Self-reflection is the process of learning more about yourself so that you can adjust when necessary and improve. Through self-reflection, you can begin to learn what is important to you.

For pediatric patients, factors that may increase the risk of caries in specific teeth often affect each side of the oral cavity symmetrically around the midline. A new study in General Dentistry assesses the symmetry of carious lesions in order to help with prevention.

National Nonprofit Day (Aug. 17) recognizes nonprofit organizations’ ongoing efforts to serve their communities. You can commemorate the AGD Foundation’s work toward increasing oral and oropharyngeal cancer awareness by making a gift this Wednesday on National Nonprofit Day.

With an interest in dentistry that first sparked during childhood, Arlene O’Brien, DMD, FAGD, now serves the profession through her roles as president of the New Jersey AGD and as a member of the national AGD’s Dental Practice Council. She shared what motivates her to support her fellow general dentists.

Dental care during pregnancy is out of reach for many because of barriers to access, which include patients’ misconceptions or dentists’ feelings of incompetence to provide specialized care. To assess these barriers, a survey of Alabama AGD members was conducted.

While bioactive materials are not new to dentistry, they are commanding more attention. What separates bioactive materials from conventional materials? How can these materials be used in different specialties today? Should dentists be integrating bioactive materials into their practices now — or should they wait?

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

AGD will host the 2022 Fall Fellowship Review Course Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Andaz San Diego Hotel. Attendees can register to take the Fellowship Exam Oct. 2, immediately following the review course.

AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program provides dental practice owners savings on a variety of insurance products, financial services, practice management tools and more. See all the deals you receive with membership.

This month, AGD members discuss the strategies they employ to select quality continuing education (CE). These stories will give you a new perspective on choosing CE. The issue also features an article on bioactive materials (with 1 CE Self-Instruction quiz available). Don’t miss other articles, columns and this month’s Member Spotlight.

AGD’s associate dentists can let their financial worries drift away with special offers on personal finance and insurance services, as well as deals on entertainment, online shopping and more through the Exclusive Benefits program.

The AGD Foundation would like to extend a huge thank-you to everyone who stopped by its booth at AGD2022, volunteered their time to help conduct the screening event, sat down for a free oral cancer screening, bid in the silent auction, and/or donated during the event.

In the July/August issue of General Dentistry, Public Health columnist Larry Williams, DDS, MPH, discusses how to offer accommodating care for patients with special needs, which can range from significant developmental issues to more common occurrences that may alter dental treatment, like limited mobility, mental illness, diabetes and more.

Plan to attend AGD’s three live webinars in August. “Everyday CBCT,” presented by Jacob Dunn, DMD, MS, and sponsored by Dentsply Sirona, will take place this Thursday, Aug. 4, and is free to all attendees.

Marketing implants to patients will net results, if done correctly, but doing so requires sending the right message consistently. This is an opportunity not only to grow the practice but also to educate patients who might otherwise not know what to do about their oral health problems.

Can’t make it to Orlando? AGD is bringing back Facebook Live coverage for AGD2022! A professional camera crew and host will offer unparalleled access to all the can’t-miss education offerings, social events and exhibitor demonstrations. If you’re unable to catch the action live, videos will be uploaded to Facebook and YouTube.

As the final part of AGD Impact’s July cover story on dental implants, Dr. Ross Isbell, AGD Impact Testing the Tools columnist who practices in Gadsden, Alabama, discusses how some of the latest technology can aid in implant planning and placement.

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

Lots of exciting items are up for grabs at the AGD Foundation's Electronic Silent Auction. Take a look for yourself and know that you are supporting a great cause! All proceeds go toward oral and oropharyngeal cancer awareness programs.

The AGD2022 Virtual Package will begin livestreaming from Orlando this Wednesday, July 27, and will run through Friday, July 30. Don’t miss your chance to earn up to 24 credit hours across multiple disciplines with some of the industry’s most respected speakers.