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The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry. The fund accumulates across budgetary cycles, allowing the AGD to act nimbly and substantially when the need arises.

In 2026 AGD is joining the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) as a Corporate and Institutional Partner. This allows AGD access to special events during NCOIL meetings and free exhibit space during NCOIL meetings. NCOIL is a very influential organization of state legislators who are involved in insurance reform.

On December 17, 2025, the House passed H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a Republican-led proposal to address health care affordability. The bill includes provisions to enhance association health plans, fund cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments, expand eligibility for bronze catastrophic plans, and implement pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms.

“I never want the technology or procedures to overshadow the human connection because, on the other side of that handpiece, is me, not a robot.”

Serving as a Student Delegate at the 2025 AGD House of Delegates was one of the most impactful and formative experiences of my dental school career. The meeting offered an in-depth look into how the Academy of General Dentistry functions as a national organization committed to advocacy education and the long-term success of general dentists.

“When you take that time up front, patients walk away with confidence in their care and a stronger commitment to their own health, which has a ripple effect far beyond the dental chair.”

“Being able to take patients who have been struggling with their teeth for years and change their lives in one appointment has been an incredible and emotional experience, both for the patients and myself.”

“When we combine advanced tools with a space that feels open, inclusive and calming, we can transform the way people think about going to the dentist.”

“In military dentistry, continuity of care beyond a couple of years is rare. That uncertainty drives me to hold myself to the highest possible standard.”

“I never want the technology or procedures to overshadow the human connection because, on the other side of that handpiece, is me, not a robot.”

“Building a dental program from the ground up means every decision, from curriculum design to clinic structure and student culture, shapes the legacy we’re creating.”

“The education we get in school is just the beginning. If we build our skills and knowledge early in our careers, imagine how many more people we’re able to serve with those new skills.”

“Seeing colleagues and mentors come together to promote dentistry for the benefit of peers and patients truly inspired me.”

“The future belongs to practices that blend technology with heart.”

“The ability to help someone eat, speak and smile again is transformative.”

Ready to shape the future of dentistry? Submit your abstract for the Take the Floor education series, and share bold ideas in clinical care, mental health or wellness. This is your chance to spark conversations and inspire change on a global stage.

Don’t miss AGD Impact’s annual 10 Dentists to Watch list, which profiles a collection of new dentists and their mark on the profession! Other feature stories cover the collection at the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, mandated reporter laws and metrics to assess your financial progress.

Start the new year with the latest issue of General Dentistry. This issue features new research across multiple subject areas, including a study of pregnant women’s knowledge and practices related to maternal and child oral health, a usage guide for the NSAID ketorolac, and a case report on recurrent symptoms in an endodontically treated tooth following vaccination—along with many other timely articles.

The winter blues can sneak up, but AGD is here to help. Social connection improves mood, engagement and learning — exactly what our community offers. Invite colleagues to join AGD, and share in the warmth. Each referral who joins also earns you both $50 in Referral Rewards.