I
was at our Michigan AGD annual meeting last weekend having lunch and this very
topic came up. I heard members say that they haven’t taken the exam because
they feel “there isn’t enough time to prepare for the exam,” “I don’t want to travel to take the exam,” or
“I don’t have enough CE for Fellowship, so why take the exam?” I’d like to
debunk some of the myths surrounding the AGD Fellowship Exam and let you in on
how I prepared for it. I wrote about what Fellowship means
to me,
but I didn’t include insights on how to get there. First, let’s clear up some
misunderstandings that may be holding you back.
Myth: “There’s not enough time to
prepare.”
If
you break it down into sections, it is doable. For a few months I gave up some
ridiculous television program (that I am certain sucks knowledge from me) and
used that time to study.
Myth: “I don’t want to travel to take
the exam.”
Although
the annual meeting undoubtedly is one of my favorite dental events each year, I
understand that attending may not be possible for some members at different
stages of life. The good news is you can take the exam at a local testing
center! That’s right—you don’t have to take the exam at the annual meeting! I
was surprised to learn that many people are unaware of the local options. The
second benefit of taking the exam at a testing center—instant results (great
for those of us who need instant gratification).
Myth: “I don’t have the required CE
hours.”
You
don’t have to wait until you have all of the hours! TAKE THE EXAM NOW! Recent
grads, take it! Your prep time will be minimal since little would have changed
since you took your boards. The Fellowship exam is just one of the criteria
needed in order to become a Fellow. The exam doesn’t expire; once it is
completed, you are set! I believe the confusion arises in that, once you apply
for Fellowship and you are approved, you have three annual meetings in order to
participate in the Convocation Ceremony to receive your Fellowship.
Now
that we have that straight, the way I went about the exam was pretty simple. I downloaded the
content outline
into a blank document. I also purchased the most recent AGD study guide so I
would have a good feel about how it was written. I took a practice run before I
even began reviewing content and had a good idea where I needed to focus. That
is where I started on building my study guide. This turned into a 62-page study
guide that I built from old study exams that colleagues had previously
purchased, as well as my own notes. I could see the breakdown of topics within
a discipline and make sure every section had been covered. For me, the studying
part really was the formation of the study guide. Once I had it complete, I
reviewed it a few times and knew it inside and out—then I was ready (well, as
ready as I thought I could be).
I
must point out, the Fellowship exam is not easy, but is absolutely feasible. I
heard someone mention once, Fellowships are not given away, they are earned!
Stop
making excuses for not taking the exam. You know you have ALWAYS wanted to do
it, and now is the perfect time! I will even make it one step easier. Here is
the link to the page on
the AGD website that will provide you with the necessary forms in order to get
registered!
Happy
spring!
Colleen B. DeLacy, DDS, FAGD
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