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 recently supported legislation in the Senate related to noncovered services.
Expressing Gratitude for the Commitment and Perseverance of AGD Members
AGD President Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, talks about the importance of resiliency.
COVID-19 OSHA Standard Expected as Top Priority for Biden Administration
One of the first actions anticipated by President-elect Joe Biden's Administration will be implementing mandatory workplace safety rules that employers must follow to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure.
House Committee Holds Hearing on Pandemic Risk Insurance
The House Committee on Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance held a hearing on November 19 entitled "Insuring against a Pandemic: Challenges and Solutions for Policyholders and Insurers."
Senate Committee Releases FY2021 Government Funding Proposals
The Senate Appropriations Committee published working drafts of its 12 Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 spending bills on November 10.
Senate Bill Introduced to Address Noncovered Services Issue
On November 12, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced S.4894, the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act, which helps ensure fairness in contracts between doctors and dental insurers and supports a healthy doctor-patient relationship.
Win a Trip for Two to Austin, Texas, for AGD2021
Black Friday/Cyber Monday has come early at AGD! Register for AGD2021 before Nov. 30, 11:59 p.m. CST, to be entered into a drawing to win airfare for two to AGD2021 in Austin, Texas.
AGD’s House of Delegates Meeting Honors Leaders, Approves Plans
Due to COVID-19, AGD held its annual House of Delegates meeting virtually Oct. 23–25. It was the organization’s opportunity to recognize current leaders, select future leaders and approve plans for the coming year. Watch this year’s meeting footage, including speeches from AGD leadership about organizational governance.
A Seat at the Table: The Story of the Growing Recognition of Dental Specialties
Learn more about recent changes in the landscape of dental specialization and how these changes affect general dentists.
General Dentistry Looks at Smartphones and Oral Health
Does the non-ionizing radiation emitted by mobile phones have genotoxic and/or cytotoxic effects on the oral epithelium? This systematic review analyzes various published investigations of radiofrequency waves’ potential effects on the oral mucosa.
Support the AGD Foundation While You Shop
Shopping for the holidays? By shopping on Amazon, you can help the AGD Foundation increase awareness of oral cancer and promote the importance of early detection.
Practice Owners Can Reduce Costs Now with AGD Discounts
Every dollar counts when you’re running your own practice, especially these days. To help you succeed, AGD has offers for members on products and services though the Exclusive Benefits program. See what practice management tools, insurance offers, financial solutions and more are available.
Thankful for Your Member Referrals
Your referrals make the greatest impact in growing AGD’s membership, and we’re grateful for your efforts. Let your colleagues know that if they join now for 2021, they’ll get the rest of 2020 for free.
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 Foundation Grant Applications Available
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.
Could COVID-19 Be the Catalyst for the Uptick in Cosmetic Dentistry Services?
When we log into an online meeting, so much of our body language is no longer easily visible. It’s now all about our faces, which means that, in large part, it’s also about our smiles.
What Every Dentist Should Know About Oral Mucosal Wound Healing
The wound healing potential of the oral mucosa is superior to that of other mucosal surfaces. This General Dentistry article reviews the current state of evidence on the mechanisms that govern oral mucosal wound healing, with an emphasis on clinical approaches that facilitate these natural processes.
House Republicans Introduce Targeted COVID-19 Package
House Republicans released a $47 billion Covid-19 relief proposal (H.R.14) on October 30 intended to be a "serious, targeted proposal" to address the pandemic (summary).
HHS Updates Reporting Requirements for Provider Relief Fund Recipients
On October 22, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the reporting guidance for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payment recipients had been amended to increase flexibility around how providers can apply PRF money toward lost revenues attributable to coronavirus.
Important Notice to 2021 Fellowship Awardees
Members applying for the 2021 Fellowship Award must pass the Fellowship Exam by Dec. 31, 2020. Applications to schedule an appointment to take the exam must be received by AGD no later than Dec. 11, 2020.