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On January 29 and 30th, 2025, the Senate Finance and Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) Committees respectively held confirmation hearings for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The February issue of AGD Impact is live! In it, you can learn how to plan for a volunteer dental trip abroad and read about the experiences other dentists have had on these trips. Columns include Practice Management, New Dentists, Student Perspectives and Wellness.

Join us in vibrant Montréal July 9–12 for an unparalleled dental learning experience. Explore courses led by industry experts, and refine your skills and knowledge in real time. Plus, be among the first 100 to register for a chance to win a $500 airfare credit!

A new study evaluated the effects of mouth breathing on the physical proficiency of children and adolescents. Results of the 6-minute walk test showed that mouth breathing had a significant negative impact on the performance of young male patients.

Call the play, and invite your colleagues to join AGD. Each successful referral earns you $50 in rewards once they join, applicable toward your membership renewal. It’s a winning strategy for all. Ready to start? Complete the online referral form today, and boost your professional game.

Next Thursday, Feb. 13, is your last chance to submit a speaker abstract for AGD2025’s "Take the Floor" education series. This is your chance to showcase your skills and shine at the premier general dentistry meeting. Selected speakers will enjoy complimentary registration. Don’t miss out — apply now!

Academy of General Dentistry’s Premier Event Set for July 9-12, 2025

Ways to Create Connections with New and Existing Patients

Recently, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George J. Schmidt spoke with Dr. Larry Stanleigh about ways to create connections with new and existing patients. A new episode also features Dr. Stephanie Flynn Tilley and Jacqui Kozlowski discussing the challenges and opportunities for women in dentistry.

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

AGD Impact regularly features a Testing the Tools column with practical reviews of some of the latest dental products. This month, reviewer Dr. Ross Isbell, a general dentist in Gadsden, Alabama, tested an injection molding frame to assist with veneer placement, an interproximal kit and a new flowable composite.

Marketing is an ongoing journey. Success comes from staying curious, testing ideas and being open to change. What works today may shift tomorrow, but, with continual learning and adaptation, your practice will be ready to thrive — no matter what the future brings.

Submit a speaker abstract for AGD2025’s Take the Floor education series! Lead a 45-minute session on dental practice, innovation or well-being. Share your expertise, and make a lasting impact on the dental community! Selected speakers will also receive complimentary meeting registration.

Visa, Mastercard, and the Defendant Banks have reached a settlement, which arose from claims that merchants paid excessive interchange fees for accepting card payments. The deadline to file a claim is next Tuesday, February 4. AGD has selected MCAG, a class action settlement expert, to assist our clients in hopes of recovering the maximum amount you’re due from the settlement.

On January 15, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released a proposed rule establishing a framework for practitioners to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine without a prior in-person medical evaluation entitled, Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation.

On January 7, 2025, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) was named Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for the 119th Congress, a key position overseeing more than 50 percent of federal spending with jurisdiction over federal tax policy; federal social safety net and health care programs, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; and implementation of foreign trade agreements.

On January 20th Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, beginning his second term. Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed a multitude of executive orders and national proclamations, including actions to strengthen border security, increase domestic energy production, and reduce the size of the federal workforce.

Get ready to register for AGD2025! Registration opens next Wednesday, Jan. 29. The first 100 full-dues-paying AGD members who register for AGD2025 will be entered into a special drawing to win a $500 airfare credit! Don’t miss this opportunity. In the meantime, learn more about the must-see attractions in historic Montréal.

While many aspiring dentists may not immediately think about working at a correctional institution upon graduation, correctional dentistry can provide a very fulfilling and stable career path. Like any dental field, it has pros and cons, but many correctional dentists find deep satisfaction in their work.