AGD has played a pivotal role in my dental career since my time in dental school. Initially, AGD provided an essential foundation for me as a student, offering networking opportunities with other student leaders passionate about general dentistry. It introduced me to the importance of continuing education (CE) — not just as a learner, but as someone who could organize educational experiences for others. AGD helped guide me to understanding the kind of dentist I wanted to be, and its impact has been profound throughout my journey.

As I reflect on my career, a few key lessons stand out. One of the most important is my fear of complacency. Dentistry is ever evolving, and there are countless ways to approach procedures. Without a commitment to constantly ask questions, seek new answers and challenge the status quo, we limit our ability to excel. Dental school provides the foundation necessary to practice, but it is only through continuing education that we truly begin to learn and refine our skills. This mindset allows us to provide the highest level of care to our patients.

I also recognize the responsibility we hold as leaders. Both patients and staff look to the dentist for guidance, and it’s essential to lead by example through hard work, dedication and a commitment to education. The principles of mentorship and leadership have been central to my development as a dentist, and AGD has been an incredible resource in this regard. Whether through mentorship opportunities or accessible CE courses, AGD has supported me throughout
my early years in practice.

After entering the workforce in 2020, I found myself missing the structured learning environment of dental school. While I was taking CE courses, I yearned for a deeper review of some of the more fundamental aspects of dentistry — topics that we use every day in our practices. This led me to pursue AGD Fellowship, which I completed this year. The process of studying for and passing the Fellowship Exam has undoubtedly made me a better dentist. The topics covered in the Fellowship requirements are not only foundational, but also practical, and I was able to immediately implement many of them in my practice. I strongly encourage all dentists to pursue AGD Fellowship, as it has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career.

Achieving the 500 hours of CE required for Fellowship can be a challenge, but AGD offers incredible resources that make this goal more attainable. I’ve found the free online courses, in particular, to be underutilized benefits that provide high-quality education at no additional cost. As a Premium Plus member, I’ve also benefited from the additional webinars, which offer flexibility and accessibility when in-person events are not feasible. While I prefer in-person CE when possible, I’ve come to appreciate the value of webinars as a convenient alternative for those seeking top-notch education on their own schedule.

One of my first major AGD events was the 2018 scientific session in New Orleans, where I was just starting at the student chapter level. Since then, the New Dentist/Student Lounge has become a central hub for me at every AGD scientific session. It’s been a place to connect with old friends, meet new colleagues and attend enriching CE courses. As I’ve gained more experience in my career, I’ve started transitioning from being a new dentist to becoming a mentor for others who are beginning their professional journeys.

Starting my career as a sole provider in a dental practice brought its own set of challenges, particularly in areas unrelated to clinical dentistry. Navigating insurance and coding, for example, can often feel like learning a new language. AGD’s practice management resources can be invaluable in helping tackle these obstacles. Even simple tools, like discounts on insurance coding books, have made a difference in streamlining the gray areas of insurance. 

In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities AGD has provided me throughout my career — both as a student dentist and as I’ve transitioned to full-time practice. AGD has been instrumental in helping me grow as a clinician, a mentor and a leader in the dental field, and I look forward to continuing this journey with the AGD community.

Mackenzie Schneider, DMD, owns Schneider Family Dentistry, S.C., Burlington, Wisconsin.