Generally, cosmetic dentistry performed by a general dentist is centered on improving your appearance, not the functioning of your teeth and its bite. Many dentists refer to themselves as “cosmetic dentists” regardless of their lack of specific education, specialty, training, and experience in the field. This has been considered unethical particularly as it relates to the objective of marketing to patients.[1] Cosmetic dentistry has never been recognized by the American Dental Association as a formal specialty area of dentistry.[2][3] However, there are still dentists that promote themselves as cosmetic dentists. It’s misleading and infers that a ‘cosmetic dentist’ has some form of credentialed training. Ironically, ‘cosmetic dentists’ continue to tout themselves as members of the ADA.
Unfortunately, merely correcting the patients aesthetics without giving consideration as to how the mouth functions is a disservice to the patient. There are only 2 specialties recognized by the ADA that consider the patient’s aesthetics and function during treatment, prosthodontists and orthodontists. They are formally trained specialists[4] recognized by the ADA that undergo a minimum of 2–3 years full-time rigorous education program after dental school graduation. These specialties are the paths that lead to board certification approved by the ADA. Forbes Magazine ranks Prosthodontists as the rarest dental specialist in the U.S.
So the next time you are contemplating ‘cosmetic dentistry’ consider a Pro, a Prosthodontist.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC Prosthodontist
ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD
Hanna Orland, DMD
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta, GA 30328
404-256-3658
and
3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Chamblee, GA 30341
770-455-6076
[1] Maihofer MG (February 2009). “Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty”. The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association 91 (2): 18. PMID 19288658.
[2] Ibid
[3] “American Association of Public Health Dentistry”.
[4] Dentist trained in a post doctorate University program.
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- Dentist Sandy Springs: Sleight of Hand (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
the right smile 
Thanks for sharing this post! Whether a patient needs a cosmetic dental procedure or general dentistry treatment, it is always important to make sure that your dentist is certified to administer dental treatment.