NEWSROOM

AGD’s Dental Practice Council members Ralph A. Cooley, DDS, FAGD, and Arlene O’Brien, DMD, FAGD, attended last week’s American Dental Association Code Maintenance Committee meeting where they advocated for general dentistry while championing three requests for new listings that were submitted by AGD. 

Join us in vibrant Montréal for AGD2025! Enhance your dental skills while exploring the city's amazing food, rich history in Old Montréal, and exciting shopping and sightseeing. Don't miss the perfect blend of world-class education and unforgettable experiences — start planning your trip today!

Earning your AGD Fellowship is a major milestone, but success starts with a solid plan! Learn how to track your CE credits, stay organized, and reach your goal with expert strategies. Don’t wait — start your journey now!

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

Make the assist, and cash in! Refer colleagues to AGD, and you’ll earn $50 in Referral Rewards for each one who joins. Stack up rewards faster than a last-second shot, and use them toward your renewal dues.

On February 25, 2025, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution in a 217-215 vote. Unlike the Senate’s two reconciliation bill approach with their first bill focusing on border security, defense and energy policies, the House is pursuing a single reconciliation bill approach.

On February 25, 2025, the White House issued an EO entitled, “Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate, and Actionable Healthcare Pricing Information.”

AGD has played a pivotal role in my dental career since my time in dental school. Initially, AGD provided an essential foundation for me as a student, offering networking opportunities with other student leaders passionate about general dentistry. It introduced me to the importance of continuing education (CE) — not just as a learner, but as someone who could organize educational experiences for others.

When I graduated from dental school in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was excited to start my career. Yet, as the weeks and months progressed, I began to feel a sense of loneliness. Maybe it was the abrupt way my dental school education was cut short by an unprecedented global public health event — or maybe, I thought, it was because of the nature of general practice dentistry.

Growing up in Texas, I figured I would be a Texan my entire life. I went to college and dental school in Texas. It just made sense that I would buy a practice near where I grew up. But this path was not meant to be. I ended up in West Virginia, and I can truly say that AGD is the reason I have the position I have. And for that, I love AGD.

AGD has been more than an organization to me — it has been the foundation of my professional growth and success. Early in my career, I was a new graduate struggling to find my footing. Opening a practice from scratch in 2007, with no local connections and minimal business experience, was a daunting challenge. I found myself overwhelmed and unsure how to navigate the complexities of running a dental office.

In celebration of all that the organization has to offer, AGD Impact reached out to four members and asked them to tell their AGD stories. AGD has shaped their careers in different ways, but, like so many dentists across the country, they all agree that they would not be where they are today without AGD — and that they love their AGD family.

AGD Fellows, Masters, and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition recipients are celebrated as dentists who go above and beyond. They stay at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and procedures to deliver exceptional care.

The March/April issue of General Dentistry describes practical chairside techniques for designing digital custom abutments, performing mucocompressive impressions and utilizing CAD/CAM veneers for diastema closure. In addition, the issue features case reports that describe diagnosis and management of cemental tear, traumatic bone cyst, secondary syphilis and more.

AGD is seeking nominations for the 2025 Albert L. Borish, Distinguished Service and Humanitarian awards, all of which recognize exceptional achievements and contributions to the dental profession. All nominations and supporting documentation must be submitted by March 14 to the AGD Awards Committee.

Join us at AGD2025 in Montréal and earn the CE credits you need for your MAGD Award! Enhance your expertise with hands-on courses in cosmetic dentistry, restorative practices, and advanced procedures. Don’t miss out.

Dental students, residents and recent grads — submit your abstract for the AGD2025 Scientific e-Poster Session by April 2! Topics include scientific research, clinical case studies and literature reviews. Two winners per category will receive a monetary award and certificate. Don’t miss this opportunity!