NEWSROOM

Let your colleagues know that, if they join now for 2022, they’ll get the rest of 2021 for free and can choose one of two membership plans. Once they join, you’ll both receive $50 in Referral Rewards to use in AGD’s Marketplace.

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

Trent E. Finley, DDS, didn’t follow a traditional path to dentistry. He overcame numerous obstacles from a young age and still found a path to success. In this Member Spotlight, he shares how he’s used the challenges he’s overcome to inspire success for the future.

In an effort spearheaded by AGD, the Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) recently sent a letter to the leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its respective Health Subcommittee in support of the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act (H.R.4555). The letter was delivered ahead of the Health Subcommittee's October 20 hearing on "Enhancing Public Health: Legislation to Protect Children And Families", during which the AGD's President, Dr. Bruce Cassis, DDS, MAGD, testified on the subject of oral health literacy and in support of the H.R.4555.

On October 28, the White House released its framework for the Build Back Better Act budget reconciliation package with a topline cost of $1.75 trillion. Notably, the framework removed a proposal to create a dental benefit under Medicare Part B that was previously included in legislation under consideration in the House of Representatives.

Check out the latest issue of General Dentistry, now available online. Highlights include giant sialolith associated with Actinomyces infection; one-piece CAD/CAM post and core; atraumatic fixed partial denture removal using an Er,CR:YSGG laser; and a case series on tooth fragment reattachment.

The electronic silent auction is the perfect opportunity to help a good cause while earning something in reward. All donations will be used to support the AGD Foundation’s efforts to fight oral cancer.

Roger D. Winland, DDS, MS, MAGD, recently received the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists Distinguished Dental Editor Award. Winland served as AGD editor from 1996 to 2020, and during that time he worked with AGD leaders and staff to ensure the organization's publications were of the highest quality.

This month, AGD Impact details the advocacy efforts that led to the recent partial repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act and how this might impact general dentists in the future. Also featured is a guide to purchasing dental operating microscopes and how they can improve your practice.

AGD Dental Practice developed two resources for general dentists to understand the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The first document features a toolkit and a comprehensive checklist. The second document contains frequently asked questions and answers.

There are currently four live webinars in November, two of which are free! Topics covered include bonding agents, practice management tools, selective caries excavation and data-driven marketing strategies for dentists.

Leadership Role Filled as AGD Expand Membership Options

Many dentists, especially those who also spend a significant portion of their time offering their services on a volunteer basis, emphasize that the positive impact from helping patients is a two-way street.

On Oct. 8, more than 40 AGD members came together in Chicago to share best practices in advocacy and legislative outreach to expand the organization’s impact with state and federal legislators. The AGD Advocacy Conference welcomes members each year who are ready to enhance their advocacy skills.

Show your lifelong commitment to exceptional oral care by pursuing the Fellowship or Mastership award or LLSR. In order to get recognized at the AGD Convocation Ceremony during AGD2022 in Orlando, Florida, July 27–30, all requirements must be completed and applications submitted and postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2021.

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

Finding medial arterial calcification (MAC) on CBCT scans is more common than many clinicians realize, and incidental observation warrants referral due to the association between MAC and diabetes.

Last week, AGD President Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in support of the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021 (H.R. 4555).

On October 11, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a "dear colleague" letter outlining her perspective on the path forward for the Build Back Better Act, the "human infrastructure" package expected to total between $1.5 – $3.5 trillion in spending on a broad range of programs.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sent a COVID-19 vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard (ETS) to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) on October 12 for regulatory review.