


Start the New Year by Looking Back… at the History of Dentistry
The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry houses over 40,000 objects that celebrate the past, present and future of dentistry while sharing the importance of a healthy mouth as part of a healthy life. As you plan your professional priorities for the new year, take a moment to reflect on the profession’s past by learning about a few select items from the museum’s collection.

Win Cash Prizes for Your Clinical Research
Gain visibility for your hard work by participating in the AGD2026 Scientific e-Poster Session. Categories include scientific research, clinical innovation and systematic reviews. With prizes of $700 and $550 for top winners, this is a chance to be rewarded for your expertise.

Reviews to Help Your Practice
In the January issue, AGD Impact Testing the Tools columnist Dr. Ross Isbell evaluated three products for daily practice: SweFlex S.E. Tip from Hager Worldwide, HErD Star from ProDent USA and VeneerNow from Premier.

Final Call: Take the Floor!
This is it! Speaker registration for the Take the Floor education series ends this Sunday, Feb. 1. Don’t miss your final chance to inspire your peers at AGD2026. Submit your abstract on clinical innovation or wellness now, and prepare to make a lasting impact.

Claim Your Free Dr. Hornbrook Courses at AGD2026
Registration for AGD2026 is officially open! Join your peers in Las Vegas to sharpen your skills through premier hands-on education. Register today to claim your 7 FREE CE credits for courses led by esthetic pioneer Dr. David Hornbrook.

Capitol Connections
AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists.
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AGD Comments on Proposed Expansion of Dental Therapist Duties
AGD, alongside Minnesota AGD, submitted formal comments to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry expressing concerns about proposed changes to expand the scope of practice for dental therapists. AGD emphasized patient safety considerations related to suturing and hard denture relines and urged further review before any expansion is approved.
Support the AGD Advocacy Fund
The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry. The fund accumulates across budgetary cycles, allowing the AGD to act nimbly and substantially when the need arises.
DEA and SAMHSA Extend Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Substances
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have extended the temporary telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances through December 31, 2026.
House and Senate Release FY 2026 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Bill
On January 20, 2026, House and Senate appropriators released a four-bill funding package covering the Defense; Homeland; Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agencies.

Registration for AGD2026 Opens Tomorrow
At AGD2026, advance your skills through expert-led, hands-on courses while connecting with a global dental community to exchange insights on the latest in dentistry. Don’t miss your chance to secure 7 FREE CE credits from esthetics legend Dr. David Hornbrook.

Weclew Award Nominations Still Being Accepted
AGD is accepting nominations for the 2026 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award. The nomination deadline has been extended to Jan. 31, 2026.

How to Win Back Trust in the Age of Ad Blindness
Now more than ever, patients are discerning, informed and, above all, skeptical. They scroll right past the blatant product pitches. As we step into a new year, dental practices have an opportunity to ditch their polished-to-perfection personas for a more authentic marketing strategy that will transform reluctant prospects into loyal advocates.

Latest Podcast Episode Explores Leadership in Dentistry
Recently, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George J. Schmidt spoke with Dr. Amrita R. Patel, an award-winning author and national educator, who shared her journey in dentistry and discussed her contributions to the profession through writing and leadership roles.

Your Chance to Lead the Conversation Ends Next Week
The clock is ticking! You have less than two weeks to join the AGD2026 speaker lineup. We’re seeking dynamic presenters for the Take the Floor education series — symposium-style sessions designed to build a following and showcase timely dental innovations. Secure your spot before the Feb. 1 deadline!

Dentists’ Guide to Mandated Reporter Laws
While dentists are generally well aware that they are “mandated reporters,” there is a great deal of confusion concerning what being a mandated reporter actually entails. The common belief that a mandated reporter must make a report to the appropriate authority if they see that one of their child patients has been abused falls so short of a dentist’s actual legal and ethical obligations that many dentists are at risk of state and/or dental board sanction without knowing it.

Unlock $400+ in Savings Before Early Bird Discount Ends
High-level dentistry requires a team that effectively communicates the value of care. Join us in Chicago to master elite communication strategies that boost productivity and patient outcomes. Register for the All-Star Case Acceptance Mastery Series Level 1 by Feb. 1 to secure the early bird rate.

Academy of General Dentistry Submits Comments to Minnesota Dental Board on Proposed Scope Changes for Dental Therapist

Recognizing the 2026 10 Dentists to Watch
AGD Impact’s 2026 10 Dentists to Watch list is live! From community health clinics in rural Wisconsin to high-tech practices in New York City and even the front lines of the U.S. Army Dental Corps, this year’s 10 Dentists to Watch are redefining what it means to lead in modern dentistry. Check out this year’s honorees and see how they are impacting the future of dentistry.
