This month, AGD Impact examines how COVID-19 has changed dental education and how these changes affect students, patients and the dental profession as a whole. The issue also looks at top patient phobias and how to handle them. The issue contains one Self-Instruction exercise worth 1 CE credit.

Highlights from the new issue include the latest in our literature review series, “What Every Dentist Needs to Know About Electronic Cigarettes,” a fascinating study that examines the connection between acute dental pain and increased oxytocin during pregnancy, and a Pharmacology column that reviews the use of diclofenac for treating dental patients.

As research is completed, evidence may be discovered to further support applications of stem cells in dentistry, making this an important topic for dentists to watch in the coming years.

As an associate dentist, you may be looking for ways to stretch your finances. To help save on some of your extra expenses, we want to remind members of the AGD Exclusive Benefits available to members.

The AGD Foundation will make oral cancer screenings available Friday, June 11, during AGD2021 at the Austin Convention Center for scientific session attendees and at the Fairmont Austin Hotel for hotel employees.

AGD Editor and “The Daily Grind” blogger Timothy F. Kosinski, DDS, MAGD, discusses how each of our perspectives is essential in creating more community and information-sharing among general dentists. He also talks about AGD’s efforts to keep members informed about recent discoveries, research, news and more.

AGD is offering a two-day Fellowship Review Course at the Austin Convention Center, June 9–10. This course is designed to provide a refresher in 17 dental disciplines, and attendees may take the Fellowship Exam June 11. AGD is also offering the Virtual Fellowship Review Course as another way to prepare for the Fellowship Exam.

The AGD Foundation is reminding AGD members, constituencies, regions and dental companies to donate items for its 2021 Electronic Silent Auction Fundraiser. The foundation is seeking new items such as new dental equipment and instruments, hotel packages, professional sports tickets, sports memorabilia, etc. Donations are needed by May 1.

Don Deems, DDS, FAGD, PCC, offers advice on how to handle oral cancer when it strikes closest – one of your patients.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. Recently, AGD and other members of the Organized Dentistry Coalition sent a letter of support for the Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act (S.448).

While pharmaceutical interventions may help manage the stress that precipitates bruxism, some of these agents induce bruxism as an adverse effect. Read General Dentistry’s latest Pharmacology column for a discussion on medications that can induce bruxism and how to manage such cases.

Congratulations to our soon-to-be 2021 dental school graduates! AGD Exclusive Benefits partner Dentist’s Advantage helps you start off your career right by offering professional liability insurance at no cost. Insurance is a must-have to practice, and now you’ll be covered without the extra expense.

When Alvin S. Berger, DDS, FAGD, retired in 2002 after a 41-year career in dentistry, his life did not become any less rich or fulfilling. He shared his experiences with AGD Impact in hopes of guiding and inspiring others as they move through their own professional journeys. Read this month's Member Spotlight.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. As part of AGD Impact’s annual recognition, the April issue includes stories that examine oral cancer from a global to a very personal level. “Oral Cancer Research Around the Globe” chronicles the most cutting-edge advancements in the fight against oral cancer.

Applications for the 2021 Distinguished Service and Humanitarian awards, which recognize exceptional achievements and contributions to the dental profession, are now open. Please consider nominating a fellow colleague by Monday, May 31.

Myofascial pain is a chronic condition that may mimic tooth pain. A new column in General Dentistry addresses this common disorder and reports a case in which a severe, persistent pain was reduced to virtually nothing when the patient received multidisciplinary treatment.

AGD2021 course registration is now open. Courses can fill up quickly, so don’t wait to register. Educational offerings range from advanced hands-on education to clinical and practice management lectures.

Each time you refer a colleague to join AGD , you both receive $50 in Referral Rewards. “By recruiting colleagues to join AGD, I’ve not only lowered my membership renewal cost, I’m also helping my fellow dentists,” said Filippo Marchello, DDS, MAGD.

This is your last chance to secure early bird pricing for AGD2021. Whether it’s the top-notch education or unique location you’re most excited about, AGD2021 is set to deliver an experience that lives up to its billing as the premier meeting for general dentists.

This month, AGD Impact recognizes April as Oral Cancer Awareness Month with stories that examine oral cancer from a global to a very personal level. The issue also covers the current state of stem cell research as it relates to dentistry and previews everything Austin has to offer AGD2021 attendees this summer.