AGD - Academy of General Dentistry

The AGD realizes the importance of receiving your Fellowship or Mastership award (FAGD/MAGD). The AGD's most prestigious awards, the FAGD and MAGD awards, recognize your dedication, perseverance, and persistence in the practice of dentistry. This is why the AGD's public relations department has implemented a press release program to enable all award recipients to announce this achievement to their local communities through the media while highlighting the AGD as the association representing the value and excellence of general dentistry.

The AGD encourages all FAGD and MAGD recipients to take advantage of this membership benefit, and it has simplified the program so your participation is effortless. The AGD's public relations department will write your press release, mail three copies to you within two weeks of receipt of your award, and provide instructions for distributing the release to your local media. The AGD's only request is that you return the completed 2007 Fellowship/Mastership Publicity Release Form by the deadline so that your press release is properly processed in a timely manner.

You deserve to announce this honor to your local community. Achieving the FAGD or MAGD award assures your patients that you are dedicated to providing the finest care in general dentistry. Distributing your press releases to the media will help raise visibility in your community about the AGD and its members. The AGD is proud of your commitment and wants your community to celebrate this accomplishment with you. For more information, e-mail media@agd.org.

Start spreading the news…

Earlier this year, AGD spokespersons Paula S. Jones, DDS, FAGD, and Craig Valentine, DMD, FAGD, along with AGD staff, met with representatives from major consumer media outlets to educate them and raise awareness about important oral health issues and the AGD. Immediate media tour results include AGD story placements in upcoming issues of Family Circle, Dental Tribune, American Baby, Health, Essence, Marie Claire, and Self. This means that within six months, the AGD will garner more than $450,000 worth of positive editorial media coverage for its messages and gain visibility for its members in front of an audience of more than 12.1 million. To help educate your patients about topics before they read or hear about them in the news, visit www.agd.org/media.

AGD's studies attract worldwide attention

Two studies recently published in General Dentistry were adapted into consumer-focused articles for Dentalnotes, the AGD's quarterly media newsletter, and released over the newswires. "Salivary analysis in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer" (March/April 2007) revealed a new salivary test that may help dentists test for breast cancer. "Commercial soft drinks: pH and in vitro dissolution of enamel" (March/April 2007) related how soda consumption results in tooth erosion. The research within these studies has spread rapidly--members of the media and researchers from as far away as Brazil, Australia, and Korea have contacted the AGD for more information. Nationally, the news has ignited interest from media outlets, such as The Los Angeles Times, Fox News, the NBC News Network, and Yahoo! Science. For full copies of either study, please visit www.agd.org/library.

In January 2007, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) began posting short, online surveys on the home page of the AGD Web site to gather member feedback. Each month, the AGD posts a new survey with a different focus. At the end of March, AGD created a "Tell Us What You Think" survey regarding tooth erosion and how it affects patients. A total of 293 responses were received with the following results:

2. About how many of your patients seek advice and information from you regarding tooth wear (e.g., abrasion, attrition, erosion)?

The answers varied based upon practice size; however, most people reported that 40 to 60% of their patients had tooth erosion.

4. Do you feel that tooth erosion is more or less common compared to five years ago?

8. Do you feel non-carious cervical lesions are more or less common compared to five years ago?

12. In patients who suffer from dentin hypersensitivity, do you ever provide counseling on:

Dentists noted that they also advise patients to manage acid erosion at home by scheduling an occlusal examination and treatment if it is warranted; using a splint for bruxism; using fluoride varnish; and scheduling a medical evaluation to determine if they suffer from acid reflux. Dentists also educate patients to prevent overaggressive brushing, recommend that patients use less abrasive toothpastes, counsel patients for eating disorders, and review patient dietary habits.

It should be noted that many survey respondents indicated that they would have liked to see the definitions used for abrasion, erosion, and attrition, as many dentists interpret these terms differently. Several respondents also noted that abfraction should have been included in the survey.

