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On July 24, 2024, AGD, alongside 17 other organizations, sent a letter of support to the sponsors of the Oral Health Products Inclusion Act (H.R. 8599). This legislation would allow funds from health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to be used to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) oral health products, such as toothbrushes and floss.

On July 23, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its inaugural Oral Health Cross-Cutting Initiative (CCI) fact sheet. The fact sheet provides an overview of the Oral Health CCI and the program’s key results so far.

Invite your colleagues to join AGD and earn $50 in Referral Rewards for each new member. They’ll enjoy 50% off AGD dues if they join by Sept. 30. Achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold recruiter status by recruiting 3+ members.

AGD fact sheets provide your patients with all the information they need to maintain their oral health. Fact sheets on more than 25 oral health topics are available online for downloading and can be customized to include your name and practice information.

In this issue, learn how building a good relationship with your dental lab can result in better care for your patients. Also, be sure to check out our feature that profiles master ceramists. Columns include Practice Management, Wellness and Student Perspectives.

AGD is hosting the 2024 Fall Fellowship Review Course, Oct. 4–5, at AGD's headquarters in Chicago. You will also have the opportunity to take the Fellowship Exam the next day, while the information is still fresh. Premium Plus members receive a 20% discount on the review course.

Untreated canals are a primary cause of persistent apical periodontitis. A retrospective study in General Dentistry found that failure to perform CBCT imaging prior to initial endodontic treatment of maxillary molars resulted in a 53.37% incidence of untreated canals.

Happy Fresh Breath Day!

Happy National Tooth Fairy Day! Remember, every lost tooth is a new adventure. Keep those smiles bright and healthy, little ones!

The July issue of AGD Impact is now Live

Start the school year with a bright smile! Don't forget to schedule your child's dental appointment today for a healthy and confident return to class!

AGD Impact columnist Gerard Scannell, DDS, provides tips for managing the social aspects of dentistry as an introverted dentist: “Being introverted doesn’t inhibit success in this field, though. Rather, it demands finding a balance that allows us to thrive professionally while honoring our natural inclinations.”

Tune in to listen as AGD Podcast host Dr. George J. Schmidt interviews AGD2024 speakers and guests. Hear insights on the latest developments in dentistry, new techniques and wellness tips, as well as member experiences taking the Fellowship Review Course and Exam. Each episode offers short conversations with a range of individuals.

Montréal offers the joie de vivre of Paris minus the hassle of an overseas flight. Stroll through the delightful Parisian-style historic quarter of Old Montréal, shop at outdoor marchés (markets), get inspired by art and dine al fresco on fabulous cuisine.

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

Good news for AGD members who attended AGD2024! Continuing education credits from the meeting are now available in your AGD Transcript. Check the credits you’ve earned so they can be used for licensing transcripts or our achievement-based awards. Email education@agd.org if you have questions about the hours earned.

To achieve your Fellowship, Mastership, or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition during the AGD2025 Convocation Ceremony in Montréal, Quebec, all requirements must be completed and applications must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2024. Need assistance with fulfilling the required CE? Search the AGD CE Directory, or browse the Online Learning Center.

A new General Dentistry article that peer reviewers found “extremely compelling” and “one of the best case studies I have ever read” reminds readers that the regenerative potential of dental pulp should be harnessed whenever possible, allowing maintenance of its formative, nutritive, protective and reparative functions.

On July 12, 2024, Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) wrote a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger, urging them to develop and release a set of mandatory national minimum cybersecurity standards for health care organizations.