Are you hungry for a challenge?

  Posted by: Dental Design      24th April 2021

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) is committed to promoting excellence among every member of the practice team. That’s why its prestigious Accreditation programme is not only open to dentists, but also dental technicians who are hungry for a challenge. Paul Gerrard is among the few dental technicians who have achieved this highly respected accolade. Commenting on his experience of the BACD Accreditation process, he says:

“During the early 2000s, cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry experienced renewed patient focus and strong growth, presenting a great opportunity for dental team members with the relevant skills and competence to treat patients seeking such procedures. This led to an increase in demand from my clients to provide the services they needed to satisfy this market, which encouraged me to seek avenues for further education.

“By this time, my own professional career had also reached a point where I was looking for the next ‘big thing’ to satisfy my dental-related interests. It was a combination of these factors that motivated me to attend an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Annual Conference in the US. The BACD was formed shortly afterwards and its Accreditation programme provided a well-structured and achievable route to building the skillset I needed to deliver highly aesthetic and functional restorative work for my clients.

“During my Accreditation journey, I learned that a systematic, multidisciplinary team approach to case planning through good communication and implementation is critical to long-term treatment success. I also benefitted from the chance to work more closely with clinical colleagues and patients, which is invaluable for any dental technician. After achieving BACD Accreditation, it was particularly rewarding to witness the often life-changing difference my work made to the quality of patients’ lives, with cases still providing service many, many years after initial treatment was completed.”

As demanding as the Accreditation process can be, it can also be highly fulfilling from both a personal and professional perspective. Paul explains why he encourages dental technicians to get involved:  

“Accreditation is a great opportunity to learn new skills through exceptional education and networking that will pay dividends for successful candidates in driving their professional achievements and businesses forward. This is re-enforced by the fact that Accreditation provides a structured process for learning and implementing the skills required to deliver high quality treatment in everyday practice.

“Becoming a BACD Accredited clinical dental technician has ensured I have the skills and confidence to treat demanding and complex cases more effectively. Additionally, it has helped me grow my business through networking with likeminded colleagues that share the same interest and passion for providing high-quality dentistry.

“By attending BACD events and utilising the support available from the Academy and fellow team members, Accreditation is an attainable achievement for any dentist or dental technician with the interest, dedication and enthusiasm to complete the journey.”

For further enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, visit www.bacd.com