This Week at AGD

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.

Chronic ingestion of a beta carotene–rich diet may promote the development of yellow-orange hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa. The new issue of General Dentistry details a case of this benign condition, carotenemia, which must be differentiated from more concerning disorders, particularly jaundice associated with hepatitis.

The “Take the Floor” education series is now accepting speaker abstracts! This program features 45-minute presentations exploring clinical innovations, mental health and physical well-being. This is your time to shine. Inspire, educate and make a lasting impact at AGD2025. The deadline to submit is Feb. 13.

AGD leaders met this past weekend to strategize for 2025 and beyond. In addition to their individual remote meetings throughout the year, all AGD councils meet together in person once per year to discuss the organization’s current status and develop new ways to advocate for general dentists and meet the needs of our membership.

In 2024, a job task analysis was carried out in conjunction with the AGD Fellowship Exam program. As a result, revisions have been made to the blueprint of the 2025 Fellowship Exam, study materials and content outline.

The 2025 10 Dentists to Watch list is live! This year’s talented young dentists bring diverse skills and ambitions to the field, united by their commitment to lifelong learning and delivering exceptional care to their patients.

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 online for downloading and can be customized to include your name and practice information.

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

AGD is a new partner for the Stop the Bleed program, a national initiative aimed at empowering individuals to act as immediate responders during emergencies by providing lifesaving techniques to control severe bleeding. It emphasizes public awareness, training, and equipping bystanders with the skills needed to save lives.

Start the new year with something that pays off—referring your colleagues for AGD membership!

AGD is seeking nominations for the 2025 Albert L. Borish, Distinguished Service and Humanitarian awards, all of which recognize exceptional achievements and contributions to the dental profession. All nominations and supporting documentation must be submitted by March 14 to the AGD Awards Committee.

Start the new year with a new issue of General Dentistry to explore up-to-date information that you can apply directly to your clinical practice.

Registration for AGD2025 and courses opens Jan. 29! Plan now to join us and dive into a dynamic learning experience with a variety of hands-on CE courses. Advance your skills through hands-on continuing education courses led by top experts, offering real-time practice and valuable learning opportunities.

AGD Impact’s annual 10 Dentists to Watch list is live! We are proud to share the stories of 10 dentists at the start of their careers who represent the newest generation of exemplary oral healthcare providers.

“My journey in dentistry has been shaped by a commitment to community health and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those I serve, regardless of geographic boundaries.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see patients who arrive with fear, pain or low self-esteem leave my dental chair with a renewed sense of confidence and a smile.”

“We’ve established strong partnerships with local organizations to connect our patients with food banks and housing assistance programs.”

“Dentistry is a great profession as it allows me to bring positive changes to people by either creating new smiles or getting them out of pain.”

“I always hope to provide care that is a partnership where the patient is accompanied on their oral health journey.”

“Each day is an opportunity to build a legacy of developing healthier communities.”