Academy of General Dentistry Logo

The Academy of General Dentistry, known as the AGD, originated in 1952 at the initiative of visionary dentists who sought to improve dental care for the public. Its formation occurred on August 2, 1952, in Illinois, an important step toward reforming the dental profession.

These pioneers sensed a void in the dental world. Most dental organizations at the time focused primarily on specialists, ignoring the needs of general dentists. They saw an urgent need for an organization that would serve general dentists by providing continuing education and up-to-date resources to keep them abreast of ever-evolving dental techniques and technology.

In 1953, the AGD held its first annual meeting in the bustling city of Chicago, which later became its permanent home base. By the mid-1950s, the AGD community numbered more than a thousand members, and by 1960, that number had grown to more than 5,000.

With the advent of the 1960s and 1970s, AGD intensified its activities. It introduced a broader range of continuing education programs and initiated scholarships that recognized members’ commitment to years of learning. Concurrently, AGD strengthened its voice by advocating for the interests of general dentistry.

In the 1970s, AGD further strengthened its position. Local organizations were established as an extension of the main body. 1971 marked the beginning of their signature clinical journal, General Dentistry.

Over the years, the AGD community grew, surpassing the milestones of 20,000 members in the 80s, 30,000 in the 90s, and 40,000 by the turn of the millennium. In doing so, the company has worked tirelessly to expand its offerings to the dental community.

Currently, AGD has more than 43,000 members, making it a giant in the dental industry, second only to the American Dental Association. Unwavering in its mission, the AGD continues its journey of equipping general dentists with the tools, knowledge, and support to provide unrivaled quality patient care.