After all, many general dentists perform at least some types of "cosmetic dentistry." Choosing the right cosmetic dentist for you, one with substantial experience in complex cases, extensive hands-on training, and a gentle approach that compliments your needs and wants is critical to achieving the most successful outcome and your gorgeous, healthy, new smile. To help you make this life-altering decision about how you look, you owe it to yourself to consider the following factors:

Post-Graduate Training in Cosmetic Dentistry
It may surprise you to learn that the vast majority of dental schools do not teach any courses in cosmetic dentistry. For the few that do, they are usually limited to only a few introductory courses. Your mouth is not the place for on-the-job training. Therefore it is crucial that the cosmetic dentist you select has completed a series of hands-on courses in cosmetic dentistry. In-depth training is essential to learn the latest techniques and materials to get the best results. Currently, the two leading programs in the world are The Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida and The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum (PAC-Live) at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. Dr. Hoskyns has completed extensive hands-on training at both of these institutions as well as hundreds of hours at other cutting-edge professional education courses. Also, our entire team attends continuing education seminars and lectures regularly and are known for being at the top of their field.

The Right Professional Credentials
In dentistry, as in medicine, specialties exist that indicate a higher level of education, knowledge, and expertise in particular areas of focus. Presently, there is not an American Dental Association (ADA) recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. In 1984, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) was formed and has filled the dire need for credentialing in this area. Presently, with 5,000 members in the U.S. and in 40 countries around the world, the AACD is the largest international dental organization dedicated specifically to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Hoskyns is a sustaining member of the AACD and will be presenting for his formal accreditation in May of 2004.

Extensive Smile Design Experience
Before you randomly select a dentist out of the phone book or rely on your long-term family dentist to give you the smile design of your dreams, think again. Excellent cosmetic dentistry is an art. The fact is that many dentists are generalists who simply have not performed cosmetic smile designs very many times or with the regularity that leads to mastery of this art. So, if you are considering veneers, for example, you should ask exactly how many veneers the dentist has placed. Dr. Hoskyns has placed not just a few hundred cosmetic restorations like many dentists, but rather thousands of veneers and all-porcelain crowns each year.

Before and After Photos of Work Performed by the Cosmetic Dentist
You'll want to look at before and after photos of cosmetic dentistry that has actually been performed by the dentist that you are considering. Beware that many dentists display commercially available photos and albums that show the possibilities for cosmetic dentistry. You want to confirm that you are seeing actual work of the dentist you are considering and make sure that the photos you look at are also cases similar to yours.

Other Things You May Want to Consider
References from other patients, a tour of the office including sterilization areas, and asking about technology and materials used in the practice are all things you may want to look into. You may also want to check with the state to verify that the dentist does not have a history of complaints or adverse State Dental Board action. In Arizona, you can do this by logging onto the Arizona Secretary of States' website at www.sos.state.az.us.