In today's rapidly evolving world, the role of governance has never been more critical for organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). The organization is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of the processes and procedures used to govern, make decisions, and support general dentists. This assessment will provide insight into how AGD’s governance aligns with current best practices. It will help determine the structure and processes that will be effective in supporting the organization’s mission and fostering active participation from leaders and members. 

AGD has engaged Tecker International, a consulting firm with experience working with other associations like AGD. It is currently meeting with members from all areas of the organization and engaging in open dialogue to learn more about the needs and interests of those we serve. This process will help AGD determine the structure and processes that will be effective in supporting the organization’s mission and fostering active participation from leaders and members. 

Since the project started last year, AGD has conducted a series of member telephone interviews, hosted a series of Virtual Town Hall meetings, and facilitated several in person meetings to understand the needs and interests of AGD members.

PROPOSED MODELS RELEASE

AGD was established to provide continuing education, address common problems, meet common needs, and achieve common goals for general dentists and advance the value and excellence of general dentistry. The organization currently operates using a governance and decision-making model primarily designed in the 1970s and 1980s.

Today, AGD operates in an environment of rapid and dynamic change — change in demographics, technology, business structures, economics, legislation, regulation, societal values, and more. This is a competitive landscape where general dentists have more choices for continuing education and community than ever before.

AGD's governance, decision-making structure, and processes must evolve to meet members' needs in this changing world. Governance must be proactive, flexible, member-focused, strategic, inclusive, and able to anticipate and meet members' needs and engage the broader general dentistry community.  How we get there is dependent on you and your desires, as the AGD is YOUR organization.  (View current model and other proposed models (Model #1 and Model #2). Other models and modifications to these models are being reviewed.

ACTIVITIES TO DATE

• Established a Feedback Group: A small group of members with various levels of participation in the organization have agreed to assess the input of members throughout the process.
• Telephone Interviews: Stakeholders participated in individual interviews to provide personal perspectives about the value of AGD, the role the organization plays in dentistry and opportunities for the future.
• Virtual Town Hall Meetings: Over a period of a month and a half, AGD held seven virtual meetings with 60 members participating. Recruitment for these meetings was sent via email to over 20,000 members.
• Electronic Survey: An electronic survey was sent to all members in February and March to solicit feedback from AGD members on the organization's governance processes. This input is incredibly helpful, and we are reviewing this information carefully.
• Remodeling Summit: This session included members who were nominated by AGD leaders. The group participated in a day and a half planning session on May 31 and June 1. The goal of this meeting was to suggest design specifications for models that will support AGD's governance processes. These models will be shared with the entire AGD membership for input on the advantages and disadvantages.
• Town Hall Meeting: Town hall meetings were held virtually to provide further explanations of thse models, the process of development and answer any questions.
• Member Comment: AGD members have had a chance to view and comment on the proposed governance model before they is submitted to the House of Delegates. Members had a chance to comment on these models. 

The many checkpoints throughout this process allow AGD to collect significant input from members to provide a roadmap to move the organization in the right direction for those it serves. These procedures allow time for discovery and review throughout.