Cosmetic Dentistry Certification/Programs?!

[SuperTrooper]

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My first thread. Sorry if this has been discussed before!! 😀

After graduation from dental school, are there any programs that sorta "specialize" in cosmetic dentistry? Like a GPR program that's heavy into it - although that would kinda contradict 'general practice residency.' Or some sort of certificate program?

I think that cosmetic stuff is really cool, and could be super-profitable in the future. Any help?!

 

[onetoothleft]

My first thread. Sorry if this has been discussed before!! 😀

After graduation from dental school, are there any programs that sorta "specialize" in cosmetic dentistry? Like a GPR program that's heavy into it - although that would kinda contradict 'general practice residency.' Or some sort of certificate program?

I think that cosmetic stuff is really cool, and could be super-profitable in the future. Any help?!

I dont think there is officially. I would check out NYU though. They have a whole floor of their dental building dedicated to cosmetic dentistry and they offer training programs for post docs. . . which I am sure you just pay for. It is worth checking out (that's about all I know about it though).

 

[45540]

Plenty of programs offer that. There are several in CA that offer much more experience in cosmetics than you get in school

AEGD programs are associated with schools, which is where more experience would be gained. GPR programs are associated with hospitals.

 

[UTDental]

There's tons of CE taught by big names in the esthetics world. It would seem that this would be an easier way to go then to find a GPR/AEGD. I did hear of a 1 year residency in Las Vegas if I remember right. Las Vegas Institute is also out there but that is a CE program.

Plenty of programs offer that. There are several in CA that offer much more experience in cosmetics than you get in school

AEGD programs are associated with schools, which is where more experience would be gained. GPR programs are associated with hospitals.

 

[TucsonDDS]

Buffalo has one specifically geared towards cosmetics.

http://www.buffaloce.org/EDEC/esthprograms.html#residency

 

[GQ1]

Buffalo has one specifically geared towards cosmetics.

http://www.buffaloce.org/EDEC/esthprograms.html#residency

the nyu 1 yr program seems ok, lvi maybe. if you want to be a able to call yourself a cosmetic specialist thats 3 years of prosthodontics.

 

[tx oms]

if you want to be a able to call yourself a cosmetic specialist thats 3 years of prosthodontics.

It's actually four years of dental school. I don't seem to remember taking "un-cosmetic" classes or studying the art of "ugly ass dentistry". Everyone gets so damn giddy about "cosmetics", but what is the goal of every dentist if not cosmetics? It's a marketing thing, like that smiling molar on your sign out front. Have you seen many neurosurgeons with smiling brains on their sign...

 

[GQ1]

It's actually four years of dental school. I don't seem to remember taking "un-cosmetic" classes or studying the art of "ugly ass dentistry". Everyone gets so damn giddy about "cosmetics", but what is the goal of every dentist if not cosmetics? It's a marketing thing, like that smiling molar on your sign out front. Have you seen many neurosurgeons with smiling brains on their sign...

no - the residency is 3 years not 4, or if your mistakenly referring to undergrad i can call myself an exodontia specialist as i did a number of extractions in dental school, or an implantology specialist because i placed 2 as a dental student. so lets not get giddy as you say about extractions and implants, every dentist could do them.

 

[SuperTrooper]

I don't seem to remember taking "un-cosmetic" classes or studying the art of "ugly ass dentistry".

Prolly cause you went to crappy san antonio.

..but what is the goal of every dentist if not cosmetics?

Hmm.. i could think of a few better goals. san antonio must be a crappy school.

 

[ip]

no - the residency is 3 years not 4, or if your mistakenly referring to undergrad i can call myself an exodontia specialist as i did a number of extractions in dental school, or an implantology specialist because i placed 2 as a dental student. so lets not get giddy as you say about extractions and implants, every dentist could do them.

Right. Prosth programs is where you actually study cosmetics in depth and learn how to deliver the goods. If the OP is thinking about a 1 year fellowship like at Buffalo, I'd definitely do the extra 2 years to get a prosth certificate.

