NEWSROOM

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

Being a healthcare provider instills a sense of communal responsibility. Many dentists are drawn to the profession with the desire to help others. With that often comes the call to provide charitable care either in one’s own practice or through organizations, both locally and abroad.

On April 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education released a final rule which updates federal student loan regulations. The changes implement legislative language enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025.

Dr. Darren Greenwell, Chair of the AGD Legislative and Governmental Affairs Council and Jay Fisher, JD, Manager, Government Relations attended the Spring NCOIL Meeting in Louisville, KY from April 16th to the 18th.

During the week of April 27, 2026, AGD advocates and leadership traveled to Washington, D.C. to engage policymakers on key dental health issues.

Read the latest issue for new research across subject areas. Highlights include case reports on animal-assisted therapy for fearful pediatric patients, a scoping review analyzing the athletic performance benefits of mouthguard use and much more.

AGD’s 2026 Leadership Development Symposium brought together current and emerging leaders in general dentistry for a dynamic day-and-a-half experience focused on building stronger, more self-aware leaders. Held April 24–25 in Chicago, the symposium emphasized a strengths-based approach to leadership development.

Strengthen your practical skills this May through sessions on navigating implant prosthetic complications, preventing clinician burnout and mastering dental office leasing guidelines. These sessions provide a flexible and efficient way to earn your necessary CE credits.

This month’s cover story features several perspectives from practicing dentists on how to maximize the impact of any free dental care you provide, both locally and abroad, and a feature story covers nightmare scenarios in the dental clinic and how you should handle them.

AGD relies on the commitment of its constituent leaders, who serve as delegates each year to the House of Delegates Annual Meeting, where they provide input and governance for the organization. The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 17–19.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has proclaimed May 3–9 as Drinking Water Week, highlighting the importance of safe drinking water in protecting public health. Dr. Melodie Jones, president of the Alabama AGD, attended the signing on behalf of Alabama AGD and the Oral Health Coalition of Alabama.

On this Memorial Day, we pause our practices and our routines to honor the brave souls who gave everything in service to our country. Among them were medics, corpsmen, and dental officers who cared for others even in the most difficult conditions. We are grateful. We remember. We honor. May we never take for granted the freedoms they died to protect.

Today we honor the men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom — including the many skilled dental professionals who serve in the military. From combat medics performing field extractions to military dentists keeping our troops mission-ready, your service goes above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're reminding every dentist and dental professional that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Check in with yourself. Check in with your colleagues. You can't pour from an empty cup — or an empty syringe.

To all the dental moms out there — you juggle scalers and soccer practice, patient care and bedtime stories, continuing education and countless cups of reheated coffee. The strength, compassion, and precision you bring to your practice is the same love you pour into your families every single day. Happy Mother's Day to the women who make dentistry and the world a better place.

Read the latest issue for new research across subject areas. Highlights include case reports on animal-assisted therapy for fearful pediatric patients, a scoping review analyzing the athletic performance benefits of mouthguard use and much more.

The May issue of AGD Impact is live! This month’s cover story features several perspectives from practicing dentists on how to maximize the impact of any free dental care you provide, both locally and abroad.