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The Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD’s) House of Delegates installed new officers during its annual meeting, held virtually this year, Oct. 23–25. Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, a general dentist from Fayetteville, West Virginia, was named president.

The Academy of General Dentistry has installed Bruce Cassis, DDS, MAGD, a general dentist from Fayetteville, West Virginia, as the organization’s president during its Annual Meeting on October 25, held virtually due to COVID-19.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recently elected Hans Guter, DDS, FAGD, as the vice president during its Annual Meeting on October 25, held virtually this year due to COVID-19. Guter has been a member of the AGD since 1991 and has served in many leadership roles.

The Academy of General Dentistry recently elected Timothy F. Kosinski, DDS, MAGD, as the editor during its Annual Meeting on October 25, held virtually due to COVID-19. Since 2015, Kosinski has served as associate editor and has a strong appreciation for AGD’s news and peer-reviewed publications. He replaces long-time AGD editor Roger Winland, DDS, MS, MAGD, who retired after 24 years of consecutive service.

The Academy of General Dentistry recently elected Donald Worm, DDS, MAGD, ABGD, as treasurer during its Annual Meeting on October 25, held virtually due to COVID-19. Worm has been an AGD member since 1988 and has served in numerous leadership positions.

Joseph A. Battaglia, MS, DMD, FAGD, is only the fifth AGD member honored with the Mark S. Ritz Advocate for Dentistry Award.

Ralph A. Cooley, DDS, FAGD, of Houston, Texas is honored for his time and service to a host of dental programs benefiting the community.

Yolanda Mangrum, DDS, MAGD of Northern California AGD commitment to philanthropy spans beyond the borders of her local and regional communities.

AGD, along with 28 other allied health organizations, including AAOMS and ADA, sent a letter to the leaders of the House Education & Labor Committee on October 15, voicing support for H.R.1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).

On October 8, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less.

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.

Dr. White Shares Perspectives on Unusual Times During Her AGD Presidency

The risk of malpractice claims and lawsuits are enough to scare any dentist, so we’ve arranged for all AGD new graduates and residents to receive professional liability insurance from Dentist’s Advantage at no cost. It’s one of the treats of AGD membership.

On Oct. 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an updated communication about SARS-CoV-2 and the potential for airborne transmission. The CDC has found that less infection is spread in contact or “fomite transmission.” Epidemiologic assessments have found that most infections are spread through close contact and not airborne transmission.

No matter your experience level, this guide is a must-have for every practice. Learn the different types of medical codes, how to complete the medical claim form and how to submit proper claims to medical payers.

A report published in the November 2020 Journal of the American Dental Association found that COVID-19 prevalence and positive rates among dentists were low and concluded that “current infection controls recommendations may be sufficient to prevent infection in dental settings.”

Dr. White shares perspectives on unusual times during her AGD presidency.

On Sep. 24, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided recommendations about the use of dental amalgam in certain groups who may be at greater risk of potential adverse health effects of mercury exposure, including pregnant and/or nursing women and people with certain preexisting conditions.

On Oct. 2, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released the consensus study report, "Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine."

Now more than ever, it is important that general dentists use their voices in legislative and regulatory policy planning. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for AGD members to stay informed and active. This year, the annual AGD Advocacy Conference will be held virtually on Saturday, Nov. 14.