NEWSROOM

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.

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 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.

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.

The AGD and Wisconsin AGD sent a letter to the City of Madison Water Utility Board in advance of their August 25 meeting, and in support of community water fluoridation (CFW).

On August 18, the HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) released Healthy People 2030 (HP2030) – the 5th version of the Healthy People initiative.

The House Energy & Commerce Committee sent oversight letters to nine health and dental insurance companies on August 13, seeking information on their policies and practices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) responded to AGD’s letter sent on July 7, and welcomed open communications between the organizations.

On August 13, AGD sent a letter to Reps. Cindy Axne (R-IA) and Neal Dunn (R-FL) expressing support for their recently introduced legislation, the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act of 2020 (H.R.7819).

Updated language of new guidelines could impact dental practices due to ongoing PPE shortages

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) would like to share the following information with you regarding offering webinars or other electronically mediated continuing dental education activities.

PACE Standard I, Criterion O states that program providers must develop and operate in accordance to written policies, procedures or guidelines designed to ensure that all clinical and/or technical continuing dental education activates offered include the scientific basis for the program content and an assessment of the benefits and risks associated with that content in order to promote public safety.

All PACE-approved CE organizations are expected to include the AGD PACE logo and the official approval statement on all publicity materials and attendance verification forms.

AGD Subject Codes are numerical codes assigned by the AGD to identify the topic taught during a continuing dental education course. Approved providers are expected to identify the AGD subject codes associated with a course or program in all course/program announcements and again on attendance verification forms.

As of September 1, 2019 the AGD stopped accepting any continuing education (CE) verification forms or rosters through the mail, fax or email. All CE MUST be submitted electronically. Any CE submitted through the mail, fax or email will be returned to the CE provider.

For the past several years the AGD PACE Council has reviewed applications on a bimonthly schedule. Due to an increase in the number of applications received and to improve the efficiency of our review process the AGD PACE Council has voted to transition to a quarterly review schedule.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has updated its privacy settings to protect your data. As part of this process, an alphanumerical password is required, and you may be asked to update your password in order to log in to AGD.org so you can access the PACE roster submission tools and the application for national PACE-approval.

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.

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.