I was honored to be asked to provide not one, but two, participation courses at AGD2021, this year’s scientific session, June 9–12 in Austin. When I arrived at the Fairmont Hotel, I found that I had a great view of the Colorado River from my room. I enjoyed some good BBQ with friends that night.

The lecture venue for my Thursday morning program was set up nicely and appropriately for these challenging times. The room soon filled with attendees for “Setting the Foundation for Predictable, Healthy, Prosthetically Driven Implants.” It was so nice to be among in-person colleagues rather than staring at a screen. Walking the room and interacting was reminiscent of the good old days of providing continuing education. The afternoon session was a limited-attendance, hands-on training program on the Hahn Tapered Implant from Glidewell. Glidewell sponsored my program and deserves to be complimented for its activities with our AGD. I really appreciate its efforts.

Lots of laughs were had at dinner that evening, and the chicken and waffles were pretty darn good.

Friday’s program, “Revolutionize Your Practice with Lasers,” also had a full room of attendees. This course was part of the convention’s hybrid component, so my lecture was streamed around the country to docs who could not travel to Austin for the live program. It was a unique experience for me, and the only challenge was that I had to stand in the front of the room in a 6-by-4-foot area. I like to move around when I lecture, so, every once in a while, I wandered beyond that box. Oops; I got back to my spot quickly. That afternoon, attendees had an enriching experience and were able to use the diode laser from DenMat on pig jaws. Again, I appreciate DenMat for sponsoring the program and bringing in all the materials for this limited-attendance exercise.

Accommodations at the Austin Convention Center, although spread out, met all my expectations during our first big meeting since COVID-19 slowed us down. I understand that attendance was very good.

I truly appreciate all the efforts put into creating our scientific session. The team at AGD is second to none. Our leadership is so very strong, led by Bruce Cassis, DDS, MAGD. I am so pleased that we were able to enjoy the convention in Austin. The challenge was in front of us, and we accomplished all our goals. 

I’m looking forward to an equally dynamic scientific session in Orlando for AGD2022.