closely with my own professional values, and I wanted to challenge myself to reach this distinguished milestone. Balancing the rigorous requirements of Fellowship — particularly the 500 hours of approved CE and preparation for the comprehensive exam — with the demands of a busy clinic schedule and personal commitments was a significant challenge. As a busy mom to two active young boys, I had to find time for my own professional growth while managing family and personal responsibilities. Staying organized and maintaining consistent progress over several years required dedication, perseverance and a lot of creative time management. Earning Fellowship has broadened my clinical knowledge and refined my skills across multiple dental disciplines. The process of completing extensive CE and preparing for the exam pushed me to stay current with advancements in dentistry, which has translated into more comprehensive care for my patients and increased confidence in my clinical decision-making. It also enhanced my professional reputation and sharpened my mentorship skills. Achieving AGD Fellowship was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. It was a proud moment to see years of hard work, dedication and commitment recognized in an official capacity. Joining the select group of dentists who have earned this distinction truly motivated me to continue striving for excellence. I was also deeply grateful for the support of my family and colleagues throughout the journey. CE and awards like AGD Fellowship are vital in dentistry because they ensure practitioners remain at the forefront of evolving techniques, technologies and evidence-based practices. CE sharpens critical thinking and broadens clinical knowledge, enabling dentists to deliver confident, high-quality patient care. Professional awards affirm a dentist’s commitment and expertise while fostering a culture of excellence that strengthens the dental community. My advice is to start early, stay organized, and view the process as a significant opportunity for professional growth. Take advantage of the educational opportunities AGD offers, and don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues who have completed the process. The effort is substantial, but the personal and professional rewards are well worth it.
Toni Yeu-Shyr Tien Neumeier, DMD, MS, LLSR Recipient I received the MAGD award in 2010. I have been very involved with AGD (state president, Fellowship Examination Committee, Scientific Meeting Council) and was otherwise very busy and put thoughts of LLSR aside until four years ago. One of my colleagues, Dr. Wendy Holder from Alabama AGD, started a MasterTrack program and invited me to be the first speaker for it. The program started with nine participants, and their enthusiasm stimulated me to complete all the requirements for LLSR. It took
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me almost three years to meet this goal. I was very excited when I took the final required participation course last year and eager to fill out the LLSR application form. I felt relieved that I had finally achieved the highest reward/award I could through AGD. As an educator and faculty adviser for the student chapter, I always tell students there is no end to studying and learning. Dentistry has new techniques, materials and knowledge that come up every day. Attending CE courses not only enhances knowledge but also provides self-confidence in patient treatment and office management. Receiving an award or certification from the organization is a statement that informs patients and colleagues that you have spent time and worked harder to be a better dentist than others in this field. Having this updated information will continue to be useful as long as I keep treating patients or teaching at school. All of this new knowledge makes me a better educator for students and a better dentist for patients. The process has also led me to teach MasterTrack courses and other classes. Since I have been involved with AGD both at the national and local levels for the past 15 years, I will continue to be a volunteer for AGD as long as I can contribute to the organization. Since one of the requirements for LLSR is service, if you have already received the MAGD award, please volunteer to be more involved with AGD at either the national or local levels. Participation in AGD strengthens the organization because you are sharing your talents. You are also providing service to dentistry and your community. The rewards for any kind of volunteer service are not something that can be purchased, but they leave a permanent, positive mark on someone’s mind and life, which is priceless.
Maj. Jun Kyung Ko, DMD, FAGD, ABGD As a former aerospace engineer and now an Air Force military dentist, I’ve always been drawn to careers grounded in structure, discipline and purpose. When I transitioned into dentistry, I was seeking a profession that would allow me to connect directly with people and make a lasting impact on their well-being. AGD Fellowship stood out as a symbol of excellence and commitment to continuous learning — values that align closely with both military service and healthcare. AGD supported me through dental school and residency, and pursuing Fellowship felt like a meaningful way to advance my skills while honoring my duty to serve others. Serving in the military brings unique challenges, from unpredictable schedules to deployments and the high demands of providing care in diverse, sometimes resource-limited environments. Balancing CE requirements with the responsibilities of being a military dentist — along with maintaining family life — required a high level of discipline, time management and persistence. There were moments of fatigue and sacrifice, but the