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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Academic Testing
Exam Format
Not publicly disclosed
Not publicly disclosed
Advanced Professional Credential
Registration
Meazure Testing Centers (400+ locations worldwide), Annual AACD Scientific Session
English
Validity
Permanent (once achieved)
Not required - Accreditation is permanent; Fellows must maintain active AACD membership; Continuing education encouraged through AACD
AACD Exam Topics and Domains
AACD is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with Bone grafting, BruxZir, CEREC blocks, Feldspathic porcelain, and more.
1
Smile Design Principles
16.67%
Incisal Edge Position
Optimal incisal edge placement
- Determine optimal incisal edge position for various patient types
- Understand relationship between incisal edge and facial features
Midline Analysis
Facial and dental midlines
- Identify and analyze midline discrepancies
- Determine treatment approaches for midline correction
Axial Inclination
Tooth axis and angulation
Evaluate and correct axial inclination in smile design
Incisal Embrasures
Embrasure form and progression
Design proper incisal embrasure form and progression
Tooth Proportion and Symmetry
Golden proportion and width-to-height ratios
- Apply proportional principles in smile design
- Create visually balanced and symmetric smiles
Buccal Corridor
Negative space in smile
Evaluate and optimize buccal corridor in smile design
Gingival Architecture
Gingival contours and zenith positions
Design and achieve optimal gingival architecture
Cervical Embrasures
Gingival embrasure design
Design proper cervical embrasure spaces for optimal aesthetics
2
Prosthodontic and Restorative Concepts
16.67%
Dental Materials
Material selection and properties
- Select appropriate dental materials for various clinical scenarios
- Understand material properties and limitations
Tooth Preparation
Preparation design and margin placement
- Execute proper tooth preparation for various restoration types
- Select appropriate margin designs for different clinical situations
Implant Prostheses
Implant-supported restorations
- Design and fabricate aesthetic implant-supported restorations
- Manage soft tissue around implant restorations
Pontic Site Development
Ridge augmentation and pontic design
Develop and manage pontic sites for optimal aesthetics
Interproximal Contacts and Connectors
Contact design and connector strength
Design proper interproximal contacts and connectors
Tooth Shade and Characteristics
Color science in dentistry
- Master shade selection and communication
- Understand and apply color science principles
3
Adhesion in Cosmetic Dentistry
16.67%
Adhesive Systems
Bonding mechanisms and systems
- Select and apply appropriate adhesive systems
- Understand mechanisms of dental adhesion
Cements
Luting cement selection and application
- Select appropriate luting cements for different materials
- Execute proper cementation protocols
Surface Treatment Protocols
Ceramic surface treatmentTooth surface preparationComposite surface treatment
- Execute proper surface treatment protocols for various materials
- Optimize bond strength through appropriate surface preparation
4
Materials in Cosmetic Dentistry
16.67%
Ceramics
Ceramic material types and properties
- Select appropriate ceramic materials for clinical situations
- Understand ceramic properties and limitations
Composites
Composite resin types and applications
- Select and apply appropriate composite materials
- Execute advanced composite layering techniques
Whitening Systems
Tooth whitening modalities
- Select and apply appropriate whitening protocols
- Manage whitening-related complications
5
Occlusion in Cosmetic Dentistry
16.67%
Occlusal Relationships
Centric relation and occlusal positions
- Identify and record occlusal relationships
- Manage occlusal discrepancies in cosmetic treatment
TMJ Anatomy and Function
Temporomandibular joint considerations
- Assess TMJ health and function
- Consider TMJ implications in treatment planning
Muscles of Mastication
Facial and masticatory muscles
- Evaluate masticatory muscle function
- Identify and manage parafunctional habits
Vertical Dimension
Vertical dimension assessment and modification
- Assess and modify vertical dimension when indicated
- Verify appropriate vertical dimension changes
6
Interdisciplinary Care
16.67%
Orthodontics
Orthodontic integration in cosmetic treatment
- Integrate orthodontic treatment in cosmetic cases
- Coordinate timing with orthodontic specialists
Periodontics
Periodontal considerations and procedures
- Integrate periodontal treatment in cosmetic cases
- Manage soft tissue aesthetics
Endodontics
Endodontic integration
- Manage endodontically treated teeth in cosmetic cases
- Optimize aesthetics of non-vital teeth
Oral Surgery
Surgical considerations
- Integrate oral surgery in cosmetic treatment planning
- Manage extraction sites for optimal aesthetics
Implantology
Implant planning and placement
- Plan implant placement for optimal aesthetics
- Coordinate implant and restorative phases
How do I earn this certification?
Passing AACD earns the AACD Accredited certification. It sits in the Cosmetic Dentistry Excellence track.
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for AACD is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
ACTIVE
Updates
- Digital Smile Design (DSD) Candidates increasingly using digital planning for case submissions
- CAD/CAM and Digital Dentistry Materials knowledge extends to digital ceramic systems
- Advanced Photography and Videography 12 required views remain standard, but quality expectations rising