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This month, AGD Podcaster Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, talks with one of his patients, Tom Zarra, an oral cancer survivor. This story highlights the importance of the interactions between dentists and their patients during oral cancer treatment.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) told reporters on March 26 that he is urging the Administration and his Democratic colleagues in Congress to include a massive expansion of the Medicare program as part of a sweeping infrastructure package Democrats are currently developing.

AGD sent a letter of support to Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) on March 25 for her bipartisan legislation, the Foster Youth Dental Act of 2021 (H.R.1794).

AGD joined allies in sending letters to the leaders of the House and Senate subcommittees that allocate funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), calling for $310 million in funding in FY2022 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH).

On March 24, AGD sent a letter to Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., MBA, congratulating him on being confirmed by the Senate to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the United States.

On March 16, Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (R-CA) and Drew Ferguson, D.M.D. (R-GA) reintroduced ELSA, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (H.R.1916/S.754).

AGD2021 course registration officially opens next Wednesday, April 7. Some of the industry’s most respected speakers will deliver impactful insights in formats that range from advanced hands-on education to clinical and practice management lectures.

There are a few must-haves to start a dental career, and professional liability insurance is one of them. For all AGD graduates and residents entering their first year of dental practice in the United States, our Exclusive Benefits provider offers complimentary coverage as an AGD membership benefit.

AGD President Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, released a statement regarding patterns of intentional violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that have increased starkly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each issue of AGD Impact features a Testing the Tools column with practical reviews of some of the latest dental products. This month, reviewer Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA, a general dentist in Gadsden, Alabama, tested bonding agents.

The ethical principle of beneficence challenges dentists to do their best considering the circumstances presented by the patient. A column on self-care by Frederick G. More, DDS, MS, suggests dentists should also regularly ask, “How am I doing?”

Botulinum toxin is noninvasive, safe and effective as an adjunct therapy for various orofacial disorders. A case series in the new issue of General Dentistry describes its successful use in treating gummy smile caused by muscle hyperfunction.

From April 1 through May 31, all AGD Fellowship study guides (2016–2020) and the Study Guide Supplement (2008–2015) are discounted. This is the perfect way to save money while preparing for the Fellowship Exam.

AGD released a statement regarding patterns of intentional violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities that has increased starkly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. Last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the seventh amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act to authorize dentists and dental students to administer COVID-19 vaccines in all 50 states.

In the latest issue of General Dentistry, a case of Munchausen syndrome (MunS) is reported in a woman who sought treatment for jaw pain and uncontrolled jaw movements. The article also addresses how to identify MunS, relevant courses of action, appropriate referral and the consequences of overdiagnosis of MunS.

Student and resident members know the value of saving a dollar. That's why we want to make sure you check out the members-only offers available through AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program. Get special deals on student loan refinancing; life, rental and auto insurance; and even online shopping.

During this time of year, taxes are on a lot of dentists’ minds. Dental accountant Brian Hanks, MBA, CFP, addresses four of the major tasks your CPA should have performed this year. These are good ways to ensure you received the best tax advice possible and aren’t overpaying on your taxes.

The first several years after dental school can be a daunting time. For many young dentists, a mentor can help. Members of the AGD Communications Council help explain the process of finding a mentor — and how to make a mentorship successful.

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) recently introduced the Oral Health for Moms Act (S.560).