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The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) maintains that fluoride, when used appropriately, is safe and effective in preventing and controlling dental decay.

On October 10, 2024, Premier Inc. released survey data indicating that more than 86 percent of providers are facing an IV fluid shortage, with over half of respondents possessing a 10-day supply or less.

On October 9, 2024, the Academy of General Dentistry, along with other organizations, sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressing support for the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4531 / S. 3393).

This year, 24 impressive participants presented at AGD2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota! Winners were recognized in three distinct categories, with first and second place awarded in each. Congratulations to these remarkable contributors who have set the standard for excellence in dental research!

Join us at AGD headquarters in Chicago Nov. 15 for a hands-on course focused on diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint conditions related to occlusion. Learn delivery and adjustment protocols to improve conservative temporomandibular disorder treatment and earn 6 CE credits.

Commit to exceptional oral care by pursuing the Fellowship and Mastership awards or LLSR designation. To be recognized at AGD2025 in Montréal, Quebec, complete all requirements and submit your application by Dec. 31, 2024.

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!