MEMBER STORIES

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General dentists play a vital role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of their patients, often serving as the first line of defense against oral health issues. Beyond routine checkups and treatments, their stories reflect dedication, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning in an ever-evolving field. Every patient they help, from easing dental pain to restoring confident smiles, is a testament to their impact on communities. This page is dedicated to sharing the inspiring journeys of general dentists—the challenges they overcome, the lives they change, and the passion that drives their work every day.

How AGD Elevates Your Dental Career

Aulakh

How AGD Helped Shape My Career: From Struggling New Graduate to Successful Practice Owner

AGD has been more than an organization to me — it has been the foundation of my professional growth and success. Early in my career, I was a new graduate struggling to find my footing. Opening a practice from scratch in 2007, with no local connections and minimal business experience, was a daunting challenge. I found myself overwhelmed and unsure how to navigate the complexities of running a dental office.

Henley

How AGD Paved the Way for My Career and Mentorship Journey

Growing up in Texas, I figured I would be a Texan my entire life. I went to college and dental school in Texas. It just made sense that I would buy a practice near where I grew up. But this path was not meant to be. I ended up in West Virginia, and I can truly say that AGD is the reason I have the position I have. And for that, I love AGD.

Bujnoski

Why I’m Most Proud to be an AGD Member

When I graduated from dental school in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was excited to start my career. Yet, as the weeks and months progressed, I began to feel a sense of loneliness. Maybe it was the abrupt way my dental school education was cut short by an unprecedented global public health event — or maybe, I thought, it was because of the nature of general practice dentistry.

Schneider

AGD Has Shaped My Career and Fueled My Growth as a Dentist

AGD has played a pivotal role in my dental career since my time in dental school. Initially, AGD provided an essential foundation for me as a student, offering networking opportunities with other student leaders passionate about general dentistry. It introduced me to the importance of continuing education (CE) — not just as a learner, but as someone who could organize educational experiences for others.

Women in Dentistry

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Dr. Abraham Brings First Dental Clinic to Kapsowar, Kenya

Caren Abraham, DDS, always knew she wanted a career in which she could serve others. In 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic, she helped start a dental clinic at Kapsowar Mission Hospital in Kapsowar, Kenya, the first dental clinic in the region.

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A Background in Dancing Inspires Dr. Samaddar’s Upbeat Confidence

Sheila M. Samaddar, DDS, took a roundabout journey to becoming a dentist, but, along the way, she picked up a unique set of skills that benefit her as a general practitioner, president of the Washington, D.C., AGD chapter and a national AGD spokesperson.

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Dr. Rhee Blazes a Trail Toward More Diverse Leadership in Dentistry

AGD Region 2 Regional Director Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, MAGD, felt compelled to become a volunteer leader after seeing the lack of female dentists in leadership roles and especially low representation from minority groups like Asian Americans.

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Dr. Hamlin Creates a Bespoke Dental Experience in Upcoming Boutique

In July 2020, Zaneta Hamlin, DDS, FAGD, put out a call to action to organized dentistry to encourage diversity within leadership to promote inclusivity and represent all voices within dentistry. She recently spoke with AGD Impact about her motivation for becoming a dentist and her vision for her upcoming practice.

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Dr. Ambridge Creates Art with Smiles

Marina Ambridge, HBSc, MSc, DDS, is a general dentist in Peoria, Arizona, whose practice offers cosmetic, esthetic and implant dentistry as well as orthodontics.

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Dr. Sonntag Balances Being a Mother and Being a Dentist

AGD Impact interviewed Amanda Sonntag, DDS, this month. She has seen it all as far as making both motherhood and dentistry fit into her life. One of her children was born when she was a dental student, one when she was a resident, and one after she became a private practitioner.

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Drs. Flamer-Caldera and Hepburn Form an Unbeatable Mother-Daughter Team

For many, family is a source of support and inspiration. Usually, that support comes from outside when it pertains to your professional career, but some are fortunate enough to work in the same profession as their family members — or even alongside them.

Stories of Leadership

Advice for Dental Graduates

Advice for Dental School Graduates: "If I Knew Then What I Know Now"

This month, an estimated 6,500 dental students will graduate in the United States and begin their next steps toward successful careers in dentistry. At this moment, they are considering many options and exploring important decisions that impact their personal and professional lives.

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Member Spotlight: Dr. Acheson Flies High

Guy E. Acheson, DDS, MAGD, might be one of the most driven general dentists. Prior to retiring, he built an ambitiously comprehensive full-service dental practice. But, most surprising might be the arena in which several of his other impressive achievements were earned: aerobatic glider pilot flying.

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Dr. Batchelor Shares His Hopes for the Profession of Dentistry

The name of the private practice Edwin T. Batchelor, DDS, FAGD, maintains is Excellence in Dentistry, and those three words come close to saying everything one needs to know about his treatment philosophy.

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Member Spotlight: Reaching for the Power Within: Dr. Finley’s Journey From Middle School Dropout to Dentist

Trent E. Finley, DDS, didn’t follow a traditional path to dentistry. He overcame numerous obstacles from a young age and still found a path to success. In this Member Spotlight, he shares how he’s used the challenges he’s overcome to inspire success for the future.

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Membership

Sep 16, 2021, 09:36 AM

Headline : Membership

External Link :

Button Text :

Select a color for this callout : Yellow

Select a layout option : Image Left Content Right

Related pages :