This Week at AGD

Many theories have been proposed to explain sialolithiasis development, but few consider the role of saliva. A new case report in General Dentistry suggests that the synergism of microbiota, biofilm and salivary dynamics plays a fundamental role in the architecture of sialoliths, creating a cyclic sialolithic mineralization.

Select the membership plan that best fits your current needs as a dentist. Premium membership keeps you on the path to becoming a more well-rounded professional. Interested in attending AGD2022 and receiving the most free CE possible along with discounts on Fellowship-related study materials? Consider a Premium Plus membership.

This Giving Tuesday, support the AGD Foundation's Annual Appeal. The Foundation seeks to raise awareness of, increase early detection of and ultimately prevent oral/oropharyngeal cancer — all while empowering you as a general dentist.

AGD Podcast host Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, talks with Richard Madow, DDS, this month about important considerations for moving your practice forward. Madow outlines smart steps members should take to improve the experience for current patients and help recruit new patients.

The dental profession has endured the pandemic and, in doing so, learned many valuable lessons. Wellness experts Eric S. Studley, DDS, and Ivy D. Peltz, DDS, MSEd, PhD, MAGD, provide tips to mitigate stress related to future unplanned practice disruptions.

AGD2022’s course listing is now available. AGD's annual scientific session has earned a reputation for having some of the finest dental continuing education in the world. Meeting and course registration open Jan. 25, 2022.

If you’ve been trying to fill vacancies on your dental team, AGD’s Career Center is an easy-to-use platform for posting employment listings and searching for eligible candidates. It can also help you manage applications, set search alerts, receive valuable reporting and more.

Gerald (Gerry) J. Botko, DMD, MS, MAGD, LLSR, FACD, FICD, describes himself as a transformational leader. And with the dental industry still recovering from the onset of a global pandemic while adjusting to a new normal, a transformational leader is exactly what the organization needs.

AGD is pleased that legislators acknowledged the concerns of general dentists and eliminated provisions to add a dental benefit to Medicare from the Build Back Better Act passed last week by U.S. House of Representatives.

Make this Black Friday a charitable one and consider donating to the AGD Foundation’s annual appeal. You can make your donation in honor of someone or simply do it for yourself. All donations help fund oral and oropharyngeal cancer awareness and screening programs, which may increase survival rates.

The Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD’s) House of Delegates installed new officers during its annual meeting, Nov. 19–21. Gerald “Gerry” Botko, DMD, MS, MAGD, LLSR, FACD, FICD, a general dentist from Boca Raton, Florida, was named president.

Not only does AGD Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage offer complimentary malpractice insurance to our dental school graduates their first year out of school, but all members also receive 10% premium credits on coverage. AGD Fellows and Masters receive premium credits of 15% and 20%, respectively.

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

General dentistry benefits from the talents of so many people, and AGD leaders were pleased to honor some outstanding members at AGD’s annual meeting, Nov. 19–21. These dedicated individuals helped serve the organization and the oral health community.

Working at the local level, AGD constituencies do tremendous work to advance AGD’s mission and vision. Their outstanding efforts were also recognized during AGD’s annual meeting.

The deadline to apply to join the class of 2022 FAGD, MAGD and LLSR recipients is Dec. 31, 2021. Start your application today to get recognized at AGD2022. AGD is also accepting nominations for the 2023 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award until Dec. 1, 2021. Make your nomination today.

For decades, organized dentistry has been urging lawmakers to close a loophole in the McCarran-Ferguson Act that exempts insurance companies from federal antitrust oversight. It finally happened in January with the passage of the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (CHIRA). As CHIRA’s first anniversary approaches, general dentists may wonder when they can expect to see real change in the post-CHIRA world. The short answer from experts: It’s hard to say.

Every dollar counts when running your own practice, especially these days. To help your business, AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program includes a variety of offers on practice management tools, insurance options and financial solutions.

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 for downloading online and can be customized to include your name and practice information.

Can you distinguish between pulpal necrosis and the repair of the pulp in a traumatized permanent tooth on a radiograph? The Endodontics column in the latest issue of General Dentistry presents an interesting case of spontaneous pulpal repair with illustrations.