- The A.G.D. (Academy of General Dentistry) is a large organization, approximately equivalent in membership size to the American Dental Association (A.D.A.). The A.D.A. is primarily concerned with legislative/political issues and is the main body representing all dental professionals. The A.G.D., on the other hand, is primarily concerned with matters of continuing education, accreditation of continuing education courses, etc.

- To become, and remain a member in good standing, of the A.G.D., one must take a certain number of continuing education courses on an annual basis. This number FAR exceeds that required by the state for license renewal.

- Within the A.G.D., three levels of membership exist: general member, F.A.G.D. and M.A.G.D.. As explained above, general membership requires the dentist to take a certain number of courses per year.

- The F.A.G.D. (Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry) level requires the dentist to accumulate a very high number of continuing education courses (which are usually all lecture) and then pass a full day exam.

- The M.A.G.D. level requires the dentist to first earn the F.A.G.D.. Then, the dentist must take courses that are "hands-on", or perform and document specific in-office procedures on all aspects of dentistry. Once a certain number of credits are earned in each discipline of dentistry, the honor of M.A.G.D. is conferred upon the dentist.