* Breadth of Knowledge: The exam covers a vast range of dental specialties and topics, requiring a broad and deep understanding of general dentistry. You need to be proficient in areas like operative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and more.
* Application of Knowledge: It's not enough to simply memorize facts. The exam tests your ability to analyze clinical scenarios, make diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and justify your decisions. This requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
* Extensive Continuing Education Requirement: Achieving the FAGD requires significant continuing education (CE) credits, demonstrating a dedication to ongoing professional development. This itself is a time commitment and requires active participation in learning.
* Time Commitment: Preparing for the exam requires substantial time and effort, often involving dedicated study sessions and review of numerous materials.
While there's no universally agreed-upon level of difficulty, many dentists describe it as a significant undertaking requiring serious dedication and preparation. Success hinges on consistent learning, effective study strategies, and a solid foundation in general dentistry. The difficulty is also subjective, depending on an individual's prior knowledge, learning style, and time management skills.