This Week at AGD

Irreversible pulpitis is an acute, brief and painful condition that may prompt stress responses — namely, the release of oxytocin, cortisol and secretory immunoglobulin A. A new study in General Dentistry evaluates the effects of these stress responses as a potential risk factor during pregnancy.

Students, residents and 2020 graduates not only receive free registration and lectures at AGD2021, they also gain exclusive access to the New Dentist Lounge, which features a mentorship event and reception, free courses, refreshments, and the chance to build lifelong networking connections.

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

Invest in your practice by investing in your dental team. AGD2021 is offering 12 dental team-focused courses within a wide variety of subjects to help your staff members reach their full potential.

This month, AGD Impact examines how COVID-19 has changed dental education and how these changes affect students, patients and the dental profession as a whole. The issue also looks at top patient phobias and how to handle them. The issue contains one Self-Instruction exercise worth 1 CE credit.

Highlights from the new issue include the latest in our literature review series, “What Every Dentist Needs to Know About Electronic Cigarettes,” a fascinating study that examines the connection between acute dental pain and increased oxytocin during pregnancy, and a Pharmacology column that reviews the use of diclofenac for treating dental patients.

As research is completed, evidence may be discovered to further support applications of stem cells in dentistry, making this an important topic for dentists to watch in the coming years.

As an associate dentist, you may be looking for ways to stretch your finances. To help save on some of your extra expenses, we want to remind members of the AGD Exclusive Benefits available to members.

The AGD Foundation will make oral cancer screenings available Friday, June 11, during AGD2021 at the Austin Convention Center for scientific session attendees and at the Fairmont Austin Hotel for hotel employees.

AGD Editor and “The Daily Grind” blogger Timothy F. Kosinski, DDS, MAGD, discusses how each of our perspectives is essential in creating more community and information-sharing among general dentists. He also talks about AGD’s efforts to keep members informed about recent discoveries, research, news and more.

AGD is offering a two-day Fellowship Review Course at the Austin Convention Center, June 9–10. This course is designed to provide a refresher in 17 dental disciplines, and attendees may take the Fellowship Exam June 11. AGD is also offering the Virtual Fellowship Review Course as another way to prepare for the Fellowship Exam.

The AGD Foundation is reminding AGD members, constituencies, regions and dental companies to donate items for its 2021 Electronic Silent Auction Fundraiser. The foundation is seeking new items such as new dental equipment and instruments, hotel packages, professional sports tickets, sports memorabilia, etc. Donations are needed by May 1.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. Recently, AGD and other members of the Organized Dentistry Coalition sent a letter of support for the Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act (S.448).

Don Deems, DDS, FAGD, PCC, offers advice on how to handle oral cancer when it strikes closest – one of your patients.

While pharmaceutical interventions may help manage the stress that precipitates bruxism, some of these agents induce bruxism as an adverse effect. Read General Dentistry’s latest Pharmacology column for a discussion on medications that can induce bruxism and how to manage such cases.

Congratulations to our soon-to-be 2021 dental school graduates! AGD Exclusive Benefits partner Dentist’s Advantage helps you start off your career right by offering professional liability insurance at no cost. Insurance is a must-have to practice, and now you’ll be covered without the extra expense.

When Alvin S. Berger, DDS, FAGD, retired in 2002 after a 41-year career in dentistry, his life did not become any less rich or fulfilling. He shared his experiences with AGD Impact in hopes of guiding and inspiring others as they move through their own professional journeys. Read this month's Member Spotlight.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. As part of AGD Impact’s annual recognition, the April issue includes stories that examine oral cancer from a global to a very personal level. “Oral Cancer Research Around the Globe” chronicles the most cutting-edge advancements in the fight against oral cancer.

Applications for the 2021 Distinguished Service and Humanitarian awards, which recognize exceptional achievements and contributions to the dental profession, are now open. Please consider nominating a fellow colleague by Monday, May 31.

Myofascial pain is a chronic condition that may mimic tooth pain. A new column in General Dentistry addresses this common disorder and reports a case in which a severe, persistent pain was reduced to virtually nothing when the patient received multidisciplinary treatment.