Here’s something that might surprise you: in Texas, any licensed dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. No special certification required. No extra exam to pass. Just a title they can add to their website if they feel like it.
That doesn’t mean they should. And it definitely doesn’t mean they have the training, experience, or artistry to give you the smile you’re hoping for. If you’re considering porcelain veneers, a smile makeover, or any cosmetic dental work, you’re making an investment in how you look and feel every single day. Choosing the right dentist matters.
Credentials That Actually Mean Something
Dr. Mark Sowell holds a distinction that fewer than 50 dentists nationwide can claim: he’s an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).
What does that actually mean? It means he didn’t just attend a weekend course and hang a certificate on the wall. Achieving accreditation requires submitting multiple complex cases for evaluation by a panel of peers, passing rigorous written and oral exams, and demonstrating mastery of cosmetic dentistry at the highest level. It takes years.
When you see “AACD accredited” behind a dentist’s name, you’re looking at someone who has been thoroughly vetted by the leading authority in cosmetic dentistry. It’s the gold standard.
A Portfolio You Can Actually See
Any cosmetic dentist worth considering should have photos of their work. Lots of them.
Look for before-and-after images that show a range of cases, not just the perfect Hollywood smiles, but realistic transformations on real people. Pay attention to whether the results look natural. Do the veneers blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth? Does the smile fit the person’s face?
Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen have hundreds of cases between them. They’re proud of their work, and they should be. If a dentist hesitates to show you examples of what they’ve done, consider that a red flag.
Advanced Training Beyond Dental School
Dentists learn the basics in school. Great cosmetic dentists never stop learning. Dr. Sowell attends over 100 hours of continuing education every single year. That’s more than triple the requirement in Texas. He also lectures to other dentists, sharing what he’s learned over 25 years of practice.
Dr. Chen completed three years of additional specialty training to become a prosthodontist, the branch of dentistry focused on restoring and replacing teeth with precision and aesthetics. She’s also been peer-reviewed and published in dental journals. When a dentist invests that much time in education, you’re the one who benefits.
An Artist and a Team
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just clinical. It’s artistic. Your smile needs to complement your face, your features, and your personality. That takes an eye for proportion, color, and shape that goes beyond clinical training.
At Aesthetic Dentistry Centre, that artistry extends beyond our dentists to our master ceramist, James Chung. He works right here in our in-office ceramic lab, crafting each veneer and crown by hand. Because he’s part of the team, he can collaborate directly with Dr. Sowell or Dr. Chen to get the shade, texture, and fit exactly right.
That kind of collaboration, dentist and artist working together in the same building, is rare. And it shows in the results.
A Philosophy Beyond “Cosmetic”
Here’s something Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen believe: all dentistry is cosmetic in nature.
That doesn’t mean every filling needs to be a work of art. It means they believe your dental work, whether it’s a single crown or a full-mouth reconstruction, should complement your natural appearance. Function and beauty aren’t separate things. They go together.
Improve Your Smile Today
You have options. Lots of them. And you deserve to feel confident in the person you choose to shape your smile.
Ask about credentials. Look at before-and-after photos. Ask how much continuing education they complete. And trust your gut. The right cosmetic dentist will make you feel heard, respected, and excited about what’s possible.
Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen have built their practice on that foundation for over 25 years. We’d love to show you what’s possible for your smile. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.