Congratulations to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry Student Chapter and Kay Jordan, DDS, MAGD, assistant clinical faculty member at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, the 2020 recipients of the AGD Student Chapter of the Year and Faculty Member of the Year, respectively.

The newest issue of General Dentistry includes a range of clinical articles, case reports, and columns. Also, be sure to check out “The foundation of yesterday’s experiences,” a special goodbye Editorial from long-time AGD Editor Roger Winland, DDS.

AGD is supportive of point-of-care testing, and the Dental Practice Council is closely following testing and regulatory developments. For AGD members who may be interested in applying for a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certificate of waiver, AGD has developed information to guide you through the process.

Many AGD members have been working tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the needs of their patients and the community. To acknowledge these contributions, AGD corporate sponsor SoFi is giving away a total of $100K to 10 winners ($10K per winner) to pay off student debt.

AGD fact sheets provide your patients with all of the information they need to maintain their oral health. Fact sheets on more than 25 oral health topics are available online and can be customized to include your name and practice contact information.

The newest issue of AGD Impact tackles the dizzying array of options and group practice models to choose from in today’s workplace. Also included are the 2019 Treasurer’s Report to the Membership and the Executive Committee Candidates for 2020–2021.

Dental practices can purchase nearly everything they need for their offices used. While buying used equipment may not be as simple as buying new, smart buying strategies can save dental practices a significant amount of money.

Join the 2021 class of AGD Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) recipients. To become eligible, finalize all continuing education and service requirements, and submit the completed LLSR application by Dec. 31, 2020. Fewer than 400 AGD members have earned this prestigious recognition, and you could be one of them.

AGD has updated its privacy settings to protect your data. As part of this process, a seven-character alphanumerical password is required, and you may be unable to log in to AGD.org and other sites until you create one. Visit agd.org/password for more information and instructions.

The 72-hour flash sale is over, but special offers continue until Sept. 30. Buy three Tetric® Prime refills and get one free, or get the Adhese Universal Vivapen System Pack for just $107.50. For more information or to sign up with AGDVANTAGE, visit the AGDVANTAGE website, or call 800.626.2163, ext. 4568.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. AGD recently initiated dialogue with the National Association of Dental Plans, and the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Application deadline has been extended to Sept. 13.

As demand for esthetic orthodontic treatment in adults has grown, clear aligner therapy (CAT) has become increasingly accessible for patients and appealing to providers. This article in the latest issue of General Dentistry highlights the clinical scope and limitations of CAT while outlining the differences among various clear aligner products.

Mohamed Attia, DDS, MAGD, has traveled from one Alexandria to another. He began his dental journey in Alexandria, Egypt, and today he owns and operates Alexandria Center of Dentistry in Alexandria, Virginia. He answered a few questions about his experiences and outlook.

Understanding how to properly report dental procedures and provide the documentation required by payers is essential to receiving payment. The Practice Booster Online System is designed to make coding dental procedures and writing narratives easier than ever.

The odds of having a dental malpractice claim over a five-year period is 1 in 125, with the average cost of the claim payment being $83,120. Luckily for new graduates, AGD membership benefits include malpractice insurance at no extra cost from Dentist’s Advantage.

Harold “Hal” E. Donnell Jr., AGD’s longtime executive director who retired in 2003 after 30 years with the organization, died on July 23. Friend and colleague Richard C. Engar, DDS, FAGD, shares a special tribute to Donnell.

AGD has discounted the price of the Fall Fellowship Review Course from $750 to $600 due to the cancellation of the in-person course and exam. If you previously registered, a $150 refund will be credited to your credit card.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made AGD’s advocacy efforts paramount to the survival of general dentists. Myron J. Bromberg, DDS, describes the pandemic’s influence on AGD’s advocacy efforts and how the organization is working to help dentists like you.

Keep an eye out tomorrow for a special offer from Ivoclar Vivadent and AGDVANTAGE available only to AGD members. This offer is time-sensitive. If you haven’t already signed up for AGDVANTAGE, call 800-626-2163, ext. 4568, and sign up today to avoid delays for ordering products.

Dentists approaching retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic have a complicated set of factors to consider. For some, today’s circumstances may hasten retirement, while others will have to work longer than expected to get back on track.