


Academy of General Dentistry Installs Florida Dentist as New Vice President
Merlin Ohmer, DDS, MAGD is a longtime member and leader of the AGD

New York Dentist Installed as Academy of General Dentistry Speaker of the House
New speaker has years of experience presiding over official governing bodies

Academy of General Dentistry Awards Washington State Executive Director with Honorary Membership
Valerie Bartoli recognized for decades of accomplishments with the Washington Constituent

Academy of General Dentistry Honors Mississippi Leader with Prestigious Ritz Award
W. Mark Donald, DMD, MAGD is the fifth AGD member to be honored with this award since its inception

Academy of General Dentistry Honors Arkansas Dentist with 2021 Distinguished Service Award
Award Presented to AGD Member with Exemplary Local and National Service to the Field of Dentistry

Academy of General Dentistry Honors Wisconsin Dentist with Prestigious Humanitarian Award
Robb A. Warren, DDS, Demonstrates Commitment to Dental Outreach

AGD Applauds Decision by U.S. House to Refrain from Advancing Flawed Medicare Dental Expansion Proposal in Build Back Better Legislative Package
The proposed Medicare dental expansion was being advanced in Congress without thoughtful consideration.
Oral Health Literacy Legislation Considered by House Committee
On November 17, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding a markup session for pending legislation, including the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act (H.R.4555).
Congress Waits on Cost Estimates for Social Spending Package
Consideration of President Biden's broad social spending package, the Build Back Better Act (H.R.5376), in the U.S. House of Representatives is paused pending the release of cost scoring estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
OSHA and CMS Issue Workplace COVID-19 Vaccine Rules
On November 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published corresponding regulations on COVID-19 vaccination policies in the workplace.

Distinguish Yourself. Recognize a Colleague.
The deadline to apply to join the class of 2022 FAGD, MAGD and LLSR recipients is Dec. 31, 2021. Start your application today to get recognized at AGD2022. AGD is also accepting nominations for the 2023 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award until Dec. 1, 2021. Make your nomination today.

Closing the McCarran-Ferguson Loophole
For decades, organized dentistry has been urging lawmakers to close a loophole in the McCarran-Ferguson Act that exempts insurance companies from federal antitrust oversight. It finally happened in January with the passage of the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (CHIRA). As CHIRA’s first anniversary approaches, general dentists may wonder when they can expect to see real change in the post-CHIRA world. The short answer from experts: It’s hard to say.

Reduce the Cost of Running Your Practice
Every dollar counts when running your own practice, especially these days. To help your business, AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program includes a variety of offers on practice management tools, insurance options and financial solutions.

Download AGD Consumer Fact Sheets
AGD fact sheets provide your patients with all the information they need to maintain their oral health. Fact sheets on more than 25 oral health topics are available for downloading online and can be customized to include your name and practice information.

Periapical Radiolucency Following Traumatic Injury
Can you distinguish between pulpal necrosis and the repair of the pulp in a traumatized permanent tooth on a radiograph? The Endodontics column in the latest issue of General Dentistry presents an interesting case of spontaneous pulpal repair with illustrations.

Advantages of Dental Operating Microscopes in General Dentistry
Due to their affordability and portability, dental loupes are the most common form of magnification used in dentistry today. But they do not come without limitations. Now, dental operating microscopes are enjoying expanded interest within the profession for their distinct visual, technologic and ergonomic advantages, which can benefit both dentists and patients.

Long-Term Success of Tooth Fragment Reattachment in Pediatric Patients
Tooth fragment reattachment is a simple, inexpensive technique that recovers esthetics and can improve the patient’s quality of life. A new case series in General Dentistry illustrates the benefits of this technique and includes long-term follow-up data.

Your Colleagues Will Thank You
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.

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