 

[ItsGavinC]

no - the residency is 3 years not 4

No, you said that in order to call oneself a cosmetic specialist they needed 3 years of schooling in prosth., which is untrue. All that is needed is the 4 years of dental school.

Most people who bill themselves as cosmetic dentists are not prosthodontists.

 

[onetoothleft]

No, you said that in order to call oneself a cosmetic specialist they needed 3 years of schooling in prosth., which is untrue. All that is needed is the 4 years of dental school.

Most people who bill themselves as cosmetic dentists are not prosthodontists.

yeah just look around. Everyone calls themselves a "cosmitic dentist" nowadays. And they should--they make more money that way.

 

[DcS]

I can't believe no one mentioned the Pankey Institute yet.

http://www.pankey.org/

 

[SuperTrooper]

thanks so much for the advice guys!! appreciate it. 😀 😀 😀

 

[simpledoc]

No, you said that in order to call oneself a cosmetic specialist they needed 3 years of schooling in prosth., which is untrue. All that is needed is the 4 years of dental school.

Most people who bill themselves as cosmetic dentists are not prosthodontists.

i dont agree to that fully...yeah anyone call themselves as "cosmetic dentists" as the American Code of Ethics for dentistry ( i remember studying that in D4) has not yet regulated the use of this term, but the existing ultimate authority as of TODAY for cosmetic dentistry is Prosthodontics...who knows may be in a couple of years the ADA might add cosmetic dentistry as the 10th specialty of dentistry and make it like a 2 year program; something similar to oral radiology...whoever thought that we need a 2 year specialization to interpret xrays and panos or the infrequent MRIs for that matter?

 

[ItsGavinC]

i dont agree to that fully...yeah anyone call themselves as "cosmetic dentists" as the American Code of Ethics for dentistry ( i remember studying that in D4) has not yet regulated the use of this term, but the existing ultimate authority as of TODAY for cosmetic dentistry is Prosthodontics...who knows may be in a couple of years the ADA might add cosmetic dentistry as the 10th specialty of dentistry and make it like a 2 year program; something similar to oral radiology...whoever thought that we need a 2 year specialization to interpret xrays and panos or the infrequent MRIs for that matter?

That's ridiculous.

Specialists can only perform the work they have specialized in, from an ethics standpoint.

So if the ADA made a "cosmetic dentistry" specialty, what would a dentist with this specialty be able to do? Everything!

Like the above poster said, EVERYTHING in dentistry is cosmetic.

And you're missing the boat a bit, IMHO. One doesn't need a 2-year specialization to interpret radiographs or panos or anything else. That is NOT what the Oral Radiology specialty does.

 

[GQ1]

No, you said that in order to call oneself a cosmetic specialist they needed 3 years of schooling in prosth., which is untrue. All that is needed is the 4 years of dental school.

Most people who bill themselves as cosmetic dentists are not prosthodontists.

if you want to be a recognized specialist in cosmetics or restorative you have to do prostho, no choice about it. the ADA description of pros is the specialty in reconstructive, esthetic and implant dentistry.

 

[SuperTrooper]

Like the above poster said, EVERYTHING in dentistry is cosmetic.

What about root canal? You don't do root canal because an infected root is gonna turn a tooth black and ugly. You do it cause the patient might be in pain, and to prevent further harm.

Gavin, if you don't decrease your level of negativity on my thread, i will be forced to report your post to the proper authorities.

 

[tx oms]

What about root canal? You don't do root canal because an infected root is gonna turn a tooth black and ugly. You do it cause the patient might be in pain, and to prevent further harm.

Gavin, if you don't decrease your level of negativity on my thread, i will be forced to report your post to the proper authorities.

You finish the root canal with a crown. The crown must be esthetic or the patient won't accept it.

BTW, San Antonio is an excellent, top-tier dental school--whatever that really means. You can get the skills and education anywhere, but San Antonio has consistently been ranked high.

