There are a handful of organizations dedicated to advancing cosmetic dentistry and recognizing dentists who meet their lofty standards. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), was founded in 1984 by Dr. Jack Kammer and Dr. Jeff Morley. What started out as a small group of dedicated individuals, has blossomed into the world’s largest and foremost organization for cosmetic dentists and cosmetic dental professionals.

Today, there are more than 6,000 members including cosmetic dentists, laboratory technicians, educators, and researchers from around the world.

The AACD Cosmetic Dentist
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry offers education and training on the latest techniques, procedures, and advancements in cosmetic dentistry. In addition, the AACD has an accreditation program for cosmetic dentists who are dedicated to going the extra mile.

There are many steps in the accreditation process. Candidates begin by passing a written examination. Next, they must submit a series of clinical cases that demonstrate their ability to treat a wide range of situations and complexities. Finally, accreditation is achieved by passing an oral examination. This process takes years to complete – but an AACD Accredited Cosmetic Dentist is special, there are fewer than 325 Accredited members worldwide.

Dr. Scott Finlay Annapolis Cosmetic Dentist
Annapolis cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Finlay has achieved the highest achievement in the AACD by becoming an Accredited Fellow. In addition to his rigorous accreditation process, Dr. Finlay has met the AACD’s high standards for an extended body of work representing excellence as judged by a jury of his peers.

This incredible number of cases demonstrates the level of expertise Dr. Finlay has treating complex cosmetic dentistry cases.  There are fewer than 50 dentists nationwide that have achieved this level of excellence and recognition by the dental profession.

More than that, Dr. Finlay is an active member of the AACD and holds a position on the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry, where he is responsible for testing, analyzing, and evaluating the services of dentist and laboratory technicians for the purpose of AACD Accreditation in cosmetic dentistry.

He contributes regularly to AACD publications as well as other cosmetic dentistry journals. He has recently finished revisions to the AACD’s Criteria Guide: Contemporary Concepts in Smile Design, which will be released in mid to late 2012. This guide, which saw its last update in 2001 will set the new, universally accepted parameters for smile design.

Dr. Finlay is committed to continuing education and is a senior faculty for the Dawson Academy which is a leading post graduate center for advanced dental training.  He presents programs to dentists from California to Florida, to Virginia and Chicago – even in the United Kingdom – on topics related to cosmetic dentistry, often in a hands on format.

Expert Care
Cosmetic dentistry is more than just creating pretty smiles. A cosmetic dentist should be a highly trained and skilled professional who strives to treat not just the cosmetic concerns, but the underlying functional problems that cause wear and damage in the first place.

According to Dr. Finlay, “Dental Aesthetics are only a mirror of the relative health of the smile. If something doesn’t look quite right, there is usually a biological or functional reason why the deterioration exists.”

A cosmetic dentist should also take into consideration the patient as a whole to create a smile that will look natural, fit comfortably in their mouth, and be best suited for their lifestyle.

Don’t trust your smile to any cosmetic dentist. Contact Annapolis cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Finlay for a consultation and learn more about improving your life and smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Fortunately, these problems can be fixed and a beautiful smile can be just around the corner. Braces are no longer just for pre-teens and teenagers. More people are taking care of their teeth and beautifying their smile later in life with various methods of cosmetic dentistry. It is not unusual to see adults in their fifties and later, with braces.

Today the finest orthodontic alternative to metal braces is Invisalign. The method is simple, gradual and comfortable. Invisalign custom makes clear plastic aligner trays to fit the client which pop on over the teeth. Every two weeks, the client pops on a new set. Office visits are required only every four to six weeks saving more time. The beautiful smile starts immediately because the aligners are invisible. Most people will not know the client is in orthodontic treatment. Although the end result, that beautiful and confident smile, is the same and the cost is about the same as metal braces, the advantages are hard to ignore. Because the Invisalign trays can be removed, the client may eat any type of food desired and then brush and floss normally. For Invisalign Teen, six replacement aligners are provided free if lost or broken.

Dr. Finlay is a senior faculty member of the Dawson Academy where he teaches other dentists across the country the techniques to provide quality, predictable restorative cosmetic dental treatment that has become a hallmark of his practice (www.theDawsonAcademy.com).

Dr. Finlay has been perennially recognized as the Best Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist in the Greater Annapolis Area by a poll taken of over 220 local dentists.

Dr. Finlay is voted the Top Dentist in the Greater Annapolis Area in 2010

What’s Up Annapolis Magazine polled over 300 dentists in the Greater Annapolis area and asked them one simple question: “If you or a loved one needed the services of a dentist, who would you recommend?” Dr. Finlay has perennially received the designation as the Top Dentist and has once again received the highest number of votes in the areas of General Dentistry and also in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry. For more information visit www.whatsupmag.com .
Baltimore Magazine recognizes Dr. Finlay as a Top Dentist in the Greater Baltimore area. Over 2000 dentists in Baltimore and the five surrounding counties were polled over the course of a month. An amazing 75% response rate was recorded for the survey. The results were then monitor by professional advisors to validate the authenticity. The poll went right to the source: dentists themselves. They were asked, who is the best in their respective specialty in the area. Only the top vote recipients were listed. Although Dr. Finlay has been perennially recognized by What’s Up Annapolis Magazine as the Top Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist, this is the first time that he has been acknowledged by the Baltimore Magazine.

