Fellowship Award in General Practice Dentistry: Dr. Kianoosh Behshid Earned Prestigious AGD Fellowship in 2017
In 2017, Dr. Kianoosh Behshid earned the prestigious Fellowship Award (FAGD) from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)—one of the highest continuing education distinctions available to general dentists in North America. The honour recognises years of advanced education, clinical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.
Unlike a standard certificate, the FAGD is awarded only after dentists complete more than 500 hours of AGD-approved continuing education, pass a comprehensive Fellowship examination, and demonstrate proficiency across multiple disciplines of general dentistry. Fewer than 6% of practising dentists in the United States and Canada have achieved this distinction, placing Fellowship recipients among an elite group of dental professionals dedicated to advancing patient care through continuous education.
Nearly a decade after receiving this recognition, Dr. Behshid continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing education, ensuring patients at Fine Dental Arts benefit from modern, evidence-based dentistry.
What Does an AGD Fellowship Award Mean?
The Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship (FAGD) signifies that a dentist has voluntarily gone far beyond the education required to maintain a dental licence. Rather than relying solely on their dental school training, Fellowship recipients commit to years of advanced study to remain current with evolving materials, technologies, and treatment techniques.
For patients, that translates into more comprehensive diagnoses, well-informed treatment planning, and care grounded in the latest clinical evidence.
Why does this credential matter to you as a patient?
Dentistry continually evolves. Choosing a dentist with an FAGD credential means choosing someone who has consistently invested in improving their clinical expertise, giving patients greater confidence that treatment recommendations reflect current best practices instead of outdated techniques.
Is a Fellowship the same as a one-time certificate?
No. The FAGD is earned over several years—not through a single seminar or continuing education course. Fellowship dentists have demonstrated:
500+ hours of AGD-approved continuing education
Successful completion of the AGD Fellowship examination
Advanced competency across multiple disciplines of general dentistry
A long-term commitment to lifelong learning and patient care
These requirements make the Fellowship one of the most respected professional achievements in general dentistry.
How Rigorous Is Earning FAGD Status?
The FAGD is widely regarded as one of the most demanding continuing education credentials available to general dentists. Candidates must complete years of verified coursework, pass a comprehensive examination, and demonstrate broad clinical knowledge before earning the designation.
Because of these rigorous standards, fewer than one in sixteen practising dentists ever achieve Fellowship status. The credential cannot be earned through short courses or weekend training—it reflects years of dedication to mastering modern dentistry.
What comes after Fellowship?
For many dentists, Fellowship is only one milestone. Some continue toward Mastership (MAGD), requiring substantially more continuing education, while others later earn the Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) award, recognising decades of education, leadership, and service to the profession.
How does AGD recognise these achievements?
Each year, the Academy of General Dentistry formally honours new Fellows, Masters, and LLSR recipients during its prestigious Annual Scientific Session, recognising dentists whose commitment to continuing education and patient care sets them apart within the profession.
Dr. Kianoosh Behshid's Journey to Fellowship
Dr. Kianoosh Behshid's 2016 AGD Fellowship Award was the result of nearly two decades of advanced education, clinical training, and an unwavering commitment to professional development.
After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1997, Dr. Behshid practised internationally before relocating to North America to further expand her expertise. Rather than relying on her existing qualifications, she pursued advanced postgraduate training through an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency at Nova Southeastern University, completing the programme in 2003. She then continued her education with an additional postdoctoral residency at York Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, strengthening her knowledge in comprehensive restorative and general dentistry.
Her pursuit of excellence did not stop there. Throughout her career, Dr. Behshid has consistently exceeded continuing education requirements, regularly completing well above the annual minimum required to maintain professional certification. She has also completed advanced occlusion and cosmetic dentistry programmes at UCLA and serves as a Faculty Club Member at Spear Education, one of the nation's leading centres for advanced dental education.
Today, Dr. Behshid is highly trained in all aspects of general dentistry, including dental implants, root canal therapy, complex restorative procedures, multi-unit prosthodontics, and full-mouth rehabilitation. Her commitment to lifelong learning has also earned her recognition as "One of America's Top Dentists" by the Consumers' Research Council of America, along with professional memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Association of Endodontists.
The Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship Award recognised the dedication she had already demonstrated throughout her career—a commitment that continues to shape the evidence-based, patient-centred care she provides at Fine Dental Arts today.
Why Choose a Fellowship Award-Winning Dentist?
Professional credentials matter when choosing someone to care for your smile. Since earning the AGD Fellowship Award in 2017, Dr. Behshid has continued to advance her knowledge, giving patients access to care backed by recognised professional achievement rather than experience alone.
Together with Dr. Amir Emam, DDS, MS, Fine Dental Arts provides comprehensive preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for patients throughout Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, and surrounding communities.
What does FAGD actually mean for my treatment?
The FAGD credential confirms that your dentist has pursued extensive education beyond standard licensing requirements. Whether you require routine preventive care or complex restorative treatment, your care benefits from modern clinical knowledge, evidence-based techniques, and thoughtful long-term planning.
Does this level of expertise change how my care is planned?
Yes. Fellowship-trained dentists approach every case with broader clinical knowledge and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Patients benefit from:
Comprehensive, evidence-based treatment planning
Preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and functional dentistry under one roof
Expertise managing both routine and complex dental cases
Modern techniques supported by ongoing professional education
That combination of recognised expertise and lifelong learning helps ensure predictable, high-quality outcomes while giving patients confidence in every stage of their treatment.
FAQs
What does an FAGD credential mean for my treatment?
It means Dr. Kianoosh Behshid has completed extensive continuing education beyond dental school, providing treatment informed by advanced clinical knowledge, evidence-based techniques, and comprehensive expertise across general dentistry.
Is the AGD Fellowship Award a one-time certificate?
No. The Fellowship is earned through years of continuing education, a comprehensive examination, and documented professional development. It reflects an ongoing commitment to clinical excellence rather than a single educational accomplishment.
How difficult is it for a dentist to earn FAGD status?
The FAGD is one of the most rigorous continuing education distinctions in general dentistry. Dentists must complete 500+ hours of AGD-approved education, pass the Fellowship examination, and demonstrate broad clinical competency over several years. Today, fewer than 6% of practising dentists in the United States and Canada have earned this prestigious designation.