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Serving as AGD president has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life — an experience I will always treasure. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with AGD members, general dentists and leaders from across the United States, Canada and even India. The common thread is that we all share a deep commitment to advancing oral health and the future of our profession.
My term as AGD president concludes next month when Marc Worob, DDS, FAGD, is installed as president during the AGD Annual Meeting. Looking back since being elected vice president in 2022, this journey has been truly life changing. While it hasn't always been easy, I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made as an organization. Our core goal was to evolve the AGD to be more responsive to the needs of our members today, and every strategic choice we made spoke directly to that intention. As I approach the finish line, I am thrilled with what we have accomplished together.
In today’s world, being a great dentist isn't enough. Our profession is constantly being shaped by forces outside the operatory, including insurance policies, government regulations and new technologies like AI. These challenges can be hard to keep up with while we’re focused on caring for patients and running our practices. If we want to truly have a voice in the direction of our profession, it is through organizations like the AGD that we protect the rights of both our members and our patients.
For nearly 75 years, AGD has been that steady, trusted resource, helping tens of thousands of dentists every year advance their skills, protect their profession and connect with peers who understand their daily challenges. I can’t imagine where I’d be without AGD and the inspiration of the colleagues and friends I've found through AGD.
This year, I’ve worked to expand awareness of AGD’s mission by reaching out through online communities and forums to engage general dentists who may not yet know the full scope of our support. Crucially, we have worked hard to build relationships and strengthened collaborations across the entire dental profession. We have met regularly with organizations such as the American Dental Association, American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the American Association of Endodontists, the and the American College of Dentists reflect AGD’s ongoing commitment to working together for the good of dentistry and our patients.
At every level, AGD continues to champion the dentist–patient relationship and advocate for policies that preserve high standards of care and patient safety. These efforts are also about the future, ensuring dental students and residents have a strong, sustainable profession to enter. There’s real momentum in this work, and I look forward to watching AGD continue to lead the way.
The education I’ve received through the AGD has significantly impacted my professional trajectory. Education remains the foundation of AGD’s mission. From hands-on constituent courses and webinars to our world-class scientific session, AGD delivers practical learning you can apply in your practice immediately.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for AGD2026, June 24–27 in Las Vegas. The event will feature renowned esthetic and restorative expert David Hornbrook, DDS, FAACD, FACE, FASDA; a full lineup of hands-on courses; and countless opportunities to relax, recharge and reconnect with peers. Registration opens in January!
If there’s one lesson I’ll carry forward from this past year, it’s that none of us has to go it alone. The connections with colleagues who truly understand our challenges, share our goals, and uphold our values are instrumental in shaping us into better dentists. These bonds foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, allowing us to learn from one another’s experiences and expertise. Beyond professional growth, this network strengthens our ability to advocate for our patients. As a united community, we amplify our voice and impact, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety for those we serve.
My AGD network has truly become like family to me, and I’m deeply grateful for the incredible "AGD Culture" and the friendships and support I’ve found here.
In closing, I want to remind you: The future of dentistry is in all of our hands. Our greatest power comes from standing together, for each other and for our patients. The AGD is, and always will be, the voice of the general dentist.
I encourage you all to stand with me to help shape this future. Lifelong learning, strong advocacy, and powerful connections aren’t just membership benefits — they are the tools that empower us to succeed, together.
Thank you for being an AGD member. It has been my sincere honor to serve you.
Chethan Chetty, DDS, MAGD, is president of AGD. He is a general dentist from Los Angeles, California.
