About Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE)

Program providers approved through the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) are approved to offer credit hours that can be applied towards the AGD's prestigious Fellowship (FAGD) and Mastership (MAGD) award programs. Currently nearly 1500 program providers have been granted current approval by the AGD's Committee on Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE). 

National PACE Program Provider Approval
Organizations that offer continuing education (CE) programs in more than one state or province, draw a significant number of participants from more than one state or province, or offer self instruction programs should apply for national PACE approval. Applications are reviewed bi-monthly. Complete the PACE Application and forward four copies to the AGD to apply for approval. Make sure to include the $575 application fee. For more information, contact PACE at 888.243.3368, ext. 4335.

Review Process
A committee of nine member-dentists meets to review applications from organizations that are national or international in scope, providing programs in more than one state/province or drawing a significant amount of participants from more than one state/province.

Local Constituent PACE Program Provider Approval
The AGD also offers a state level approval for program providers who offer continuing education programs within their own state. Complete the Local Constituent Application and forward to your local AGD constituent for approval. Application fees vary from state to state. It is recommended you contact your local PACE approval representative to confirm any the application fees that should be included with your completed application. 

PACE Program Guidelines
Program providers are expected to adhere to 14 standards covering different areas in order to obtain and retain their approval status. You can print out our published standards/criteria to use as a resource.

Local Constituent PACE Program Approval Representatives
Each constituent’s program provider approval representative serves as the reviewing body to grant state level approval for program providers who offer continuing education programs within the single state or province. Reference tools are available to make sure each constituent reviews the applications in a consistent manner. For more information about reviewing local applications, contact the PACE coordinator at PACE@agd.org or 888.243.3368, ext. 4335.