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.
The Albert L. Borish Award
In 1972, AGD established an award to honor the remarkable accomplishments of a member and educator who exhibited courage in the face of insurmountable odds. His blindness, caused by a condition aggravated by diabetes, meant a whole new way of life. At the time of his death in 1971, Dr. Borish was director of the division of Continuing Dental Education at Temple University School of Dentistry, his alma mater. He served as president and editor of the Philadelphia County Dental Society and as a trustee of the Pennsylvania Dental Association. Dr. Borish also served as chair of the AGD’s Council on Continuing Education (now Dental Education Council). His work will remain a living memorial attesting to his advanced thinking and greatness.
Award Profile
- A member or non-member, dentist or non-dentist is eligible for nomination.
- Exhibits courage in the face of insurmountable odds or challenges and further exemplifies a commitment to education. (Potential challenges could include overcoming addictions, medical conditions, mental health illnesses, economic hardships, rehabilitation after a major trauma or injury, or social adversity in the face of abuse or discrimination).
- Demonstrates dedication far beyond the average to the advancement of the profession.
- Demonstrates tenacity of purpose in carrying out goals and ideals.
- Has been innovative in the promulgation of constructive programs.
- Exhibits selflessness and possesses a deep interest in all facets of dentistry.
Guidelines and Selection Process
- Nominations may only be submitted by an active AGD member in good standing in the organization.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Individuals may be nominated by others outside his/her region.
- The nominee may not be a current member of the AGD Board or Regional Directors, nor be a candidate for office.
- The award will not be given to the same individual more than once; therefore, past recipients are ineligible.
- A nominator is limited to one Borish Award nomination per year.
- A completed nomination form, letter of recommendation, along with a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV), must be received at AGD Headquarters by March 14, 2025.
- Other supporting documentation may be submitted to substantiate the character of the nominee (testimonials, photos, newsletters, articles).
- It shall be the duty of the Awards Committee to act as the Screening Committee for all nominees.
- Staff will forward all nominations and supplemental materials to the Awards Committee for consideration.
- The committee will submit a list of nominees for vetting by the Board.
- After the list of nominees have been vetted by the Board, the committee shall select the final award recipients to be ratified by the Board.
- The Awards Committee also has the option to forego recommending a recipient to the AGD Board.
- Typically, only one award is granted annually. However, if the caliber of nominees is particularly outstanding, two awards may be granted.
- Nominations may be resubmitted for consideration the following year for qualified candidates.
The recipient will be presented with the Albert Borish Award during the 2025 Annual Meeting.
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.
The Albert L. Borish Award
In 1972, AGD established an award to honor the remarkable accomplishments of a member and educator who exhibited courage in the face of insurmountable odds. His blindness, caused by a condition aggravated by diabetes, meant a whole new way of life. At the time of his death in 1971, Dr. Borish was director of the division of Continuing Dental Education at Temple University School of Dentistry, his alma mater. He served as president and editor of the Philadelphia County Dental Society and as a trustee of the Pennsylvania Dental Association. Dr. Borish also served as chair of the AGD’s Council on Continuing Education (now Dental Education Council). His work will remain a living memorial attesting to his advanced thinking and greatness.
Award Profile
- A member or non-member, dentist or non-dentist is eligible for nomination.
- Exhibits courage in the face of insurmountable odds or challenges and further exemplifies a commitment to education. (Potential challenges could include overcoming addictions, medical conditions, mental health illnesses, economic hardships, rehabilitation after a major trauma or injury, or social adversity in the face of abuse or discrimination).
- Demonstrates dedication far beyond the average to the advancement of the profession.
- Demonstrates tenacity of purpose in carrying out goals and ideals.
- Has been innovative in the promulgation of constructive programs.
- Exhibits selflessness and possesses a deep interest in all facets of dentistry.
Guidelines and Selection Process
- Nominations may only be submitted by an active AGD member in good standing in the organization.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Individuals may be nominated by others outside his/her region.
- The nominee may not be a current member of the AGD Board or Regional Directors, nor be a candidate for office.
- The award will not be given to the same individual more than once; therefore, past recipients are ineligible.
- A nominator is limited to one Borish Award nomination per year.
- A completed nomination form, letter of recommendation, along with a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV), must be received at AGD Headquarters by March 14, 2025.
- Other supporting documentation may be submitted to substantiate the character of the nominee (testimonials, photos, newsletters, articles).
- It shall be the duty of the Awards Committee to act as the Screening Committee for all nominees.
- Staff will forward all nominations and supplemental materials to the Awards Committee for consideration.
- The committee will submit a list of nominees for vetting by the Board.
- After the list of nominees have been vetted by the Board, the committee shall select the final award recipients to be ratified by the Board.
- The Awards Committee also has the option to forego recommending a recipient to the AGD Board.
- Typically, only one award is granted annually. However, if the caliber of nominees is particularly outstanding, two awards may be granted.
- Nominations may be resubmitted for consideration the following year for qualified candidates.
The recipient will be presented with the Albert Borish Award during the 2025 Annual Meeting.
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.
