LETTERS AFTER YOUR DEGREE (FAGD, FICD)
A common question we get is what do the letters AFTER your degree mean, and how come not all dentists have them? For example, Dr. Bosher has the letters F.A.G.D. & F.I.C.D. after his name and degree.
The letters FAGD indicate “Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry”. It means a couple of different things in that you have to be a member of the Academy of General Dentistry in which not all dentists aren’t (as it is not a requirement). To a patient, it would tell you that that dentist has a commitment to dental education. As we all know, everything is constantly changing in any field, and that is no different in dentistry. In order to obtain recognition as a Fellow, it requires an immense amount of continuing education (must be accredited) hours, maintaining standing within the profession and with the Academy, and to pass the AGD Fellowship exam. All of these things are not a requirement to practice dentistry, so if your dentist has the designation of FAGD that means he or she has a commitment to always bettering themselves through continuing education in order to provide the best service and patient care. In order to be eligible to sit for the exam, a dentist must obtain 500 hours of continuing education. For context, the state requirement of Texas is 12 hours of continuing education a year thus it is highly possible (dependent on how long that dentist is in practice) they may never obtain 500 hours.
Dr. Bosher has been awarded Fellowship to the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Nguyen is what is considered a Pre-Fellow and is well on his way to the required 500 hours.
Dr. Bosher also has the letters FICD which designates Fellow of the International College of Dentists. The honor of fellowship into this organization denotes “recognition of outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service, and the continued progress of the procession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind.” This is a very prestigious honor, not lightly designated.
If you have any questions you had always wondered or would like covered please don’t hesitate to ask via email.