International Recognition and Awards

Dr. Deborah Cooper-Lall, Clinical Director of Dental One, is Calgary's only recipient of multiple Medals of Excellence in Cosmetic/Comprehensive Dentistry from the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Gallery competition. Dr. Cooper-Lall has become Calgary's first dentist and Canada's first and only woman to receive this international recognition.

Credentials

Credentialing Status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
In March, 2004 Dr. Cooper-Lall became one of only 350 dentists in the world to have earned dentistry's most desired, respected and privileged status of Accreditation. Dr. Cooper-Lall is the only Calgary dentist and the first Canadian woman to achieve this level of credentialing in Cosmetic Dentistry.

Credentialing is a significant part of our society. Most professionals have some form of accreditation - lawyers, doctors, teachers, investment advisors, etc. In medicine and dentistry, specialties exist that indicate a higher level of education, knowledge and expertise in those fields. The level and quality of the accreditation is a useful tool for the person deciding how to evaluate these professionals.

There is a dire need for credentialing in cosmetic dentistry. The public has the right to know.

Accredited Status through the non-profit American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has fulfilled this need. Their program can take up to five years to complete. The academically rigorous program ensures that the successful candidate has achieved the highest standards, meets all requirements, and will continue to provide optimal treatment for his or her patients. Other non-profit organizations include the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, etc.

Going through the AACD process of accreditation is extremely demanding. It demonstrates a successful candidate's ability to perform dentistry at the highest level and it ensures that the successful candidate has met rigorous standards of competence. In Calgary, the Clinical Director at Dental One is the only dentist to successfully complete the credentialing program in cosmetic and comprehensive dental care. She is now one of only 18 credentialed dentists in Canada (and the first Canadian woman to achieve this status), and one of only 350 dentists internationally.

AACD Credentialing for Certification in Cosmetic Dentistry
In 1984 the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry was formed by a group of forward-thinking individuals, dedicated to continuing education in the rapidly evolving field of cosmetic dentistry. Within a short period of time, the credentialing process for cosmetic dentistry designated "Accreditation". To date this organization has over 8,000 members worldwide and stands as the worlds largest organization for cosmetic dentistry.

As techniques and materials have improved, the Accreditation exam has continued to set a standard for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Accreditation represents the acknowledgment of a doctor's or dental technician's excellence in cosmetic dentistry. The AACD is dentistry's largest organization offering a rigorous Board Certification in Cosmetic Dentistry. Accreditation and the examination process are administered by the Board of Governors.

Purpose
Accreditation serves to set standards for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Achieving accredited status from the AACD requires dedication to continuing education, careful adherence to the protocols, and a resolve to produce exceptional dentistry.

Benefits
The accreditation program of the Academy benefits the patients. The process encourages further education, interaction with like-minded colleagues, and opportunity for professional growth. Prospective patients who call or interface with the Academy on the website are informed that accredited members have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates enhanced skill in cosmetic dentistry. Accredited laboratory technicians are in greater demand for their services and are able to meet dentists who share the same philosophy and goals. The general dentist will become an exceptional dentist and patients will benefit from the higher quality of service and treatment that you will be able to provide.

Maintaining Accredited Status
To maintain accredited status it is important for Accredited doctors and technicians to stay abreast of advances in cosmetic dentistry. Attending two of the four most current Annual Scientific Sessions of the AACD since an individual becomes accredited is required. Missing three consecutive Annual Scientific Sessions will automatically result in a person's accreditation being revoked. Accredited members of the AACD must also maintain their membership. Attendance at either the Criteria Workshop, lecture portion of the Advanced Accreditation Workshop, or Examiner Training every three years is mandatory.

To date there are 350 Accredited members worldwide of which 18 reside in Canada. Dr. Cooper-Lall is the only Canadian women to have achieved this status.

Fellowship - Going a Step Above
The next level following accreditation is fellowship. Fellowship is the top credential available in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and denotes the highest level of achievement. Fellowed Members must maintain their status as Accredited Members of the Academy, must have attended two of the four most recent Annual Conferences, and must have completed 50 discrete cosmetic cases at Accreditation standards, from fifty patients. Fellowed Members may use the designation FAACD.

Information taken from the AACD website

To date there are over 50 Fellowed members worldwide of which 2 reside in Canada. Dr. Cooper-Lall is presently studying to complete this next level of achievement.

Positions Held

• Dr. Cooper-Lall is a founding member of the Canadian Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She is presently President-Elect for this organization. The organization is the first of its kind in Canada to unite dentists interested in providing cosmetic services for their patients.
• Dr. Cooper-Lall is an Advisory Board member for impact magazine. This magazine concentrates on health and fitness issues pertaining to the general public.
• Dr. Cooper-Lall has been selected as a judge for the prestigious AACD (American Academy of cosmetic Dentistry) International Smile Design Competition. This competition is held annually in conjunction with the annual convention.

Interviews
Due to local, national and international recognition of our expertise and reputation, Dental One is constantly asked for interviews by magazines, newspapers, and television and radio stations.