 

[tx oms]

no - the residency is 3 years not 4, or if your mistakenly referring to undergrad i can call myself an exodontia specialist as i did a number of extractions in dental school, or an implantology specialist because i placed 2 as a dental student. so lets not get giddy as you say about extractions and implants, every dentist could do them.

Dental school focuses on restorative dentistry. Restorative dentistry is meant to be cosmetic. The entire focus of dental school is making good-looking and functional restorations. Therefore, dental school teaches cosmetic dentistry. Can you learn more after graduation? Yes. Can you learn more in prosthodontic residencies? Maybe, but why would you want to?

You may be an implant specialist or exodontia specialist. All it takes is experience, like the "cosmetics" experience most dental students get by delivering 20+ crowns in dental school. Implants are easier than extractions. Just don't include cases in which the instructor had his hand guiding yours in your series.

True, every dentist COULD do implants and extractions, but every dentist DOES do restorations. Every dentist is a cosmetic dentist. When anyone I know or meet brings up "cosmetic" dentists I am quick to discount that doctor as a charlatan. I inform people that there is no cosmetic dentistry specialty, that all dentistry is cosmetic, and that any dentist willing to mislead the public is probably also willing to overcharge for average work.

 

[ip]

Dental school focuses on restorative dentistry. Restorative dentistry is meant to be cosmetic. The entire focus of dental school is making good-looking and functional restorations. Therefore, dental school teaches cosmetic dentistry. Can you learn more after graduation? Yes. Can you learn more in prosthodontic residencies? Maybe, but why would you want to?

Yes, dental school teaches cosmetics just as dental school teaches exodontia and teaches endodontics and teaches radiology, etc. But exactly how many cases of 8-20 veneers with crown lengthening did you do in dental school? Why would anyone want to learn more in a prosth residency? Um, how about to become good at it????

You may be an implant specialist or exodontia specialist. All it takes is experience, like the "cosmetics" experience most dental students get by delivering 20+ crowns in dental school. Implants are easier than extractions. Just don't include cases in which the instructor had his hand guiding yours in your series.

You truly believe that doing the 20 or so crowns in dental school teaches you as much as you need to know about cosmetic dentistry? Why then are cosmetic CE courses the only ones close to as popular as implant ones?

True, every dentist COULD do implants and extractions, but every dentist DOES do restorations. Every dentist is a cosmetic dentist. When anyone I know or meet brings up "cosmetic" dentists I am quick to discount that doctor as a charlatan. I inform people that there is no cosmetic dentistry specialty, that all dentistry is cosmetic, and that any dentist willing to mislead the public is probably also willing to overcharge for average work.

While I agree that every dentist calls themself a cosmetic dentist and the vast majority have absolutely no way to back up that claim, if someone DOES want to learn to be the very best, there's no question that prosth (or even a cosmetic fellowship) is the way to go. Cosmetic dentistry isn't about learning how to make a nice Class II composite or how to take a shade from a Vita guide, it's about learning how to tx plan and DELIVER a consistently excellent result when it comes to complex cases and irrational pts. That's something you just don't learn in 2 clinical years in dental school.

 

[zdaddy08]

I can't believe no one mentioned the Pankey Institute yet.

http://www.pankey.org/

is this place for real?

 

[tx oms]

While I agree that every dentist calls themself a cosmetic dentist and the vast majority have absolutely no way to back up that claim, if someone DOES want to learn to be the very best, there's no question that prosth (or even a cosmetic fellowship) is the way to go. Cosmetic dentistry isn't about learning how to make a nice Class II composite or how to take a shade from a Vita guide, it's about learning how to tx plan and DELIVER a consistently excellent result when it comes to complex cases and irrational pts. That's something you just don't learn in 2 clinical years in dental school.

I agree with you. I know you can't learn everything there is to learn in dental school. I also thing the most important part of "cosmetic" dentistry is treatment planning.

I hate the term "cosmetic dentistry". I'd prefer everyone to call it what it is: elective dentistry. Dentists should make it clear that they specialize in elective procedures, rather than putting on airs and using a meaningless term like "cosmetic dentist".

