Accreditation from AACD Essential According to Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist

According to the most recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the number of male patients undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure increased to 40% of the total patients in 2011 and the number of patients age 20 and under has grown by 12% since 2007. Michigan cosmetic dentist Dr. Brett Magnuson says with the popularity of cosmetic dentistry shifting to a younger, more balanced demographic, patients need to be aware of the importance of choosing a dentist with extensive experience, noteworthy credentials, and accreditation from the AACD.

At his center for cosmetic dentistry in Kalamazoo, MI, Dr. Brett Magnuson says he is seeing a growing popularity in cosmetic dental enhancements amongst younger patients. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) confirms his observations, reporting in its latest study that the number of patients age 20 and below has increased by 12% since 2007. The study also shows that males are undergoing more aesthetic procedures, with men rising to 40% of the total number of patients in 2011. Dr. Magnuson says as the younger population continues to seek cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers in Michigan, consulting with an accredited member of the AACD is essential for receiving the best results. He says the popularity of cosmetic procedures amongst a younger generation necessitates continued dedication to the advancement of dental techniques and technology, whether it be in cosmetic dentistry or a related field such as sedation dentistry in Michigan.

Dr. Magnuson says the accreditation process provides a thorough and calculable system for assessing the qualifications of dentists based on a written examination, clinical case submission, and an oral examination. As an AACD examiner, he administers oral examinations to dentists seeking accreditation from the AACD, evaluating case selection, diagnosis, and treatment planning. “The individuals involved are those seasoned examiners that have been involved with the clinical submissions. Typically this involves 6 examiners.”

Whether patients are seeking porcelain veneers or teeth whitening, Dr. Magnuson says all patients will benefit from systems of qualification and evaluation such as the AACD accreditation. He says patients should be sure to research a practice thoroughly before undergoing any procedure. Dr. Magnuson also adds that he is thankful for the opportunity to promote cosmetic dentistry and quality patient care through his participation as an AACD examiner. “It is a way of taking my years of experience and giving back to the academy as well as the profession.”

About The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Oral Examination

According to the AACD, there are two reasons for the oral examination on the way to accreditation with the organization. First, the oral exam allows the dentist to defend and verify past casework. Second, the exam provides the potential AACD member with the chance to demonstrate their treatment planning abilities. AACD oral examiners scrutinize each case and rely on their experience and expertise to ensure the new members of the organization continue to meet the highest cosmetic dentistry standards.

Dr. Magnuson will participate in the next round of oral examinations, scheduled to take place Friday, January 20, and Saturday, January 21, 2012.

About Brett Magnuson, DMD

Dr. Brett Magnuson received his dental education from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He is one of only ten dentists in the state of Michigan and 302 dentists worldwide to have received accreditation from the AACD. Dr. Magnuson is an accredited member and Accreditation Examiner for the AACD, as well as a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Congress of Implantologists, the Michigan Dental Association, and several other professional organizations. He has been named one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumer’s Research Council. Dr. Magnuson also contributes to the Give Back a Smile Foundation for victims of domestic violence and also the AACD Foundation Disaster Relief Fund to aid those affected by the hurricanes of 2005, the tsunami of 2004, and the California wildfires in 2007.

Located at 2901 S Westnedge Ave in Kalamazoo, MI, Dr. Magnuson’s practice can be reached at (269) 290-7275. It can also be contacted online via the website michiganbeautifulsmiles.com or facebook.com/MagnusonDentalDesign.

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According to the American Psychological Association, nearly one in three adult women experience at least one domestic assault by a partner during adulthood[1], which translates into approximately 4 million American women who experience domestic violence during a 12-month period. As a dentist in Kalamazoo, MI, Brett Magnuson, DDS performs a spectrum of procedures designed to give his patients a fresh start in life. In cooperation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), Dr. Magnuson dedicates his time and cosmetic dentistry expertise to the Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program, which provides free consultations and dental treatments for survivors of domestic violence.

The need is great for those affected by domestic violence, says Dr. Magnuson: “Through the Give Back a Smile program, AACD members like me assist those in need by treating any dental injuries sustained from domestic violence. The AACD and I remain dedicated to helping these patients reclaim their smiles, their self-esteem, and ultimately, their lives.”

About Give Back a Smile

Victims of domestic violence who have suffered dental injuries can contact GBAS toll-free at (800) 773-GBAS (4227), or visit www.givebackasmile.com for more information. Survivors of domestic violence must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker, or therapist to complete the advocate section of the GBAS application. GBAS then reviews the application and turns it over to the dentists. If eligible, the AACD connects the survivor with a local GBAS volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the recipient.

About Dr. Magnuson

Brett Magnuson, DDS earned his medical degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He is an accredited dentist with the AACD, serving as both an Accreditation Examiner for the AACD, and a board member for the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Magnuson was also named one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumer’s Research Council. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of General Dentistry, the International Congress of Implantologists, and the Michigan Dental Society.

Magnuson Dental Design is located at 2901 S. Westnedge Ave. in Kalamazoo, MI 49008, and can be reached at (269) 290-7275, or found online at www.michiganbeautifulsmiles.com, or the Magnuson Dental Design Facebook page.

[1] American Psychological Association. Facts About Family Violence. American Psychological Association Web Site.

