Local Dentists Pursue Cosmetic Dentistry’s ‘Holy Grail’

Gorham – Cosmetic dentistry’s most comprehensive event took place May 16-20, 2006 in sunnySan Diego, California. And Gorham New Hampshire’s most progressive dental team was in attendance.

Dr. Paul Schoenbeck, Dr. Vinnay Nagappa, and Dr. Sreemali Vasantha of North Country Dental joined hundreds of cosmetic dentists at The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s 22nd Annual Scientific Session, Pillars of Perfection. Already members in good standing, Drs. Schoenbeck, Nagappa, and Vasantha are continuing their pursuit of the holy grail of cosmetic dentistry – full AACD accreditation.

Considered the most difficult and prestigious credential to acquire, the accreditation process is complex. It involves a lengthy written exam, required courses, and submission of five clinical cases for evaluation, including before and after photos of several patients’ cosmetic treatments, and approval by a jury of accredited dentists selected by the AACD. Although they are allowed five years to complete the course, Drs. Schoenbeck and Nagappa’s objective is to be accredited within three years. They have already completed the required coursework and have passed the written exam. New Hampshire requires general dentists to have 40 hours of credit within two years to maintain a New Hampshire license. Drs. Schoenbeck and Nagappa accomplished this 40 hour credit in a single AACD conference session in April 2004. Both are now working on three of their clinical cases - two single tooth restorations, two direct veneers, and a bridge (replacing a missing tooth) – for presentation to the jury. The juried procedure is so rigorous, only 244 dentists around the world have been granted this status thus far.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is dedicated to advancing the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. Members concentrate on cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry and are encouraged to reach the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care. “It’s a personal and professional goal of achievement,” explained Dr. Schoenbeck. “You keep learning about dental techniques; it forces you to keep learning, to be the top in your field.” Dr. Nagappa agrees. “It trains your eyes to find details you might otherwise miss as a general dentist. Anyone can do a crown; an accredited dentist knows how to make a more natural crown where no one but the cosmetic dentist can detect which one is the restored tooth.”

All this is good news for New Hampshire and especially the North Country. Porcelain veneers, composite bonding and veneers, advanced prosthetic work, implants, and creating natural looking “back teeth” (molar) restorations are “the kind of advanced technology and care that most people associate with larger areas like Portland, Portsmouth, and Boston,” stated Allison White, Office Manager for North Country Dental. “When they see the work we do here, they’re ecstatic. And because we have what they want right here, in such a relaxed atmosphere, a lot of people prefer coming to us rather than going to the big cities…even if they have to drive a distance. We try to make that part easier for them, for example, by grouping appointments together so they have the most work possible done at the same time. It saves a lot of back and forth travel. And quite a few patients from “away” like to stay overnight so we’ll even find local lodging for them, if they
want.” Talk about service with a smile!

To learn more about North Country Dental, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit the Cosmetic Dentistry section of their website a www.northcountrydental.com

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