American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry launches cosmetic dentistry residency pilot program

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) will launch a cosmetic dentistry residency pilot program this August with three dental residents, each learning from an AACD Accredited Fellow. Elizabeth M. Bakeman, DDS, FAACD; Susan Hollar, DDS, FAACD, and Brian P. LeSage, DDS, FAACD, will each be instructing a dental resident and providing experience relating to all facets of an esthetic restorative dental practice, including effective practice management, diagnostic tools and restorative considerations.

Residents will acquire the clinical and business experience needed to jump start a career in a cosmetic-oriented restorative dental practice by completing a series of requirements, including studying dental literature and implementing simple to complex restorative cases.

“The AACD Residency program is designed to expose young dentists to the clinical and business side of a fee-for-service style private practice,” says preceptor Brian LeSage, DDS, FAACD.

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The AACD is excited to announce the first AACD cosmetic dentistry residents:

• Natalie Downs, DDS, graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2017 and has been practicing as an associate at James C. Peurach DDS and Cascade Village Dental. Dr. Downs will be studying under the guidance of Elizabeth M. Bakeman, DDS, FAACD, at her practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Amirali Zandinejad, DDS, MSc, completed his dental training in 1996, a residency program in operative dentistry and a master’s degree in restorative dentistry from Sheffield University in the United Kingdom, and the AEGD residency and prosthodontics program from the University of Rochester in New York. He currently serves as the director of the AEGD residency program at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. Dr. Zandinejad will be studying under the guidance of Susan Hollar, DDS, FAACD, at her practice in Arlington, Texas.

• Caroline Girard, DDS, graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2015 and currently practices as an associate at La Canada Smiles Dentistry. Dr. Girard will be studying under the guidance of Brian LeSage, DDS, FAACD, at his practice in Beverly Hills, California.

These dental professionals will have the unique opportunity to learn one on one from some of the most successful restorative dentists in the country and to observe, document and execute a variety of cosmetic restorative solutions. In addition to gaining knowledge and experience relating to all facets of an esthetic restorative dental practice, these residents will gain the skills and confidence they need to enjoy the professional and financial successes that comes with a responsible, esthetic dental practice.

For more information about the AACD Residency pilot program, visit www.aacd.com/residency or email residency@aacd.com.