First Filipino Cosmetic Dentist Receives Accreditation by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Contact Information:
Bernie B. Villadiego, DDS
20933 Devonshire St. Suite 103
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Tel #818-341-1345
Email: [email protected]
Website : www.powerofthesmile.com
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recently awarded Chatsworth, California dentist Dr. Bernie B. Villadiego accredited status for excellence. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is the largest international dental organization dedicated specifically to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Villadiego is the first and only Filipino-American dentist to receive accreditation by the AACD. Out of 9000 AACD members, 243 dentists in the world have successfully completed the rigorous accreditation testing of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. "I wanted to prove to myself that I can be part of this very elite group of cosmetic dentists world wide," stated Dr. Villadiego. "Achieving this accreditation assures my patients that they are in very capable and experienced hands."

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an accredited member "has completed extensive training and education in cosmetic dentistry. In addition, this credentialed dentist has successfully passed a rigorous Accreditation Board Examination and has demonstrated a very high level of technical skill and ability in cosmetic dentistry."

Dr. Villadiego earned his credentials by passing a stringent process of clinical examinations and oral presentations administered before a panel of accredited dentists from across the United States. Accreditation is an honor requiring years of study and preparation.

Taking a written exam is the first step toward accreditation. The written exam tests the candidate in foundational knowledge of cosmetic dentistry. The accreditation candidate must know the elements of smile designs which include the rules of golden proportion, placement of axial line angles, incisal embrasure forms, and the development of buccal corridors, to name a few.

A successful completion of the written exam is followed by the submission of clinical cases. These cases allow the candidate to demonstrate excellence in a range of disciplines that cover important aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Documenting the clinical cases requires that the candidate be proficient in photography. Crisp, clean photographic images are enlarged and projected onto a 6' by 6' screen to be evaluated based on a list of 89 criteria points. A panel of accredited dentists scrutinizes and examines the "before" and "after" pictures of patient's enhanced smiles. The candidate cannot miss more than 4 criteria points to pass. A written report must be submitted for each case as well.

The oral exam is the final step towards attainment of accreditation status. The candidate stands in front of examiners and is asked questions about case selection, diagnosis and treatment planning, materials, and techniques on any of their passed clinical case submissions.

Many dentists have attempted this demanding process and failed. "Some dentists do not have the artistic skills to pass the keen eyes of the examiners," Dr. Villadiego states. "This may explain why there are 243 dentists with this prestigious distinction."

"There are many dentists who advertise that they perform cosmetic dentistry, but a lot of them are barely out of school with no experience and others are unmotivated to learn the new materials and techniques available today," says Dr. Villadiego. He explained, "There has to be a way the consumer can understand who is capable of performing these procedures at a higher skill level. Not all dentists have the knowledge, the judgment, the training, and the experience to perform excellent cosmetic procedures. The accreditation process assures that the accredited dentist has all these attributes. The patients benefit from the higher quality of service and treatment that an accredited dentist will be able to provide."

Presently there is no American Dental Association (ADA) recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. In 1984 the AACD was formed by a group of forward-thinking individuals, dedicated to continuing education in the rapidly evolving field of cosmetic dentistry. The AACD developed a credentialing process for cosmetic dentistry, which has become the standard of excellence in the field world wide. An accreditation process was developed in order to recognize, as well as scrutinize, the work of those who wished to set themselves apart as excellent cosmetic dentists. The consumer can then distinguish and seek those dentists capable of performing complicated cosmetic procedures.

Upon completion of dental school, Dr. Villadiego launched his own practice and soon became dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge in the field of cosmetic dentistry. He has spent countless hours perfecting his art and skills as a creator of beautiful smiles. "When you do a filling for a patient, you relieve the pain, and they're happy about it. But if you can change their smile, it can change their life."

Dr. Bernie B. Villadiego, born in Lucena City, is the son of surgeon Virgilio C. Villadiego, MD from Sariaya, Quezon and Enriqueta Baldovino Villadiego from Tayabas, Quezon. Married to Mardie, who is the eldest daughter of Dr. Freddie Tanchanco Santiago from Malolos, Bulacan and Marietta Santos Santiago from Kalumpit, Bulacan. Dr. Bernie and Mardie has three children, Cameron, Brandon, and Kaelyn.