MADISON, Wis.—Two Certified Dental Technicians were among five dental professionals who became credentialed at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) 32nd Annual Scientific Session in Toronto.
Dwight Rickert, CDT, FAACD, became the fifth laboratory technician and 69th dental professional overall in the history of the AACD to become distinguished as an Accredited Fellow.
Per Eric Ekblom, CDT, AAACD, joined three dentists as newly accredited AACD members. A total of 49 laboratory technicians, including 33 CDTs, are among the 419 dental professionals worldwide who have achieved AACD accreditation. The dentists recognized this year were Jeffrey A. Babushkin, DDS, AAACD, FICOI; George W. Childress, DDS, AAACD; and Deborah Gennero, DDS, AAACD, FAGD.
Rickert is a fourth-generation dental technician with nearly 40 years of laboratory experience. He joined the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 2000 and became an Accredited Member in 2006. He has served on many committees and boards within the Academy and is currently President-Elect of the AACD Board of Directors. Rickert will ascend to President in 2017.
“Becoming an Accredited Fellow means that all of the continuing education and time away from the lab and family was worth it,” Rickert says. “Having another goal to attain kept me motivated to learn. ... I would never have accomplished Accredited Fellow status without the never-ending encouragement from my clients and friends.”
The Accreditation process, which was developed by the AACD and is the world’s most recognized advanced credentialing program, encourages further education, interaction with like-minded colleagues, and the opportunity for professional growth. Accreditation requires dedication to continuing education and responsible patient care. The purpose of Fellowship is to provide the highest level of achievement for members in accordance with the AACD's mission of education and excellence.
The newly credentialed dental professionals were recognized and received their awards during a special ceremony at the Scientific Session held April 27 – 30 in Toronto.
For more information about the AACD’s credentialing programs, visit aacd.com/accreditationfellowship.
