Goal Getters: 2020 Fellows and Masters Discuss the Importance of Achieving AGD Awards
Due to COVID-19, many events were cancelled this year, including AGD’s Convocation Ceremony, the annual celebration of Fellows, Masters and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) recipients. Members value this recognition for many reasons. This week, four members talk about what receiving these awards in 2020 meant to them and why they encourage other members to set this goal for 2021.
REMINDER: Applications to earn Fellowship or Mastership in 2021 are being accepted through Dec. 31, 2020. There is still time to apply. Learn more now.
In what way(s) did earning your AGD Fellowship or Mastership strengthen your dentistry skill sets, enhance your career and/or grow your practice?
Zaneta T. Hamlin, DDS, FAGD: Achieving my Fellowship has definitely strengthened my skill set. Becoming a Fellow has set me up to enhance my career and grow my practice now and in the future. My fellow Fellows and I have shown a high level of dedication, which is becoming acknowledged more and setting us apart. Becoming an AGD Fellow is not a requirement for dentists by any means — it has to be desired and earned.
Fernanda Levine, DDS, FAGD: Earning my Fellowship increased my confidence and ability to solve simple and complex cases. I improved my capacity to diagnose and provide different paths of treatment for my patients. Patients have expressed that they value the educational portion of appointments, which builds trust and rapport. Being a Fellow has exposed me to new technologies and modern procedures that I have woven into my practice, like digital scanners and digital smile planning.
Brendan D. Moon, DDS, MAGD: Working toward and earning my AGD Mastership enhanced my career by giving me a long-term education plan with clear, actionable steps. AGD MasterTrack Courses were just what I needed to grow my skills while simultaneously working at two offices over approximately 10 years.
J.J. Ubonwan Sae-Ung, DDS, FAGD: The path to earning AGD Fellowship helped strengthen my skill set by pushing me to continuously seek continuing education (CE). Often in general practice, we get so engulfed by patient care and daily tasks (not to mention personal life, family, kids — oh, and the pandemic!) that CE is usually an annual requirement or “obligation” to fulfill like CPR certification. I personally enjoy advancing my skills and updating my knowledge, so having a path to achieve Fellowship allowed me to feel excited while learning interesting skills along the way. It offered a mental goal, which might not be necessary for everyone but could be a great motivation for many.
How did you feel when you achieved AGD Fellowship and Mastership? Even though the Convocation Ceremony was cancelled this year, did you do anything to celebrate your accomplishment?
Hamlin: When I received my award in the mail, I was beyond excited. I knew I was going to receive it, but, with my personality type, nothing has happened until it has happened. When I opened the box, I felt a wave of accomplishment. It was not an easy path. I had to strategically manage my time between my kids, work, friends, family, organized dentistry and volunteering.
On another note, I do wish I had achieved this award earlier in my career. I graduated from dental school in 2012. I am a second-generation dentist and first-generation American, and I have two daughters. My father (the first dentist in my family that we know of) has said in the past that he wished he had worked on his Fellowship and did the things I am doing in local dental leadership now. Being able to do something that made my parents proud enough to tell everyone they see is a huge accomplishment. As a mother, I am setting the next bar as my father did.
Although the Convocation Ceremony was cancelled this year, I am looking forward to attending a future ceremony with my friends and family. I honestly cannot wait. To celebrate this year, I had balloons in my yard, awesome food, burgundy wine and a few friends who stopped by to congratulate me.
Levine: I felt very special to be part of this selective group. Most of my mentors earned their Fellowship and Mastership. For my celebration this year, I had a nice dinner with my family, but I am planning to celebrate with my fellow dentists in Texas next year.
Moon: I felt accomplished! Though it went by quickly, I knew that amassing the CE credits needed for Mastership across the various disciplines was evidence of not only what I had learned but also my consistent dedication to learning over a long period of time.
