If you’ve referred colleagues to join AGD, now’s a good time to follow up and make sure they join before the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31. Send your colleagues the application to join with a note wishing them success in the new year and encouraging them to become AGD members.

This year saw millions of patients falling ill to COVID-19, a lack of availability and reliability in COVID-19 testing, dental clinic closures, and a spike in stress-related oral health conditions.

Distinguishing true panoramic images from ghost images is a crucial skill that may help avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. This article describes cases of a giant sialolith and tonsillolith, each of which appeared bilaterally due to ghost images, and discusses their clinical and radiographic characteristics.

AGD is providing members with relevant updates on COVID-19 vaccine authorizations in the United States. It is expected that at least two vaccines (from Pfizer and Moderna) will have received emergency use authorization by the end of December and that the Trump administration will begin distribution for priority groups as determined by each state.

In this collaboration between AGD and the American College of Dentists, Na’eel Cajee, DMD, MTS, urges dentists to focus on presenting dentistry as an essential service for the public good rather than as a business in times of crisis.

It takes courage to invest in marketing when there is so much uncertainty. However, it is precisely these times when you should stay visible to your target audience because it’s an opportunity to overtake your competitors. AGD Impact columnist Jackie Ulasewich Cullen explores how you can use marketing to grow your practice during this tumultuous time.

The newest issue of AGD Impact includes a three-part story on how dentists can help themselves and their practices recover from 2020 by assessing their mental health, finances and infection control equipment.

Don’t let this amazing opportunity fall into the mix of other Cyber Monday deals! Today is your last chance to be entered into the drawing. Register for AGD2021 today, Nov. 30, by 11:59 p.m. CST, to be entered into a drawing to win airfare for two to AGD2021 in Austin, Texas.

Visit AGD virtually at booth No. 2349 during the Greater New York Dental Meeting for your chance to be entered into a drawing to receive an iPad Air (valued at $599.99) and view the latest information on our offerings and specials. Have a question? This is a great opportunity to get answers directly from an AGD representative.

Each month, AGD Impact’s Testing the Tools column looks at products to help you in your practice.

The AGD Foundation is seeking nominations for candidates to serve on the 2021–2023 board of directors. If you are interested in joining AGD’s philanthropic initiative by supporting oral cancer prevention and other programs, submit your name for consideration, or nominate a fellow member. Nominations are due to the AGD Foundation Governance Committee at foundation@agd.org by April 15, 2021.

AGD believes that the dental home functions optimally when patients maintain consistent relationships with primary care dentists and dental teams. During AGD’s recent annual meeting, the Comprehensive Workforce Policy Statement was updated.

AGD has secured a special group rate in Austin, Texas, during AGD2021 at Fairmont Austin, Austin Marriott Downtown and Hilton Austin (government room rate only). Your safety is important, and these hotels are taking proper precautions and staying committed to the health, safety and well-being of their guests.

Did you know that AGD’s Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage offers malpractice insurance at no cost to members for their first year out of dental school? It’s one of the benefits of AGD membership, and there’s no catch to enroll.

AGD blogger Larry Stanleigh, DDS, FAGD, has shared a number of Daily Grind blog posts in 2020 about the importance of relationships in our personal and professional lives. Check out some recent posts on the Pareto Principle, the power of relationship-building, and the principle of The Golden 10 in getting to know your patients.

November is Native American Heritage Month, and the November issue of AGD Impact features Modoc dentist Donald R. Dexter Jr., DMD. As an enrolled Modoc member of the Klamath Tribes of Southern Oregon, Dexter was the first in his family to attend college and the first member of a federally recognized Oregon tribe to become a dentist.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. AGD recently supported legislation in the Senate related to noncovered services.

AGD President Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, talks about the importance of resiliency.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday has come early at AGD! Register for AGD2021 before Nov. 30, 11:59 p.m. CST, to be entered into a drawing to win airfare for two to AGD2021 in Austin, Texas.

Learn more about recent changes in the landscape of dental specialization and how these changes affect general dentists.