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The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has launched the #seeyourdentist campaign to inform patients on how to prepare and what to expect at their next dental appointment.

Some new dentists like to get their feet wet in the industry before they expand their focus to organized dentistry. Steven G. Feldman, DDS, however, was attuned to many legislative issues facing dentistry before he even chose the profession, and his involvement with organized dentistry’s advocacy efforts started in dental school.

As dental health professionals, we can't let the detection and diagnosis of oral cancer be delayed. Help raise awareness by supporting the mission of the AGD Foundation. As you renew your AGD membership, please include a tax-deductible donation to the AGD Foundation, or make a tax-deductible donation online today.

Virtual courses, in-person classes, enhanced safety procedures in clinics and limits on social opportunities are aspects of this year that make it different. AGD reached out to some students and faculty members and asked them to share their insights on how the year is coming together.

AGD knows you’re working hard to give patients the best dental care as an associate dentist, while possibly saving to open your own practice one day. We want to help you save for your future while taking care of your present needs.

To address patient concerns about visiting the dental office during the COVID-19 pandemic, Optio Publishing is offering three free videos to AGD members. Use these videos on your website to show patients how you sterilize instruments, disinfect the office and use personal protective equipment.

Beat the Freeze ends Sept. 30. Buy 10 and get one free, or buy 18 and get two free of Orabloc™ (4% articaine HCl with epinephrine [1:100,000 or 1:200,000]). AGDVANTAGE also offers free second-day delivery, so browse all current AGDVANTAGE promotions to get the best deals possible.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. AGD President Connie White, DDS, FAGD, recently expressed concerns to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding recent updates to its interim guidance for dental settings.

AGD fact sheets provide your patients with all the information they need to maintain their oral health. Fact sheets on more than 25 oral health topics are available online and can be customized to include your name and practice contact information.

Dentists have a dizzying array of options and practice models to choose from in today’s marketplace. The biggest difference between practice models is whether a dentist is an owner or an employee.

In order to get recognized as a Fellow, Master or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition recipient at AGD2021 in Austin, Texas, June 9–12, all applications must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2020.

Let your colleagues know that they can join AGD for half the price if they become members before Sept. 30, and you’ll both earn $50 in Referral Rewards once they join.

The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency. This has included providing resources, creating state-specific action alerts and helping compose and send letters to government entities that express concerns of general dentists within their state.

On September 3, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the Rural Action Plan, following an August 3 executive order requesting that the HHS produce a report on existing and upcoming efforts to improve rural healthcare.

On September 9, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a markup session for 38 pieces of legislation, including H.R. 1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).

In a September 8 letter to lead sponsors, AGD endorsed H.R. 7671, the Small Business Comeback Act. H.R. 7671 calls for the establishment of a Small Business Recovery Fund to help American businesses who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

AGD submitted comments on September 4 to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) in response to their Discussion Draft of the Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine (2020).

AGD President, Dr. Connie White, DDS, FAGD, sent a letter on August 27 to the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Oral Health advocating for a return to May 2020 guidance language on N95 masks in its “Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

AGD podcaster Wes Blakeslee, DMD, MAGD, recently interviewed Robert M. Maguire, DDS, about the DISC personality assessment tool. DISC stands for the four main personality types: dominant, influencing, steady and compliant. Maguire explains the different types and how you can maximize staff personality traits to improve overall effectiveness.

Congratulations to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry Student Chapter and Kay Jordan, DDS, MAGD, assistant clinical faculty member at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, the 2020 recipients of the AGD Student Chapter of the Year and Faculty Member of the Year, respectively.