Our History

From a clinician‑led initiative to a standards‑driven board, ABAGD was built to recognize comprehensive excellence in general dentistry and to keep those standards moving forward.

Evidence‑Based Multidisciplinary Ethics‑Focused Global Access

Origins & Purpose

Senior general dentists and dental educators founded the American Board of Advanced General Dentistry (ABAGD) to align accreditation with modern practice: evidence‑based decision‑making, whole‑patient treatment planning, and mastery across the full scope of general dentistry. The goal was simple and ambitious—set a transparent benchmark that rewards depth and breadth, and hold it with integrity.

Why it matters: patients benefit from consistent, high‑quality care; dentists gain a respected credential that signals comprehensive competence.

What Sets Us Apart

Balanced emphasis on diagnosis & treatment planning and technical execution.
Exam content spanning periodontics, restorative, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral medicine/pathology, public health, materials/implants, radiology, anesthesia, infection control, and ethics.
Criterion‑referenced standard setting and examiner calibration for fairness.
Annual CME/CPD to keep Diplomates current with evolving science and technology.

Milestones

* Governance framework adopted; examiner council formed.

* Part I written exam launched (350 SBAs; 4 hours) with blueprint and item authoring.

* Part II oral exam introduced (case boards + multidisciplinary viva); examiner calibration program.

* Candidate guidance and ethics/professionalism policy formalized.

* Remote proctoring and international candidate access piloted.

* CME/CPD maintenance policy introduced for annual currency.

Governance & Integrity

ABAGD’s Board and committees operate under conflict‑of‑interest rules, documented exam security policies, and periodic external reviews. Examiner development includes calibration workshops and performance feedback to protect validity.

Global Reach

While rooted in the United States, ABAGD welcomes qualified international candidates and collaborates with academic and clinical partners to support high‑quality, ethical practice worldwide.

Looking Ahead

Our history is a commitment to progress. ABAGD will continue refining blueprints, strengthening psychometrics, and expanding candidate support—so the credential remains meaningful for patients, peers, and the profession.

Have a historical note or archival material to share? Contact contact@abagd.org.