Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry

The Academy of General Dentistry

Achieving Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry is one of the few added distinctions a general dentist can achieve. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is the only professional association exclusively serving the interests and needs of general dentists.

To earn Fellowship in the AGD, dentists must take more than 500 hours of education courses in various disciplines. Candidates must also pass a rigorous exam.

The award is then presented to general dentists in a formal ceremony. Michael Thomas, Jr. D.M.D., F.A.G.D. is one of only 7 percent of general dentists who have achieved this honor. To learn more about this award or the AGD, visit www.agd.org.

What does that FAGD
at the end of my name
stand for?

The FAGD stands for Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

What is the Academy of General Dentistry?

The AGD is the professional associaton for general dentists. It is the only organization exclusively dedicated to representing the interests and serving the needs of general dentists, like me.

Why is a Fellowship important?

A dentist who has received their Fellowship offers his or her patients cutting-edge care. We have to complete 500 hours of continuing education in various disciplines and then pass a rigorous examination. It's not easy, but it's worth it to make sure my patients are getting the best possible care available.

How many dentists have
a Fellowship in the AGD?

Only 7 percent of general dentists have achieved Fellowship.

How long does
Fellowship take?

It varies based on personal availability to take the special courses and exam. For me, it took 6 years to achieve Fellowship. For some doctors it takes them more than 15 years.

How does your AGD membership benefit me
and my family?

I care about your long-term dental health, and I demonstrate 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 and provide quality treatment. The AGD believes that 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.