Patient Education – Endless Possibilities
When we embarked upon the Dear Doctor adventure, we wondered if professional organizations would embrace a relationship with a patient education magazine like Dear Doctor – Dentistry & Oral Health. Dentistry and medicine are built upon a foundation of knowledge based on science, the evidence upon which the fabric of healthcare is built. But would professional organizations want to participate in patient education by partnering with us? The answer is a resounding YES. Not only has the public found great value in Dear Doctor, but professional organizations are realizing that Dear Doctor reinforces their messages as well.

Leaders Lead
Professional organizations epitomize the highest level of competence and care, and excel at providing state-of-the-art education for their members, who in turn pass on their expertise to their patients. By partnering with Dear Doctor, they can get their vital information to the public, using the magazine as their vehicle by providing the same easy to read, entertaining, yet understandable content our readers have come to expect. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) led the way with our first endorsement. Our second came from the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE), highlighting our shared vision in the “Change A Smile, Change A Life” section. This is perfect for showcasing the influence of esthetics on both the physical and emotional well-being through smile enhancement, illustrated by case studies and beautiful photography.

The AACD and Dear Doctor
Which brings us to now. We are more than excited to report that the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), is taking a leadership role with Dear Doctor. The AACD is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encourages the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care. As we have stressed throughout our editorial pages, and as defined by the AACD, “Cosmetic Dentistry” is comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function. The AACD fulfills its mission by: offering superior educational opportunities; promoting and supporting a respected accreditation credential; serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and by providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.

One of the principle efforts of the AACD is the education, promotion and acceptance of cosmetic dentistry practices by the general public. And that's where we come in. Going forward we will continue to provide excellence in our department of Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry together, presenting evidence based information in an easy to read entertaining format, beautifully illustrated with the help of this great academy.

It is our hope that other professional organizations will continue to join us in our mission and recognize Dear Doctor as the finest patient education resource and the “go to” place for the most accurate and in-depth consumer information.

Mario A.Vilardi, DMD President/Publisher

Garry A.Rayant, BDS, DDS, LDSRCS, MS Editor-in-Chief