Nearly 100 AGD members gathered April 1-2 in Chicago for the Leadership Development Symposium to exchange ideas for how to support general dentists on a local level. The meeting, titled “Extraordinary Leadership in Extraordinary Times,” featured a series of AGD expert presentations on education, dental practice and advocacy, leadership and volunteer management, membership recruitment, and logistics. The group discussed opportunities to engage new individuals and broaden AGD’s reach with students and diverse groups. 

“The meeting provided an opportunity for members to think innovatively to broaden AGD’s work in local communities,” said Gerald Botko, DMD, MAGD, AGD president. “Each participant was able to get practical tips and leadership techniques that are needed to support a dynamic membership like AGD. It was a great honor for me to gather with this group and talk strategically about our future goals. The feedback from the weekend has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The Leadership Development Symposium is held every other year and brings together emerging leaders to provide them with tested tools and an opportunity to network. The program is organized by AGD’s Regional Directors.