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AGD’s 2026 Leadership Development Symposium brought together current and emerging leaders in general dentistry for a dynamic day-and-a-half experience focused on building stronger, more self-aware leaders. Held April 24–25 in Chicago, the symposium emphasized a strengths-based approach to leadership development.

Strengthen your practical skills this May through sessions on navigating implant prosthetic complications, preventing clinician burnout and mastering dental office leasing guidelines. These sessions provide a flexible and efficient way to earn your necessary CE credits.

This month’s cover story features several perspectives from practicing dentists on how to maximize the impact of any free dental care you provide, both locally and abroad, and a feature story covers nightmare scenarios in the dental clinic and how you should handle them.

AGD relies on the commitment of its constituent leaders, who serve as delegates each year to the House of Delegates Annual Meeting, where they provide input and governance for the organization. The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 17–19.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has proclaimed May 3–9 as Drinking Water Week, highlighting the importance of safe drinking water in protecting public health. Dr. Melodie Jones, president of the Alabama AGD, attended the signing on behalf of Alabama AGD and the Oral Health Coalition of Alabama.

On this Memorial Day, we pause our practices and our routines to honor the brave souls who gave everything in service to our country. Among them were medics, corpsmen, and dental officers who cared for others even in the most difficult conditions. We are grateful. We remember. We honor. May we never take for granted the freedoms they died to protect.

Today we honor the men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom — including the many skilled dental professionals who serve in the military. From combat medics performing field extractions to military dentists keeping our troops mission-ready, your service goes above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're reminding every dentist and dental professional that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Check in with yourself. Check in with your colleagues. You can't pour from an empty cup — or an empty syringe.

To all the dental moms out there — you juggle scalers and soccer practice, patient care and bedtime stories, continuing education and countless cups of reheated coffee. The strength, compassion, and precision you bring to your practice is the same love you pour into your families every single day. Happy Mother's Day to the women who make dentistry and the world a better place.

Read the latest issue for new research across subject areas. Highlights include case reports on animal-assisted therapy for fearful pediatric patients, a scoping review analyzing the athletic performance benefits of mouthguard use and much more.

The May issue of AGD Impact is live! This month’s cover story features several perspectives from practicing dentists on how to maximize the impact of any free dental care you provide, both locally and abroad.

AGD is recruiting qualified members to serve as AGD spokespeople, serving as expert resources for media interviews and translating clinical knowledge into meaningful, consumer-focused messaging. We are seeking individuals who are subject matter experts, responsive to media opportunities and located near key media markets.

AGD relies on the commitment of its constituent leaders, who serve as delegates each year to the House of Delegates Annual Meeting, where they provide input and governance for the organization. The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 17–19.

This week, AGD members will gather in Washington, D.C., for Hill Day, an important opportunity to bring the voice of general dentistry directly to policymakers. These members will meet with legislative leaders to discuss key bills that impact general dentists and dental students, ensuring they understand the real-world implications of the decisions they make.

Extend your leadership capabilities by serving on an AGD council or committee. AGD is currently seeking volunteers for 2026–27 councils and committees. Consider using your unique skills to guide the organization.

Secure your spot at AGD2026 now to access over 25 hands-on courses and Dr. David Hornbrook’s seven free CE credits. Premium Plus members register for free, and Premium members receive a discounted rate. Finalize your plans today to lock in these savings.

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the April issue of AGD Impact features an update from the AGD Foundation on its mission to raise awareness of oral cancer. It also includes the latest in oral cancer research from around the world.

Read an excerpt from AGD Impact’s cover story this month (“Should You Invest in New Equipment? How to Calculate ROI”) by Dr. Akanksha Baheti, who discusses what young dentists should really be thinking about when it comes to ROI.

Early bird pricing expires next Thursday, April 30. Act now to access high-level hands-on education and Dr. David Hornbrook’s seven free CE credits. Registration is free for Premium Plus members, while Premium members receive a deep discount. Finalize your plans now to get the best rate possible.

Have you have been contemplating taking the Fellowship Exam? Register for one of the two upcoming Fellowship Review Course and Exam sessions, and make 2026 your year!