MADISON, Wis. (3/20/13)—Some say it’s difficult. Others say it’s life-changing.
But they can all agree it’s worth it.
Achieving Accreditation is a pivotal moment in the life of an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Member, and one not to be taken lightly. This year, the AACD welcomes 17 individuals to Accredited Member status and two new Accredited Fellows. They will be honored during AACD 2013, the AACD’s annual meeting, in Seattle April 24-27.
This year’s class includes a father-son duo, William and son Kevin Brown, of Washington. William, who owns a dental lab, influenced his son, Kevin, to become a dentist.
“I always enjoyed playing with all the interesting materials at my dad’s laboratory, but knew I didn’t want to be a dental ceramist, simply because of the awful hours he worked to support our family,” Dr. Kevin Brown said. “I was fortunate to be surrounded by many great mentors in my youth, most of which were in the dental field. They played an integral part of my following their footsteps. “
To achieve Accreditation, one must pass a written and oral exam, and pass several case types. The process is rigorous, and Accreditation candidates have five years to complete it.
Also achieving Accredited Fellow status this year is Dr. Joyce Bassett and Dr. Emil Hawary. To earn Fellowship, Drs. Bassett and Hawary were required to submit 50 clinical cases. Fellowship is the highest level of achievement available to AACD members. Its purpose is to provide an additional level of achievement for members in accordance with the AACD’s mission of education and excellence.
“Imagine tackling your toughest cases and multiplying their difficulty by 10,” said Nelson Rego, AACD Accreditation Chair. “That’s kind of what it’s like to go through the Accreditation process. But when you successfully complete it, you know that it was all worth it in the end. We’re really proud of this year’s class, and we can’t wait to see them onstage in Seattle.”
The class list includes:
Pinhas Adar, CDT, MDT
Rachelle M. Boudreau, DDS
Kevin M. Brown, DDS
William L. Brown, CDT
Jerome Y. Cha, DDS
Kristi A. Crispin, DMD
Brian K. Dennis, DDS
Pamela G. Doray, DMD
Patrick W. Gochar, DDS
Marshall W. Hanson, DDS
John D. Kling, II, DDS, MAGD
Rick Sonntag, RDT
Dory H. Stutman, DDS
Michael S. Szarek, DMD
Christine C. Theroux, DDS
Mark H. Whitefield, DDS
Amy N. Wilken-Heying, DDS
About the AACD
The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of more than 6,300 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.
