NEWSROOM

AGD Foundation President Mark I. Malterud, DMD, MAGD, recently received an essay from William C. Domb, DMD, his colleague and friend, recounting Domb’s journey through tongue cancer. Dental professionals are often the first line of defense against oral/oropharyngeal cancers.

On October 11, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the formation of the Digital Health Advisory Committee to aid the agency in regulating the development and use of digital health technologies (DHTs), including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

On October 16, 2023, the AGD sent a letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) urging the agency to evaluate and revise the existing dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) designation programs.

Stay informed by tapping into new perspectives. Dr. Robert Bagoff emphasizes the importance of charting and managing patient information efficiently to avoid malpractice claims, and Rita Zamora shares strategies that will help dentists promote themselves as professionals and their practices.

Effective marketing of dental implants can yield numerous benefits for dental practices, attracting high-quality patients who are committed to their treatment plans. Learn how dental implants can be a strategic way to target patients with specific needs and establish long-term relationships.

Four new on-demand webinars have been added to AGD’s Online Learning Center. Additionally, there are 150+ additional on-demand webinars. If you’re interested in receiving more free CE, upgrade to the Premium Plus membership level to gain access to the free CE library PLUS four on-demand webinars of your choice.

Four AGD Executive Committee officer positions will be on the ballot at the Nov. 10–12 House of Delegates annual meeting in Chicago. Candidates are Drs. Samantha Shaver and Marc J. Worob for vice president; Drs. Eric Wong and Kimberly R. Wright for secretary; Dr. Robert M. Peskin for speaker of the House of Delegates; and Dr. Timothy F. Kosinski for editor.

AGD Impact regularly features a Testing the Tools column with practical reviews of some of the latest dental products. This month, reviewer Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA, a general dentist in Gadsden, Alabama, tested a versatile disposable mirror as well as two different types of diamond burs. Stay informed on equipment that helps you and your practice by checking out his reviews.

There are no tricks, only treats with complimentary liability insurance provided through AGD’s member benefits from Dentist’s Advantage. Malpractice claims and lawsuits are scary for any dentist. We want to help you protect your career you worked hard to earn.

This month’s Member Spotlight features Eric G. Jackson, DDS, MAGD, a general dentist based in Downers Grove, Illinois. He talks about how his dental career developed, how AGD has benefited him and what’s important to him — both inside and outside of the dental practice.

AGD Impact contacted several dentists who place implants and asked them to describe their educational journeys. With so many options to choose from, the key is choosing a path that will best help advance your personal career and goals.

If you’ve moved recently or plan to do so soon, don’t forget to update your AGD profile. This will ensure you keep receiving important information from us! You can also check the status of your membership dues, manage your email subscriptions and change your password.

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

Patients with a complex problem set involving multiple levels of altered structure challenge clinicians to develop individualized treatment plans. In the September/October issue of General Dentistry, an overview of complex, comprehensive restorations and the clinical case of a patient with Costello syndrome illustrate essential diagnosis and treatment planning concepts.

On October 3, 2023, the House of Representatives voted to vacate the seat of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) in a historic 216-210 vote. This marks the first time in history that a House speaker has been removed in this manner.

On September 30, 2023, Congress passed a last-minute spending bill (H.R. 5860) averting a government shutdown. The 71-page bill was crafted by then House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

Managing human resources in a dental office comes with its own unique challenges. Whatever HR challenge you may currently face, it is important that you take the time to gather all the facts of the situation. This way, you are confident going into a meeting with team members and have clear objectives for the outcome.

As an associate dentist, you may be looking for ways to save up to open your own practice. AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program can help you find offers on everything from financial products and insurance options to practice management tools.

Timothy F. Kosinski, DDS, MAGD, AGD editor, received the 2023 Distinguished Dental Editor Award, presented by the American Dental Association and the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ). The award was presented at the AADEJ Annual Conference last week in Orlando.

AGD recently responded to the call for comments for two Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed rules — Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and the 2024 Medicare Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies.