AGD Fellow
I‘m an AGD Fellow. Here’s What That Means for You and Your Family.
Dr. Stephen Brand, DMD, has officially earned Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) — one of the most demanding continuing education achievements in general dentistry. It’s a distinction held by only about 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada.
What This Means for You and Your Family
Choosing a dentist is choosing who you trust with your health. Here’s what Dr. Brand’s Fellowship means for every patient who walks through our door:
- Up-to-date care. Dr. Brand practices the newest, evidence-based techniques and technologies — not outdated methods.
- Whole-body focus. AGD training emphasizes how oral health connects to your overall well-being, not just your teeth.
- Proven dedication. Fellowship reflects a level of commitment to your care that goes beyond the standard requirements to keep a dental license active.
What Does FAGD Mean?
FAGD stands for Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and it’s proof of an ongoing commitment to mastering the newest techniques, technologies, and best practices in dentistry, long after dental school ends.
When you see FAGD after a dentist’s name, it means that dentist has gone well beyond the minimum requirements to keep practicing. AGD Fellows return to the classroom multiple times a year, training hands-on in the latest procedures — something most dentists never do.
What It Takes to Become an AGD Fellow
Earning Fellowship isn’t quick or easy. To become an AGD Fellow, a dentist must:
- Complete more than 500 hours of continuing dental education (CE)
- Earn at least 350 of those hours in live, in-person courses — not online modules
- Pass a comprehensive exam comparable in difficulty to board certification exams
This process typically takes years of consistent, deliberate study on top of a full-time dental practice.
"I'm an AGD Fellow — and I'm just as committed to you and your family's smiles as I was on day one, dedicated to using the most current, effective methods available in dentistry."
About the Academy of General Dentistry
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has been a leading organization for general dentists for more than 65 years and now represents over 40,000 members across the U.S. and Canada. Fellowship is one of AGD’s highest honors, reserved for dentists who go above and beyond in their pursuit of clinical excellence.
Learn more at KnowMyDentist.org
Ready to Experience the Difference?
If you’re looking for a dentist who invests in continuing education so your family gets the most current, comprehensive care available, we’d love to see you.
Request an Appointment Below | (570) 749-3900
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FAGD stand for?
FAGD stands for Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry — a credential awarded to general dentists who complete extensive continuing education beyond dental school.
Is FAGD hard to get?
Yes. Earning Fellowship requires more than 500 hours of continuing education, including at least 350 hours of live, in-person coursework, plus passing an exam comparable in difficulty to board certification exams. Only about 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada hold this distinction.
What’s the difference between a regular dentist and an AGD Fellow?
All licensed dentists meet minimum continuing education requirements to keep their license active. AGD Fellows go far beyond that minimum, completing hundreds of additional hours of live training to stay current on the newest procedures and technologies.
How does an FAGD dentist benefit me as a patient?
An FAGD dentist has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to learning the latest, most effective dental techniques, which means you benefit from more current, evidence-based care.
Who is Dr. Stephen Brand?
Dr. Stephen Brand, DMD, FAGD, is a general dentist at Brand Dental in Kingston, PA, and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.