Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) announced the recipients of the 2017 Universal Awards, recognition presented annually for excellence in service to AGD constituents. All award winners were acknowledged at the AGD Annual Meeting November 3-5 in Chicago.

Congratulations to all winners!

Advocacy—recognizes constituents that have displayed, conducted or participated in activities that truly represent the interests of general dentists

• Texas AGD (Category 1)

ACE (Communications) —recognizes excellence in newsletter publishing

• Texas AGD - (Category 1)
• Alabama AGD - (Category 2)
• Nebraska AGD - (Category 3)
• Army AGD - (Federal Services)

Continuing Education Award of Excellence—recognizes exemplary continuing dental education programs throughout a state

• Texas AGD - (Category 1)
• Tennessee AGD - (Category 2)
• Nebraska AGD - (Category 3)
• Navy AGD - (Federal Services)

Membership—recognizes constituents who have gone above and beyond other constituents in their recruitment and retention efforts

• Arizona AGD - (Category 1)
• Missouri AGD - (Category 2)
• Puerto Rico AGD - (Category 3)
• Veterans Administration AGD - (Federal Services)

Public Information—recognizes excellence in public information achievements that have increased awareness of dental health issues and raised visibility for general dentistry, the AGD and its members

• Texas AGD - (Category 1)
• Kentucky AGD - (Category 2)
• Tennessee AGD - (Category 2)
• Nebraska AGD - (Category 3)
• Navy AGD - (Federal Services)

Constituent of the Year—acknowledges constituents that display strength in every area of their organization, including governance and administration, continuing dental education, membership, communications, public information, and legislative and dental care

• Texas AGD - (Category 1)
• Alabama AGD - (Category 2)
• Nebraska AGD - (Category 3)
• Army AGD - (Federal Services)

Each focus area has a host of objectives concretely defined by a national AGD council. This year, representatives from several AGD councils, committees, departments and the board convened to streamline the awards process. The selection process allows for one constituent to be recognized in each award area from the four membership category levels. The four membership categories are based on the membership population of the constituent.