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Dr. Sam Asthana, Houston AGD president, is committed to advancing the profession through organized dentistry, but there is another major quality that differentiates him from his colleagues. Trained as a classical musician before entering dentistry, Asthana now takes a special interest in musicians’ oral health issues.

Frena — tissues that connect lips to gums and the tongue to the floor of the mouth — support both the lips and the tongue. But if frena interfere with function and the tongue’s range of motion, is a frenectomy warranted?

AGD’s “Three for Free” membership offer is back. Invite your colleagues to join for 2025, and they’ll get the rest of 2024 for free — that’s up to three months. Plus, you’ll earn $50 in Referral Rewards for each sign-up, perfect to put toward your renewal.

Calling all students, residents and new dentists! Join AGD Oct. 21 for “Dental Defense: Mastering Insurance, Malpractice and Student Loan Strategies for New Dentists,” where AGD benefit providers will be sharing insurance, malpractice and loan tips that all new dentists should know.

The October issue of AGD Impact is now live! This month, our cover story explains how compassion and empathy as parts of a modern model of providership can improve patient outcomes and reduce provider burnout. Additional content includes a look at frenectomy treatments, three firsthand accounts from AGD2024, how to convey your practice’s personality in your digital marketing, and a Member Spotlight on Dr. Sam Asthana.

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

While it’s well known that jewelry can cause radiographic artifacts, a report in General Dentistry details a previously unreported type of anomaly produced when jewelry removal left a large soft tissue defect. The atypical radiolucency presented a diagnostic challenge until it was correlated with the piercing defect.

On September 26, 2024, the Biden Administration released new guidance on Medicaid and CHIP coverage for children. This comprehensive guidance, the most detailed Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) framework released in a decade, highlights best practices and strategies for states to meet Medicaid’s EPSDT requirements.

On September 25, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR), H.R. 9747, to maintain federal funding through December 20, 2024, which the Senate passed shortly thereafter.

Treats can be tricky! 🍬 As we enjoy the spooky season, let’s remind our patients to balance the fun with good oral care. Happy Halloween, dentists! Let’s keep those smiles cavity-free.

A smile is contagious! 😁 This #WorldSmileDay, let’s celebrate the power of a healthy smile. Together, we’re not just fixing teeth, we’re transforming lives—one smile at a time.

October is #DentalHygieneMonth! It’s time to remind our patients that great oral health starts with good habits. As dental pros, we know: Prevention is key! Let’s continue promoting healthy routines.

The October issue of AGD Impact is now available!

Do you know a talented young dentist who’s doing extraordinary things and deserves some recognition? Nominations are currently open for AGD Impact’s popular cover story, “10 Dentists to Watch.” Nominations for this honor are open to all AGD members and will close this Friday, Oct. 4.

Registration for the 2024 Fall Fellowship Review Course and Exam, taking place Oct. 4–6 at AGD’s headquarters in Chicago, ends tomorrow! Don’t miss this important step to becoming recognized as an AGD Fellow while earning 16 hours of CE during the two-day review course.

In select cases, third molar extractions offer the opportunity to place miniplates for anchorage to distalize mandibular molars, an approach that may be of interest to patients with time restraints that limit traditional orthodontic treatment options.

Dr. Brett Kessler, ADA president-elect, and Dr. Hans P. Guter, AGD past president, discuss the importance of mental health and finding support during times of struggle. Kessler talks openly about his own battle with substance abuse and how he uses the strength and resiliency he found in recovery to help others.

AGD Impact columnist Wesley W. Lyon II, CPA, CFA, delves into the dual role of life insurance as both family protection and an investment tool. Explore the benefits and pitfalls of using insurance as an investment, the impact of fees and commissions, and whether life insurance can be a tax-free advantage or a potential tax trap.

Registration for the 2024 Fall Fellowship Review Course and Exam ends next Tuesday, Oct. 1. If you’re working toward the AGD Fellowship Award, this is your chance to earn 16 CE credits during the two-day review course and take the exam the next day.