Welcome to the
AMERICAN BOARD OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
Elevating the standards and advancing the sciences
and arts of General Dentistry.
Our Purpose
The American Board of General Dentistry is dedicated to advancing the practice of general dentistry by promoting a higher standard of knowledge and excellence through advanced education.
- Enhance oral health care for the public.
- Address the advanced level of competency of applicants.
- Provide expert consultation to the medical and dental communities.
- Provide continuing education in advanced concepts of diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient treatment.
- Elevate the standards for the practice of general dentistry.
- Promote higher standards of knowledge through
postgraduate education. - Furnish the health professions and the public with a directory of general dentists certified and in good standing with the Board.
- Certify and publicly recognize who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and technical skill in all facets of general dentistry and have met the standards established by the Board.
PRODUCTS
OUR Mission
To elevate the standards and advance the science and arts of General Dentistry by encouraging its study and improving its practice. To certify a general dentist as a Comprehensive General Dentist through a voluntary examination process that validates their knowledge, skill, and experience for diagnosis and delivering quality patient treatment.
Find a Board Certified Dentist In Your Area.
Board Certified general dentists set the standard for excellence through their extensive training in all aspects of dentistry. This training continues beyond dental school, in residencies and other post-doctoral dental graduate programs, expanding knowledge of diagnosis and training in the interrelationships of the various dental specialties. Board Certification is awarded only after completion of a demanding series of written, clinical, and oral examinations. The Board Certified dentist is the specialist for the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of your oral health.
Board Certified general dentists are knowledgeable in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating the many different oral conditions and diseases. They are specialists in the comprehensive approach to restore optimum health and function. In addition, they can perform exceptional cosmetic procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire.
For optimum oral, as well as overall health, call and schedule an appointment today to visit a Board Certified general dentist for a complete evaluation.
Contact us to find a Board Certified Dentist in Your Area.
ABGD Testing Information
| EXAM TYPE | LOCATION | EXAM DATE 2025 | APPLICATION DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|---|
Written Exam | Tampa, FL, Military Facility | March 7 | January 16 |
Oral Exam | Tampa, FL, Embassy Suites Downtown | May 15th – 18th | February 1 |
Written Exam | Montreal, Quebec AGD Meeting | July 11 | May 30 |
| BOARD EXAMINER | 2025 DISCIPLINE |
|---|---|
Dr. Toni Bowden | Endodontics |
Dr. Justin Rogers | Fixed Prosthodontics/Removable Prosthodontics |
Dr. Ross Oates | Oral Medicine/Oral Pathology |
Dr. Doris Lam | Periodontics |
Dr. John Safar | Ortho/Pedo/Public Health |
Dr. George Holzer | Implants and Oral Radiology |
Dr. Deidra McLean | Operative Dentistry |
Dr. David MacPherson | Oral Surgery |
ABGD Credentials Verification
The American Board of General Dentistry is pleased to provide credential verifications for our members to various organizations, teaching institutions, and treatment facilities.
A handling fee of $20.00 per verification per individual is required. Please complete the verification request form found on the ABGD website and submit to the ABGD office with payment. Payments can be made by check or credit card. Credit card payment may also be made by phone, 561-809-5491.
Payment by check must indicate the name of the requesting organization (ie: name of hospital, university, etc).
Please send a request form and the handling fee to:
American Board of General Dentistry
490 Indian Rocks Rd N., suite A
Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770-2085
No credential verifications will be given out over the phone or fax.
Credential Verifications will be processed within 72 hours of receipt.
For questions, please contact:
assistant@americanboardofgeneraldentistry.org
Phone: 561-809-5491
ABGD Volunteer Opportunities
There are several areas of service activities available to those who are interested in serving the American Board of General Dentistry.
- Volunteers for the ABGD Information Booth at the AGD Annual Meeting
provide information to prospective Board candidates. - Deputy examiners serve to assist the ABGD Directors during the Oral Exam.
The deputy examiners are selected from a pool of interested Board Certified dentists. - Serve as an ABGD Mentor-If you would like to serve as a mentor to candidates
who are in the examination process please call or email to add your name to the ABGD Mentor Program.
For all service activities, the Board will attempt to rotate individuals to provide a broad experience in Board activities, and to provide the maximum number of Board Certified members the opportunity to assist in Board activities.
If you would like to volunteer for the ABGD, please send an e-mail to:assistant@americanboardofgeneraldentistry.org. Also include your CV and letter stating why you would like to volunteer for the ABGD.
NOTE: Annual registration and CE hours must be current. CV’s must be received by August 31st in order to be considered for the subsequent year.
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