Fact Sheet: Academy of General Dentistry
What is the Academy of General Dentistry?
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a professional association of more than 37,000 general dentists from the United States and Canada. Founded in 1952, the AGD has grown to become the second largest dental association in the United States. it’s the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. The AGD Headquarters office is located in Chicago, Ill.
What is a General Dentist?
General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can provide overall oral health care for you and your family. Your general dentist manages the diagnosis, treatment, and overall coordination of services to meet your oral health needs. If you need a dental procedure performed by a specialist, your general dentist will work with other dentists to make sure you get the care you need.
How Does My Dentist’s Membership in the AGD Benefit Me?
Your general dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by belonging to the AGD. AGD members are dedicated to continuing education to help them stay up-to-date on the latest procedures to provide you and your family with quality treatment. The general dentist who remains current in general dentistry is better able to offer you and your family a variety of diagnosis and treatment choices.
What are the Requirements to Become an AGD Member?
Members never stop learning since the AGD requires its members to participate in 75 hours of continuing education every three years. Despite the requirement, however, surveys show that AGD members average more than 40 hours each year.
What is Fellowship in the AGD?
To earn a Fellowship Award in the AGD (FAGD), your dentist must complete a minimum of 500 continuing dental education credit hours, pass a comprehensive exam, and have been an AGD member for three continuous years. After receiving Fellowship, your dentist may publicize his or her award by adding the FAGD designation to his or her name.
What is Mastership in the AGD?
To attain a Mastership Award in the AGD (MAGD), your dentist must first be a Fellow in the AGD. Then your dentist must earn an additional 600 approved continuing dental education credits, meeting minimum requirements in certain dental disciplines, of which 400 hours are hands-on courses. After receiving Mastership, your dentist may publicize his or her award by adding the MAGD designation to his or her name.