I guess I have to back track on my previous statement about pros. I'd rather someone learn about elective procedures in a pros residency than in a slew of weekend courses.

 

[ItsGavinC]

is this place for real?

Oh yeah.

 

[ItsGavinC]

if you want to be a recognized specialist in cosmetics or restorative you have to do prostho, no choice about it. the ADA description of pros is the specialty in reconstructive, esthetic and implant dentistry.

Not quite. The ADA doesn't mention reconstruction, esthetics, or implants in their description (prosth. doesn't place the highest number of implants, from what I know).

From the ADA: "Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes."

Nothing too specific there. So to be recognized as a speicalist in restorative work, prosth yes. But to be recognized as a specialist in cosmetics, well, there isn't such a thing.

 

[ItsGavinC]

What about root canal? You don't do root canal because an infected root is gonna turn a tooth black and ugly. You do it cause the patient might be in pain, and to prevent further harm.
.

As was mentioned, you then put an esthetic crown on the tooth. A tx plan is a long process with each step intermingled with the next. The goal is to improve the oral health, which cannot in any way make the pt. uglier or less cosmetic.

By virtue of improving oral health and function we are improving cosmetics. I find the two tied together.

 

[predentchick]

What do people around here think of Las Vegas Institute? Is anyone planning on paying that much for CE classes once we are out???? 😱

 

[GQ1]

Not quite. The ADA doesn't mention reconstruction, esthetics, or implants in their description (prosth. doesn't place the highest number of implants, from what I know).

From the ADA: "Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes."

Nothing too specific there. So to be recognized as a speicalist in restorative work, prosth yes. But to be recognized as a specialist in cosmetics, well, there isn't such a thing.

ACP - "Prosthodontists are highly trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating many diverse and complex dental conditions and restoring optimum function and esthetics. These include: crowns, bridges, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth's structures and/or teeth, snoring or sleep disorders and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care."

Prosthodontists introduced osseointegrated implants to North America 22 years ago. From then OMFS became the main surgeons and for now perio currently occupy that role.

 

[toofache32]

What procedures are "cosmetic"? Also, what procedures are not "cosmetic"? I don't see how something could not have a cosmetic component.

We have to remember that both form and function are important. Like with boobs.

 

[ip]

What procedures are "cosmetic"? Also, what procedures are not "cosmetic"? I don't see how something could not have a cosmetic component.

We have to remember that both form and function are important. Like with boobs.

It's not as much about the procedure, as it is about the knowledge of how to do it right.

 

[Dr.SpongeBobDDS]

ACP - "Prosthodontists are highly trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating many diverse and complex dental conditions and restoring optimum function and esthetics. These include: crowns, bridges, complete and removable partial dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, traumatic injuries to the mouth's structures and/or teeth, snoring or sleep disorders and oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care."

You and your obsession with prosth cracks me up, GQ1.

 

[Dr.SpongeBobDDS]

From the AGD:

General dentists are highly
educated and trained on all dental
procedures. Instead of specializing in
just one area of dentistry, they can
provide plenty of different services
for you and your family, such as:
> Cosmetic procedures
> Crowns and bridges
> Dental implants
> Dentures
> Gum disease treatment
> Home care instruction
> Mouthguards
> Nutrition counseling
> Oral surgery
> Orthodontics
> Partial dentures
> Restorative care
> Root canal therapy
> Sealants
> Teeth cleanings
> Tobacco cessation
> TMD/TMJ therapy

 

[GQ1]

From the AGD:

General dentists are highly
educated and trained on all dental
procedures. Instead of specializing in
just one area of dentistry, they can
provide plenty of different services
for you and your family, such as:
> Cosmetic procedures
> Crowns and bridges
> Dental implants
> Dentures
> Gum disease treatment
> Home care instruction
> Mouthguards
> Nutrition counseling
> Oral surgery
> Orthodontics
> Partial dentures
> Restorative care
> Root canal therapy
> Sealants
> Teeth cleanings
> Tobacco cessation
> TMD/TMJ therapy

GPs who dont know their limits crack me up.

