About Mark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
Question I am interested in becoming a cosmetic dentist. I have tried to find information about the field, but it seems to be hiding. I was just wondering if you could help me with some general questions I have.
1. How do you become a cosmetic dentist? Is there extra schooling?
2. What are the general wages of a cosmetic dentist?
3. What schools offer a cosmetic dentistry program?
Answer Dear Ms. Fowler,
In order to perform cosmetic dentistry, you will need to enroll in a regular dental school curriculum and earn a dental degree. Your college career counselor can advise you as to the prerequisites and protocols for making application to a dental school in your locale.
There are 9 recognized specialties in dentistry:
* Public Health Dentistry
* Endodontics
* Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
* Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
* Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
* Orthodontics
* Pediatric Dentistry
* Periodontology
* Prosthodontics
Conspicuously absent is "cosmetic dentistry"; it is not recognized as a specialty. Perhaps that is why you are having difficulty in finding information.
This is a result of the profession's acknowledgement that cosmetic considerations are part and parcel of the established specialties; that is to say that the skills and knowledge of these other fields already take into account their effect on cosmetics. Who can question whether the replacement of a missing tooth by a prosthodontist or the alignment of badly positioned tooth by an orthodontist does not contribute to esthetic improvement? In fact, almost any cosmetic procedure known to dentistry will fall within the scope of one of the aforementioned specialties.
The concept of the "cosmetic dentist" mostly arose from a few canny entrepreneurs who realized that it is easier to sell cosmetic dentistry than basic dental service. Better yet, cosmetic services do not fall within the domain of most managed care programs, so there is little other than true market forces to keep fees in check.
To be sure, there are several procedures within the "cosmetic dentistry" sphere that may in some circumstances have no benefit other than cosmetic, such as the placement of porcelain laminate veneers or dental bleaching. However, one could argue that the few techniques that fall into this category are not sufficiently daunting in difficulty or scope to merit a specialty. In fact, these procedures fall well within the capabilities of the average general dentist.
Still, the recent media publicity of several individuals who bill themselves as "cosmetic dentists" has created much exposure of how dentistry can play a part in full-body esthetic augmentation. Interest and demand will no doubt fuel supply, and it is only a matter of time before "cosmetic dentistry" is more available as distinct course of study. Time will only tell whether it will ever be a qualifying specialty.
In the meantime, there is no shortage of people pressing for specialty recognition. Please see the following link for additonal information:
