Your commitment to excellence deserves to be celebrated.
AGD celebrates general dentists who go above and beyond in their commitment to lifelong learning, exceptional patient care, and service to the profession. Each year, AGD honors members who have achieved the highest levels of continuing education and professional distinction through its Fellowship, Mastership, and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition awards.
Earning one of these distinctions is more than a milestone, but also a symbol of your dedication to dentistry and the patients you serve.
AGD Fellowship: commitment to oral care that goes above and beyond
Distinguish yourself professionally by pursing the AGD Fellowship Award. Earning Fellowship through the attainment of quality continuing education (CE) culminates with the receipt of your award at the AGD Convocation Ceremony held each year during AGD's Scientific Session.
Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award
Profile for Nomination
Anyone who has exhibited the following characteristics is eligible to be nominated for this award:
- Has been a dedicated nationally recognized educator of general dentists.
- Has served as a role model ethically and professionally to general dentists.
- Has exemplified the principles and goals of the Academy of General Dentistry and has made exceptional efforts in promoting these ideals.
- The nominee may not be a sitting member of the Dental Education Council
- Individuals who hold a position on the Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Mechanism for Nomination of Candidate
- Prior to a selected date, all AGD members will be invited to submit a nomination for the individual whom they wish to sponsor as the most deserving recipient of “The Thaddeus V. Weclew Award.”
- Nominations must be received in the AGD national office by January 31, 2026 (approximately 18 months prior to the Convocation for which the nomination is made.).
- In order to consider the qualifications fairly please include a copy of the nominee’s CV.
Guidelines for Screening Nominees
- It shall be the duty of the entire Dental Education Council to act as the Screening Committee for all nominees.
- The headquarters office will forward copies of each nomination form and sponsor’s reinforcing testimony to every member of the Screening Committee as soon as possible after the deadline.
- Each committee member will independently evaluate and select the individual nominee felt to be most deserving.
- The Council will finalize the selection by the end of the winter meeting of the Dental Education Council.
- Individuals who hold a position on the Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination
- Only one Thaddeus V. Weclew Award may be granted annually, but in those circumstances where nominees possess outstanding qualities and are of special caliber, two Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Awards may be awarded.
- In the event that the nominees do not meet the above criteria, the Dental Education Council has the option to forgo recommending a Weclew recipient to the Board of Trustees.
- The final selection(s) of the Dental Education Council will be presented to the AGD Board of Trustees for approval.
Recipient’s Obligations
- The recipient must be present at the Convocation Ceremony to receive the award in person.
- Should a recipient be unable to attend the Convocation, the recipient will be invited to the next year’s meeting. If unable to attend the second year, the nomination must be reconsidered by the Dental Education Council.
- The recipient will be expected to give a brief verbal acknowledgment of the award at the Convocation Ceremony
Need help preparing for the fellowship exam?
Boost your exam readiness with AGD's preparation resources. The Fellowship Review Course is a two-day program offered annually during the AGD Scientific Session, with the option to take the Fellowship Exam immediately following the course.
The Fellowship Exam Study Guide, available for purchase, provides 100 practice questions with detailed answers to help you master the material and build confidence for exam day.
AGD Mastership: A lifelong commitment to exceptional patient care
Complete your journey to excellence by achieving AGD’s highest honor for lifelong learning — the Mastership Award. Mastership represents the highest level of achievement for members in accordance with AGD's mission to advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education.
Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award
Profile for Nomination
Anyone who has exhibited the following characteristics is eligible to be nominated for this award:
- Has been a dedicated nationally recognized educator of general dentists.
- Has served as a role model ethically and professionally to general dentists.
- Has exemplified the principles and goals of the Academy of General Dentistry and has made exceptional efforts in promoting these ideals.
- The nominee may not be a sitting member of the Dental Education Council
- Individuals who hold a position on the Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Mechanism for Nomination of Candidate
- Prior to a selected date, all AGD members will be invited to submit a nomination for the individual whom they wish to sponsor as the most deserving recipient of “The Thaddeus V. Weclew Award.”
- Nominations must be received in the AGD national office by January 31, 2026 (approximately 18 months prior to the Convocation for which the nomination is made.).
- In order to consider the qualifications fairly please include a copy of the nominee’s CV.
Guidelines for Screening Nominees
- It shall be the duty of the entire Dental Education Council to act as the Screening Committee for all nominees.
- The headquarters office will forward copies of each nomination form and sponsor’s reinforcing testimony to every member of the Screening Committee as soon as possible after the deadline.
- Each committee member will independently evaluate and select the individual nominee felt to be most deserving.
- The Council will finalize the selection by the end of the winter meeting of the Dental Education Council.
- Individuals who hold a position on the Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination
- Only one Thaddeus V. Weclew Award may be granted annually, but in those circumstances where nominees possess outstanding qualities and are of special caliber, two Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Awards may be awarded.
- In the event that the nominees do not meet the above criteria, the Dental Education Council has the option to forgo recommending a Weclew recipient to the Board of Trustees.
- The final selection(s) of the Dental Education Council will be presented to the AGD Board of Trustees for approval.
Recipient’s Obligations
- The recipient must be present at the Convocation Ceremony to receive the award in person.
- Should a recipient be unable to attend the Convocation, the recipient will be invited to the next year’s meeting. If unable to attend the second year, the nomination must be reconsidered by the Dental Education Council.
