Home » Ask the Dentist

What is a cosmetic dentist?

What is the difference between a normal dentist and cosmetic dentist? Are there any extra qualifications cosmetic dentists possess that can help the public identify their profession better? This is because most dentists I come across claim to do cosmetic work as well.
Nancy

Dear Nancy,
Cosmetic, or rather, aesthetic dentists (which I prefer) are dentists who perform dental work with great emphasis on aesthetics and smile makeovers, which very often are time-consuming and require special clinical skills.

Dentists can acquire the clinical knowledge, and the art and science of aesthetic dentistry by attending courses organised by the respective national or regional aesthetic dentistry societies. Locally, we have the Malaysian Association of Aesthetic Dentistry, which organises an annual scientific meeting with world-renowned aesthetic dentists as speakers and instructors. Regionally, there is the Asian Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, which also organises various educational programmes for members.

When looking for genuine aesthetic dentists, you may want to consider the following:

  1. Is the dentist an active member of any aesthetic dentistry organisation? This speaks volumes about his passion and commitment.
  2. Ask to see photos of his or her clinical work. Any worthwhile aesthetic dentist will document before and after photos of the cases they have performed.
  3. Seek opinions from other dentists about the credibility of the dentist in question. Peer opinions from various dentists will possibly be one of the best indicators, as they will be able to tell a marketing stunt from real clinical excellence.
Answered by Dr. Sim Tang Eng | Fri, 2009/01/30 - 2:24pm
INDEMNITY: While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of information in this website, the publisher takes no responsibility for any circumstances whatsoever arising out of any errors, omissions or misrepresentations herein. Though medical experts are consulted in the articles appearing in this website, the information in this website should in no way be construed as medical advice. Please check with your doctor before undergoing any medical aesthetic procedure.All Rights Reserved. © Copyrights 2003 - 2009. No part of this publication may be reproduced whether by photocopying, recording, translation into other languages or any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of the publisher. While freelance contributions are welcome, acceptance of material is not guaranteed. Manuscripts and photographs should be accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelopes. The company accepts no responsibility for loss of damage to material submitted. Opinions expressed in COSMETIC SURGERY & BEAUTY are not necessarily those of the publisher.