This Week at AGD

AGD Impact Wellness columnist Dr. Maggie Augustyn says it’s common to see patients prioritize everything else in their lives except their own well-being, including dental care. General dentists possess a unique opportunity to instigate positive change in patients’ lives by helping them understand the importance of investing in themselves.

In the realm of dental restoration, the distinction between a typical ceramist and a master ceramist is profound. Master ceramists are distinguished by their extensive experience, advanced certifications and exceptional artistry. They meticulously craft restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, achieving the highest standards of beauty and precision.

Invite your colleagues to join AGD and earn $50 in Referral Rewards for each new member. They’ll enjoy 50% off AGD dues if they join by Sept. 30. Achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold recruiter status by recruiting 3+ members.

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.

In this issue, learn how building a good relationship with your dental lab can result in better care for your patients. Also, be sure to check out our feature that profiles master ceramists. Columns include Practice Management, Wellness and Student Perspectives.

AGD is hosting the 2024 Fall Fellowship Review Course, Oct. 4–5, at AGD's headquarters in Chicago. You will also have the opportunity to take the Fellowship Exam the next day, while the information is still fresh. Premium Plus members receive a 20% discount on the review course.

Untreated canals are a primary cause of persistent apical periodontitis. A retrospective study in General Dentistry found that failure to perform CBCT imaging prior to initial endodontic treatment of maxillary molars resulted in a 53.37% incidence of untreated canals.

AGD Impact columnist Gerard Scannell, DDS, provides tips for managing the social aspects of dentistry as an introverted dentist: “Being introverted doesn’t inhibit success in this field, though. Rather, it demands finding a balance that allows us to thrive professionally while honoring our natural inclinations.”

Tune in to listen as AGD Podcast host Dr. George J. Schmidt interviews AGD2024 speakers and guests. Hear insights on the latest developments in dentistry, new techniques and wellness tips, as well as member experiences taking the Fellowship Review Course and Exam. Each episode offers short conversations with a range of individuals.

Montréal offers the joie de vivre of Paris minus the hassle of an overseas flight. Stroll through the delightful Parisian-style historic quarter of Old Montréal, shop at outdoor marchés (markets), get inspired by art and dine al fresco on fabulous cuisine.

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

Good news for AGD members who attended AGD2024! Continuing education credits from the meeting are now available in your AGD Transcript. Check the credits you’ve earned so they can be used for licensing transcripts or our achievement-based awards. Email education@agd.org if you have questions about the hours earned.

To achieve your Fellowship, Mastership, or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition during the AGD2025 Convocation Ceremony in Montréal, Quebec, all requirements must be completed and applications must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2024. Need assistance with fulfilling the required CE? Search the AGD CE Directory, or browse the Online Learning Center.

A new General Dentistry article that peer reviewers found “extremely compelling” and “one of the best case studies I have ever read” reminds readers that the regenerative potential of dental pulp should be harnessed whenever possible, allowing maintenance of its formative, nutritive, protective and reparative functions.

You aced your graduation. Now, as you’re stepping into your professional future, it’s time to secure your complimentary malpractice insurance from Dentist’s Advantage, one of the benefits of AGD membership. Safeguard your career from day one, and practice with confidence.

Traveling to foreign countries for healthcare services, including dentistry, has grown in popularity as patients seek less expensive alternatives to costly treatments. A new column in General Dentistry investigates the ethical challenges of this practice for patients, home-country providers, participating communities and governments.

Don’t worry! The Fall Fellowship Review Course and Exam will take place Oct. 4–6 at AGD’s headquarters in Chicago. Premium Plus members receive a 20% discount on the review course. To help prepare, download the Study Guide Supplement 2016-2020 along with the annual study guides.

This past week, AGD hosted its annual scientific session, AGD2024, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The meeting brought together general dentists, dental team members and more to experience exceptional hands-on courses, inspiring lectures, and the opportunity to connect with others committed to excellence in dentistry.

New future-ready governance models need your input. AGD members have been working on a change to our current governance model, which was crafted nearly 50 years ago. Take some time to review the proposed new governance models, and tell us what you think.

This past Saturday, AGD hosted the prestigious Convocation Ceremony for the year’s Fellowship, Mastership, and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition recipients.