On Sep. 24, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided recommendations about the use of dental amalgam in certain groups who may be at greater risk of potential adverse health effects of mercury exposure, including pregnant and/or nursing women and people with certain preexisting conditions.

On Oct. 2, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released the consensus study report, "Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine."

Now more than ever, it is important that general dentists use their voices in legislative and regulatory policy planning. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for AGD members to stay informed and active. This year, the annual AGD Advocacy Conference will be held virtually on Saturday, Nov. 14.

AGD Impact’s Testing the Tools columnist Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA, shares some favorite PPE items along with other tools that he feels are above average to help as general dentists address new standards of care.

AGD wants to help alleviate some of the stress that comes along with school for our dental student members, so we’ve worked out some special savings just for you.

This month, AGD Podcaster Wes Blakeslee, DMD, MAGD, interviews Jackie Ulasewich Cullen, co-founder of My Dental Agency, about important efforts to improve online marketing efficiencies in your dental office.

As many schools remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some schools have moved to hybrid or fully online learning models for the 2020–21 school year. This change has affected many AGD members who must manage their office needs while also addressing fluctuating school schedules.

Not only does each new member you refer translate to $50 in Referral Rewards once they join — $50 which can be used to pay for the national portion of your dues renewal — but each recruit also earns you an entry to win a trip to AGD2021 in Austin.

Later this month, Roger Winland, DDS, MS, MAGD, will retire as AGD editor after 24 years of service. Over this time, he reviewed thousands of technical, clinical and research reports and findings, as well as case reports and columns that ran in AGD’s peer reviewed journal, General Dentistry.

Many AGD members completed a significant amount of CE this year. Submit your CE through AGD’s online CE submission form, which makes updating your transcripts quick and easy. Track your progress and monitor areas on which to focus for AGD’s achievement-based awards.

Your dental laser has the healing powers of photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level light therapy. Every Wednesday in October, the Academy of Laser Dentistry PBM Symposium will feature presentations on improving patient care and well-being using light therapy.

Applying for AGD Fellowship, Mastership or Lifelong Learning Service and Recognition is a clear way to reflect your ongoing commitment to providing quality care to patients through the pursuit of continuing education. Download the applications online, or contact awardapp@agd.org. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2020.

The “Stay Out of Jail” webinar series with Charles Blair, DDS, has been updated for 2020. This series is designed to provide you with essential tools and strategies to prevent you from leaving money on the table.

AGD is also accepting nominations for the 2022 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award. To nominate a deserving colleague or educator, contact education@agd.org, and request a nomination form. The nomination deadline is Dec. 1, 2020.

The House of Representatives voted this week to pass a bill repealing the McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption. Additionally, a Senate GOP pandemic relief package was blocked by vote before advancing to floor debate, and AGD submitted comments regarding the Health Professional Shortage Area Scoring Criteria.

AGD members have reached out for guidance on whether their employees are eligible for Families First Coronavirus Response Act programs in specific childcare-related scenarios. The U.S. Department of Labor has an extensive and comprehensive Q&A document.

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.