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AGD continues to maintain that fluoride, when used appropriately, is safe and effective in preventing and controlling dental decay and expresses concern over recent statements by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, to end community water fluoridation.

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

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have a multifactorial etiology, and a report in General Dentistry highlights clear aligner therapy (CAT) as a probable cofactor of TMD in a patient who developed masticatory pain during CAT. Dentists should be aware that CAT may exacerbate existing factors in some patients, leading to TMD symptoms.

On Nov. 24, 2024, Chethan Chetty, DDS, MAGD, was inducted as AGD president during the House of Delegates’ annual meeting in Chicago. This coming year, he plans to help guide the organization into the future by taking steps to increase grassroots engagement and promote membership while remaining open to organizational changes that could help modernize and improve operations.

On November 22, 2024, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), current Ranking Member and expected Chairman next Congress of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2024, which would strengthen cybersecurity requirements in the health care sector.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Dr. Oz, a physician and former television personality, is expected to bring a focus on preventive health and holistic care to CMS if confirmed.

President-elect Donald Trump has officially nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary. Kennedy, an environmental advocate with well-known suspicions regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, has called for increased transparency and restructuring of federal health agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Join this free, two-half day virtual event to gain insights into the current legislative and regulatory landscape and how they are affecting your practice or could in the future. Hear from AGD leaders on issues they are tracking and learn how you can make a difference at the state and federal levels.

Happy first day of Kwanzaa to our dental family! 🕯️ As we celebrate the principles of unity, self-determination, and collective work, let’s continue to build strong, healthy communities—one smile at a time. May this season inspire us to uplift each other and spread joy through every smile we create.

Merry Christmas to all the wonderful dentists and dental professionals in our community! 🎄✨ May your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of bright, healthy smiles.

Happy first night of Hanukkah to our amazing dental community! 🕎 Just as the menorah shines brighter with each passing night, may your passion for patient care and oral health light up this season of miracles. Wishing you eight days of warmth, reflection, and plenty of smiles.

The December issue of AGD Impact is live! In it, you can learn all about AI chat bots and the ways they are currently being used in dentistry.

The shortage of dental hygienists is one of the biggest challenges facing the dental industry. AGD Impact columnist Wesley Lyon acknowledges that the problem won’t solve itself overnight but suggests implementing three strategies to attract and maintain top talent.

‘Tis the season to make spirits bright by inviting your colleagues to join AGD. You’ll earn $50 in Referral Rewards when they join, and they’ll receive the rest of 2024 free when they join for 2025.

The December issue of AGD Impact is live! In it, you can learn all about AI chat bots and the ways they are currently being used in dentistry. You can also “meet” AGD’s new president, Dr. Chethan Chetty, with our annual president’s profile feature. Columns include Legal Matters, Financial Management, Ethics, Communications and Testing the Tools.

There’s still time to register for AGD’s upcoming Virtual Advocacy Conference and earn up to 6.75 free CE credits. Gain vital insights into the legislative landscape impacting your practice, and learn how to shape important conversations at the state and federal levels.

Chocolate is one of the most popular treats in the world, and debate over its potential health benefits has made it a widely researched topic. A new General Dentistry article reviews general benefits of chocolate and discusses negative oral health consequences of excess consumption.

AGD maintains that fluoride, when used appropriately, is safe and effective in preventing and controlling dental decay and expresses concern over recent statements by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, to end community water fluoridation.

AGD’s House of Delegates installed new officers during its annual meeting, Nov. 22–24. Merlin P. Ohmer, DDS, MAGD, a general dentist from Florida, concluded his term as AGD president, and Chethan Chetty, DDS, MAGD, was installed as AGD president for 2024–25.