NEWSROOM

AGD has joined other national dental organizations in supporting two pieces of federal legislation aimed at strengthening access to dental care, including Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2026 and the Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act.

Shoutout to the Tooth Fairy — our most dedicated and hardworking colleague. 😂She makes house calls at 2am, never misses an appointment, and has been getting kids excited about oral health for generations. We could all learn something from her work ethic. 🦷💙 Happy Tooth Fairy Day!

Happy National Fresh Breath Day! 🌬️✨ Let's celebrate the confidence and health that come with a fresh, clean smile. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy every conversation! 😁🦷

Every general dentist understands the importance of safe and effective sedation, and the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) sedation guidelines provide clear recommendations on best practices. But when it comes to legal requirements, the ADA guidelines are only part of the picture. The article includes a Self-Instruction quiz in AGD’s Online Learning Center to earn 1 CE credit.

AGD is built by and for general dentists, but it also boasts many specialist members. Dr. Jack Piermatti is one such specialist member. A longtime AGD member and Fellow, he remains committed to lifelong learning, advancing excellence in dentistry and advocating for AGD.

Registration is now open for AGD’s in-person participation course, “Endo Unlocked: Build Confidence, Master Technique,” on Friday, Oct. 16. Led by world-renowned endodontist Dr. Brett E. Gilbert, this intensive session targets the exact clinical pain points general dentists face during root canals, replacing procedural anxiety with operational certainty.

AGD Impact has been selected to receive the International College of Dentists’ 2026 Humanitarian Service Article Award. AGD was recognized for “Dental Volunteer Trips: How to Plan and Stories from Abroad,” the five-part humanitarian service series published in February 2025.

This month, AGD Impact Testing the Tools reviewer Ross Isbell, DDS, MBA, a general dentist in Gadsden, Alabama, evaluated three products shaping daily practice: the ICam photogrammetry system from Imetric, Elevate Oral Care’s silver diamine fluoride gel, and the Eyeris 1 eye massager from Renpho.

In a new case report published in General Dentistry, Brooks et al describe a rare giant compound odontoma containing more than 50 tooth-like structures.

Test your core knowledge with our quick Fellowship Practice Quiz, then gain the competitive edge at the Fall Fellowship Review Course in New Orleans, Sept. 25–26. Earn 16 CE hours over two intensive days, and maximize your success on the exam the next morning.

Get inspired by eight special podcast episodes recorded live during AGD2026. Featuring engaging conversations with AGD members, the series explores personal journeys, clinical insights, career advice and the rewards of practicing general dentistry. Discover the stories behind the profession, and hear what makes the AGD community so exceptional.

You’re leaving money on the table if you aren't using your free member CE in AGD’s Online Learning Center. While you’re there, browse over 160+ offerings, and instantly upgrade your skills across a wide variety of dental disciplines — all from the comfort of your home or office.

All requirements for your FAGD, MAGD or LLSR must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2026. To simplify your journey, leverage the complimentary AGD Award Navigator. Request your personalized progress report and step-by-step roadmap today to unlock your blueprint for success, and celebrate on stage at AGD2027 in Chicago.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists.

AGD has signed on as a supporting organization of H.R. 3277 / S. 1677, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA Act). This bill was introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL-02) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) in the House of Representatives and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in the Senate.

On July 2, 2026, CMS released a proposed rule entitled, Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; and Quality Reporting Programs; etc. This proposed rule would update the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System for CY 2027.

On June 26, 2026, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed H.B. 4464, the Ins-Dental Coverage Reimbursement Act, into law. This legislation was introduced by Illinois State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-17) on January 15, 2026.

More than 59,000 Americans will face an oral cancer diagnosis this year. Missing a subtle symptom changes lives. On July 23, the AGD Foundation will launch its crucial new quarterly webinar series. In the first webinar, Dr. Divya Upadhyay will reveal how AI and precision medicine revolutionize early detection.

The decisions facing a general dentist who participates in Medicaid right now are more difficult than they were a year ago after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act became law July 4, 2025, and the questions are still mounting.

In this month’s AGD Impact Leadership column, Dr. Amrita Feiock reminds readers of the importance of speaking up to shape the profession. She emphasizes that, no matter your career stage, you have an opportunity to chime in and use your credibility to effect change.