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The widespread shutdown orders sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic have financially impacted dental practices across the country.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists.

AGD student representative Clayton Sorrells is a second-year student at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans. He spoke with AGD Impact about how he pivoted from ICU registered nurse to dental student and how he uses his nursing experience to better serve dental patients.

The U.S. Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) rolled out a new round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last week. Businesses will be able to use PPP funding over a period of eight to 24 weeks. This new round is said to be more flexible and clearly defined than the previous round of loans.

President Biden released high-level details of his COVID-19 vaccination plan on January 15, following public remarks (written) that came a day after the release of his coronavirus relief plan.

The Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (H.R. 1418) was signed into law on January 13. The law repeals the antiquated McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption granted to the health insurance industry decades ago.

Last week, the U.S. Treasury and Small Business Administration rolled out a new round of the Paycheck Protection Program. Lenders began accepting applications for new and second-draw applications.

The AGD Foundation is asking AGD members, constituencies, and dental and non-dental companies to donate items for its 2021 auction such as electronics, vacation getaways, sports memorabilia, and items reflective of your state or region. Auction items are due April 15, 2021.

Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, a New Jersey general dentist, has been selected to serve as AGD associate editor. Blakeslee previously served on the advisory board for General Dentistry and is the host and creator of the AGD Podcast Series.

As part of AGD Impact’s April Oral Cancer Awareness Month coverage, we would like to include brief summaries of what AGD constituencies are doing to promote oral cancer awareness and prevention.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently provided an update on the authorized dosing schedules for COVID-19 vaccinations. The FDA is underscoring the importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccines according to how they’ve been authorized by the FDA.

Your role as an associate dentist may have you feeling stretched thin and stressed out. That’s why AGD has put together a collection of discounts to help you out. Whether it’s personal, financial or insurance related, we have options to fit your lifestyle.

Help a colleague start 2021 off right by inviting them to join AGD. By spreading the word about the value of AGD membership, you’ll earn $50 in Referral Rewards coupons that can be used toward your dues renewal for each of your colleagues who joins. Submit your referrals online.

AGD is working to prepare for the 117th Congress and identify how this year’s changes will impact general dentistry. We are continuing our outreach to legislative and regulatory leaders and working to respond to member needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your team is your biggest asset, and when you care and nurture that asset, it will grow beyond what you thought was possible. Don Deems, DDS, FAGD, PCC, known as The Dentist’s Coach®, shares his favorite approaches to achieving your goals.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week that Paroex® Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse USP, 0.12% by Sunstar Americas has been recalled due to microbial contamination. Dentists in possession of these products should stop using and dispensing immediately.

In the latest issue of AGD Impact, we asked dentists of varying backgrounds to weigh in on setting new goals.

Spokespeople serve as subject matter experts on behalf of AGD

AGD Members- Before reading this week's Capitol Connections, please take a moment to review the following information regarding a product recall alert:

The U.S. Senate recently voted on December 22 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.