In this study, 10- to 17-year-old students were split into two groups: one that received conventional oral health education and one that received supplementary education via WhatsApp. Clinical evaluations and survey responses from both groups determined whether social media instruction yielded significant oral health outcomes.

The widespread shutdown orders sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic have financially impacted dental practices across the country.

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

AGD student representative Clayton Sorrells is a second-year student at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans. He spoke with AGD Impact about how he pivoted from ICU registered nurse to dental student and how he uses his nursing experience to better serve dental patients.

Last week, the U.S. Treasury and Small Business Administration rolled out a new round of the Paycheck Protection Program. Lenders began accepting applications for new and second-draw applications.

The AGD Foundation is asking AGD members, constituencies, and dental and non-dental companies to donate items for its 2021 auction such as electronics, vacation getaways, sports memorabilia, and items reflective of your state or region. Auction items are due April 15, 2021.

Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, a New Jersey general dentist, has been selected to serve as AGD associate editor. Blakeslee previously served on the advisory board for General Dentistry and is the host and creator of the AGD Podcast Series.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently provided an update on the authorized dosing schedules for COVID-19 vaccinations. The FDA is underscoring the importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccines according to how they’ve been authorized by the FDA.

As part of AGD Impact’s April Oral Cancer Awareness Month coverage, we would like to include brief summaries of what AGD constituencies are doing to promote oral cancer awareness and prevention.

Your role as an associate dentist may have you feeling stretched thin and stressed out. That’s why AGD has put together a collection of discounts to help you out. Whether it’s personal, financial or insurance related, we have options to fit your lifestyle.

Help a colleague start 2021 off right by inviting them to join AGD. By spreading the word about the value of AGD membership, you’ll earn $50 in Referral Rewards coupons that can be used toward your dues renewal for each of your colleagues who joins. Submit your referrals online.

AGD is working to prepare for the 117th Congress and identify how this year’s changes will impact general dentistry. We are continuing our outreach to legislative and regulatory leaders and working to respond to member needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week that Paroex® Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse USP, 0.12% by Sunstar Americas has been recalled due to microbial contamination. Dentists in possession of these products should stop using and dispensing immediately.

Your team is your biggest asset, and when you care and nurture that asset, it will grow beyond what you thought was possible. Don Deems, DDS, FAGD, PCC, known as The Dentist’s Coach®, shares his favorite approaches to achieving your goals.

In the latest issue of AGD Impact, we asked dentists of varying backgrounds to weigh in on setting new goals.

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

The latest issue of AGD's peer-reviewed journal is now available online. The issue includes an analysis of fluoride levels in commercially available tea in the United States, a discussion about prescribing prophylactic antibiotics for third molar surgery, a study of the impact social media may have on oral hygiene habits and much more.

AGD Executive Director Max Moses, JD, CPA, MBA, announced his retirement from AGD earlier this year. He has served as executive director since early 2018, and he leaves full-time employment at the end of this year. Moses led the organization during COVID-19 challenges, maintaining the organization’s focus during closures, regulatory changes and virtual meetings.

Ten new subject matter experts have been selected to serve as AGD spokespeople. These AGD members were recently trained to speak on behalf of AGD and general dentistry in ways that enhance the image of the profession and provide clarity around issues impacting access to oral healthcare.

The newest issue of AGD Impact includes a three-part story on how dentists can set realistic goals for the coming year that not only set them up for success in 2021 but in subsequent years as well.