AGD Foundation Highlights at AGD2026
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AGD, is committed to raising awareness of oral and oropharyngeal cancer, educating about risk factors and prevention, and passionately supporting the general dentist as a first line of defense against this deadly disease. Dentists can often detect oral/oropharyngeal cancer in its early stages, which is why the dental community holds responsibility for raising awareness of this disease and overall oral health in both patients and the general public.
Stop By For a Free Oral Cancer Screening
To raise awareness of oral and oropharyngeal cancer, the AGD Foundation will host free oral cancer screenings for registered AGD2026 attendees and exhibitors. Take advantage of this opportunity to help protect your health. Five minutes could save your life. Screenings may help prevent oral and oropharyngeal cancer through early detection and referral for suspicious lesions.
More than 54,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal this year alone. According to a recent World Congress in Italy, the number of people affected by oropharyngeal cancer, especially of the tonsil, has grown significantly worldwide. The main culprit is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a predominantly sexually transmitted infection.
This pathology is part of the head and neck cancers which represent 17 percent of all cancers worldwide. The disease is particularly dangerous because it can go unnoticed in its preliminary stages. Early detection is key, and, in many cases, a dentist is the first healthcare provider to identify early signs and symptoms. Oncologists say oropharyngeal cancer incidence will be reduced due to the benefits of HPV vaccination, oncologists say, but the decline in cases will only be seen from 2060.
Join the QR Code Queue!
A major part of our fundraising efforts includes the AGD Foundation Electronic Silent Auction Fundraiser. The electronic silent auction will be open 24/7 during AGD2026 to AGD’s 40,000 members, as well as their friends and families, via smartphones.
Use your smartphone, iPad, or laptop to bid on hotel getaway packages, state-of-the-art dental equipment and dental instruments, CE courses, artwork, jewelry, and more.
Learn About Our Grant Program
The AGD Foundation Grant Program fulfills the Foundation’s mission by offering financial support for programs that promote oral and oropharyngeal cancer awareness, education, and/or screening that is independent of standard dental practice.
In 2025, grant funding was awarded to the following organizations in their support of their oral cancer awareness initiatives.
Colorado Academy of General Dentistry
Aurora, CO
Title of Grant: Dash for Detection: Oral Cancer Awareness 5k
University of Minnesota – Mobile Health Initiative
Minneapolis, MN
Title of Grant: University of Minnesota Mobile Health Initiative
Omni Family Health
Bakersfield, CA
Title of Grant: Omni Family Health’s Oral Cancer Prevention Program
University of South Dakota Foundation
Vermillion, SD
Title of Grant: University of South Dakota Department of Dental Hygiene
AGD constituents are encouraged to visit the AGD Foundation Booth to learn more about the grant program.
The AGD Foundation is grateful for the following corporate donors for their support.
