Chicago, IL (October 25, 2020) – 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. Cassis has been a member on the AGD Executive Committee for the past two years having served as vice president and president-elect.

Cassis joined AGD in 1986 and has served in many roles in both the West Virginia AGD (WVAGD) and at the national level, including president of the WVAGD for four consecutive years, chair of the PACE Council for two years, and first chair of the Communications Council when it was formed after several councils consolidated, a position he held for five years. He has received his AGD Mastership and Fellowship awards and was presented the Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition honor in 2018. He continues to practice general dentistry and hospital dentistry full time in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

“We must funnel our efforts and resources to bring AGD to the height of relevance in organized dentistry, and, most importantly, to our members and potential members,” said Cassis. “As an organization with a mission, we must reach consensus and move forward with a sense of urgency.”

As AGD’s president, Cassis wants to strengthen the organization’s governance and improve the decision-making process in order to expedite responses and outcomes on AGD business in a more efficient and timely manner. He previously served as chair of the PACE, Membership and Communications Councils and has a strong understanding of the products and services that general dentist’s value.

Being passionate about continuing education and advocacy on behalf of general dentists, Cassis holds membership with several other professional dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the West Virginia Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He holds a mastership from the World Clinical Laser Institute and fellowship from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. He also holds Fellowship from both the Academy of Dentistry International and the American College of Dentists. .

“This past year has seen the maturing of advocacy for the AGD thanks to the work of some outstanding AGD council members on the Dental Practice Council and the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Council,” said Cassis. “Our organization benefits from strong leadership at the grassroots level and these individuals bring their passion to the profession to help each of us in the work we do to care for our patients and create strong practices.”

Since 2005, Cassis has traveled both nationally and internationally, presenting seminars to dental professionals, students and auxiliaries. This includes thousands of lectures to a total audience of over 15,000 and includes topics such as laser-assisted dentistry and practice management.

In addition to his dedication to dentistry, Cassis continues to offer charitable contributions to include “Freedom Day”, where veterans with dental needs are served at no cost. Cassis regularly participates in the AACD’s “Give Back a Smile” program for victims of domestic abuse.

Cassis authored “Two Essential Procedures to Strengthen Your Practice” in the September 2017 issue of Dentistry Today.

He is a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Cassis has been married to his wife Evie for 42 years. Together, they have raised five sons and eight and 1/2 grandchildren.

About the AGD

Founded in 1952, AGD is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. AGD provides its nearly 40,000 members with the resources, support and education to deliver exceptional dental care and oral health education. AGD's mission is “to advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education and advocacy.” Visit www.agd.org for more information.