By Adamo Notarantonio, DDS, FAACD
 
I remember my first AACD meeting in Atlanta, 2006. The speakers, events, and education were incredible. Above all, one thing stood out to me—the Accreditation Showcases of Excellence. At that moment, I remember saying to myself, “I hope I can do dentistry like that someday.”

In the words of Mark Twain, the two most important days of your life are
the day you were born and the day you find out why.

For me, the day I found out why I was born was that day in Atlanta. The Showcase of Excellence made me want to reach a whole new level of dentistry I hadn’t realized was possible. I began my journey the following year. Although difficult, it was by far the most educational and rewarding experience of my life. Not only did I receive a top-notch education, I also met new friends, mentors and colleagues that share the same passion and enthusiasm for dentistry that I do. My journey reached a milestone when I received my Accreditation award during the 27th Annual AACD Scientific Session in Boston in 2011. That night is still one of the most special nights of my life.

As the years go by and my career continues to grow, I continually say that I owe everything I have attained to the AACD, its Accreditation process, and the people who helped me to achieve Accreditation. I urge everyone to consider the process and to make a valiant effort at achieving it. Whether you are successful or not, I can attest to the fact that the education you receive and the people you meet along the way will be unparalleled. Accredited AACD Members often say it’s not really about the credential—it’s about the journey. AACD Accreditation is the platform from which you can achieve your full potential as a dental professional.

Visit the Accreditation section on the AACD Website and be inspired to take your AACD Membership to the next level. Discover the accomplishments achieved by dental professionals in the 2017 Accredited and Accredited Fellow Showcase of Excellence. They inspired me back in Atlanta, and they continue to do so each year
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