Candidates for
AGD Office

"We pride ourselves on being a group of like-minded professionals who strive to be the best we can be. This mindset fosters a sense of camaraderie that is woven deeply into the fabric of our culture and organization. We need to influence, underscore and promote the value of all we do."

A New Jersey native, George J. Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, has practiced in the Hanover Township, New Jersey, area since 1998. Schmidt attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in biology. He received his DMD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

In graduate school, Schmidt received numerous academic and patient care awards, including induction into the prestigious OKU dental society, of which he later became component president. Schmidt served as class president and was later elected president of the Student Government Association, representing the entire student body, which numbered over 400.

After receiving his dental degree, Schmidt completed a three-year continuum in the surgical placement of dental implants at the New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry and remained on staff as a clinical associate for an additional year. He has been awarded Fellowship status in AGD as well as in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. 

In addition to private practice, Schmidt serves as a trustee of the AGD Foundation. He is an adjunct clinical assistant professor and surgical director in the implant continuing dental education department at the NYU College of Dentistry. He serves as an adjunct clinical assistant professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in the department of diagnostic sciences. He is the host of the AGD Podcast Series, is active with AGD and lectures nationally on various topics in dentistry. He and his wife, Robin, split their time between Florida and New Jersey and enjoy traveling, playing golf and spending time with family and their dog, Kobe. 

Personal Statement

“AGD has an established reputation for education, advocacy and camaraderie. These tenets are our mission. Today, we face challenges threatening our core beliefs. Membership issues, increased competition in the education space and legislative pressures confront us. It’s my mission to face these threats with leadership, vision and passion. I will ensure these tenets remain vital and durable as we move forward.

“Make no mistake, the education landscape is changing. Courses and content are available at our fingertips. Education that is timely, succinct and well-developed is just a click away. Attention spans are short, and our consumers want on-demand education. We must stay focused and continue to refine our products, messages and modes of delivery. We have taken a big step toward maintaining our position as the market leader with our recent introduction of microeducation opportunities and the refinement of our educational foundation. These efforts must continue to evolve and expand. 

“We must continue advancing our advocacy efforts to expand our representation on behalf of the general dentist. Working at the national level is critical, but, more importantly, we must expand grassroots advocacy efforts at the regional and state levels. I will ensure that AGD increases the guidance, support and training necessary to accomplish advocacy results valuable to practicing dentists.

“We pride ourselves on being a group of like-minded professionals who strive to be the best we can be. This mindset fosters a sense of camaraderie that is woven deeply into the fabric of our culture and organization. We cannot ignore the threatening membership challenges we face. It’s not enough to justify this as a generational dilemma. We need increased engagement. We need to influence, underscore and promote the value of all we do. We need to realize that our younger members want less traditional ways to participate. We need to create and provide the appropriate forums and media outlets that can accomplish this.

“The road ahead is tough and not without challenges. However, our future is bright. Working together, we will change these challenges into opportunities, and we will use these opportunities for the betterment of our profession. In the coming months, I look forward to listening to you as we work to secure our future.”

“A strong, engaged base is essential for AGD’s continued influence and relevance. Therefore, increasing our membership must always remain a key priority. In my view, this requires improving outreach, offering valuable resources and fostering a welcoming community.”

Joseph A. Picone, DMD, MAGD, current AGD treasurer, has been active in organized dentistry at both local and national levels for more than 36 years. His AGD involvement includes serving as Region 1 regional director from 2019 to 2022 and chairing the Scientific Meeting Council for four years. He has been treasurer of AGD since 2022. He is also active in the American Dental Association, having served as a delegate and alternate delegate at the national level. He also served as Continuing Education Council chair and Finance Committee member of the Connecticut State Dental Association. Additionally, Picone is an AGD Master and has received two AGD Presidential Awards (2017, 2021). He maintains fellowships in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Personal Statement

“Without question, membership in AGD has made me a better practitioner, allowed me to grow as a leader, and provided a ‘professional home base’ where I’ve established lifelong personal friendships with colleagues from across the continent. I remain deeply grateful for the many ways AGD has shaped my world both personally and professionally. 

“Serving as your treasurer these past two years has been an honor and a privilege. I take pride in the progress we’ve made together, and I hope to continue the positive trajectory we’ve established. One of the major steps we’ve taken during my tenure is to improve our forecasting method used for dues revenue projection. For the AGD delegate, this allows for a clearer, more meaningful financial interpretation when tasked with approving the annual budget at the House of Delegates annual meeting. This is just one example of how a common-sense approach to budget and finance can favorably impact both the fiscal health of both AGD and the hard-working volunteers of our organization. 

“Looking forward, I remain committed to increasing nondues revenue to ensure our organization’s long-term stability and growth. By diversifying income through sponsorships, partnerships and innovative member services, we reduce our reliance on dues while enhancing member value. This approach strengthens our financial foundation and allows for greater investment in member benefits, education and advocacy efforts.

“A strong, engaged base is essential for AGD’s continued influence and relevance. Therefore, increasing our membership must always remain a key priority. In my view, this requires improving outreach, offering valuable resources and fostering a welcoming community. As your treasurer, I will continue my efforts to seek, support and help implement initiatives that advance this goal.

“While the mission and direction of AGD are driven solely by its members, the AGD staff are there to execute the plan. Our staff ensures the effective operation of AGD programs and services, and they deliver on the promises we make to our members. I’m proud of our staff and the collaborative environment that exists today. I fully expect that together we will continue to deliver the quality service and products our members deserve.

“My experience and background in budgeting and finance, coupled with my deep understanding of our organization’s needs, uniquely position me to continue making a positive impact on the financial health and strategic planning of our organization. I am firm in my belief that AGD can more clearly define its role and become an indispensable factor in the professional life of the successful general dentist. With your support, I hope to build on the successes of these past two years with the same energy and commitment to a responsive, collaborative and creative approach to problem-solving. 

“I humbly ask you for the opportunity to serve a second term as your AGD treasurer, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”