My business partner and I captured some photos with our LLSR and Mastership Awards and shared them on social media. That was fun, and our patients, peers and community overall were very congratulatory. I definitely plan to attend a future Convocation Ceremony and am very hopeful that will be in Austin in 2021!
Sae-Ung: Funny story: Since my husband has never been to Las Vegas, I postponed being recognized for my FAGD in 2019 and opted to do so in 2020 so he could join me in Vegas. All in all, I felt elated to actually receive the plaque and the pin. They are wonderful tokens to remind me of the accomplishment thus far in my relatively young career. I do hope to attend the convocation in 2021 and be recognized personally, although we hope that it will be safer by that time.
Why are CE and obtaining awards like AGD Fellowship or Mastership crucial in dentistry?
Hamlin: CE and becoming a Fellow are crucial because dentistry is a practice; it is ever changing. Further education is not only required to maintain our licenses, but it is also required in order to be a clinician who is providing better means of treatment for patients. I believe that, when we know better, we have the opportunity to do better, but if we don’t know better, we don't do better. This ties into the saying that most all dentists know, especially those who went to Howard University: "The eyes do not see what the mind does not know." You must constantly train your senses and brain to recognize different things and the various amazing ways we dentists can save the day and uphold the oath we have all taken. An example for me is when I had my first daughter. When I learned more about tethered oral tissues, I wanted to help breastfeeding dyads and triads like myself in my community.
Levine: In order to give the best care to our patients, we need to keep up with changes in dentistry. It is vital to always update your skills and materials.
Moon: CE is important because dentistry is a field in which advancements, materials and techniques change so rapidly and consistently that CE is vital for practitioners to keep up and offer patients the best care possible. In my opinion, awards are a nice goal and achievement for those sacrificing their time to become better at their craft, and they also represent one tool for the public to glean which practitioners are taking steps to improve their skills.
Sae-Ung: Having earned my FAGD allows my patients and team to appreciate the amount of work post-dental school I put in to strengthen my skill set so that I can provide the best care possible for my community. I’m happy to be efficient in providing comprehensive care to my patients, ranging from restoratives, cosmetics, third molars, dental implants, endodontics, etc., so I can be their go-to person for all their oral health needs. Moreover, CE focusing on sleep-related breathing disorders, diet modification, the oral-systemic health connection and management of complex health patients enables me to be a dental liaison and help bridge the worlds of dental care and overall health for my patients so that they can receive comprehensive healthcare. We need more dentist representation in the healthcare world!
What’s your advice for AGD members who are pursuing or considering pursuing their AGD Fellowship or Mastership?
Hamlin: Just do it! What are you waiting for, another pandemic?!
Creating schedules worked for me. As a busy adult, I needed a schedule, which is how I was able to factor in studying while my family was asleep. Don't wait until tomorrow to do what you could do today. It is not easy, but you can do it. Like I said, I wish I had achieved this goal earlier in my career. I cannot go back, but I would have been better off if I completed this milestone at year five versus year eight. The review course is extremely valuable, so much so I wouldn't mind taking a version of it every five years just as a refresher.
Levine: Investing in your education will make you a much better professional. Earning an AGD Fellowship will give you the confidence and skill set to be at the top of your game.
Moon: Keep learning at whatever pace works for you, and know that some years you’ll complete more CE than others. Make time for what’s important in your life as you work toward Mastership. The award will be more fulfilling when working toward it has been part of a balanced professional and personal life.
Sae-Ung: In my humble opinion, if I dare give any advice at all, it’s to look at it as your personal promise to your patients. We all took an oath at our white coat ceremony years ago to be and do the best we can for those who trust us with their oral health care. Whether it’s the pandemic or regular life, we as dentists should always thrive to learn more, improve our skills and stay up to date with advances in dentistry simply for the sake of our patients. Being a part of AGD is like a cherry on top because you can set a mental goal for yourself (FAGD award this year, MAGD in a few years!), and AGD makes it easy to keep track of your CE and find great courses. Simply put, AGD helps make it easy for you to be the best dentist you can be.
