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Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering commitment to service, justice, and equality. As dental professionals, we are inspired to continue his work by caring for our communities with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to improving access to oral health for all.

Don’t miss AGD Impact’s annual 10 Dentists to Watch list, which profiles a collection of new dentists and their mark on the profession! Other feature stories cover the collection at the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, important information on mandated reporter laws and nine metrics you can follow to assess your financial progress.

Start the new year with the latest issue of General Dentistry. This issue features new research across multiple subject areas, including a study of pregnant women’s knowledge and practices related to maternal and child oral health.

Happy New Year to our dental community! ✨🦷 Thank you for the care you provide and the smiles you create. Here’s to a year of growth, wellness, and continued excellence.

The path to professional distinction is built one step at a time. For many general dentists, that path leads to recognition through the Academy of General Dentistry. If earning the prestigious AGD Fellowship and Mastership awards, or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition is one of your goals, now is the time to take action.

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

As December comes to a close, so does the AGD Foundation’s Annual Appeal. With your support, our Foundation advances oral cancer awareness nationwide through free oral and oropharyngeal cancer screenings, educational resources for dentists and patients, and substantial grant awards dedicated to prevention and early detection.

Although the philosophy of CAMBRA is widely accepted, practical implementation remains challenging. A new General Dentistry article offers clinical strategies in a functional format, integrating evidence-based models such as the ADA Caries Classification System.

Step into the spotlight at the AGD2026 Scientific e-Poster Session! Submit your abstract in one of three categories: scientific research, clinical innovation case studies or systematic literature reviews. The top two winners in each category will receive $700 and $550 along with a certificate of achievement.

The clock is ticking! Fellowship, Mastership, and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition applications must be received or postmarked by Dec. 31. These prestigious honors highlight your dedication to advanced education and clinical excellence. Act now, and secure your place among the profession’s leaders.

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

The fate of the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans is front and center on Capitol Hill this month. On December 11, the Senate failed to advance a bill that would provide a clean three-year extension of the EPTCs, which are set to expire on December 31, 2025.

At its Annual Meeting in November the Health Insurance and Long-Term Care Issues Committee of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) passed an amended Dental Reform Model Law.

AGD Impact columnist Wesley Lyon II, CPA, CFP, explores changes to the business side of dentistry and the myths around whether young dentists are buying practices today. He highlights a range of factors impacting these decisions and the market factors in play.

Dental students, residents and recent graduates are invited to submit their clinical health-related dentistry research for the AGD2026 Scientific e-Poster Session. Submission categories include scientific research, case studies on clinical innovation and systematic literature reviews. The top two winners in each category will earn $700 and $550!

AGD Impact has a new Student Perspectives columnist starting in 2026: third-year dental student Keya Bajaria of California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine. Bajaria is copresident of her school’s AGD student chapter. In this role, she’s helping to build community and promote lifelong learning.

Extrusion of irrigants or obturation materials during endodontic therapy may result in significant complications, but detailed anatomical assessment can prevent adverse outcomes. A new article in General Dentistry, published in collaboration with the American Association of Endodontists, explores how anatomical complexities contribute to extrusion risk.

A new era of cosmetic dentistry is being ushered in by the latest digital tools. AGD Impact’s cover story this month explores the cutting edge of cosmetic dentistry through insights from leading experts. The story highlights how digital innovation is transforming smiles — from advanced digital smile design and precision 3D printing to streamlined digital communication between patients and providers.

Submit your abstract for the Take the Floor education series, a series of dynamic 45-minute sessions on clinical innovation, mental health and wellness. Share your expertise, inspire peers, and make an impact at this premier scientific session. Don’t miss your chance to lead the conversation!

Your AGD membership just got stronger! Through Active&Fit Direct, members can access more than 12,700 standard gyms for just $28 a month and save 20%–70% on 9,800+ premium exercise studios.