Happy holidays to you, your team, your patients and your family. I hope you have time this holiday season to celebrate the things that bring you joy and rest, even in the midst of the end-of-the-year chaos and a pandemic.

As president of AGD, I have had the honor of meeting many of you, connecting virtually, collaborating within organized dentistry, speaking with our legislative and regulatory leaders, and promoting issues and information that are critical to the future of dentistry and oral healthcare. It brings me joy to be able to support you and our profession.

2020 has been one wild year, but, by staying connected and working together, we are getting through this and coming out better and stronger than we’ve ever been. At AGD, we support the careers and personal lives of general dentists. I can’t imagine facing COVID-19 without my colleagues and all of the resources AGD has compiled to help us stay on the right course. 

This year, more than ever before, I have relied on my AGD community to support me during this crisis and help me figure out how to remain resilient and successful. Even in the early days of my career, I knew that the education and networking I received from AGD was critical. It helped me feel more confident with my skills as a general dentist, and it helped me understand how to grow. Today, AGD continues to provide me with the insights I need so that I can concentrate on what is most important; focus on the essential needs of my practice for now and in the future; and support my staff, family, patients and community. 

When the Challenge Rises, So Do We

As I have reflected on 2020, I’ve thought about the obstacles we’ve overcome — office closures, PPE shortages, regulatory changes, staffing challenges, financial issues, burnout, stress and more. How have these experiences in our workplaces impacted our future plans? In what ways are we moving forward that will allow us to remain strong and prepared for the “new normal”? Like you, I don’t have all the answers, but I know that I can turn to AGD for guidance and knowledge. 

Over the next few weeks, I encourage you to think about what you might need for 2021. Is it to get through this pandemic? Is it to be prepared for future crises? Find time for family? 

Or, do you want to learn something new? Expand your knowledge of something you already studied? Network more? Make new friends, become a mentor or find a mentor? 

Maybe 2021 is your year to become an AGD Fellow. If you have received your Fellowship, consider working toward your Mastership. If you have your Mastership, why not work toward Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition?

As general dentists during a pandemic, we are busy, and only we truly understand how much is involved with our daily work. But make time to ensure you get where you want to be in life. I guarantee that AGD can help you get there.

With Change Comes Opportunity

What’s your 2020 story? We can’t go back, but we will go forward. We need to remember what we’ve learned and how to use those experiences. What will be your 2021 story? I’d love to hear from you. Please send me your thoughts on how we can better support and assist you or how you are preparing for the future.

Best wishes and happy holidays.

Bruce

Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD
President, Academy of General Dentistry