So, keep working at it, and, whether you earn it in 2021 or in ten years, your patients will appreciate your work. No doubt.
REMINDER: Applications to earn Fellowship or Mastership in 2021 are being accepted through Dec. 31, 2020. There is still time to apply. Learn more now.
In what way(s) did earning your AGD Fellowship or Mastership strengthen your dentistry skill sets, enhance your career and/or grow your practice?
Zaneta T. Hamlin, DDS, FAGD: Achieving my Fellowship has definitely strengthened my skill set. Becoming a Fellow has set me up to enhance my career and grow my practice now and in the future. My fellow Fellows and I have shown a high level of dedication, which is becoming acknowledged more and setting us apart. Becoming an AGD Fellow is not a requirement for dentists by any means — it has to be desired and earned.
Fernanda Levine, DDS, FAGD: Earning my Fellowship increased my confidence and ability to solve simple and complex cases. I improved my capacity to diagnose and provide different paths of treatment for my patients. Patients have expressed that they value the educational portion of appointments, which builds trust and rapport. Being a Fellow has exposed me to new technologies and modern procedures that I have woven into my practice, like digital scanners and digital smile planning.
Brendan D. Moon, DDS, MAGD: Working toward and earning my AGD Mastership enhanced my career by giving me a long-term education plan with clear, actionable steps. AGD MasterTrack Courses were just what I needed to grow my skills while simultaneously working at two offices over approximately 10 years.
J.J. Ubonwan Sae-Ung, DDS, FAGD: The path to earning AGD Fellowship helped strengthen my skill set by pushing me to continuously seek continuing education (CE). Often in general practice, we get so engulfed by patient care and daily tasks (not to mention personal life, family, kids — oh, and the pandemic!) that CE is usually an annual requirement or “obligation” to fulfill like CPR certification. I personally enjoy advancing my skills and updating my knowledge, so having a path to achieve Fellowship allowed me to feel excited while learning interesting skills along the way. It offered a mental goal, which might not be necessary for everyone but could be a great motivation for many.
How did you feel when you achieved AGD Fellowship and Mastership? Even though the Convocation Ceremony was cancelled this year, did you do anything to celebrate your accomplishment?
Hamlin: When I received my award in the mail, I was beyond excited. I knew I was going to receive it, but, with my personality type, nothing has happened until it has happened. When I opened the box, I felt a wave of accomplishment. It was not an easy path. I had to strategically manage my time between my kids, work, friends, family, organized dentistry and volunteering.
On another note, I do wish I had achieved this award earlier in my career. I graduated from dental school in 2012. I am a second-generation dentist and first-generation American, and I have two daughters. My father (the first dentist in my family that we know of) has said in the past that he wished he had worked on his Fellowship and did the things I am doing in local dental leadership now. Being able to do something that made my parents proud enough to tell everyone they see is a huge accomplishment. As a mother, I am setting the next bar as my father did.
Although the Convocation Ceremony was cancelled this year, I am looking forward to attending a future ceremony with my friends and family. I honestly cannot wait. To celebrate this year, I had balloons in my yard, awesome food, burgundy wine and a few friends who stopped by to congratulate me.
Levine: I felt very special to be part of this selective group. Most of my mentors earned their Fellowship and Mastership. For my celebration this year, I had a nice dinner with my family, but I am planning to celebrate with my fellow dentists in Texas next year.
Moon: I felt accomplished! Though it went by quickly, I knew that amassing the CE credits needed for Mastership across the various disciplines was evidence of not only what I had learned but also my consistent dedication to learning over a long period of time.
My business partner and I captured some photos with our LLSR and Mastership Awards and shared them on social media. That was fun, and our patients, peers and community overall were very congratulatory. I definitely plan to attend a future Convocation Ceremony and am very hopeful that will be in Austin in 2021!
