New dentists and students visited several ports of call, learning about implants under the captainship of Texas AGD 2018 New Dentist Conference general session speaker Maureen Libby, DMD. The conference, June 8-9 in Austin, allowed attendees to experience interactive lectures, lunch discussions with AGD leaders and a party on the pier of Lady Bird Lake. 

The hands-on sessions covered a wide range of implant topics, including implant restoration, ridge preservation techniques and surgical placement techniques. Dentsply Sirona and Texas Masters sponsored the sessions, and Dentsply Sirona representatives demonstrated digital impressions and CAD/CAM milling. Sarah Tovar, DDS, FAGD, New Dentist Conference chairperson, said of all the conference’s exhibitors, “We are grateful for our exhibitors, they are an extension of our programs and help attendees learn which tools will help them find success in their practice.”

A panel of dentists and industry professionals, including Laura Schott, DDS, Boyd Shepherd, DDS, Akshay Thusu, DDS, and Kyle Wallace, of Wallace Specialty Insurance Group, highlighted employment contracts, practice management techniques, acquisitions and startup dynamics. In addition, the event hosted roundtable conversations between new dentists and Masters, Fellows and MasterTrack attendees.

On Friday evening, attendees sailed along Lady Bird Lake on a riverboat cruise, sharing drinks with peers and watching the Congress Avenue Bridge Mexican free-tailed bats lift off on their nightly flight. Members who reached 250 or 500 hours, or who had recently passed the Fellowship Exam, were recognized during the conference with an achievement certificate. Check out the recipients.

Visit the Texas AGD Facebook page to see photos from the event.