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This year saw millions of patients falling ill to COVID-19, a lack of availability and reliability in COVID-19 testing, dental clinic closures, and a spike in stress-related oral health conditions.

Distinguishing true panoramic images from ghost images is a crucial skill that may help avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. This article describes cases of a giant sialolith and tonsillolith, each of which appeared bilaterally due to ghost images, and discusses their clinical and radiographic characteristics.

AGD is providing members with relevant updates on COVID-19 vaccine authorizations in the United States. It is expected that at least two vaccines (from Pfizer and Moderna) will have received emergency use authorization by the end of December and that the Trump administration will begin distribution for priority groups as determined by each state.

The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency.

Following the release of the Senate's Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 spending bill working drafts, AGD sent a letter to leaders of relevant House and Senate funding subcommittees to reaffirm support for funding critical oral health programs.

AGD has prepared a quick-reference guide for members on applying for loan forgiveness under the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

The AGD has developed a new section of the AGD COVID-19 website to provide members with the most current credible vaccine information available.

AGD recently sent a letter to the "Four Corners" of Senate and House leadership, which urges Congress to advance a supplemental COVID-19 relief package to address the general dentistry community's key priorities.

In this collaboration between AGD and the American College of Dentists, Na’eel Cajee, DMD, MTS, urges dentists to focus on presenting dentistry as an essential service for the public good rather than as a business in times of crisis.

The newest issue of AGD Impact includes a three-part story on how dentists can help themselves and their practices recover from 2020 by assessing their mental health, finances and infection control equipment.

It takes courage to invest in marketing when there is so much uncertainty. However, it is precisely these times when you should stay visible to your target audience because it’s an opportunity to overtake your competitors. AGD Impact columnist Jackie Ulasewich Cullen explores how you can use marketing to grow your practice during this tumultuous time.

Don’t let this amazing opportunity fall into the mix of other Cyber Monday deals! Today is your last chance to be entered into the drawing. Register for AGD2021 today, Nov. 30, by 11:59 p.m. CST, to be entered into a drawing to win airfare for two to AGD2021 in Austin, Texas.

Visit AGD virtually at booth No. 2349 during the Greater New York Dental Meeting for your chance to be entered into a drawing to receive an iPad Air (valued at $599.99) and view the latest information on our offerings and specials. Have a question? This is a great opportunity to get answers directly from an AGD representative.

Each month, AGD Impact’s Testing the Tools column looks at products to help you in your practice.

The AGD Foundation is seeking nominations for candidates to serve on the 2021–2023 board of directors. If you are interested in joining AGD’s philanthropic initiative by supporting oral cancer prevention and other programs, submit your name for consideration, or nominate a fellow member. Nominations are due to the AGD Foundation Governance Committee at foundation@agd.org by April 15, 2021.

AGD is requesting pandemic related tax incentives, liability protections, enhancement of the paycheck protection program (PPP) and to safeguard flexible spending accounts (FSA).

AGD believes that the dental home functions optimally when patients maintain consistent relationships with primary care dentists and dental teams. During AGD’s recent annual meeting, the Comprehensive Workforce Policy Statement was updated.

AGD has secured a special group rate in Austin, Texas, during AGD2021 at Fairmont Austin, Austin Marriott Downtown and Hilton Austin (government room rate only). Your safety is important, and these hotels are taking proper precautions and staying committed to the health, safety and well-being of their guests.

Did you know that AGD’s Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage offers malpractice insurance at no cost to members for their first year out of dental school? It’s one of the benefits of AGD membership, and there’s no catch to enroll.

November is Native American Heritage Month, and the November issue of AGD Impact features Modoc dentist Donald R. Dexter Jr., DMD. As an enrolled Modoc member of the Klamath Tribes of Southern Oregon, Dexter was the first in his family to attend college and the first member of a federally recognized Oregon tribe to become a dentist.