“The shortage of dental assistants has made headlines for years. To reverse this trend, the dental community needs to come together to support comprehensive strategies that address the root causes and lay the foundation to make dental assisting a rewarding, meaningful and sustainable career.” — Dr. Joanne Dawley

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

The dental setting is regarded as a high-risk environment for aerosol concentrations and transmission of respiratory infectious agents, especially in relation to COVID-19. A new study by Vandewalle et al. evaluates the efficacy of a chairside extraoral suction device in reducing aerosol contamination from patients undergoing ultrasonic scaling.

AGD continues to need general dentists with a range of experience to help us grow and remain relevant. The expertise of committed leaders is essential to building strong programs and growing our organization. 

June is Pride Month, so it’s the perfect time to learn how to make your practice a safer and more comfortable space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

A new study in General Dentistry evaluates the changes in the levels of target periodontal bacterial species in saliva and subgingival biofilms during the transition from teeth indicated for extraction to immediate implants that supported immediately loaded complete dentures.

Please join us in congratulating Louisiana State University School of Dentistry as AGD’s 2023 Chapter of the Year and Dr. Jon M. Dossett as the 2023 Faculty of the Year.

If you’re a new graduate, hopefully you’ve already enrolled in the complimentary malpractice insurance from our Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage. The coverage lasts from the day of enrollment through April 30, 2024.

The AGD Advocacy Fund is designed to support AGD’s efforts in the areas of U.S. federal legislation and regulation, state legislation and regulation, and organized dentistry and third parties such as insurance companies, manufacturers and advocacy groups.

There is still time to prepare for the Fellowship Exam taking place July 21 during AGD2023. Take advantage of the new Study Guide Supplement 2016-2020, Annual Online Study Guides, and the Fellowship Review Course at AGD2023, July 19–20.

On June 21, the free live webinar, “Making the Transition to the Digital World,” will discuss how analog and digital mindsets are similar and explore the strategies you will need to consider when committing to digital technology in your practice.

As a dental practitioner, you understand the power of referrals. The same holds true for growing membership. Help AGD grow by referring your colleagues, and both you and your colleague will receive $50 in rewards coupons once they join.

The June issue of AGD Impact is now live! In it, you can learn about how to set up a homecare product sales program and how to make your practice more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ patients. Another feature story examines how to spot potential undiagnosed rare diseases in your patients as well as work with established care providers and plans for patients who already have diagnoses.

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

AGD’s Marketplace is a helpful resource if you are trying to buy or sell a practice. This easy-to-use platform allows you to browse listings or list your own practice. It also offers other services, such as search alerts, filtering results and more.

Students, residents and recent graduates: Get the most out of your AGD2023 experience by visiting the New Dentist Lounge. Developed specifically for your unique needs, the lounge includes dedicated (and free) CE sessions, collaborative workshops, mentorship events and multiple networking opportunities.

Clayton Sorrells graduates this month from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. He recently shared some tips on AGD resources that helped him through dental school, the value of organized dentistry and steps he is taking to prepare for a successful dental career.

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly has seen his share of triumphs and tragedies. On July 20, he will deliver the keynote address at AGD2023.

AGD Foundation President Dr. Mark I. Malterud provides important updates on the AGD Foundation and its mission to fight oral cancer. Don’t miss this informative conversation with AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George J. Schmidt and Malterud as they talk about their passion projects.

Like any relationship, a mentoring relationship must be valuable to each partner to be sustainable. It also requires work. However, a successful mentoring relationship can provide an invaluable means of support. AGD Impact columnists Drs. Eric S. Studley and Ivy D. Peltz share 10 tips for success.