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FAGD and MAGD: What Do These Awards Mean?

 

These awards mean that your general dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by pursuing additional designations. The Fellowship (FAGD) and Mastership (MAGD) Awards are two of the most rigorous continuing dental education programs today. They help your dentist stay up to date on the most current dental procedures in order to offer you the highest quality of care.

FAGD:  A general dentist who is a "Fellow" in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) has been recognized by other general dentists as a leader and exemplifies to other dentists the importance of quality continuing dental education. To earn the FAGD, a 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.

MAGD:  A general dentist who has earned the designation of "Master" of the AGD (MAGD) has completed a structured and demanding set of requirements. To attain the MAGD, your dentist must first be a Fellow in the AGD. Your dentist must then earn an additional 600 approved continuing education hours (including 400 hours of hands-on courses), while meeting minimum requirements in certain dental disciplines.

Even if your dentist does not have an "FAGD" or "MAGD" after his or her name, it is possible that he or she has taken continuing education. At your next visit, ask your dentist how he or she is staying up to date on procedures to provide you and your family with a wide range of treatment options.
Reviewed: January 2012