actual work through before and after photographs? If they don’t have a smile gallery, don’t bother. If they do, make sure it is their own work and that the results are stunning.
- Have they earned respected professional credentials that require rigorous evaluation? The best cosmetic dentists in the country are AACD accredited.
The answers to these questions will tell you much more than a plaque hanging on the wall or a declaration on their website.
When it comes to a smile makeover, the best procedure for that is porcelain veneers. This is what those Hollywood celebrities get for there stunning smiles. I would only look for a dentist who achieved Accreditation through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Unlike many awards, AACD Accreditation isn’t based on popularity or marketing. Dentists must demonstrate exceptional knowledge, clinical skills, and true artistry through a comprehensive review process. They must pass written examinations, clinical case submissions, and oral evaluations. It is worth traveling if you can’t find one in your area. Few dentists reach that level.
You are on the right track with your question. When you get that gorgeous smile, send us a pic so we can celebrate with you.
This blog is brought to you by an artistic cosmetic dentist in Franklin, TN, Dr. Christopher Weber.
