Progress at AGD: A Message from AGD President Dr. Marc J. Worob

  • by Marc J. Worob, DDS, FAGD
  • Feb 23, 2026

Becoming a general dentist was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. But let’s be honest — it’s not easy. Early in my career, I found myself asking some tough question

  • Am I truly competent in all aspects of care?
  • Do I know how to run a business?
  • Am I leading my team well?
  • How will I keep up with constant change in dentistry?
Finding AGD helped answer these questions. It introduced me to the power of continuous learning and, just as importantly, to a network of peers and mentors who helped me grow far beyond my own practice.

Today, serving as AGD president, I can confidently say AGD has evolved into an even stronger, more dynamic organization. We’ve stayed true to our core values while expanding our impact in education, advocacy and the professional community.  This week I’d like to share a few important invitations, reminders and updates:

Lead with Confidence: 2026 Leadership Development Symposium

I hope you'll join us April 24-25 in Chicago for the AGD’s 2026 Leadership Development Symposium (LDS) — a dynamic, day-and-a-half experience for current and emerging volunteer leaders. Led by AGD experts and a professional leadership coach, the LDS offers practical strategies, peer connection and a CliftonStrengths® assessment to help you lead with greater impact.

Learn more and register today. There are only a few remaining spaces left.

 

 

Don’t Miss AGD2026

I’d also like to personally invite you to AGD2026, happening June 24–27 in Las Vegas.

Renowned aesthetic dentistry educator David Hornbrook, DDS, will host several FREE educational courses during AGD2026, the annual scientific session if you register by April 30. Worth 7 hours of free CE!

At AGD2026, you can advance your skills through expert-led, hands-on courses while connecting with a global dental community to exchange insights on the latest in dentistry.

And, if you’ve been considering Fellowship, Mastership, or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition, I encourage you to take that next step. Consider registering to take the Fellowship Review Course and Exam while you’re in Las Vegas.

Join us June 25 for a high-energy celebration designed for fun, connection, and a little well-earned unwinding. It’s your chance to relax, let loose, and reconnect with friends and colleagues in a high-energy, can’t-miss atmosphere. The celebration was a huge hit last year, and we’re bringing the fun back — bigger and better — for 2026.

If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time — early bird pricing ends April 30. Visit agd2026.org to secure your spot!

Viva Las Vegas — I hope to see you there.

What We’re Focused on Today

This year is a very exciting time because we are implementing our new strategic plan. Our focus is simple and intentional, and it will follow these five pillars:

  1. Protecting and Advancing the Profession: Protecting and elevating the role of the general dentist in a rapidly changing healthcare environment and being the powerful voice representing the interests of general dentists at the local, state and national levels.
  2. Lifelong Learning and Professional Excellence: Practical, evidence-based CE you can apply immediately — whether in person or online — that is personalized to your needs and your career stage.
  3. Member Experience and Career Empowerment: Real opportunities to engage, lead and build meaningful relationships with colleagues who share your commitment to excellence and ensure that AGD members continue to see the value in AGD.
  4. Stronger Constituents, Stronger Communities: Strengthening our constituents and student chapters by providing targeted resources, leadership development and meaningful member support. 
  5. Foundation for a Thriving Future: Ensuring a future-ready AGD by strengthening our operations, developing leaders and staying adaptable in a changing environment, with emphasis on clearer communication and smarter alignment of resources. 
This isn’t just a plan on paper. It’s a roadmap designed to ensure general dentistry continues to thrive — now and for generations to come. We are incorporating this plan throughout all areas of the organization, most recently with our councils and committees, who helped prioritize plans when they met in January. 

Watch for exciting changes and more updates!

Please know that I’m here for you. If you have questions about AGD or ideas about how we can better support you, I’d love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Marc J. Worob, DDS, FAGD