About Us
Dr. Featherstone is the only dentist practicing in the Las Vegas area accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or AACD. This is the oldest and most prestigious organization in the world devoted to excellence in cosmetic dentistry.
His office was one of five in Las Vegas designated as a 2009 Premier Provider for Invisalign , the “no braces” orthodontic system. Dr. Featherstone won first place in May 2008 at the Invisalign national competition.
He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, or AGD and Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, or AAID.
In fact, Dr. Featherstone is the only dentist in Nevada and most of the western states that can claim all four of these credentials. Aren’t you looking for a dentist who has proven skills?
The following are explanations of each of these credentials:
AACD: Accredited Member, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AAACD)
In 1984 the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, was created to develop an organization devoted to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. From this small gathering of dedicated individuals, the AACD has matured into the world’s largest organization for cosmetic dental professionals. The requirements are:
- Pass a written examination, and five clinical cases.
- Each case must be submitted with 12 “before” photographic images and 12 “after.”
- A report is included which describes the case with references
- Each case is reviewed by the Board of Cosmetic Dentistry using calibrated criteria.
- The photography and dentistry must exhibit the highest levels of perfection in form, color, and healthy gums.
- The five cases are: 1) Six or more veneer or crown restorations 2) One or two crowns or veneers on front teeth that are indistinguishable from real adjacent teeth. 3) Tooth replacement with implant or bridge which look like natural emergence from the gum. 4) Repair of broken front tooth with composite material in one visit. 5) Six or more composite veneers completed in one visit.
AAID: Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AFAAID)
Founded in 1951, the Academy is the first professional organization in the world dedicated to implant dentistry.
- Current membership is 3,500 dentists worldwide.
- The Academy provides bona fide credentialing in implant dentistry through the Associate Fellow and Fellow membership examinations.
- Applicants must be licensed dentists who have completed at least 300 hours of postdoctoral or continuingeducation in implant dentistry, which included at least one course with a participatory format
- Each applicant must present three (3) cases on three (3) different patients for in-depth discussion with the examiners.
- Dr. Featherstone achieved Associate Fellow status in 1993 and has been actively placing and restoring implants since 1982.
Invisalign Provider 2009:
With the introduction of the Invisalign® system in 1999, Align Technology, Inc. pioneered the invisible orthodontics market and today is the leader in clear aligner therapy.
- Premier Provider: has achieved an exceptional level of Invisalign case experience. Current requirements are 24 cases every six months, after completing 75 cases.
- Preferred Provider (2010): Must complete at least 10 cases per year and complete at least 10 hours of continuing education per year with Invisalign.
Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)
The Academy of General Dentistry was organized to record and stimulate life long learning in all phases of dentistry for general dentists. There are 31 dentists in the Las Vegas valley including Dr. Featherstone who have earned fellowship in the Academy. The following are requirements:
- Maintain current AGD membership for three continuous years.
- The dentist’s license has not been suspended or revoked within the last five years and is not currently under probation, suspension, or revocation.
- Pass the Fellowship Exam.
- Complete 500 hours of approved continuing education.
- Attend an AGD convocation ceremony.
Dr. Featherstone received his fellowship award in 1982, and may place FAGD after his name. He averages now about 50 hours of continuing education per year. Although there are certain situations that require referral to a specialist, the judgment required to know when to refer is enhanced by knowledge of the field. You can be assured that your treatment will be carried out with utmost care, skill and judgment.
Richard W. Featherstone, DDS, completed dental training at the University of California, San Francisco in 1972. He then completed rotations in oral surgery, endodontics (root canals), and prosthetics (crowns and bridges) during his two year service at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. He practiced for 28 years in Salt Lake City Utah, before moving to Henderson, Nevada. He enjoys fly fishing, mountain biking, backpacking, and serving as a Boy Scout Committee Chairman. He is the proud father of 5 married children, each who have children of their own, totaling 11 grandchildren. His wife, Emily, works part time in the business side of the practice.
