When you’re choosing a dentist, you have options. Arlington Heights alone has dozens of practices. You can pick based on location, convenience, or whoever has the soonest opening. But what sets one dentist apart from another? What makes a dentist truly exceptional?
For Dr. Ryan Springer, the answer is simple. He’s one of only 400 dentists worldwide accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He’s also one of only two partners in Illinois to hold that distinction. That credential comes from years of rigorous training, testing, and peer review.
At Arlington Advanced Dentistry, we believe you deserve to know what that means for your smile. So let’s break it down.
What Is the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry?
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to advancing cosmetic dentistry. Founded in 1984, it has members in over 70 countries.
But membership isn’t the same as accreditation. The AACD offers a rigorous accreditation program that only a small percentage of dentists complete. It’s considered the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry.
Accreditation requires dentists to:
- Complete extensive continuing education in cosmetic dentistry
- Submit cases for peer review by a panel of experts
- Pass written and clinical examinations
- Demonstrate mastery of smile design, color matching, and restorative techniques
The process takes years. Many dentists start it, but few finish. Dr. Springer finished, putting him in a category shared by only 400 dentists worldwide.
Why This Matters for Your Smile
You might be thinking, “That’s impressive, but what does it mean for me?” It means your dentist in Arlington Heights has been tested by his peers and found to meet the highest standards in cosmetic dentistry.
- Precision and Predictability: Cosmetic dentistry creates results that are functional, durable, and natural-looking. AACD accreditation means Dr. Springer has demonstrated the skills to deliver those results consistently.
- Artistic Eye: Cosmetic dentistry is part art, part science. The AACD accreditation process evaluates a dentist’s ability to design smiles that look natural and complement each patient’s facial features. It’s not just about technical skill. It’s about aesthetics.
- Commitment to Excellence: Earning accreditation requires a significant investment of time and money. Dentists who pursue it are committed to being the best. That commitment benefits every patient they treat.
Dr. Springer’s accreditation is proof that he’s among the best in the world at what he does.
The Only Partners in Illinois
Here’s something else that sets our practice apart. Dr. Springer and Dr. Stevan Orser were the only partners in Illinois accredited by the AACD.
Dr. Orser retired in June 2024 after decades of practice. During his career, the AACD recognized him as an Accredited Examiner. He also taught other dentists at the prestigious Eubank Teaching Institute in Plano, Texas, and served as a visiting faculty member at UCLA.
That legacy of excellence lives on at Arlington Advanced Dentistry. Dr. Springer carries forward the same commitment to artistry, precision, and patient care.
And he’s not done learning. He’s currently pursuing a fellowship with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He’s also a scholar of the prestigious Dawson Academy, an alumnus of the Kois Center, Pankey Institute, and Spear Institute, where he received advanced training in TMJ disorders, complex reconstructive dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry.
This isn’t a dentist who stopped learning after dental school. This is an Arlington Heights dentist who has dedicated his career to mastering his craft.
Beyond Accreditation: Dr. Springer’s Other Achievements
The AACD accreditation is remarkable on its own, but it’s not the only credential that sets Dr. Springer apart:
- Graduated with Highest Clinical Performance: Dr. Springer graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry with the highest clinical performance in his class. He also received the Dean’s Silver Award for having the highest national board scores.
- Award-Winning Implant Work: He received the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Award and the Academy of Osseointegration Implant Dentistry Award. These awards recognize excellence in implant dentistry.
- The Only 2-Time “Best Case of the Year” Winner: Dr. Springer is the only 2-time winner of “Best Case of the Year,” as voted by the Dawson Academy faculty and alumni at their annual meeting. This award recognizes exceptional clinical work and outcomes.
- Invited to Teach: Because of his outstanding performance at Indiana University School of Dentistry, Dr. Springer was personally invited to teach classes in restorative dentistry and implantology. He’s also a Dawson Academy scholar, where he continues to learn from and collaborate with the best in the field.
What This Means for Patients in Arlington Heights
If you live in Arlington Heights or the surrounding communities, you have access to a dentist with world-class credentials. You don’t have to drive to downtown Chicago or travel out of state. You can get exceptional care right here in your neighborhood.
That matters for several reasons:
- Complex Cases Handled In-House: Dr. Springer has advanced training in surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and implantology. He can treat advanced cases on-site, which eliminates the errors and confusion that come with referrals. You don’t have to bounce between offices. You get one coordinated team, one plan, and one point of accountability.
- Aesthetic Excellence: If you’re considering cosmetic treatment, whether it’s porcelain veneers, professional whitening, or a complete smile makeover, you want a dentist with an artistic eye. Dr. Springer’s AACD accreditation means he’s been recognized for creating natural-looking, beautiful results.
- Lasting Results: Dr. Springer’s training at the Dawson Academy and Kois Center focused on Complete Dentistry and occlusion. This means he doesn’t just make teeth look good. He ensures your bite is stable, your restorations function properly, and your results last.
Meet the Rest of the Team
Dr. Springer isn’t working alone. Our practice also includes Dr. Tanner Hauptman, a general dentist who brings advanced training in implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, full mouth rehabilitation, root canal therapy, and oral surgery.
Dr. Hauptman completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System’s Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital. During dental school at Case Western Reserve University, he served as both Class President and Student Body President. He was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship for Academic and Clinical Excellence and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society.
Together, Dr. Springer and Dr. Hauptman provide comprehensive care for adults in Arlington Heights.
Serving Arlington Heights and Beyond
Arlington Advanced Dentistry is located at 1845 E Rand Rd Ste 200 in Arlington Heights, IL 60004. We proudly serve patients from:
- Arlington Heights
- Palatine
- Mount Prospect
- Prospect Heights
- Rolling Meadows
- Buffalo Grove
- Wheeling
- And surrounding communities
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re looking for a dentist in Arlington Heights recognized as one of the best in the world, we’d love to meet you. Dr. Springer and our team will take the time to listen to your goals, evaluate your smile, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Call Arlington Advanced Dentistry at 224-491-4229 to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online. Your smile deserves exceptional care.