Allison Cole

If you can’t imagine going to the dentist and having an enjoyable experience then you should definitely visit Dr. Finlay’s office. His staff is not only professional but courteous and friendly too. They go out of their way each and every visit so that your experience is as enjoyable as can be. From the point of walking in the door and being greeted by friendly staff to the dental chair and the comforts of his state of the art equipment gives you the comfort and feeling they know what they are doing. You know when you sit in the chair you have no worries about the process and great result that Dr. Finlay and staff will perform. I would and have recommended Dr. Finlay and his staff too many people.  -

Steve Dannemann

I guess you could say that I have a “love-hate” relationship with Dr. Finlay and his staff! From my very first visit about 16 years ago, everyone in the office has treated me with the utmost respect and has been very sensitive to my needs and fears relating to my dental work. From Mary, Connie and Cindy at the front desk, to the hygienists to Dr. Finlay-they all take the time to listen to what I have to say and always make me feel like I am not just a patient but a friend as well. Believe it not, they make me WANT to go back! That is the highest praise they could ever get from me! As much as I dislike just walking into the dentist office, I realize that without their complete and thorough care, ongoing encouragement, wonderful chairside manor and humor, I would not have the smile that I have today! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Susan Schmicker

I love the improved me. The entire experience with Dr. Finlay and his staff was exceptional. I can smile again!

Edith Barton

“She always has a smile and a friendly greeting for you,” would be consistent comment from those who know me. Through the care and precision of Dr. Finlay & Associates I will continue to smile confidently and won’t be able to contain my joy over my new smile.   Thanks,

Dawn Carter

Smile design, without careful consideration to functional and biological health of your smile can only be wrought with failure in the longer term. In the proper hands, training and experience, esthetic enhancements to your smile should not only improve the appearance of your teeth, but also improve their health and longevity.    It is our mission to identify these critical issues that are causing this deterioration and listen to what your concerns are to improve your smile.  It is only with this information that we can design a plan that is best for you to create the most predictable results for the long term and improve your dental health.

So how is this process completed, and how do you know what it is going to look like in your mouth when it is completed?  How long will it take and how much will it cost?  How do I pay for it?  Is it the right thing to do?  These are often questions that patients have that create hurdles in achieving the smile that they desire.

The process all begins with a complete exam.  We start with an interview to listen to your concerns and understand what your goals are in achieving a great smile.  After a review of your medical history, we begin to collect data through the use of a clinical exam, dental radiographs, digital photography, diagnostic mounted models and computer assisted technologies to help quantify occlusal forces on your teeth that often result in wear and fractured teeth and restorations.  From a study of this information, the restorative dentist can create a Dental Blueprint that begins to marry the functional health design requirements with the desired esthetic result.  This Blueprint can then be evaluated by the dentist and the patient through two modalities: imaging of dental photographs and a diagnostic wax up of the patient’s actual smile.  This diagnostic wax up is essentially a simulation in 3 dimensions of your smile that allow us to test our design.  From this 3 dimensional study we can then create a series of templates that allows us to be efficient and conservative when we begin that actual preparation of teeth.  All the steps in treatment up to this point are completed without implementing any actual changes to the teeth.

Once the dental blueprint is created, and all the aspects of treatment are understood and anticipated, the definitive treatment can be completed.  We want your visit to be as comfortable as possible.  We understand the anxiety that is normal with every procedure whether it is a single tooth or an entire smile.  We will discuss those protocols and options that are available to you to insure that your time spent in the dental chair is a pleasant one.

Act fast
The sooner you get to stains, the less likely they are to stick. “The tannins and polyphenols in foods such as coffee, tea, marinara sauce and red wine adhere to the surface of your tooth in under an hour,” cautions Jonathan Levine, D.D.S., founder of GoSmile, a dental-products company in New York City. Combined with plaque, which can trap dark pigments and harden into tartar in 8 to 24 hours, stains will become increasingly tougher to tackle over time, so break out the toothbrush as soon as possible after eating culprit foods.

Chew on this
No brush? No biggie. In a pinch, any gum that’s sugar-free (an absolute must for dodging tooth decay) can help keep your pearly whites gleaming. “Both whitening and regular gums work on the same principle—saliva flows over your teeth, flushing away stains,” says Lana Rozenberg, D.D.S., founder of the Dental Day Spa in New York City. Even rinsing with a swig of water or chomping on some crudités does the trick; heavy chewing generates saliva. But make sure you stick with non-sugary options. Sorry, trick-or-treaters, that means caramel chews and nougats don’t count.

