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While there are several universities that offer dentistry programs not all schools offer cosmetic dentistry. So if you wish to specialize in this field of dentistry you will have to look through dentistry school courses that offer cosmetic dentistry as part of the course. These programs provide an opportunity to practicing dentists to continue their professional development especially in the new fields of cosmetic surgery that is becoming popular. Most general Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) programs do teach the basics of cosmetic dentistry but not specialist courses in this field. Most American dental schools like University of Maryland, Harvard University, School of Dental Medicine, University of Florida are some of the best yet they do not offer a standalone specialist cosmetic dentistry program.
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry requires improving the appearance of teeth besides fixing teeth. So it is mostly a postgraduate specialist course. However, a person interested in cosmetic surgery needs to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in a dental school that is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). You also require a state licensure in general dentistry and this could mandate some experience in which case a residency program might be required or a school that provides clinical experience.
Since this type of dentistry is a comparatively new field of study new schools like Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies ( Global) are the schools offering a comprehensive and advanced program in cosmetic dentistry. The course also offers a study of the developing aesthetic and occlusal techniques. They also offer internships that solely focus on cosmetic study.
Tufts University
Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine offers a program on Postgraduate Prosthodontics and also Advanced Education in Esthetics and Operative Dentistry. Students learn all about prosthodontics including aesthetic dentistry and implant prosthodontics. In the esthetics program students learn simple programs like smile reconstruction as also teeth whitening, various kinds of crowns including computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing restorations as also implant supported crowns.
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is one of the few schools to offer university-based postgraduate aesthetic programs that are contemporary and based on practical information. Participants would gain skills in using new materials and procedures for aesthetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. A third of the program revolves around practical experience where the new materials and techniques could be tried as part of the hands on experience.
The University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry (UCLA) has a two-year program on aesthetic and contemporary restorative dentistry. The program has a review of aesthetic and related literature, didactic presentations, and laboratory and extensive clinical training. During the advanced study participants will learn aesthetic dental techniques including the use of articulators. They will receive training in other instrumentation also and will learn about dental materials that are used for cosmetic dentistry and other restorative dentistry.
NYU School of Dentistry
However, Boston University offers a 24 month long Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS), which, besides other operative dentistry, offers training in operative cosmetic dentistry and all its practical aspects. The program develops academic and clinical skills through new research besides the usual lectures.
The NYU College of Dentistry (NYUCD) has an Aesthetic Dentistry Program for International Dentists. This is a one-year program that provides both hands on clinical and didactic studies. This course provides a chance for dentists working in the USA but from other countries to improve their clinical skills and knowledge about cosmetic dentistry. Those who already have two years of clinical studies can apply for the program. On completion of the course foreign dentists will be able to bring their new skills to their clinical practice and will be able to complete a smile analysis and also recommend advanced treatment to attain maximum aesthetic result.
Aesthetic Dentistry
Aesthetic dentistry is the science and method of changing the composition of the teeth, or recreating them so they look more beautiful and include simple procedures like bonding of chipped teeth, using unobtrusive filling to more complex procedures like dental prostheses and implants. Since these are new and evolving procedures dentists wish to teach them to improve their practice. The Dawson Academy also offers a course that helps dentists to predict, diagnose, and chalk out a treatment plan for both simple and complex cases. Dentists will visualize esthetic dentistry from its functional, biological, and structural perspective to learn how reshaping, repositioning, restoring and surgical correction will fit in best for each individual patient.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Wisconsin believes in promoting education and holds annual scientific sessions throughout North America. The aim is to allow participants to exchange ideas and actionable information about clinical procedures and materials that allow cosmetic dentists to develop their practice. Dentists also have an opportunity to earn AGD continuing education credits and can also achieve accredited status in the Academy. One of the main efforts of the AACD is to raise public perception and understanding of cosmetic dentistry.
