Dr. Houghton is so enthusiastic about smile design in dentistry because he has discovered the perfect combination of artistry and science. Blending his artistry skills with modern dentistry, he is excited to bring smile design to you.
Since Smile Design is not taught in dental school, it requires a great deal of specific post-graduate training. There are varying degrees of training ranging from home study, classroom, and classroom combined with clinical treatment. All of the post-graduate training Dr. Houghton has completed has included hands on courses with real patients. Futhermore, since the ADA will not call Cosmetic Dentistry a specialty, any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist regardless of their education. We’ve spent more time in cosmetic dental courses over the last 15 years than time spent in dental school. It is paramount that we are able to create a beautiful, elegant smile that looks as if you were born with it!
To guarantee the finest quality, natural looking dentistry, we pursued the highest standard in training. After all, our patients deserve the finest that dentistry has to offer! Our dentistry requires artistic ability, and Dr. Houghton has developed his own artistry through years of artistic refinement.
Dr. Houghton is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Approximately 3% of practicing dentists achieve this fellowship. In addition to passing a required exam, dentists earn this fellowship by completing a required number of continuing education courses.
We at Perfect Smiles are enthusiastic about what we do partly because of the amount of training and continuing education we take on a yearly basis. New Hampshire dentists are required to take 40 credit hours of continuing education bi-annually for licensure, but we take approximately five times that amount which is roughly 100+ credit hours yearly, or 200+ hours bi-annually.
These are just some of the certificates and degrees Dr. Houghton has earned:
- LVIF (Las Vegas Institute Fellowship)
- Advanced Bio PAK Scan Interpretation, 2018
- Advanced Jaw Development Orthodontics, 2018
- Biochemistry and Physiology of Inflammation – Level Two, 2017
- Mastering the Bio PAK Training Session, 2017
- Beginners Orthodontics – Level One, 2017
- Practical Advanced TMD Practice – Level One & Two, 2017
- Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and Myofunctional Therapy, 2017
- Controlled Arch Orthodontics and Case Finishing, 2017
- Full Face Orthodontics “F2O” Physiologic Orthodontics – Level Two
- The Physiologic Approach to Treating OSA – Level Two, 2017
- The Oxygen Advantage, 2016
- Associate Fellowship{ Physics, Safety and Regulatory Guidelines and Clinical Applications, 2015
- Core Review and Updated Integral Scientific Evolution, 2014
- International Academy of Ozone in Healthcare and Dentistry, 2013
- Antibacterial Strategies and the Promotion of Accelerated Healing in Medicine and Dentistry, 2012
- Activated Oxygen Certification Program, 2012
- Theory and Physiology of Heart Rate Variability — Practical Data Collection and Interpretation, 2010
- Advanced Dental Medical Physiology II, 2010
- Nutrition in Dentistry, 2010
- The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Advanced Programs including numerous Cosmetic, Neuromuscular, and Occlusion dental courses, 1997-2009
- Chirodontics, 2009
- Advanced Dental Medical Physiology I, 2009
- Advanced Fluorescence Visualization Application and Diagnosis, 2009
- Restoring Facial Symmetry through Dentition, 2009
- Sleep Dental Medicine (including Sleep Apnea), 2009
- Clear Correct Clear Aligner Orthodontics, 2009
- ACLS (Adult Cardiac Life Saving), 2002, 2009
- Advanced Laser Certification, 2009
- LVI Graduate Degree, 2008
- Mini Implant Dental System, 2008
- Bone Grafting, 2007
- Sinus Lifts, 2007
- Advanced Implant Placement Techniques, 2006, 2007
- Conscious Sedation, 2002, 2007
- Invisalign, 2002
- ACLS (Adult Cardiac Life Saving), 2002, 2009
- Full Mouth Reconstruction, LVI, 2001
- Laser Certification, Level II, 1999
- Implant Mini-Residency, 1996
- Automated Endodontics (root canals), 1995
- Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, 1994
- Leadership Program, Steven Covey, Utah, 1992
- Arrowhead International, Certificates in Advanced Crown & Bridge Technique, 1990
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Mini Residency in TMJ Pain, 1986
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, DMD Degree, 1983
- Brigham Young University, Bachelor of Science, Major: Microbiology, Minor: Chemistry, 1979
Dr. Houghton also attends, or has attended in the past, yearly educational and training conferences taught by:
- IACA (International Academy of Comprehensive Aesthetics) Annual conference consisting of three days of courses)
- The Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- The Academy of Laser Dentistry
- The Academy of General Dentistry
- Clinical Research Associates, Clinical Materials Update Course
- Yankee Dental Congress (general dentistry courses)
- Numerous, individual cosmetic dentistry courses
Dr. Houghton is a current member, or has been a member, of the following organizations:
- The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- International Academy of Comprehensive Aesthetics
(charter member) - The Academy of Laser Dentistry
- The Academy of General Dentistry
- The American Dental Association
- The New Hampshire Dental Society
Dr. Houghton is also a forum member of the following:
- The Las Vegas Institute for Cosmetic Dentistry
- Occlusal Connections
- Exceptional Dental Forum