The Professional Initials F.A.G.D are a Mark of Excellence
Have you ever noticed the letters after your dentist’s name? Most of the time you’ll only see DDS or DMD.
Those distinguish them as either a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. DMD and DDS are equivalent degrees, indicating that your dentist completed dental school. However, if you’re looking for unique qualifications, there are two other important titles you can also look for when selecting a dentist — FAGD and MAGD. Find out more about designations of the AGD, at https://www.agd.org/practice/tools/patient-resources/know-my-dentist
What is an F.A.G.D.?
F.A.G.D. is the designation awarded to an outstanding, select group of accomplished general dentists. The abbreviation indicates completion of a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.
If your dentist is a Fellow or Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD or MAGD), they are considered the best of the best in the field. Only about 6 percent of general dentists are also awarded the designation of AGD Fellow, as of 2022.
You can rest assured that your dentist cares about knowing the latest techniques and best practices in dentistry. Your dentist utilizes the newest techniques in a classroom setting multiple times a year — not nearly every dentist does this, or is required to complete this rigorous educational continuum.
To become an AGD Fellow, a dentist must:
- Complete over 500 pre-approved, certified credit hours of continuing education. (Almost none of these hours are able to be earned in the state of Mississippi, as there are very few accredited providers here.)
- Earn 350 of those 500 credits in in-person and hand-on education courses.
- Pass a rigorous exam which is similar to advanced board certification exams.
Dr. Diana Pappa earned her Fellowship award in 2021. She is one of the few Fellows in the AGD in Mississippi, and one of very few in private practice dentistry in our state. Dr. Pappa is committed to clinical excellence and outstanding results for all her patients.
AGD Dentists are Leaders Among the Dental Community
Currently with 40,000 members, the Academy of General Dentistry has been a leading organization of general dentists for more than 65 years. For patients, that’s great news, indicating these doctors strive for the best outcomes for their patients, an invest in additional education in their doctor’s own free time.
Next time you visit us, ask us why we are proud of our accomplished doctor, Dr. Diana Pappa, at Madison Dental Studio.
