This Week at AGD

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AGD President Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, looks back at the challenges faced by the AGD membership during 2020 as well as opportunities for the future.

Both periodontal disease and premature birth are global public health issues. Is there any link between them? This General Dentistry study evaluated the effect of mothers’ periodontal disease on the occurrence of preterm birth and the birth weight of their babies.

There are less than two weeks left to apply to receive AGD Fellowship, Mastership or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition in 2021! All applications must be received or postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 2020. Stand among the best in dentistry.

Whether you’re a resident venturing into new territory or a new dentist adjusting to your new career, AGD’s Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage is here to provide you with complimentary malpractice coverage.

The AGD Foundation is seeking nominations for candidates to serve on the 2021–2023 board of directors.

This week we talked to four members about what receiving their Fellowship, Mastership and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) awards in 2020 meant to them and why they encourage other members to set this goal for 2021.

Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, took over as AGD president in the midst of a global pandemic that has severely impacted public health as well as the financial health of dentists and professional associations like AGD.