Choosing the right dentist is about more than convenience. For many patients, it’s a crucial decision that comes down to training, experience, and whether their chosen dentist can deliver advanced, comprehensive care they need. This is where the distinction between a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and a general dentist comes in. At Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Jeffrey Clark, FAGD, offers patients the peace of mind that comes with both clinical expertise and years of continued education.
What Does It Mean to Be a General Dentist?
A general dentist completes dental school, earns a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, and becomes licensed to practice. Their role covers preventive care, fillings, crowns, and basic cosmetic and restorative procedures. General dentists are skilled professionals, but their training essentially stops at graduation unless they actively pursue additional education in dental specialties. Many do, though the depth of that specialization can vary.
The Path to Becoming a FAGD Dentist
Earning the Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry requires a serious professional commitment. To qualify, a dentist must:
- Complete at least 500 hours of continuing education across multiple disciplines.
- Pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of general dentistry.
- Maintain ongoing professional development and continuing education.
This process often takes years, requiring dentists to balance patient care with advanced coursework and clinical study. Only about 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada achieve Fellowship status, making it a rare and highly respected distinction.
Why Advanced Training Matters for Patients
The difference between a general dentist and a FAGD dentist often shows up in the depth and nuances of patient care. The extra training required for FAGD status typically manifests in:
- Broader expertise — FAGD dentists must stay abreast of the latest innovations in implantology, cosmetic dentistry, sedation, and more.
- Better problem-solving — Complex oral restoration cases, like full-mouth restorations or smile redesigns, often benefit from FAGD dentists’ advanced techniques and insights.
- Comprehensive care — Patients of FAGD dentists don’t need as many (or frequent) referrals to specialists because FAGD dentists are usually equipped to handle complex needs in-house.
In real terms, this all means greater convenience for you, thanks to fewer appointments, more consistency and continuity in your care, and better long-term results.
FAGD Dentist vs. General Dentist: Key Differences
While general and FAGD dentists are both fully licensed to treat patients, there are certain key distinctions between the two. The most significant of these include:
- Education — A general dentist may take occasional continuing education courses, whereas an FAGD dentist must continually prove and expand their expertise through hundreds of required hours.
- Testing — FAGD dentists must pass an in-depth, standardized exam to earn their designation. General dentists, on the other hand, do not face such a requirement.
- Commitment — Earning an AGD Fellowship evidences a dedication to lifelong learning and innovation that is not required of general dentists.
- Scope of treatment — General dentists must often refer out certain advanced or complex cases. FAGD dentists are much more likely to be able to manage these directly, in-house.
So, what does all this mean for patients? Simply, it translates into confidence that your dentist has continued to grow and develop professionally beyond the level at which they graduated.
How a FAGD Dentist Benefits You
Patients who choose a FAGD dentist often notice certain key differences from general dentists:
- Precision in treatment planning — From dental implants to complex cosmetic work, your treatment plan with an FAGD is uniquely tailored to your specific needs.
- Less invasive options — FAGD dentists’ up-to-date knowledge of the newest, gentlest, and most efficient techniques allows for an optimized focus on patient comfort.
- Longevity of results — When an FAGD dentist designs and plans your restorations, alignments, and reconstructions, they do so with both form, function, and longevity in mind.
- Holistic oral health focus — FAGD dentists have an advanced understanding of how oral health connects to systemic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
A FAGD dentist doesn’t just fix problems; they help prevent them from ever arising while keeping your smile and bite healthier for the long haul!
FAGD Recognition in Cosmetic Dentistry
In a city like Scottsdale, cosmetic dentistry is a priority for many patients. A FAGD dentist brings an elevated level of skill to every service and treatment. Dr. Jeffrey Clark’s FAGD distinction is no different, reflecting his commitment to offering not just visually appealing cosmetic improvements, but lasting functional restoration. Most notably, this results in:
- Smile makeovers that optimally balance aesthetics and function.
- Veneers and crowns that are crafted with cutting-edge techniques and materials for the utmost precision.
- Implant-supported restorations that combine a natural look and feel, as well as incredible longevity.
Common Misconceptions About FAGD Dentists
At Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry, in our conversations with patients, we’ve encountered some myths and misconceptions on the “FAGD vs. general dentist” subject. So, while we're here, let’s clear a few of these up for Scottsdale patients!
- “FAGD dentists are specialists” — Not quite. FAGD dentists are general dentists with advanced training, not formally designated specialists.
- “It’s just a title” — Nope. The FAGD designation is far more than a marketing label. It requires years of study, hundreds of hours of education, and a thorough certification exam.
- “It doesn’t really matter” — If you’re considering dental implants or other, more complex cosmetic or preventive procedures requiring long-term success and stability, the extra expertise matters a lot.
Is a FAGD Dentist Right for You?
If you want peace of mind that your dentist is committed to continuous learning and clinical excellence, choosing a FAGD dentist makes sense. Whether your needs are preventive, restorative, or cosmetic, the difference in training can mean better care and stronger results.
Advanced, Patient-Focused Dental Care in Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re searching for a FAGD dentist in Scottsdale, Dr. Jeffrey Clark and the excellent Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry team are here to provide advanced, comprehensive, and personalized care. From preventive exams to full smile makeovers, we combine extensive training with a patient-first approach.
Contact Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation and experience the difference a FAGD dentist can make!