- The recipient will be expected to give a brief verbal acknowledgment of the award at the Convocation Ceremony
Lifelong Learning & Service Recognition (LLSR)
In AGD, continued learning persists even after members have earned Mastership. AGD Masters can continue demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning and service to the community and/or organized dentistry by earning Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR). Here’s how you can apply for LLSR.
Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award
Profile for Nomination
Anyone who has exhibited the following characteristics is eligible to be nominated for this award:
- Has been a dedicated nationally recognized educator of general dentists.
- Has served as a role model ethically and professionally to general dentists.
- Has exemplified the principles and goals of the Academy of General Dentistry and has made exceptional efforts in promoting these ideals.
- The nominee may not be a sitting member of the Dental Education Council
- Individuals who hold a position on the Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Mechanism for Nomination of Candidate
- Prior to a selected date, all AGD members will be invited to submit a nomination for the individual whom they wish to sponsor as the most deserving recipient of “The Thaddeus V. Weclew Award.”
- Nominations must be received in the AGD national office by January 31, 2026 (approximately 18 months prior to the Convocation for which the nomination is made.).
- In order to consider the qualifications fairly please include a copy of the nominee’s CV.
Guidelines for Screening Nominees
- It shall be the duty of the entire Dental Education Council to act as the Screening Committee for all nominees.
- The headquarters office will forward copies of each nomination form and sponsor’s reinforcing testimony to every member of the Screening Committee as soon as possible after the deadline.
- Each committee member will independently evaluate and select the individual nominee felt to be most deserving.
- The Council will finalize the selection by the end of the winter meeting of the Dental Education Council.
- Individuals who hold a position on the Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination
- Only one Thaddeus V. Weclew Award may be granted annually, but in those circumstances where nominees possess outstanding qualities and are of special caliber, two Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Awards may be awarded.
- In the event that the nominees do not meet the above criteria, the Dental Education Council has the option to forgo recommending a Weclew recipient to the Board of Trustees.
- The final selection(s) of the Dental Education Council will be presented to the AGD Board of Trustees for approval.
Recipient’s Obligations
- The recipient must be present at the Convocation Ceremony to receive the award in person.
- Should a recipient be unable to attend the Convocation, the recipient will be invited to the next year’s meeting. If unable to attend the second year, the nomination must be reconsidered by the Dental Education Council.
- The recipient will be expected to give a brief verbal acknowledgment of the award at the Convocation Ceremony
AGD Award Navigator
Take the guesswork out of earning your next AGD award. The Award Navigator provides personalized guidance to help you achieve Fellowship, Mastership, or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR). Our team will review your transcript, map out your specific requirements, and create a customized roadmap showing exactly what you need to reach your next milestone—all at no cost to AGD members.
Nominate a Colleague
Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in their service to AGD or the profession of general dentistry? Each year, AGD honors outstanding individuals whose leadership, dedication, and contributions have made a lasting impact. Recipients of these distinguished awards are recognized at AGD’s Scientific Session or Annual Meeting, where we celebrate their achievements and commitment to advancing general dentistry.
Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award
Profile for Nomination
Anyone who has exhibited the following characteristics is eligible to be nominated for this award:
- Has been a dedicated nationally recognized educator of general dentists.
- Has served as a role model ethically and professionally to general dentists.
- Has exemplified the principles and goals of the Academy of General Dentistry and has made exceptional efforts in promoting these ideals.
- The nominee may not be a sitting member of the Dental Education Council
- Individuals who hold a position on the Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Mechanism for Nomination of Candidate
- Prior to a selected date, all AGD members will be invited to submit a nomination for the individual whom they wish to sponsor as the most deserving recipient of “The Thaddeus V. Weclew Award.”
- Nominations must be received in the AGD national office by January 31, 2026 (approximately 18 months prior to the Convocation for which the nomination is made.).
- In order to consider the qualifications fairly please include a copy of the nominee’s CV.
Guidelines for Screening Nominees
- It shall be the duty of the entire Dental Education Council to act as the Screening Committee for all nominees.
- The headquarters office will forward copies of each nomination form and sponsor’s reinforcing testimony to every member of the Screening Committee as soon as possible after the deadline.
- Each committee member will independently evaluate and select the individual nominee felt to be most deserving.
- The Council will finalize the selection by the end of the winter meeting of the Dental Education Council.
- Individuals who hold a position on the Board of Trustees are not eligible for nomination
- Only one Thaddeus V. Weclew Award may be granted annually, but in those circumstances where nominees possess outstanding qualities and are of special caliber, two Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Awards may be awarded.
- In the event that the nominees do not meet the above criteria, the Dental Education Council has the option to forgo recommending a Weclew recipient to the Board of Trustees.
- The final selection(s) of the Dental Education Council will be presented to the AGD Board of Trustees for approval.
Recipient’s Obligations
- The recipient must be present at the Convocation Ceremony to receive the award in person.
- Should a recipient be unable to attend the Convocation, the recipient will be invited to the next year’s meeting. If unable to attend the second year, the nomination must be reconsidered by the Dental Education Council.
- The recipient will be expected to give a brief verbal acknowledgment of the award at the Convocation Ceremony
MasterTrack® Programs
These programs are designed to provide a regular course of study leading to Mastership
Live Courses
Find CE and earn credits toward your Fellowship and Mastership awards and the LLSR
Scientific Session
Network with colleagues, students and dental team members at the premier meeting for general dentistry
