September 2007 - Paul Mitsch, DMD, owner of Augusta Family Dentistry, received his Fellowship in the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP).  Dr. Mitsch is one of three Kansas dentists to receive Fellowship status.

"I am honored to receive my Fellowship and be included with a group of colleagues who also value the importance of advancement of craniofacial pain and TMD knowledge, clinical practice and research," stated Dr. Mitsch.

The American Academy of Craniofacial Pain was established in 1985.  Its purpose was to meet the need for widespread knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).  Today, the AACFP has members in 46 states and 15 countries that embrace diverse philosophies of diagnosis and treatment.  Members include dentists, physicians, psychologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, registered nurses, dental hygienists and other health-care professionals committed to the study and treatment of such pain.

"After having met well-known dentists and practitioners who are incredibly focused on their patients' needs and helping patients with craniofacial pain, I now understand what an important step Fellowship is,"  expressed Mary Runyan, dental assistant at Augusta Family Dentistry, who traveled to Fort Worth with Dr. Mitsch for the AACPs symposium early this month.  "We are pleased that Dr. Mitsch is among these devoted dentists."

In order to be accepted for Fellowship with the AACP, dentists must first be members of the Academy.  The applicant must have graduated from an accredited dental school and must hold a current license.  In addition, the member applying for Fellowship must have: spent the immediate past five years in treating head, neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ disorders; treated a minimum of 300 head, neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ patients; advanced study and training in the field which consists of successful completion of at least two or more academic years of graduate study in an American Dental Academy (ADA) accredited dental school or a minimum of 500 hours of continuing education courses in the field. 

For his Fellowship status, Dr. Mitsch was also required to pass written and oral examinations given by the Academy's Credentialing Committee and the Board of Directors.

"Does it mean Dr. Mitsch is the best dentist in the area?  That's for our patients to decide.  It does mean that he has gone that extra mile to better understand craniofacial pain and TMJ disorders.  It is something that is often misunderstood and mis-diagnosed but is directly related to oral health," stated Ashley Anderson, dental assistant at Augusta Family Dentistry who also attended the symposium.

Dr. Mitsch purchased Augusta Family Dentistry in 1979.  Since then, he has focused on patients' dental health, neck, head and facial pain and TMJ disorders.

"What I have learned through the AACP is beneficial to my patients and to the staff at Augusta Family Dentistry," said Dr. Mitsch.  "I am glad that I am able to bring that knowledge to my community."