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It’s Dental Assistants Recognition Week, and we’re celebrating the heart of our practices! Our assistants keep patients comfortable, schedules on track, and smiles shining bright. We couldn’t do what we do without their dedication and expertise. Thank you for all that you do!

Excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at AGD2026! I’m looking forward to sharing insights, connecting with colleagues, and learning alongside so many great minds.📅 Don’t miss it—register now and join us for an unforgettable experience!

I’m heading to Las Vegas for AGD2026, June 24-27! Looking forward to connecting, thriving, and growing with my colleagues in dentistry. Join me! #AGD2026 agd2026.org

AGD Offers Hands-On Training, Expert Speakers and Career Development

Distinguish yourself by pursuing the Fellowship and Mastership awards or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition. AGD provides the high-quality CE you need to fulfill these requirements, from the Online Learning Center and live courses to top-tier courses at AGD2026.

Each year, AGD Impact honors 10 early-career dentists for leadership and advancing oral healthcare. Join this webinar March 3 at 7 p.m. CT to hear some of the honorees share insights on career development, goal-setting and thriving in today’s evolving dental field, with time for a live Q&A.

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

AGD is pleased to offer the Dr. Chethan and Avani Chetty Scholarship to dental students and residents planning to attend AGD2026. One recipient will receive $500 to offset expenses related to the meeting, including travel, lodging or course fees.

Apexification is a highly successful way to manage immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp. A new review in General Dentistry aims to fill gaps in the apexification literature, which typically compares materials but stops short of offering clinical guidance.

Step onto the national stage at AGD2026. Submit your e-Poster abstract in clinical innovation or research to gain elite professional recognition. It’s more than a presentation; it’s a competition for top cash prizes of $700 and $550.

Today, serving as AGD president, I can confidently say AGD has evolved into an even stronger, more dynamic organization. We’ve stayed true to our core values while expanding our impact in education, advocacy and professional community.

On February 10, 2026, Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Break Up Big Medicine Act, which would prohibit companies from owning health care providers while also owning a health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), or prescription drug or medical device wholesaler.

On February 9, 2026, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced that it would end the use of dental amalgam in its facilities by 2027.

On February 9, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule entitled, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 and Basic Health Program.

In a story that starts humbly and spans two continents, 2026 AGD Fellowship candidate Dr. Fesehatsion T. Gebrehiwot shares why he decided to become a dentist and the motivation and determination that keeps him on this path.

AGD is seeking nominations for the 2026 Albert L. Borish, Distinguished Service and Humanitarian awards. Help us honor those who are inspirations through exceptional service, leadership, innovation and overall contributions to the dental profession. All nominations and supporting documentation must be submitted by April 15, 2026.

This is your final opportunity to save $400+ on case acceptance training! Join us March 6 at AGD’s headquarters in Chicago for 7 CE credits of intensive skill development. Learn how to overcome rejection and improve case acceptance rates. Register by Saturday to secure your discounted rate.

Achieving the AGD Fellowship Award requires more than hard work — it requires a strategy. Discover how to organize your CE, utilize exclusive study guides and build a consistent plan for the Fellowship Exam. AGD has the tools you need to succeed at AGD2026 and beyond.

Dental assistants are a valuable asset, and practices are actively seeking to hire for this position, but they are struggling to find and keep people in the role. Recognizing the value of dental assistants, investing in their training and paying for talent will help build a stronger future for this important role in dentistry.