Frequently Asked Questions

What Does FAGD Stand For After Dr. Barry's Name?

Dr. Barry is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists who are dedicated to professional development and continuing education. All AGD members must remain current with advances in the profession to provide quality patient treatment. 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 an example to other dentists of the importance of quality continuing dental education to patient care. Fellows have accepted the charge to keep abreast of advances in dentistry for the benefit of patients and the betterment of dentistry. They serve as mentors and leaders to other dentists pursuing continuing dental education. They set examples in their communities with their hard work, concern and involvement.

What are the steps to Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry?

To earn a Fellowship Award, your dentist must earn a minimum of 500 approved continuing dental education credits and pass a comprehensive 400-question examination. Your dentist must also be an Academy of General Dentistry member for five continuous years. While attaining Fellowship is a challenge, it allows dentists to remain current with what is new in dentistry, and to incorporate the latest techniques into their practices.

What's special about a dentist who has an award from the Academy of General Dentistry?

Fellows of the Academy of General Dentistry follow a lifelong pursuit of continuing education to provide the highest quality of dental care to patients. The award symbolizes the professional responsibility of general dentists to remain current in their profession and reminds each member of the dental profession to continue to learn new techniques for their dental practice. These are awards, however and should not be confused with post-graduate degrees or certification. Every dentist who applies for the Fellowship award has their application reviewed by the AGD Council on Dental Education to assure that the high standards of the Academy of General Dentistry are met.