The Texas Academy of General Dentistry (TAGD) is the second-largest dental organization in Texas, representing over 2,400 general dentists who are dedicated to continuing dental education. Formed in 1961, TAGD is a constituent of the national Academy of General Dentistry and has 17 local components throughout Texas.
TAGD "advances excellence in general dentistry" by promoting and producing high quality continuing dental education. In 1991, TAGD instituted the Lone Star Dental Conference, designed to bring outstanding educational programs to members and to provide a venue for "Texas Dentist of the YearT" presentations. The "Texas Dentist of the YearT" award, given annually by TAGD, draws an average of 20 nominees from all areas of the state, and is the most prestigious honor a Texas dentist can receive.
In addition to the annual Lone Star Dental Conference, TAGD co-sponsors outstanding speakers at the Annual Session of the Texas Dental Association, the Star of the South dental meeting in Houston, and the Southwest Dental Conference at Dallas.
Through its 17 local components, TAGD continuously sponsors numerous dental education programs throughout Texas.
TAGD also reviews and approves program providers who have met the "14 Standards of Quality Continuing Education."
Membership in AGD requires that members maintain 75 hours of continuing dental education in a 3-year period - more than double the hours required by the State Board of Dental Examiners for relicensure. AGD also awards Fellowships and Masterships to those meeting the high standards and stringent requirements of these awards - 500 approved CE hours for Fellowship and an additional 600 approved hours for Mastership.
Through ongoing strategic planning, committed members, and distinguished leaders at local, state and national levels, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry actively pursues its vision to continue as the standard-bearer for general dentistry in the 21st century.