Who is the Academy of General Dentistry? The AGD is an international professional organization for general dentists. It serves the needs and represents the interests of general dentists and fosters their continued proficiency through quality continuing dental education in order to better serve the public. How does the AGD benefit its members? The AGD is the only organization representing the needs of the general dentist. Benefits include: * National course recording service, annual printouts of CE activities    (with mandatory CE in Texas, this is a major benefit!) * Subscriptions to AGD Impact and General Dentistry * Legislative representation in Washington, DC * Recognition for CE achievement through Fellowship and Mastership awards * Assorted discounts to publications and services A much more personal benefit comes from joining and becoming active in the local arm of the AGD. In addition to providing the most up-to-date topics in continuing education courses, the local organization provides an opportunity to spend quality time sharing information with other professionals who are committed to continuing to learn and to improve their practices and their profession. As a recent graduate, you will be able to attend meetings at a greatly reduced fee and be able to spend time with doctors who have been in practice long enough to share their actual in-office experiences. How does it differ from the ADA? The ADA is made up of all dentists, general practitioners and specialists. The AGD is primarily general dentists. Specialists may join, but do not make up a large percentage of the membership. The TDA is the state branch of the ADA, and the Texas AGD is the AGD organization in our state. Likewise, the Houston Academy of General Dentistry is the local and more personal component of the AGD. The Greater Houston Dental Society is the local branch of the ADA. As of last year, membership in the ADA is NOT required for membership in the Academy of General Dentistry.