Stock up on patient education materials

Last fall, the AGD launched a public service announcement (PSA) campaign to educate the public about the causes and consequences of dry mouth. Two issues of AGD Impact included materials (a free poster and a brochure) to help dentists communicate with patients about this very serious issue. If you did not order these materials previously, please do so now by contacting membership@agd.org, or by calling 888.243.3368, ext. 5300.

The 15" x 20" poster is professionally printed on quality, heavy stock paper and was designed for display on an office wall. It reinforces the campaign message and complements the PSAs that consumers see in print publications. Posters are mailed in a tube to prevent damage.

The 4" x 8½" eight-page brochure is professionally printed and staple-bound on glossy paper. This jam-packed, informative brochure also provides greater detail about the effects of dry mouth and tooth decay. And, of course, the brochure contains more information about the credentials, distinctions, and services provided by general dentists.

Got 60 minutes? Help staff the 1.800.SMILE33

Are you attending AGD2007SanDiego? Do you have an hour of time to volunteer to raise public awareness for the AGD, increase referrals to AGD members, and help promote the AGD while responding to consumers’ oral health care questions and concerns? Your help is needed to support the 2007 AGD SmileLine, the AGD's non-profit, toll-free national dental health hotline. Hosted by the Council on Public Information, the 2007 SmileLine begins at 8 a.m. EDT on Fri., June 29, 2007, during the Annual Meeting & Exhibits. For 12 hours, consumers will call to talk to AGD member dentists, free of charge. The AGD is expecting the phone lines to be ringing off the hook due to strong media coverage for the 2007 SmileLine from the AGD's New York media tour, as well as from our established relationships with health care reporters throughout the country. If you will be present at AGD2007SanDiego and would like to volunteer an hour of your time, e-mail media@agd.org.

The weekly personal health column in The New York Times, which reaches more than 12 million readers daily through its Web and print editions, recently reported the effects of certain beverages on the body in an article entitled "You Are Also What You Drink." The article refers to a recent study published in General Dentistry (March/April 2007), which details the effects of soft drinks on tooth erosion. Media placements such as this increase exposure of oral health issues, help to establish the AGD as a credible, reliable source of dental health information, and increase awareness of the AGD and its members to the public. Members can access the full report by visiting www.agd.org/library.

Member Services

Last chance to purchase AGD-themed merchandise!

The AGD Store is closing. The 2007 AGD Annual Meeting & Exhibits will be your last chance to buy AGD merchandise! Take advantage of low prices and no shipping charges on shirts, padfolios, briefcases, and mugs. You also can pick up replacement Mastership or Fellowship pins, Fellowship Study Guides, self-assessment quizzes, and xerostomia public service announcement products.

At the Annual Meeting & Exhibits, the AGD Store will be located in the AGD Resource Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall. While you’re there, stop by the Member Resources area to speak one-on-one with an AGD staff member about continuing education, membership, and advocacy and learn about new programs, services, and important news at the AGD. The AGD Resource Pavilion will be open exclusively during Exhibit Hall hours.

Advocacy

In January 2007, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) began posting short, online surveys on the home page of the AGD Web site to gather member feedback. Each month, the AGD posts a new survey with a different focus. For example, one of the first "Tell Us What You Think" surveys inquired about the AGD's advocacy efforts. The most recent survey asked members about sedation. A total of 1,179 responses were received. The results were as follows:

3. Do you prescribe a sleeping pill for (indicative) anxious patients the night before treatment?

4. Do you prescribe a sleeping pill for (indicative) anxious patients the day of treatment?

5. Do you prescribe a sedative medication(s) for your patients to take before they come to your office? (IF NO, SKIP TO 7)

6. Do you administer sedative drugs to your patients in the office? (IF NO, SKIP TO 12)

While the comments for this question were submitted only by AGD members who administer oral sedatives, it is not surprising that resulting comments varied in terms of the dosage required and the oral sedatives used. However, the differences may be accounted for in the fact that many aspects of this treatment modality are dependent upon the type of sedative used and patient-specific factors, such as age and weight.

