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As the 2020-2021 state legislative session approaches, the Wisconsin AGD and Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) work to open regular communications around advocacy and discuss how the two organizations can partner as stakeholders in the oral health community.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted revisions on September 11 to regulations that implemented the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

AGD submitted comments to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on September 18 regarding a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Scoring Criteria Request for Information (RFI).

On September 16, the Businesses Preparing for a Better Tomorrow Act (H.R. 8260) was introduced by Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) to help employers combat the spread of COVID-19 by providing tax incentives for qualified employee training on best practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

On September 10, a Senate GOP pandemic relief package (S. 178) was blocked by Democrats in a 52 to 47 vote short of the 60 needed to advance the legislation for floor debate.

The House of Representatives voted this week to pass the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (H.R. 1418), a bill to repeal the antiquated McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption granted to the health insurance industry decades ago.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has launched the #seeyourdentist campaign to inform patients on how to prepare and what to expect at their next dental appointment.

As dental health professionals, we can't let the detection and diagnosis of oral cancer be delayed. Help raise awareness by supporting the mission of the AGD Foundation. As you renew your AGD membership, please include a tax-deductible donation to the AGD Foundation, or make a tax-deductible donation online today.

Some new dentists like to get their feet wet in the industry before they expand their focus to organized dentistry. Steven G. Feldman, DDS, however, was attuned to many legislative issues facing dentistry before he even chose the profession, and his involvement with organized dentistry’s advocacy efforts started in dental school.

AGD knows you’re working hard to give patients the best dental care as an associate dentist, while possibly saving to open your own practice one day. We want to help you save for your future while taking care of your present needs.

To address patient concerns about visiting the dental office during the COVID-19 pandemic, Optio Publishing is offering three free videos to AGD members. Use these videos on your website to show patients how you sterilize instruments, disinfect the office and use personal protective equipment.

Beat the Freeze ends Sept. 30. Buy 10 and get one free, or buy 18 and get two free of Orabloc™ (4% articaine HCl with epinephrine [1:100,000 or 1:200,000]). AGDVANTAGE also offers free second-day delivery, so browse all current AGDVANTAGE promotions to get the best deals possible.

Virtual courses, in-person classes, enhanced safety procedures in clinics and limits on social opportunities are aspects of this year that make it different. AGD reached out to some students and faculty members and asked them to share their insights on how the year is coming together.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. AGD President Connie White, DDS, FAGD, recently expressed concerns to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding recent updates to its interim guidance for dental settings.

AGD fact sheets provide your patients with all 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.

Dentists have a dizzying array of options and practice models to choose from in today’s marketplace. The biggest difference between practice models is whether a dentist is an owner or an employee.

In order to get recognized as a Fellow, Master or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition recipient at AGD2021 in Austin, Texas, June 9–12, all applications must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2020.

Let your colleagues know that they can join AGD for half the price if they become members before Sept. 30, and you’ll both earn $50 in Referral Rewards once they join.

The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency. This has included providing resources, creating state-specific action alerts and helping compose and send letters to government entities that express concerns of general dentists within their state.

On September 3, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the Rural Action Plan, following an August 3 executive order requesting that the HHS produce a report on existing and upcoming efforts to improve rural healthcare.