Dental Credentials

Any dentist can do esthetic work or call himself or herself a cosmetic dentist, but it's not a recognized specialty in Canada. However, a general dentist will have areas they practise more than others, or he or she may refer you to a specialist: an orthodontist to have your teeth straightened, a periodontist for gum work or a prosthodontist for extensive or complicated prosthetics. In certain cases where surgery on the upper or lower jaw is required, you may need to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Depending upon where they've trained in North America, dentists receive either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry). In addition to general dentistry, they can perform oral surgery, give injections and prescribe medication. The emphasis of dental training is on diagnosis, oral medicine, disease prevention and the promotion of dental health. Cosmetic work (crowns, veneers, implants) is a major part of their training too. Each province or territory licenses dentists and sets standards.

After graduation, some dentists choose to specialize in one of nine different areas that require an additional two to three years of university and/or hospital-based training.

Both general dentists and specialists can also receive instruction in the use of sedation and anesthesia in dental practice. Sometimes you will see a PhD or other advanced degree followed by the specialty qualification. This can indicate that the dentist is also involved in teaching or research. Another designation is a Fellowship of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCDC). This college conducts the national specialty examinations across Canada, the successful completion of which is a requirement to gain a fellowship.

Since there is no recognized specialty in cosmetic procedures, how do dentists get their training? Most practitioners focus on the area for which they have an aptitude, and there are dozens of courses from which they can choose. Continuing education departments in many dental schools, both in Canada and the United States, offer ongoing seminars and workshops. Or, dentists choose to join professional associations - such as the Toronto Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - that actively promote learning opportunities.

In choosing the right dentist for your needs, start by consulting your regular dentist or by getting a referral from a friend, family member or colleague. Once you have a dentist in mind, ask to see pictures and make sure you have questions ready. Do you want your teeth whiter or bigger, the shape or the angle changed? This will help you and your dentist determine the best approach to take.

For more information, visit the websites of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (www.rcdso.org), or of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (www.aacd.com).