The sedatives mentioned most often were Halcion, Triazolam, Ativan, Valium, and Diazepam.

No standard answer was given by those who took the survey. If anything, most respondents emphasized, even more strongly than in question No. 8, that the dose for parenteral medications is very dependant on circumstance. The variability of technique, medication, and training of the practitioner; the comfort level of the patient; and the nature of the procedure are all reasons why there is not one "best" answer to this question.

11. When you prescribe a sedative drug, do your patients remember the dental visit?

12. Are you aware of the American Dental Association's proposed changes to their sedation guidelines? (IF NO, SKIP TO 14)

The most common response (and concern) was that certain changes to the ADA sedation guidelines would have a negative impact on access to care, causing fearful patients to be unable to receive necessary treatment and limiting the forms of sedation general dentists are able to administer. However, it should be noted that another common response was that any changes in the ADA sedation guidelines (if such proposed changes are passed successfully) will not impact the way general dentists run their practice; some survey participants stated that there would be no effect on their practice.

14. Are you aware of the AGD White Paper on the subject of enteral conscious sedation?*

*Editors Note: The Academy of General Dentistry White Paper on Enteral Conscious Sedation was drafted by a panel of experts in November 2005. It served as an interim-approved AGD policy until its final adoption and approval by the 2006 AGD House of Delegates in Denver. To read the White Paper, please visit www.agd.org/members_only/advocacy/priority_issues/ConsciousSedation.doc.

15. Have you ever experienced an untoward reaction by a patient to an oral sedative medication you prescribed?

16. Have you ever experienced an untoward reaction to parenteral sedatives administered in your office?

17. To what extent do you understand the difference between minimal and moderate sedation?

Please note that not every participant answered all of the questions. Some respondents were directed to skip questions based on their experiences or lack of experience with sedation or their knowledge of a subject. Since not all of the 1,179 respondents answered all of the survey questions, the percentages listed above do not equal a perfect 100 percent.

The AGD released its first-ever voting record scorecard for the 109th Congress, which ranks members of Congress based on how they have supported the dentistry profession within the past year and details how each member voted compared to the AGD's desired outcome. For example, if the AGD asked members of Congress to cosponsor and/or support a bill, the members were ranked according to the AGD's views. A "yes" position required that the legislator support the AGD position, which resulted in a score of 10 percent for that issue. There are 10 issues, which means that legislators potentially could have earned a 100 percent ranking. Ten votes on bills acted upon by each congressional chamber and rated lawmakers were compiled on the AGD scorecard. Ranked issues are described in more detail online at www.agd.org/files/dept/ADVO/agdscorecard109.pdf.

How will the American Dental Association's (ADA) proposed sedation guidelines impact your practice? Are you aware of all of the changes proposed in the guidelines? What is your opinion of the guidelines?

The AGD will hold a Town Hall meeting about the ADA's sedation guidelines on Sat., June 30, at the 2007 AGD Annual Meeting & Exhibits, in the San Diego Convention Center. A representative from the ADA's Committee on Dental Education and Licensure (CDEL) will provide the ADA's position, and the AGD's representative to the ADA will communicate the AGD's position. Each will give a 10-minute presentation, after which you will be able to ask questions of both representatives or provide input on the guidelines.

If you would like sedation to be part of your practice, you do not want to miss this important discussion! Join us on Sat., June 30, 2007, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., in San Diego.

Region 1: Maine

Bill to allow hygienists to practice independently

A bill that would eliminate the use of mercury in dental settings was defeated in Maine. Another bill was introduced that would allow dental hygienists to practice independently and take on additional duties that would be defined by the Board of Dental Examiners. The legislation remains in the House and Senate Joint Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development.

