

Health Committee Ranking Members Urge CMS to Withdraw NBPP Proposed Rule
On March 11, 2026, House Committee on Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), House Committee on Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA-01), House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), and Senate Committee on Finance Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz expressing opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace.
Improving Dental Administration Act Introduced in Congress
On March 12, 2026, Representatives Jeff Van Drew, DMD (R-NJ-02) and Herb Conaway (D-NJ-03) introduced the Improving Dental Administration Act of 2026. The legislation would apply state dental insurance reform and patient protection laws to self-funded dental plans and their administrators.
GAO Issues Report on Private Dental and Vision Insurance Markets
On March 9, 2026, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report entitled, Private Dental and Vision Insurance: Market Concentration Varied Among States.

Your e-Poster Submission is Due Next Friday
The window to present your research at AGD2026 is closing. Submit your clinical innovation or literature review abstract by next Friday, March 27. This is a unique opportunity for students, residents and new dentists to gain elite recognition and earn top cash prizes of up to $700.

Supplemental Income: Five Practical Paths Beyond the Operatory
A combination of factors — among them rising costs, decreasing reimbursement rates and increasing levels of student debt — are encouraging many dentists to look beyond traditional clinical revenue. Supplemental income streams can provide greater financial stability, reduce reliance on chair time and create flexibility over the course of a career.

Master Alveolar Bone Preservation to Enhance Clinical Outcomes
Master the prevention of alveolar bone loss through hands-on ridge augmentation training May 1. Learn to select appropriate grafting materials and execute precise soft tissue flaps to ensure stable outcomes. This workshop is limited to 25 participants and offers six participation CE credits.

Stay Current with New Online CE
Stay at the forefront of dentistry with the AGD Online Learning Center’s newest resources. Explore the role of AI in practice success along with the latest research in periodontal therapy, microplastics and implant healing. Our expansive library ensures you can master new techniques and earn CE on your own schedule.

Understanding Removable and Implant Overdentures
In the latest AGD podcast episode, Dr. Joseph Massad previews his AGD2026 course with Dr. Michael Scherer. They cover patient assessment, impression accuracy, occlusal records and delivery protocols, offering practical, evidence-based strategies to simplify removable and implant overdenture treatment.

Achieve Predictable Results with Hands-On Pig Mandible Training
Join us May 1 for a hands-on experience performing procedures on pig mandibles with provided instrumentation. Learn to select appropriate materials and optimize graft stability under expert guidance. This six-hour participation course is limited to 25 participants to ensure a quality experience.

Microplastics and Their Role in Dentistry
Microplastics are believed to be the cause of dire health and environmental effects globally. Many dental applications have the potential to introduce microplastics directly into patients’ bodies. The full effect of this issue on patients’ health, however, is yet to be determined.

Less Than Three Weeks to Submit Your AGD2026 e-Poster
Students, residents and new dentists: Showcase your clinical research or innovative case study on a national stage. With only three weeks left to submit, now is the time to finalize your abstract. Present at AGD2026 in Las Vegas to gain professional recognition and compete for cash prizes up to $700.

Six AGD Leaders Discuss the Influence of Women in Dentistry
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we highlight the six female leaders who serve on the AGD Board. They share their perspectives on why advancing women into leadership positions is essential to AGD and creating opportunities for a more inclusive future.

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

AGD Submits Comments on EPA Fluoride Assessment Plan
AGD submitted comments to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin regarding the agency’s proposed Fluoride Preliminary Assessment Plan and Literature Survey, urging the EPA to prioritize studies published in reputable journals and align its evaluation standards with those of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Trump Administration Announces Actions to Address Health Care Fraud
On February 25, 2026, Vice President J.D. Vance and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD announced several actions to address Medicare and Medicaid fraud.
Surgeon General Nominee Casey Means Testifies Before Senate HELP Committee
On February 25, 2026, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) held a hearing entitled, Nomination of Casey Means to be Medical Director in the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service and Surgeon General of the Public Health Service.
AGD Responds to EPA’s Preliminary Plan for Fluoride Health Assessment
On February 27, 2026, AGD submitted a comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to the agency’s notice entitled, Review of Science on Fluoride in Drinking Water: Preliminary Assessment Plan and Literature Survey.

Academy of General Dentistry Submits Comments to EPA on Proposed Fluoride Preliminary Assessment Plan

Empower Your Staff to Deliver Superior Patient Care at AGD2026
Invest in excellence with our most comprehensive lineup ever. AGD2026 features 20+ specialized courses, from infection control and medical histories to advanced ceramics. Sharpen your team’s skills with expert-led training that translates directly to superior patient care and peak practice performance.
