The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) released the September issue of its monthly magazine, AGD Impact. The issue features topics in ethics, financial management and legal matters. The issue’s cover story helps readers learn more about interoperability technologies to connect dentistry and medicine and improve patient outcomes, and another feature story addresses how proposed tax legislation for 2025 will impact you. The issue also features a column written to inspire and offer advice to up-and-coming new dentists.

Check out what’s in the new issue:

• Medical-Dental Systems Interoperability: The Next Critical Steps to Improving Collaboration and Understanding

By Mark W. Jurkovich, DDS, MBA, MHI, MAGD

Tools that help healthcare clinicians sort through information are valuable and perhaps essential from an efficiency standpoint. Currently, physicians have tools that use various types of artificial intelligence that assist electronic health record systems in summarizing information, allowing physicians to have a more cohesive picture of patients. This is not common in the dental field at this time, but it is rapidly growing in medicine. How can dentistry take steps to make the profession part of the interoperability conversation?

• How Will the Great Tax Battle of 2025 Impact You?

  By Wesley W. Lyon II, CPA, CFP

  Tax legislation promises to be a major focus next year because many individual tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire on December 31, 2025, automatically raising income taxes for most taxpayers. The expiration of the Act will force both political parties to negotiate or face backlash from the general public, as neither side plans on increasing taxes on the middle class.

  Ethics:

• Creating a Transgender and Nonbinary Inclusive Dental Office Through Cultural Competence

  By Drew Smith, DDS, MS, MA

  With over 1.6 million adults and youth identifying as gender nonconforming in the United States, this article explores how dental practices can foster a welcoming environment for transgender and nonbinary patients. By embracing cultural competence, practitioners can improve patient experiences, address unique health needs, and promote inclusivity. Learn key strategies to ensure your practice is a safe and supportive space for all individuals.

  Financial Management:

•             Life Insurance: Family Protection, an Investment Vehicle, or Both?

  By Wesley W. Lyon II, CPA, CFP

  This article delves into the dual role of life insurance as both family protection and an investment tool. Explore the benefits and pitfalls of using insurance as an investment, the impact of fees and commissions, and whether life insurance can be a tax-free advantage or a potential tax trap.

  Legal Matters:

• Successful DEA Inspections Require Knowing Your Compliance Obligations

  By Jake Kathleen Marcus, JD, PGDip      

  This article guides you through preparing for DEA inspections by understanding your compliance obligations. Learn about DEA registration, key focus areas during inspections, and how the MATE Act impacts compliance. The article also covers essential topics like DEA recordkeeping, inventory management, and prescription regulations to help ensure a successful inspection.

  Testing the Tools:

Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA

In the September issue, Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA offers reviews on two innovative dental items – Flintt Mints a savory solution to dry mouth,the Dental Pod by Zima Dental and Ivoclean by Ivoclar.

The magazine is published monthly and covers topics in areas such as practice management, continuing education, dental products and more, including insightful editorials. AGD’s editor is Timothy Kosinski, DDS, MAGD, and associate editor is Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD. Read here.