Region 2: New York

Bill to require amalgam separators

Many states, such as Vermont and Oregon, attempted to eliminate mercury from dental settings through legislation this spring. The issue was defeated in Maine and was discussed last year at a Food and Drug Administration hearing in Washington, D.C. New York already requires most dentists to have amalgam separators, but a bill introduced this spring would require all dentists to use amalgam separators, as well as require dentists who use dental amalgams to notify their patients of the use. The New York bill, which is opposed by the New York AGD, provides no relief for dental care providers who currently use this material.

Region 3: Pennsylvania

PA AGD opposes two bills

Pennsylvania legislators introduced two bills to allow for the independent practice of dental hygiene in public and private settings. Senate Bill 455 and House Bill 914 were strongly opposed by Pennsylvania AGD members, who put together an action alert to notify legislators that while these bills appear to answer an access-to-care issue, they will actually broaden the problem if dentists do not see patients who need extended care.

Region 7: Indiana

Proposed regulation to reduce Medicaid payments

A regulation proposed in Indiana would reduce Medicaid payments to health care practitioners by 5 percent. Even though it was proposed as a political measure, Charles Bartholomew, DDS, president of the Indiana AGD, commented, "Current reimbursement levels are already poor and thus many dentists do not accept Medicaid patients. But to reduce reimbursement levels again flies in the face of the whole access-to-care issue."

Region 9: Wisconsin

Bills require continuing education

Wisconsin introduced two bills into the legislature that would require dentists to take continuing education (CE) courses. Wisconsin is currently one of only five states that do not require CE. The legislation, which had not passed as of press time, requires a dentist to complete 30 hours of CE every two years.

Region 10: Minnesota

Universal health care stopped

This spring, the governor of Minnesota attempted to pass a universal health care measure. Minnesota (MN) AGD members, as well as other health care providers, took the stance that the health care reforms would add to bureaucracy, increase the state budget, and would not provide additional care to those who needed it most. MN AGD members took action via the AGD's Capwiz Web site to oppose this measure.

Region 10: Nebraska

In support of water fluoridation

Legislation that would require municipalities to fluoridate their water was introduced this spring in Nebraska. The Nebraska AGD joined the Nebraska Dental Association and other dental organizations in sending a letter to the legislature to support this proposal.

Region 14: Wyoming

University receives funding for dental students

Beginning July 1, 2007, the University of Wyoming will receive $500,000 annually to implement a program that will provide Wyoming dentistry students with dental education from other universities.
Students who are interested in applying for the program must commit to working as a professional dentist in Wyoming for three years after graduation--or repay the cost of the program with interest. Legislation to enact this program was signed by the governor in March 2007.

Regions 15 and 16: Canada

AGD working to gain transcript acceptance

In addition to efforts in progress at the state and federal levels, the AGD is working to gain acceptance of the AGD state and provincial transcript in Canada. The AGD's advocacy department is working with the Canadian provinces to: 1) find out their CE requirements for the relicensure of dentists, and 2) receive acceptance of the AGD state and provincial transcript for relicensure in provinces with CE requirements. The transcript is accepted in 47 of the 50 United States and in Washington, D.C. The AGD will keep you updated as it moves through the process.

Region 19: North Carolina

Legislation introduced for hygienists

North Carolina Senate Bill 1337 would create a limited supervision hygienist category for those who meet the qualifications. Under the measure, a limited supervision hygienist would be able to perform procedures without the supervision of a dentist if the procedures were conducted pursuant to a written order from a licensed dentist and within one year of the dentist's in-person evaluation of the patient. Dental hygienists in North Carolina cannot operate a separate care facility that exclusively renders dental hygiene services.

Region 19: South Carolina

Creation of new hygienist board

In South Carolina, legislation was introduced in March 2007 that would create a dental hygiene advisory/disciplinary board that would be separate from the state dental board. Similar legislation has been introduced in California. Neither bill had passed at press time.

Public Relations

Press release program for FAGD and MAGD achievements