Sae-Ung: Funny story: Since my husband has never been to Las Vegas, I postponed being recognized for my FAGD in 2019 and opted to do so in 2020 so he could join me in Vegas. All in all, I felt elated to actually receive the plaque and the pin. They are wonderful tokens to remind me of the accomplishment thus far in my relatively young career. I do hope to attend the convocation in 2021 and be recognized personally, although we hope that it will be safer by that time.
Why are CE and obtaining awards like AGD Fellowship or Mastership crucial in dentistry?
Hamlin: CE and becoming a Fellow are crucial because dentistry is a practice; it is ever changing. Further education is not only required to maintain our licenses, but it is also required in order to be a clinician who is providing better means of treatment for patients. I believe that, when we know better, we have the opportunity to do better, but if we don’t know better, we don't do better. This ties into the saying that most all dentists know, especially those who went to Howard University: "The eyes do not see what the mind does not know." You must constantly train your senses and brain to recognize different things and the various amazing ways we dentists can save the day and uphold the oath we have all taken. An example for me is when I had my first daughter. When I learned more about tethered oral tissues, I wanted to help breastfeeding dyads and triads like myself in my community.
Levine: In order to give the best care to our patients, we need to keep up with changes in dentistry. It is vital to always update your skills and materials.
Moon: CE is important because dentistry is a field in which advancements, materials and techniques change so rapidly and consistently that CE is vital for practitioners to keep up and offer patients the best care possible. In my opinion, awards are a nice goal and achievement for those sacrificing their time to become better at their craft, and they also represent one tool for the public to glean which practitioners are taking steps to improve their skills.
Sae-Ung: Having earned my FAGD allows my patients and team to appreciate the amount of work post-dental school I put in to strengthen my skill set so that I can provide the best care possible for my community. I’m happy to be efficient in providing comprehensive care to my patients, ranging from restoratives, cosmetics, third molars, dental implants, endodontics, etc., so I can be their go-to person for all their oral health needs. Moreover, CE focusing on sleep-related breathing disorders, diet modification, the oral-systemic health connection and management of complex health patients enables me to be a dental liaison and help bridge the worlds of dental care and overall health for my patients so that they can receive comprehensive healthcare. We need more dentist representation in the healthcare world!
What’s your advice for AGD members who are pursuing or considering pursuing their AGD Fellowship or Mastership?
Hamlin: Just do it! What are you waiting for, another pandemic?!
Creating schedules worked for me. As a busy adult, I needed a schedule, which is how I was able to factor in studying while my family was asleep. Don't wait until tomorrow to do what you could do today. It is not easy, but you can do it. Like I said, I wish I had achieved this goal earlier in my career. I cannot go back, but I would have been better off if I completed this milestone at year five versus year eight. The review course is extremely valuable, so much so I wouldn't mind taking a version of it every five years just as a refresher.
Levine: Investing in your education will make you a much better professional. Earning an AGD Fellowship will give you the confidence and skill set to be at the top of your game.
Moon: Keep learning at whatever pace works for you, and know that some years you’ll complete more CE than others. Make time for what’s important in your life as you work toward Mastership. The award will be more fulfilling when working toward it has been part of a balanced professional and personal life.
Sae-Ung: In my humble opinion, if I dare give any advice at all, it’s to look at it as your personal promise to your patients. We all took an oath at our white coat ceremony years ago to be and do the best we can for those who trust us with their oral health care. Whether it’s the pandemic or regular life, we as dentists should always thrive to learn more, improve our skills and stay up to date with advances in dentistry simply for the sake of our patients. Being a part of AGD is like a cherry on top because you can set a mental goal for yourself (FAGD award this year, MAGD in a few years!), and AGD makes it easy to keep track of your CE and find great courses. Simply put, AGD helps make it easy for you to be the best dentist you can be.
So, keep working at it, and, whether you earn it in 2021 or in ten years, your patients will appreciate your work. No doubt.