NEWSROOM

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that $20 billion in new funding for providers, including eligible dentists, would be available in a Phase 3 General Distribution from the Provider Relief Fund created under the CARES Act.

In an effort led by the American Dental Association (ADA), a group of dental organizations, including AGD, sent a letter on September 22 to the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) to support a Transparency in Dental Benefits Contracting model act. NCOIL's Health Insurance & Long Term Care Issues Committee considered the model act at a September 26 meeting.

The House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass H.R.3935, the Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act, on September 21. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Tom Graves (R-GA), and Sanford Bishop of (D-GA) introduced the bill in July 2019.

Dr. Winland published approximately 400 editorials during his term as editor.

Not only does each new member you refer translate to $50 in Referral Rewards once they join — $50 which can be used to pay for the national portion of your dues renewal — but each recruit also earns you an entry to win a trip to AGD2021 in Austin.

Later this month, Roger Winland, DDS, MS, MAGD, will retire as AGD editor after 24 years of service. Over this time, he reviewed thousands of technical, clinical and research reports and findings, as well as case reports and columns that ran in AGD’s peer reviewed journal, General Dentistry.

Your dental laser has the healing powers of photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level light therapy. Every Wednesday in October, the Academy of Laser Dentistry PBM Symposium will feature presentations on improving patient care and well-being using light therapy.

Many AGD members completed a significant amount of CE this year. Submit your CE through AGD’s online CE submission form, which makes updating your transcripts quick and easy. Track your progress and monitor areas on which to focus for AGD’s achievement-based awards.

Applying for AGD Fellowship, Mastership or Lifelong Learning Service and Recognition is a clear way to reflect your ongoing commitment to providing quality care to patients through the pursuit of continuing education. Download the applications online, or contact awardapp@agd.org. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2020.

The “Stay Out of Jail” webinar series with Charles Blair, DDS, has been updated for 2020. This series is designed to provide you with essential tools and strategies to prevent you from leaving money on the table.

AGD is also accepting nominations for the 2022 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award. To nominate a deserving colleague or educator, contact education@agd.org, and request a nomination form. The nomination deadline is Dec. 1, 2020.

The House of Representatives voted this week to pass a bill repealing the McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption. Additionally, a Senate GOP pandemic relief package was blocked by vote before advancing to floor debate, and AGD submitted comments regarding the Health Professional Shortage Area Scoring Criteria.

AGD members have reached out for guidance on whether their employees are eligible for Families First Coronavirus Response Act programs in specific childcare-related scenarios. The U.S. Department of Labor has an extensive and comprehensive Q&A document.

For the first time, AGD’s scientific session will be held in Austin, Texas. In addition to being one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Austin boasts a dynamic creative scene that will stimulate your senses and palate.

If you’re a recent graduate, hopefully you’ve already enrolled in the complimentary malpractice coverage from AGD Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage. Why not take the next step and recommend it to your fellow graduate members?

The AGD Foundation Grant Program offers support to AGD constituencies and nonprofit community-based outreach programs that promote oral cancer awareness, education and/or screening independent of standard dental practice. Grant applications are available online, and the application deadline is Dec. 1, 2020.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released final reporting requirements for providers who received one or more payments exceeding $10,000 from the Provider Relief Fund. The reporting system will become available Jan. 15, 2021. Additionally, the department noted that recipients may be subject to auditing.

Most new dentists graduate with minimal communication, business, financial and leadership skills, yet are somehow expected to successfully merge into a world wrought with issues that require these for success.

AGD signs on with coalition to expand authorization for dental professionals to administer COVID-19 vaccine

Dental offices are limiting the number of people in the offices, keeping waiting areas cleared and maintaining social distancing guidelines. As a result, your dental team may ask that you wait in your car or outside the office until the team is ready for you.