If you’ve been comparing cosmetic dentists in Gaithersburg, you’ve probably noticed most list similar services. On paper, many practices look the same. So how do you choose? What actually separates one cosmetic dentist from another?
Credentials are a good place to start. Not the ones that come with a fancy website banner, but the ones that require years of work, hundreds of hours of education, and a rigorous exam to earn.
Dr. Corey Anolik at TotallySmiles Dental Group holds one of those credentials. He earned his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2013. It’s called the FAGD, and fewer than 6% of general dentists have it.
Here’s what it is, what it takes to earn it, and why it matters if you’re considering cosmetic dentistry in Gaithersburg, Rockville, North Potomac, or anywhere else in Montgomery County.
What Is the FAGD?
The FAGD stands for Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. The Academy of General Dentistry, one of the country’s largest dental organizations, awards it.
Earning it isn’t easy. To qualify, a dentist must complete more than 500 hours of continuing education across a range of dental topics. That’s not 500 hours of casual lectures. It’s 500 hours of hands-on training, advanced coursework, and clinical instruction that goes far beyond what dental school requires.
After completing the education requirement, the dentist has to pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers a wide range of clinical topics and tests whether the dentist can apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.
Only after all of that is the dentist awarded the FAGD. And only then can they use those letters after their name.
Why Less Than 6% of Dentists Have It
Here’s the thing about the FAGD. It’s completely voluntary! No state requires it, no insurance company demands it, and no patient asks for it. So why would a dentist spend years working toward it? Because they care about being better at what they do.
The FAGD is a commitment to lifelong learning. It signals that a dentist isn’t satisfied with the minimum. They want to know more, do more, and offer their patients more.
That’s rare. Most dentists complete the continuing education required to maintain their license and stop there. The FAGD requires going far beyond that baseline. That’s why less than 6% of general dentists have earned it.
What the FAGD Means for Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is about understanding how teeth, gums, jaws, and facial structures work together. It’s about precision. It’s about knowing which materials will hold up, which techniques will produce natural-looking results, and which treatment plans will last.
The FAGD training covers all that. It’s not specific to cosmetic dentistry, but it includes advanced coursework in restorative techniques, materials science, occlusion, and other areas that directly affect cosmetic outcomes.
When Dr. Corey plans cosmetic treatment, he draws on that training. He considers how the new smile will look, but also how it will function. He evaluates the bite, wear patterns, and gum and jaw health.
That’s the difference between a dentist who does cosmetic work and one who does it well. The FAGD training is part of what separates them.
How This Applies at TotallySmiles
Dr. Corey joined his father, Dr. Steven Anolik, at TotallySmiles in 2007. Dr. Steven has practiced in Gaithersburg since 1973, so the practice has served this community for over 50 years.
The father-son dynamic matters here. Dr. Steven brings decades of clinical experience. He earned his D.D.S. from Temple University in 1972, was inducted into the Stomatognathic Prosthetic Honor Society, and completed a hospital-based residency at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He’s seen every kind of cosmetic case and knows what lasts.
Dr. Corey brings the FAGD, a hospital residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center, and advanced training in CEREC same-day crowns, Invisalign, and other modern techniques. He’s a Platinum Invisalign Provider, which is the highest level available. He’s also the President of the Capitaligners, a local Invisalign study club where dentists share techniques and case experience.
Together, they offer something most practices can’t. You get the wisdom of a dentist with five decades of experience and the training of a dentist who’s completed one of the field’s most rigorous continuing education programs.
Why This Matters When You’re Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist
If you’re considering cosmetic work, you’re investing. You’re spending money, time, and trust on a result you’ll live with for years.
Here’s what the FAGD tells you about Dr. Corey:
- He’s committed to excellence. Earning the FAGD requires sustained effort over years. It’s not something you do casually.
- He’s trained beyond the minimum. The 500+ hours of education cover topics that directly affect cosmetic outcomes, including occlusion, restorative techniques, and materials.
- He’s accountable. The FAGD exam tests whether a dentist can apply their knowledge. It’s not just about attending courses. It’s about demonstrating competence.
- He’s part of a community of caring dentists. The FAGD connects him to other dentists who’ve made the same commitment to advancing their skills.
When you see those letters after a dentist’s name, you’re seeing real evidence. Not marketing. Not a tagline. Proof.
What to Look for When Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist in Gaithersburg
Credentials like the FAGD are one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few other things to consider when choosing a cosmetic dentist in Gaithersburg or anywhere else in Montgomery County:
- Advanced training in cosmetic techniques. Look for dentists who’ve completed courses or certifications in veneers, bonding, whitening, and Invisalign. The more specific, the better.
- Real patient results. Ask to see before-and-after photos. A dentist with strong cosmetic skills will be happy to show you their work.
- A conservative approach. The best cosmetic dentists won’t recommend treatment you don’t need. They’ll explain your options, including waiting.
- Comfort and technology. Cosmetic work should be comfortable. Look for practices that invest in modern tools like digital scanners, same-day crowns, and gentle anesthesia delivery systems.
- Patient reviews. What do other patients say? Do they mention the dentist’s skill, their bedside manner, or their attention to detail?
TotallySmiles checks all these boxes and more. The FAGD is the credential, but the practice is built to deliver results patients are happy with.
Serving Gaithersburg and Beyond
TotallySmiles Dental Group is at 1 Bank Street, Suite 110, in Gaithersburg, MD. The practice welcomes patients from Gaithersburg, Rockville, Potomac, North Potomac, Germantown, Montgomery Village, Bethesda, North Bethesda, and across Montgomery County.
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, we’d love to talk. Dr. Steven and Dr. Corey will evaluate your smile, explain your options, and help you decide what’s right for you. No pressure, no upselling, just honest advice.
Call our Gaithersburg dental practice at 301-701-5861 or request an appointment online anytime. We look forward to meeting you.
