British Academy Of Restorative Dentistry | BARD

The General Dental Council (GDC). The GDC register keeps details of dentists’ qualifications and specialists’ listing. This is available at gdc-uk.org. To find a dentist in your area click here.

Specialists will have more experience and skill in certain areas and will often charge higher fees if in private practice. There is no specific referral process – you can be referred by your general dentist or you can self-refer by contacting directly and making an appointment. The most common dental specialities are:

• Orthodontics: straightening of teeth with fixed or removable braces
• Periodontics: treatment of gum disease or improvement  of gum position
• Endodontics: root fillings and treatment of abscesses
• Prosthetics: replacement of teeth by removable dentures
• Restorative Dentistry: restoration of teeth as well as periodontics  endodontics and prosthetics
• Prosthodontics: cosmetic restoration and replacement of teeth by crowns, veneers, implants etc..
• Oral Surgery: minor surgical procedures in the mouth including implant placements
• Implantology: there is no speciality but if required this would usually be done by a combination of specialists in Periodontics or Oral Surgery, and Restorative Dentistry or Prosthodontics.

Remember though, whether they are specialists or not, all qualified dentists are qualified to perform all of the above treatments, including placement and restoration of implants and cosmetic dentistry as long as they have been suitably trained. Many generalist dentists have completed post-graduate education in cosmetic dentistry and will have particular areas of expertise where they have gathered extensive experience.

As there is no formal qualification for cosmetic dentists, always look at the dentist’s post-graduate education, courses attended in the type of dentistry you are considering and accreditations from British academies. Often dentists will list these online or display certificates on their wall. Just because a practitioner may have been your dentist for years does not mean they are experienced enough to perform the specific aesthetic procedure you are after.

Finally, make sure that you feel comfortable with the dentist and the proposed procedures before going ahead.  Regular check-ups and maintenance are a must to ensure long-term satisfaction.

The BARD is a great place to start.  We have members all across the UK and in countries around the world (see our “Find a Dentist” listing).  Continuing education is important, which is why the BARD offers courses leading up to Accreditation, Diplomas and Fellowships in all areas of Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry. A valid credential (like the BARD’s Accreditation, Diploma or Fellowship) is also a good indication of a level of skill that is important for delivering excellent results.  Ask to see documentation of the dentist’s work on patients with similar problems, and discuss the dentist’s degree of experience with various procedures.  Exceptional restorative dentistry is not an accident.  Talk to your dentist, develop a plan and work together toward your goal but ensure he’s BARD accredited.

Anyone considering cosmetic dentistry treatments should expect to be fully informed about the entire procedure, risks and side effects.  For realistic expectations, ask your dentist how long things will look their best after treatment, and about maintenance advice. If there is any information you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask for further clarification. The treatment should be something you choose to do, rather than something you are told to do.

Yes, this is essential. Request before-and-after photos from any potential practitioner – examples may be available on their website or in published articles they may have written for the dental press. Always look for a dentist or specialist to provide you with many examples of the same style of work that you are considering. Sometimes he or she may have done only one case! Testimonials are also useful so ask to contact any previous patients who could share their experience.

It is crucial to check what aftercare will be available if things don’t go as planned. There should be a support system outlined for the long term before the treatment begins, especially if something doesn’t go to plan (an ever-present risk if considering cut-price treatments abroad).