For the first time, AGD’s scientific session will be held in Austin, Texas. In addition to being one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Austin boasts a dynamic creative scene that will stimulate your senses and palate.

If you’re a recent graduate, hopefully you’ve already enrolled in the complimentary malpractice coverage from AGD Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage. Why not take the next step and recommend it to your fellow graduate members?

The AGD Foundation Grant Program offers support to AGD constituencies and nonprofit community-based outreach programs that promote oral cancer awareness, education and/or screening independent of standard dental practice. Grant applications are available online, and the application deadline is Dec. 1, 2020.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released final reporting requirements for providers who received one or more payments exceeding $10,000 from the Provider Relief Fund. The reporting system will become available Jan. 15, 2021. Additionally, the department noted that recipients may be subject to auditing.

Most new dentists graduate with minimal communication, business, financial and leadership skills, yet are somehow expected to successfully merge into a world wrought with issues that require these for success.

Some new dentists like to get their feet wet in the industry before they expand their focus to organized dentistry. Steven G. Feldman, DDS, however, was attuned to many legislative issues facing dentistry before he even chose the profession, and his involvement with organized dentistry’s advocacy efforts started in dental school.

As dental health professionals, we can't let the detection and diagnosis of oral cancer be delayed. Help raise awareness by supporting the mission of the AGD Foundation. As you renew your AGD membership, please include a tax-deductible donation to the AGD Foundation, or make a tax-deductible donation online today.

To address patient concerns about visiting the dental office during the COVID-19 pandemic, Optio Publishing is offering three free videos to AGD members. Use these videos on your website to show patients how you sterilize instruments, disinfect the office and use personal protective equipment.

Virtual courses, in-person classes, enhanced safety procedures in clinics and limits on social opportunities are aspects of this year that make it different. AGD reached out to some students and faculty members and asked them to share their insights on how the year is coming together.

AGD knows you’re working hard to give patients the best dental care as an associate dentist, while possibly saving to open your own practice one day. We want to help you save for your future while taking care of your present needs.

Beat the Freeze ends Sept. 30. Buy 10 and get one free, or buy 18 and get two free of Orabloc™ (4% articaine HCl with epinephrine [1:100,000 or 1:200,000]). AGDVANTAGE also offers free second-day delivery, so browse all current AGDVANTAGE promotions to get the best deals possible.

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 and can be customized to include your name and practice contact information.

Dentists have a dizzying array of options and practice models to choose from in today’s marketplace. The biggest difference between practice models is whether a dentist is an owner or an employee.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. AGD President Connie White, DDS, FAGD, recently expressed concerns to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding recent updates to its interim guidance for dental settings.

In order to get recognized as a Fellow, Master or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition recipient at AGD2021 in Austin, Texas, June 9–12, all applications must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2020.

Let your colleagues know that they can join AGD for half the price if they become members before Sept. 30, and you’ll both earn $50 in Referral Rewards once they join.

AGD podcaster Wes Blakeslee, DMD, MAGD, recently interviewed Robert M. Maguire, DDS, about the DISC personality assessment tool. DISC stands for the four main personality types: dominant, influencing, steady and compliant. Maguire explains the different types and how you can maximize staff personality traits to improve overall effectiveness.

Congratulations to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry Student Chapter and Kay Jordan, DDS, MAGD, assistant clinical faculty member at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, the 2020 recipients of the AGD Student Chapter of the Year and Faculty Member of the Year, respectively.

The newest issue of General Dentistry includes a range of clinical articles, case reports, and columns. Also, be sure to check out “The foundation of yesterday’s experiences,” a special goodbye Editorial from long-time AGD Editor Roger Winland, DDS.

AGD is supportive of point-of-care testing, and the Dental Practice Council is closely following testing and regulatory developments. For AGD members who may be interested in applying for a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certificate of waiver, AGD has developed information to guide you through the process.