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On July 19, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act (H.R.4439), which would require all state Medicaid programs to provide mandatory adult dental and oral health services.

The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2022 funding legislation on July 15 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS). As anticipated, the Committee has included funding for vital oral health-related programs and provisions in the FY2022 Labor-HHS package (H.R.4502).

The Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act (H.R.4311) from Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and the Medicare Dental Coverage Act (H.R.4650) from Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) were both recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both bills would expand Medicare Part B coverage to include comprehensive dental and oral health services.

On July 20, Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) reintroduced H.R.4555, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021.

On July 13, I was honored to lead my colleagues as we took our message to Capitol Hill through a virtual Hill Day. We met with congressional leaders and their staffs virtually to communicate key details regarding pressing issues affecting the dental industry.

As we reach a critical point in the pandemic and continue to evaluate a barrage of daily new information, it is important to consider the ethical landscape of dental practice. Of significant concern are justice, equity and access to care.

Though pilocarpine is indicated for the treatment of xerostomia, systemic use may promote adverse reactions that make this drug unviable. Topical, controlled-release formulations of pilocarpine for use on the oral mucosa, however, may be an effective alternative.

AGD2022 will take place at the luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, Florida. Lounge by one of four shimmering pools, enjoy discounted access to the 18-hole golf course, have dinner at the award-winning steakhouse, or relax at the spa.

Each year, the AGD Foundation awards grants to community-based and community-driven outreach programs that promote oral cancer prevention and education with a focus on raising awareness. See the full list.

Protecting your career is a necessity. That’s why AGD members who are new dentists receive complimentary malpractice coverage from Dentist’s Advantage. For those still looking for the perfect opportunity, AGD can also help connect you with jobs in dentistry through AGD’s online Career Center. Let your membership benefits help propel your career today!

AGD-led effort to improved oral health literacy and awareness is closer to reality with the introduction of the “Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021,” legislation by Representatives Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).

Tetracycline is a commonly used drug. However, adverse effects may include dental staining depending on dosage, treatment time and stage of dental mineralization. A new case report in General Dentistry describes minimally invasive treatment to improve the esthetics of tetracycline-stained teeth.

AGD Region 2 Regional Director Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, MAGD, felt compelled to become a volunteer leader after seeing the lack of female dentists in leadership roles and especially low representation from minority groups like Asian Americans.

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

If you’re an associate dentist, AGD is here to support your career path. With AGD’s Exclusive Benefits, you can access special offers to help with personal finances or insurance needs as well as deals on entertainment, online shopping and more.

A number of deaf people work as dentists and dental hygienists. Though deaf people may make up a small slice of the dental profession, they offer valuable insight into how they joined the field and why the continued pursuit of more diversity in dentistry is vital.

A broad coalition of health stakeholders led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids sent a letter on June 30 to the leaders of the House Committee on Appropriations urging them to oppose any efforts to weaken FDA’s authority over cigars or any other tobacco products. The coalition included AGD along with other groups like ADA, AMA, and the American Lung Association.

AGD joined a coalition of dentist and physician organizations in sending a letter thanking the sponsors of the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, H.R.4122. This effort was spearheaded by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).

Providers who received Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments during Reporting Period 1 (April 10, 2020 – June 30, 2020) are now able to submit post-payment reporting process information through the PRF Reporting Portal. These providers have until September 10, 2021, to complete the reporting process.

On July 13, AGD advocacy leaders gathered for AGD’s 2021 Virtual Hill Day event to meet with their members of Congress and discuss AGD priority legislative issues.