NEWSROOM

On October 14, 2026, HHS announced the launch of the HHS Health Center Healthy Lifestyle Commitment, a voluntary initiative that encourages HRSA-supported health centers to recenter evidence-based best practices that support nutrition, prevention, and “healthy living” while providing patient care.

On October 13, 2026, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy formally delegated to CMS the immediate authority to exclude providers from Medicare and Medicaid, according to a notice posted in the Federal Register.

While a few years ago AI in the operatory meant flagging findings, sorting images or lightening administrative loads, today, the technology reaches further into the decisions that define the profession. What is AI’s current role in diagnosis, treatment planning, how findings are communicated to patients and how claims are reviewed by payers?

The Fellowship Review Course and Exam arrive at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 at the Javits Center. Earn 16 CE credits, review core disciplines with expert instructors, and take the Fellowship Exam — all in one convenient trip.

There’s no denying that AI could transform dental marketing, but it will never change what matters most: trust, expertise, authenticity and patient connection. The latest AGD Impact Marketing column provides expert insights to help members be strategic about this new frontier of web search.

Join AGD on December 4 for the Virtual Advocacy Conference and earn 4.5 free CE credits. Stay ahead of key legislative and regulatory changes affecting general dentistry, learn directly from AGD leaders, and get the insights you need to safeguard your practice.

If your student loan payments are changing, consider AGD Exclusive Benefits provider Juno, a student loan refinancing platform offering group-negotiated rates and cash back bonuses up to $1,000.

Finding time for quality training is tough, but the AGD Online Learning Center makes it simple. Explore a constantly updated catalog covering key specialties like periodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry. Work through on-demand webinars, or complete Self-Instruction exercises whenever you have a break in your day.

Dental Card Services, an AGD Exclusive Benefits provider, analyzed the 500 most recent merchant statements submitted by dental practices. The study found that practices paid an average effective processing rate of 3.37%, with nearly 20% paying 4% or more.

In the past decade, technology has forever changed the landscape of dentistry. Five simple technologies have been adopted into both the assessment and treatment phases of the dental hygiene process of care and are having major impacts on the patient experience.

The AGD Foundation is hosting a course Oct. 22 called “What Happens After Cancer? A Conversation Dentists Need to Hear.” This one-hour virtual webinar on supporting patients after oral, head and neck cancer treatment will feature Dr. Mai-Ly Duong.

Caries management has long relied on restoration and preventive remineralization, with fluoride playing a fundamental role. Contemporary cariology is increasingly embracing the ecologic plaque hypothesis, highlighting microenvironmental factors in disease progression and the use of arginine as a promising prebiotic strategy.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists.

To earn Fellowship, Mastership or LLSR honors at AGD2027, complete all requirements and submit an application by Dec. 31, 2026. From transcript tracking to numerous CE opportunities, AGD has the resources to help make your goal a reality.

Bipartisan bill would stop student loan interest from growing while dentists and physicians complete years of fellowship and postgraduate training

On September 24, 2026, the Senate Finance Committee held an executive session to vote on the nomination of Mr. Chris Klomp to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Dr. Ge Bai to serve as Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE).

On September 22, 2026, CMS announced the cancellation of 315,000 unauthorized enrollments on the Federal Marketplace covering over 760,000 individuals. CMS noted that the impacted individuals’ insurance coverage was terminated in August following an investigation into the enrollments.

On September 29, 2026, Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced a package of 14 bills aimed at strengthening federal and state efforts to prevent, detect, and recover improper Medicaid payments and other forms of health care fraud. The legislation reflects continued congressional interest in program integrity initiatives and increased oversight of federal health care spending.

Offered for the third time this year, the Fellowship Review Course brings an exclusive on-site testing opportunity to the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at the Javits Center. Complete 16 CE credits and then take the Fellowship Exam in one location.

Connecting with people we know casually can lead to new opportunities. You might be an AGD connection for colleagues you see between patients or at meetings. From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, if they join for 2027, you’ll both earn $50 in Referral Rewards, and they’ll get the rest of 2026 free.