Not All Dental Degrees Tell the Same Story
When you search for a dentist in Downers Grove, you will notice that some dentists list credentials after their name that go beyond DDS or DMD. One of those credentials is Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD). If you have ever wondered what a MAGD dentist is and whether that should influence your choice of provider, here is what you need to know.
What Does DDS Actually Mean?
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. DMD stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (or Doctor of Dental Medicine, depending on the school). Both degrees represent the same level of academic and clinical training; the difference is simply what the granting institution decided to call their program. A dentist with either credential has completed an accredited four-year dental school program and passed national and state licensing exams.
So when you sit down in the chair, a DDS and a DMD have met the same baseline requirements. That is a good thing. But baseline and exceptional are two different things.
What Is a MAGD Dentist?
A MAGD dentist has gone significantly further than the licensing requirements demand. MAGD stands for Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, the highest honor awarded by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). To earn it, a dentist must complete 1,100 hours of continuing dental education and pass a comprehensive written exam covering all areas of general dentistry.
To put that in perspective, most states require dentists to complete somewhere between 15 and 40 continuing education hours every two years just to keep their license active. A MAGD dentist has completed more than 1,100. That is not a weekend seminar, that is years of deliberate, ongoing learning.
Why Does the Distinction Matter for Patients?
Here is the honest answer: a DDS or DMD credential tells you a dentist is qualified. A MAGD credential tells you a dentist is driven.
Dentistry evolves. Materials improve, techniques advance, and research changes what best practices look like. A dentist who pursues MAGD-level education is actively tracking those changes rather than waiting for them to filter into mainstream practice. That means you are more likely to receive care that reflects current science, not what was taught a decade ago.
For families in Downers Grove, Naperville, and the surrounding area, that difference can show up in real, practical ways, such as more conservative treatment options, access to newer technology, and a provider who has seen a wide range of cases through continued clinical education.
Is a MAGD Dentist Better Than a DDS?
This is a fair question, and the honest answer is nuanced. A MAGD dentist is not “better” in the sense that a general practitioner is automatically more skilled than a specialist. Rather, the MAGD designation signals a specific kind of commitment to lifelong learning, to professional standards, and to bringing a higher level of preparation into every patient interaction.
Dr. Eric Jackson of Jackson Family Dentistry earned his MAGD credential, bringing that level of commitment to patients throughout the Downers Grove community. When you choose a provider with this level of dedication, you are choosing someone who chose dentistry as a calling, not just a career.
Reasons the MAGD Credential Is Worth Looking For
- A MAGD dentist has completed over 1,100 hours of continuing dental education beyond their degree. Dr. Jackson has completed over 1,400 hours.
- The designation requires passing a rigorous written exam covering the full scope of general dentistry.
- The credential is awarded by the Academy of General Dentistry, a nationally recognized professional organization.
- Ongoing education means exposure to newer materials, techniques, and evidence-based approaches.
- Earning MAGD takes years of sustained effort; it reflects a long-term commitment to quality care, not a one-time achievement.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Dentist?
Start with your own priorities. Are you looking for a practice that is good with kids? Ask about pediatric training. Are you interested in cosmetic work or Invisalign? Ask about specific experience with those services. And if you want a provider who has invested heavily in their own education, look for the FAGD or MAGD designation after their name.
Jackson Family Dentistry serves patients from Downers Grove, Naperville, Wheaton, Lisle, and throughout the western suburbs. The practice offers a full range of general, cosmetic, and restorative services, all under the care of a team that believes education makes for better dentistry.
Ready to Meet a Dentist Who Takes Your Care Seriously?
Call Jackson Family Dentistry at (630) 963-6750 or schedule your appointment online. Whether you have a specific concern or just want a practice you can trust for the long haul, the team at Jackson Family Dentistry is here and ready to help.