 

[simpledoc]

GPs who dont know their limits crack me up.

i second that

 

[tx oms]

Prosthodontists who think they are anything but overpaid lab techs crack me up. Now, go polish that RPD a little more.

 

[GQ1]

Prosthodontists who think they are anything but overpaid lab techs crack me up. Now, go polish that RPD a little more.

at least they're not wasting 6 years of the best part of their life to go take out teeth and place implants - things you can do without a residency. - go be our second point of reference when a periodontist isnt available.

 

[toofache32]

Here we go!

<grabs some popcorn and gets comfortable>

 

[zdaddy08]

Here we go!

<grabs some popcorn and gets comfortable>

I smell bitch smacks coming on.....

 

[simpledoc]

at least they're not wasting 6 years of the best part of their life to go take out teeth and place implants - things you can do without a residency. - go be our second point of reference when a periodontist isnt available.

just cuz oral surgeons take out teeth, doesent mean they expect their ego to be fed like as if they were a heart or a brain surgeon 😀 common the bottom line is you are a dentist first! and whatever you take out or place is ultimately for a prosthodontist to fix it up! in other words an oral surgeon works for a prosthodontist! hehe! the oral surgeon's ego is brought down at it's best when a heart or a neuro surgeon remarks
" stop this crap and go pull out your teeth"

 

[toofache32]

...the oral surgeon's ego is brought down at it's best when a heart or a neuro surgeon remarks "stop this crap and go pull out your teeth"

Huh?

 

[toofache32]

just cuz oral surgeons take out teeth, doesent mean they expect their ego to be fed like as if they were a heart or a brain surgeon...

True. After all, there are no procedures oral surgeons perform that are more invasive than extractions.

 

[ItsGavinC]

GPs who dont know their limits crack me up.

I find it even more amusing that you are somehow qualified to know a GPs limit when they don't know it themselves.

 

[ItsGavinC]

at least they're not wasting 6 years of the best part of their life to go take out teeth and place implants - things you can do without a residency. - go be our second point of reference when a periodontist isnt available.

You've got to be kidding. The worst part is that you probably aren't.

 

[ItsGavinC]

and whatever you take out or place is ultimately for a prosthodontist to fix it up! in other words an oral surgeon works for a prosthodontist! hehe! the oral surgeon's ego is brought down at it's best when a heart or a neuro surgeon remarks
" stop this crap and go pull out your teeth"

Sheer brilliance. You know what, I think you're right. More prosthodontists should rotate through EM to help out those poor little oral surgeons when a trauma comes rolling in.

Nobody in their right mind would let an OMFS handle a trauma code without a prosthodontist nearby.

 

[toofache32]

Nobody in their right mind would let an OMFS handle a trauma code without a prosthodontist nearby.

Now that's funny. When a fractured maxilla is sitting in the ER and has also broken the patient's dentures, it's comforting to know that someone is standing by to do the chairside re-mount. Don't forget the pumice.

 

[ip]

Prosthodontists who think they are anything but overpaid lab techs crack me up. Now, go polish that RPD a little more.

I'm not sure if the OMS residents on this forum are just trying to act how they think the stereotypical OMS acts but this holier-than-thou attitude will get them very far in private practice. Perios are worthless, prosths are worthless. How about pedos? Or is OMS the only doc that does anything worthwhile?

 

[aphistis]

at least they're not wasting 6 years of the best part of their life to go take out teeth and place implants - things you can do without a residency. - go be our second point of reference when a periodontist isnt available.

I totally agree. Compared to spending a meager 3 years of full-time post-doctorate training learning to trim dies, earning an MD and completing a surgery residency look like a complete waste of time.

 

[lnn2]

 

[toofache32]

I knew he was a chick!!

 

[lnn2]

I knew he was a chick!!

LOL, but a tough one!!