Make fluoride your friend
Don’t count on a whitening toothpaste alone to safeguard your smile; it doesn’t have a high enough concentration of peroxide or stay in contact with teeth long enough, according to Debra Glassman, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist in New York City. Abrasive ingredients like silica or baking soda in whitening pastes gently polish away surface stains caused by foods, but a whitening toothpaste that also contains fluoride is your best bet; it helps strengthen the tooth’s enamel, which is more porous after bleaching. This will also soothe sensitivity and prevent stains and plaque from ruining your smile, Dr. Glassman says.

Brush up on brushing
While most of us probably abide by the twice-a-day mandate, a cursory 30-second cleaning isn’t really cutting it to rid teeth of plaque or bacteria that stain enamel. You actually need to brush for a full two minutes—and cover the entire terrain. “Think of your mouth as divided into quadrants,” Dr. Levine suggests. Then brush each one (upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left) for approximately 30 seconds. But be careful not to overdo it: Scrubbing teeth too vigorously and for too long, especially if you use a hard-bristled brush, can wear away the enamel. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled brush (replace it every three or four months), and keep an eye on the clock. You’ll be able to give all your teeth equal attention, so choppers stay spotless. Now, if only keeping the kitchen clean were this easy.

Question 1: Just because I see it (diagnosis it) doesn’t mean my patients will want to treat it (even acute, painful, or blatant problems they are aware of gets put on the back burner).
Question 2: How much of the first course can I use immediately to make me a better clinician?
Question 3: If I am not able to take all of the courses will I still be better than if I took none of the courses?

Scott Finlay, DDS, FAGD, FAACD
The philosophies that are the core of The Dawson Academy are not about practicing a different kind of dentistry, but practicing better, more predictable, complete care for your patients. The understanding, skills and protocols that you will master as a student in the core curriculum will improve your efficiency, productivity and profitability as a dentist.

You are correct that every patient that has treatment needs, may not elect to pursue treatment: some due to financial reasons, some due to personal reasons, some due to value reasons.  In your practice you will initially experience a large percentage of patients that will be seeking general care, but there will be some that elect comprehensive care.  You need to be patient.  Over time you will find increasingly, more and more of your patients will begin to transition to comprehensive solutions.  It is their role to make those decisions and not ours.  It is our role however, to educate them and to be their advocate for the best care possible.  I think you will be surprised by your patient’s interest in seeking quality care.  That doesn’t mean a full mouth reconstruction with ceramics every time.  Whether treatment is provided with plastic or glass; with implants or removable dentures, the principles are the same in providing predictable care.

Predictable care at any level will improve your profitability and efficiency by reducing time wasted with remakes or fractured restorations that are never practice builders or make patients happy.  Your experiences with the Dawson Academy will help you make recommendations to your patients that are in their best interest.

You will find the information you learn from the very first program to be infectious and very useful to return to your practice.  The entire Senior Faculty of The Dawson Academy are wet fingered dentists that each have full time practices.  That is unique to our organization.  The knowledge is practical and allows you to return to the chair on Monday with a fresh vision.  I can tell you this from personal experience, because this changed my professional life and laid the ground for my success in dentistry.

The pace you pursue your education is up to you.  If you want to be efficient, I would recommend staying with a single teaching academy and focus on a continuum that is consistent.  Hopping around from day program to day program from varying academies, gives you very little opportunity to get down to the real nuts and bolts and actually make a difference in your practice.  The Dawson Academy offers this opportunity in our core curriculum that builds upon each successive program.

Doing nothing would be the only mistake.  You will become what you learn.  By failing to make the initiative to learn, you are losing a tremendous opportunity.

The baby boomers are coming of age.  They represent a significant demographic with very special dental needs.  They enter our offices asking to improve their oral health and their smiles.  Many have done their online research and are requesting veneers, whitening and Invisalign.  Our challenge becomes the restoration and repair of these smiles with plastic and glass, predictably and durably. The economy has influenced the mindset of the consumer and has resulted in more educated shoppers who put great value on having it done right the first time.  Will they choose you for the investment that they are about to make?

The focus of this program is to create a perspective and illustrate, through lecture and clinical video, a protocol that is essential is creating predictable esthetic results with modern ceramics.  As dentists, we are flooded with the commercial hype from manufacturers about the latest and greatest materials and products.  We are pressured by the allure and demand of dental esthetics in our communities and by the media.  Who are we to believe?  How do we make the best decisions in materials and techniques that will help insure excellent results for our patients?  What are the key ingredients to our success?

Learning Objectives:

•Understand the critical relationship between function and esthetics
•Learn the four key steps to creating predictable anterior restorations
•Designing exquisite provisional prototypes and understanding their importance in creating predictable ceramic restorations
•Understanding the key elements in lab communication
•Comparing the myriad of dental ceramics available today and understanding the properties inherent to each that will help us choose the best materials to insure our success
•Understanding proper preparation designs and when to use a veneer and when not to
•Learning how to assess the restorations that are received from the lab and when to cement and when not to
•An overview of dental adhesion and the decisions in choosing the best cement and adhesive system to retain your restorations
•Understanding the critical steps in delivering beautiful esthetic restorations
For more information, visit http://www.udel.edu/dental/speakers/finlay.html

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