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Happy World Health Day! As dentists, we know that oral health is vital to overall health. A healthy smile isn’t just about teeth—it’s about preventing disease, promoting well-being, and enhancing quality of life. This World Health Day, let’s reinforce the message that oral health is health!

April is National Minority Health Month! Oral health disparities affect millions—but as dentists, we have the power to bridge the gap. This month, let’s renew our commitment to equitable care, patient education, and community outreach to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to a healthy smile.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month! Dentists are on the front lines of early detection! Regular screenings save lives—let’s continue to educate, advocate, and act.

The April issue of AGD Impact is live! This month’s cover story focuses on a holistic approach to wellness — one that considers the mental, physical and relational aspects of wellness.

Stay informed on the latest in dentistry by tapping into new perspectives from leaders in the profession. Recently, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George J. Schmidt spoke with Dr. William J Moorhead, Minal Sampat, and Dr. Brian Goodcare. You can also watch the podcasts on YouTube.

AGD wants to help your practice bloom this spring by providing special discounts on a variety of insurance and financial services as well as practice management products through our Exclusive Benefits program.

Time is running out! This Wednesday, April 2, is the deadline for students, residents and recent graduates to submit an abstract for the AGD2025 Scientific e-Poster Session. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your research and compete for up to $400 and a certificate. Submit your abstract today!

A new case report in General Dentistry describes an unusual presentation of oral syphilis — a severely painful, ulcerated lesion on the floor of the mouth that was highly suspicious for malignancy. This case highlights the importance of considering sexually transmitted infections in differential diagnoses of older adults.

AGD Impact regularly features a Testing the Tools column with practical reviews of some of the latest dental products. This month, reviewer Dr. Ross Isbell, a general dentist in Gadsden, Alabama, tested an in-office whitening gel, a crown remover and an occlusal reduction bur. Stay informed on equipment that helps you and your practice by checking out his reviews.

AGD offers myriad benefits to members through its partner companies. This month, two of these providers — Dentist’s Advantage and Hagan Insurance — offer insights into their respective fields of expertise.

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

This month, AGD Impact columnist Dr. Amrita Feiock writes about contributing to the collective voice of general dentists. She says AGD serves as a powerful advocate for its members by engaging with policymakers and other organizations on important issues affecting the profession, patients and the healthcare system.

Nominations are open for AGD’s 2025 Student Chapter of the Year and Faculty Advisor of the Year awards! Join AGD in celebrating the exceptional student chapters and faculty advisors who have gone the extra mile. Nominations are being accepted through April 18.

The deadline to submit an abstract for the AGD2025 Scientific e-Poster Session is next Wednesday, April 2! Dental students, residents and recent grads can showcase their research and compete for awards.

On March 13, 2025, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to favorably report the nominations of Dr. Martin Makary to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to be Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), by votes of 14-9 and 12-11, respectively.

On March 14, 2025, Congress passed a six-month continuing resolution. The narrowly focused bill largely extends current funding for most federal agencies and programs through September 30, 2025 – the end of the fiscal year.

While general dentists focus on maintaining their own licenses and knowledge about their own scope of practice, they do not always pay careful attention to the state requirements governing their assistants and hygienists.