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In 2025, all fifty state legislatures will be in session. Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Texas only meet in odd-numbered years. The 2024 election resulted in only a small change in partisan control in the state capitols.

Thus far, AI-related healthcare litigation has concerned copyright and antitrust — business concerns that do not put dentists themselves at greater risk of liability. Meanwhile, the use of AI may result in fewer clinical mistakes, which should result in fewer malpractice claims. Dentists can best protect themselves from AI-related liability by staying informed.

We’re excited to announce the addition of Managed Care Advisory Group (MCAG) as one of your AGD member benefits. MCAG specializes in identifying and recovering high-margin, nontraditional revenue for organizations through class action settlements with minimal effort on your part. Members will now receive a discounted rate on their services.

While AI has the potential to revolutionize dental practice, it is crucial for dentists to critically evaluate AI recommendations and uphold ethical standards. Dentists can ensure that AI serves as a valuable tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. AGD collaborates with the American College of Dentists to consider this issue.

This Wednesday, Dec. 18, is your final opportunity to register for AGD’s free Virtual Advocacy Conference and earn up to 6.75 CE credits. Gain insights into state and federal policy and discover how you can make a meaningful impact. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your knowledge and advocacy skills!

AI chatbots, the most prominent of which is currently ChatGPT, have begun to play a huge role in numerous sectors of society, including healthcare and dentistry. In dentistry, AI and ChatGPT are becoming integrated in three key areas: education, practice management and diagnosis.

Registration for AGD’s free Virtual Advocacy Conference closes next Wednesday, Dec. 18. Support organized dentistry while earning up to 6.75 CE credits. This is your chance to learn how to influence legislative and regulatory conversations. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity!

There are only a few weeks left to submit your application for the Fellowship and Mastership awards or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition. This is your chance to join the ranks of the best in general dentistry and be recognized at AGD2025 in Montréal. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to earn your prestigious award!

Stay informed on the latest in dentistry by tapping into new perspectives from leaders in the profession with the AGD Podcast Series. Recently, host Dr. George J. Schmidt spoke with David Harris to discuss the impact of embezzlement on dental practices and steps practice owners should take to protect their businesses. Check out all the episodes of the AGD Podcast Series to stay up to date on the latest in dentistry. (Like what you hear? Vote for the AGD Podcast Series as one of the best dental podcasts.)

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.