As commonplace as social media has become, the relational boundaries that separate healthcare professionals and patients on such sites have become blurred. As enjoyable and harmless as social media may seem, dentists, as well as all healthcare professionals, must manage their online presence with decorum and professionalism.

The first publication of General Dentistry’s 70th anniversary year is now available! Highlights include fascinating case reports on topics like separated endodontic instruments and an epidermoid cyst in a pediatric patient, a detailed comparison of in-office 3D printers, Self-Instruction opportunities, and much more.

AGD recently collaborated with OSAP to host “OSAP: Current Issues in COVID-19.” The 90-minute webinar includes updates on OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19; CDC interim guidelines; a review regarding aerosol-generating procedures; implementing a respiratory protection program; and vaccination guidelines and recommendations.

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.

While all dentists faced the same hardships throughout 2021, each dealt with the challenges in different ways. AGD Impact reached out to three dentists at different stages in their careers and asked them to tell their stories. All three dentists tell personal stories, but, hopefully, readers will be able to connect with elements of each. Reflecting on the past year can help all dentists select lessons from 2021 and prepare for a brighter 2022.

Whether you’re a resident venturing into new territory or a new dentist starting your career, AGD’s Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage will provide you with complimentary malpractice coverage. It’s our gift to you as one of your AGD membership benefits.

An article in the latest issue of General Dentistry describes the procedure for restoring teeth with a one-piece, CAD/CAM, glass fiber–reinforced post and core that provides better adaptation and eliminates the need to construct a core build-up.

Improve your skills as a practitioner with cutting-edge CE at AGD2022. Topics range from implants and laser therapy/electrosurgery to operative (restorative) dentistry. With meeting and course registration both opening Jan. 25, 2022, now is the time to begin planning your schedule.

There are only two weeks left to apply to receive AGD Fellowship, Mastership or LLSR in 2022! All requirements must be met and applications must be received or postmarked by Dec. 31.

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

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition caused by respiratory disturbances at night with sleep fragmentation, which can lead to hypoxia and inflammation. The effects of OSA can be particularly harmful for the pediatric population, leading to potential issues in neurobehavioral development, obesity, growth failure, bed-wetting and tooth wear. As members of the healthcare team, dentists can change patients’ lives by screening for and, in some cases, treating pediatric OSA.

On Dec. 8, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an announcement for an urgent recall of two lots of Teligent Pharma Lidocaine HCl Topical Solution USP, 4% - 50 ml. Dentists should stop using product from lots 16345 and 15594 immediately.

Select the AGD membership plan that best fits your current needs. Becoming a Premium member keeps you on the path to becoming a more well-rounded professional. Becoming a Premium Plus member gets you the most free CE, discounts on Fellowship course and study materials, and free early bird registration to AGD2022.

When Chung-Lei Kao, DMD, MAGD, earned her Mastership award in June 2021 at AGD’s annual Convocation Ceremony, it did not mark the end of her educational journey. She emphasizes a thirst for knowledge in her work as equally as excellent clinical skills and patient care.

Winter break doesn’t usually mean a break on the pocketbook, unfortunately. Luckily, the savings students get through AGD can help. Whether it’s online shopping discounts for last-minute gifts or trying to trim your auto or renter’s insurance expenses, there are plenty of deals available through the Exclusive Benefits program.

AGD’s special CE offer ends Dec. 31. Access and download your 14 free on-demand webinars for 2021 before the year ticks over to 2022. Topics include sleep apnea, oral surgery, sports dentistry and much more. Taking full advantage of this offer represents over $900 in savings.

The American Heart Association has not updated its guidelines for determining whether antibiotic prophylaxis should be used to prevent infective endocarditis in cardiac patients undergoing invasive dental procedures since 2007. More recent studies suggest refinements to those guidelines, however, that would significantly impact contemporary dental practice.

There are a lot of endodontic file systems — and enough styles and philosophies on canal shaping — for any practitioner to feel like they’ve treated their patients well. AGD Impact Testing the Tools columnist Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA, recently reviewed these instruments.

Make your referral list and check it twice to ensure any colleagues you referred to AGD this year join before midnight on Dec. 31.

This month, AGD Impact features the personal stories of three dentists and the lessons they plan to take from the pandemic. The issue also contains a feature on the dentist’s role in screening and treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea along with a Self-Instruction exercise worth 1 CE credit.