American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry was established in 1984 when a group of 60 dental professionals convened in Las Vegas, under the leadership of AACD founders Dr. Jack Kammer and Dr. Jeff Morley. Together, they formed an organization dedicated to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. In the years since, the AACD has grown to include 8000 practitioners, educators, researchers and laboratory technicians from 70 countries. This global reach makes the AACD the world's largest organization for cosmetic dental professionals, and allows AACD members international level access to new dentistry information.

The AACD stated mission is to offer superior dental education opportunities to its members, to promote and support a respected Accreditation credential, to serve as a user-friendly and welcoming forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and to provide accurate and useful information to the public and the profession. These criteria are part of AACD's larger dedication to advancing excellence in cosmetic dentistry, and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care. One of the principle efforts of the AACD is the education, promotion and acceptance of cosmetic dentistry practices by the general public, and the organization makes international public relations initiatives to raise the public's perception and understanding of cosmetic dentistry.

The AACD offers members a postgraduate certificate in AACD Accreditation and Fellowship programs. As techniques and materials have improved, the Accreditation and Fellowship exams have continued to set a standard for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. The Accreditation represents the acknowledgment of a doctor's or dental technician's excellence in cosmetic dentistry, as per the AACD criteria. The AACD is the only organization of its kind to offer a postgraduate certificate by application, presentation and review. Completing all of the certificate requirements takes members two to three years on average.

The Academy holds annual Scientific Sessions throughout North America. The focus of each annual conference is to allow practitioners to exchange new ideas and receive meaningful, up-to-date information on the latest in clinical procedures, cosmetic practice development and self-enrichment. The Sessions also provide opportunities for member dentists to earn AGD continuing education credits as well as credits towards achieving Accredited status in the Academy.

The quarterly Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry is the official publication of the AACD, and is regarded as a premier publication in the cosmetic dentistry field. Each issue addresses the contemporary needs and realities of a cosmetic dentist, offering unique perspectives from those involved in every facet of cosmetic dentistry, from technicians to cosmetic dentists to oral surgery specialists.

The AACD maintains three charitable initiatives: Give Back a Smile, Give Back a Smile Whitening Program and the Disaster Relief Fund. Give Back a Smile reaches out specifically to victims of domestic violence to assist in their physical rehabilitation. Participating AACD cosmetic dentists screen, evaluate and provide dental restorative services free of charge to those suffering from domestic violence. Give Back a Smile Whitening Program adds a teeth whitening procedure to the patient's oral restoration, contingent on a treatment pledge made by the sponsor cosmetic dentist and a donation by the patient. The Disaster Relief Fund is meant to contribute directly to traditional relief agencies like the Red Cross in times of disaster and crisis.