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 world’s second largest dental association! It’s the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. AGD’s 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 treat you and your entire family and care for your overall oral health. This is crucial to your total health! Your general dentist takes responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment and overall coordination of services to meet your oral health needs. If you need a specialized dental procedure performed, your general dentist may work with other dentists to make sure you get the care you need.
How does my dentist’s membership in 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. 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 voluntary continuing education every three years. However, surveys show that members average more than 40 hours each year.
What are Fellows of the AGD (FAGD)?
To earn a Fellowship Award, 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.
What are Masters of the AGD (MAGD)?
To attain a Mastership Award, 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.