MAGD stands for Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. Less than 2% of U.S. dentists hold it. Here’s what it actually requires and why it should change how you choose a dentist.
The two-step process: FAGD, then MAGD
Every dentist completes 4 years of dental school to earn their DDS or DMD. That’s it for most dentists, they’re licensed to practice and aren’t required to take much continuing education beyond minimums.
FAGD (Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry): Requires 500+ hours of continuing education across all dental disciplines, plus passing a comprehensive exam. This is itself a meaningful achievement.
MAGD (Master): Requires an additional 600+ hours, for a total of 1,100+ hours of post-doctoral education, plus 400 hands-on participation hours and additional clinical demonstrations.
Total time investment: typically 7–10 years beyond dental school.
Why most dentists never pursue it
It’s optional. No state requires it. There’s no financial incentive, patients don’t ask about it because they don’t know.
It requires turning down billable patient days to attend hands-on courses across the country, sometimes for a week at a time.
It requires active participation in clinical demonstrations, not just sitting through lectures.
Most dentists hit the basic continuing education minimum (10–30 hours per year depending on state) and stop. That’s not a criticism, it’s just the natural path.
What MAGD-level training covers
1,100+ hours across all 16 AGD-defined dental disciplines: implants, orthodontics (Invisalign), endodontics (root canals), prosthodontics (crowns/bridges/dentures), periodontics (gum health), oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, sedation, occlusion, cosmetic dentistry, and more.
Not all 1,100 hours are at any one specialty, the breadth is the point. An MAGD has gone deep across the entire scope of general dentistry.
Why this matters for complex cases
Routine care (cleanings, simple fillings) doesn’t require an MAGD. Most general dentists do these competently.
Complex cases are where MAGD-level training shows up: implant placement and restoration, full smile makeovers, complex Invisalign cases, full-arch restorations, sedation cases, TMJ treatment, and cases where multiple disciplines interact.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Book Your ConsultWhen you have complex needs, the depth and breadth of an MAGD’s training is what prevents the kind of “send you to a specialist” runaround that adds cost and coordination friction.
It’s also a marker of continued learning
MAGDs are required to maintain ongoing continuing education to keep the credential, typically 75+ hours every 3 years.
Translation: your MAGD dentist is investing in keeping up with new materials, techniques, and research throughout her career. Many non-MAGD dentists do this voluntarily too, but it’s not required of them.
How to verify a dentist’s MAGD status
The Academy of General Dentistry maintains a public lookup tool at agd.org. Search by city or name to verify a dentist’s status.
Dr. Esther Pedersen, MAGD, FAACA is one of the few MAGD-credentialed dentists in the Kansas City metro.
Related reading
- Dentist in Overland Park, KS, MAGD Practice
- Dental Implants in Overland Park
- Cosmetic Dentist in Overland Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MAGD better than other dental credentials?
MAGD is the highest credential the Academy of General Dentistry offers, and the most comprehensive. Specialist credentials (DDS-Endo, DDS-Perio, etc.) are for narrow specialties. MAGD represents depth across all disciplines.
Should I switch dentists if mine isn’t MAGD?
Not necessarily, for routine care, any well-trained dentist is fine. For complex treatment (implants, makeovers, full-arch restorations, sedation), MAGD-level credentials are worth seeking out.
How can I find an MAGD dentist near me?
Visit agd.org and use the lookup tool, or search “MAGD dentist [city]”. In the Kansas City metro, Dr. Esther Pedersen at Love To Smile is one of the few MAGD-credentialed dentists.
Does MAGD cost more?
Sometimes slightly, but not dramatically. MAGD dentists tend to be priced in the standard middle of the market for routine care, with premiums for advanced services where the MAGD training shows.
Written by the team at Love To Smile Complete Family & Implant Dentistry, Overland Park, KS & Peculiar, MO. Last updated 2026.
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