The Albert L. Borish Award
In 1972, AGD established an award to honor the remarkable accomplishments of a member and educator who exhibited courage in the face of insurmountable odds. His blindness, caused by a condition aggravated by diabetes, meant a whole new way of life. At the time of his death in 1971, Dr. Borish was director of the division of Continuing Dental Education at Temple University School of Dentistry, his alma mater. He served as president and editor of the Philadelphia County Dental Society and as a trustee of the Pennsylvania Dental Association. Dr. Borish also served as chair of the AGD’s Council on Continuing Education (now Dental Education Council). His work will remain a living memorial attesting to his advanced thinking and greatness.
Award Profile
- A member or non-member, dentist or non-dentist is eligible for nomination.
- Exhibits courage in the face of insurmountable odds or challenges and further exemplifies a commitment to education. (Potential challenges could include overcoming addictions, medical conditions, mental health illnesses, economic hardships, rehabilitation after a major trauma or injury, or social adversity in the face of abuse or discrimination).
- Demonstrates dedication far beyond the average to the advancement of the profession.
- Demonstrates tenacity of purpose in carrying out goals and ideals.
- Has been innovative in the promulgation of constructive programs.
- Exhibits selflessness and possesses a deep interest in all facets of dentistry.
Guidelines and Selection Process
- Nominations may only be submitted by an active AGD member in good standing in the organization.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Individuals may be nominated by others outside his/her region.
- The nominee may not be a current member of the AGD Board or Regional Directors, nor be a candidate for office.
- The award will not be given to the same individual more than once; therefore, past recipients are ineligible.
- A nominator is limited to one Borish Award nomination per year.
- A completed nomination form, letter of recommendation, along with a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV), must be received at AGD Headquarters by March 14, 2025.
- Other supporting documentation may be submitted to substantiate the character of the nominee (testimonials, photos, newsletters, articles).
- It shall be the duty of the Awards Committee to act as the Screening Committee for all nominees.
- Staff will forward all nominations and supplemental materials to the Awards Committee for consideration.
- The committee will submit a list of nominees for vetting by the Board.
- After the list of nominees have been vetted by the Board, the committee shall select the final award recipients to be ratified by the Board.
- The Awards Committee also has the option to forego recommending a recipient to the AGD Board.
- Typically, only one award is granted annually. However, if the caliber of nominees is particularly outstanding, two awards may be granted.
- Nominations may be resubmitted for consideration the following year for qualified candidates.
The recipient will be presented with the Albert Borish Award during the 2025 Annual Meeting.
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.
The Albert L. Borish Award
In 1972, AGD established an award to honor the remarkable accomplishments of a member and educator who exhibited courage in the face of insurmountable odds. His blindness, caused by a condition aggravated by diabetes, meant a whole new way of life. At the time of his death in 1971, Dr. Borish was director of the division of Continuing Dental Education at Temple University School of Dentistry, his alma mater. He served as president and editor of the Philadelphia County Dental Society and as a trustee of the Pennsylvania Dental Association. Dr. Borish also served as chair of the AGD’s Council on Continuing Education (now Dental Education Council). His work will remain a living memorial attesting to his advanced thinking and greatness.
Award Profile
- A member or non-member, dentist or non-dentist is eligible for nomination.
- Exhibits courage in the face of insurmountable odds or challenges and further exemplifies a commitment to education. (Potential challenges could include overcoming addictions, medical conditions, mental health illnesses, economic hardships, rehabilitation after a major trauma or injury, or social adversity in the face of abuse or discrimination).
- Demonstrates dedication far beyond the average to the advancement of the profession.
- Demonstrates tenacity of purpose in carrying out goals and ideals.
- Has been innovative in the promulgation of constructive programs.
- Exhibits selflessness and possesses a deep interest in all facets of dentistry.
Guidelines and Selection Process
- Nominations may only be submitted by an active AGD member in good standing in the organization.
- Self-nominations will not be accepted.
- Individuals may be nominated by others outside his/her region.
- The nominee may not be a current member of the AGD Board or Regional Directors, nor be a candidate for office.
- The award will not be given to the same individual more than once; therefore, past recipients are ineligible.
- A nominator is limited to one Borish Award nomination per year.
- A completed nomination form, letter of recommendation, along with a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV), must be received at AGD Headquarters by March 14, 2025.
- Other supporting documentation may be submitted to substantiate the character of the nominee (testimonials, photos, newsletters, articles).
- It shall be the duty of the Awards Committee to act as the Screening Committee for all nominees.
- Staff will forward all nominations and supplemental materials to the Awards Committee for consideration.
- The committee will submit a list of nominees for vetting by the Board.
- After the list of nominees have been vetted by the Board, the committee shall select the final award recipients to be ratified by the Board.
- The Awards Committee also has the option to forego recommending a recipient to the AGD Board.
- Typically, only one award is granted annually. However, if the caliber of nominees is particularly outstanding, two awards may be granted.
- Nominations may be resubmitted for consideration the following year for qualified candidates.
The recipient will be presented with the Albert Borish Award during the 2025 Annual Meeting.
Find a PACE Provider
AGD members can earn hours toward their Fellowship (FAGD) and Mastership (MAGD) Awards or their Lifelong Learning & Service Recognition (LLSR) through continuing dental education (CE) providers approved through the AGD Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) program