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Knocking out a tooth from an accident can be scary and traumatic for both the individual as well as the parent. Time is of the essence and it is important to take immediate action at the scene of the accident. Here is a description of what you can do to help preserve the tooth.

First, find the tooth, then verify that the tooth is permanent. Primary (baby) teeth should not be replanted. Hold the tooth by the crown (The part of the tooth that you normally see) and AVOID touching the root. If the root is dirty, gently rinse with cold water, saline or milk for 10 seconds. Do NOT rub or scrub the tooth. For the best immediate treatment, have the individual or parent reposition the tooth into the socket. If you are unable to put the tooth back in or reposition the tooth, carry the tooth in your mouth, just inside your cheek. Other solutions for transport to our office include storing the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. AVOID storing in water or letting the tooth dry out. Call our office immediately and get here as quickly (and safely) as possible.

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The Dental Tribune, also known as “The World’s Dental Newspaper”, is a top publication in the dental community reaching millions of dentists and dental professionals world wide. The publication reports the latest news about everything in the world of dentistry.

• More than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year (Squamous cell carcinoma). It will cause over 8,000 deaths
• The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development
• In its early stages it may not be noticed by the patient, as it can frequently grow without producing pain or symptoms
• 75 % of these cancers are related to alcohol and tobacco use
• Smoking and drinking promote the invasion of HPV
• Alcohol prohibits the production of p53 protein that normally protects the cell
• Carcinogens in tobacco damage cell DNA
• Oral cancer had been a man’s disease 6 to 1; now 2 to 1 (Oral Cancer foundation) Women are smoking and drinking more.
• Alcohol and tobacco are responsible for most oral cancers. However, doctors have noticed an increase of oral cancer in patients with little or no history of smoking or drinking.
• 25 % Patients diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors
• Current research indicates that HPV positive disease is rapidly changing these ratios and age groups
• HPV that causes cervical cancer is now being linked to oral cancer
• At a cellular level the mouth is structurally very similar to the vagina and cervix.
• Over 80 different types of HPV have been identified
• Most HPV are very common, harmless, noncancerous and treatable, i.e. producing warts on the skin.
• At any one time about 1/3 of 25 year olds in the US are infected.
• 95% will get rid of the infection within one year.
• There are other forms of HPV which are sexually transmitted. The common cancer-associated types are HPV-16 and Hpv-18.
• Known to cause up to 95% of cervical cancer.
• Linked to oral cancer
• The virus thrives in a moist dark environment.
• Like cervical cancer, in oral cancer, the virus is transferred thru sexual contact.
• This type of cancer is increasing about 3 percent each year.
• Younger, non smoking patients under the age of 50 are the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population
• Mothers harboring the virus can transmit the virus to their babies during birth.
• HPV is the most prevalent STD in the US at present.
• Being HPV positive does not mean that you will develop cancer.
• Tobacco/alcohol lesions tend to favor the anterior tongue and mouth, and HPV positive lesions tend to favor the posterior oral cavity (tonsils and base of tongue)
• CDC claims that 20 to 30 percent of head and neck cancers are related to HPV
• When oral cancer is detected early, oral cancer patients have a 80-90% survival rate
• A thorough oral, head and neck cancer examination can easily be completed in less than 5 minutes. It primarily consists of inspection and palpation. Multiple studies have consistently shown that the earliest manifestation of many oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers is a persistent erythroplastic lesion. Must look for both red and white (leukoplakia) lesions on the oral mucosa, as well as detection through palpation of indurated and fixated masses within the tissues.
• The lips may be involved with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the aerodigestive tract or both SCC and basal cell carcinomas (BCC) of the skin.
• The inside of the cheek or buccal mucosa must be spread away from the teeth and gums to visualize the sulcus which connects this area to the gums (gingiva)
• One of the most common sites of oral cancer is on the lateral aspect of the tongue. Also palpation of the dorsum and lateral margins of the tongue, looking for any masses or firm/fixated areas.
• Floor of the mouth is the horseshoe-shaped area that extends from the alveolar ridge of the mandible to the ventral aspect of the tongue.
• Palpate with a gloved finger beneath the tongue, and another under the chin on the exterior skin.
• Check for red spots, white spots, ulcerations, rough areas, asymmetry, growths, or other masses on the hard and soft palate.
• The oropharynx and tonsils viewed by depressing the back of the tongue.
• Chemiluminescence may be used as an adjunct in the examination. Marketed under the names ViziLite Plus and MicroLux DL.
• Patient first rinses with a 1% acetic acid solution followed by direct visual examination of the oral cavity using a blue-white light source.
• The 1% acetic acid wash is used to help remove surface debris and increase the visibility of epithelial cell nuclei. Under blue-white illumination, normal epithelium appears lightly bluish while abnormal epithelium appears distinctly white.
• Toluidine blue is a vital dye that stains abnormal tissues. It has been used for decades on suspicious areas as an aid to the identification of mucosal abnormalities of the cervix as well as in the oral cavity.
• Excisional biopsy is the gold standard to diagnose suspicious areas that do not heal in two weeks. Most areas are benign or precancerous.

To view photos taken by Kalamazoo cosmetic dentist Dr. Brett Magnuson CLICK HERE.