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On July 19, 2023, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), along with several other dental organizations, sent a letter to the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Committee on Health Insurance & Long-Term Care Issues, urging them to adopt the Medical Loss Ratios (MLR) for Dental Health Care Services Plans Model Act (the Model Act).

The prestigious Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the art and science of dentistry or has enhanced the principles and goals of AGD and has made exceptional efforts in promoting these ideals.

If you’ve moved recently or plan to do so soon, don’t forget to update your AGD profile. This will ensure you keep receiving AGD publications and other important information from us!

A new article in General Dentistry reports on two cases of mandibular third molar displacement into deep fascial spaces during attempted extraction — one of which resulted in acute infection. In addition to treatment approaches, the article reviews the risk factors for tooth displacement and techniques for prevention.

This month’s Member Spotlight features Dr. Christina Rosenthal, founder of the Determined to Be a Doctor Someday (D.D.S) program and author of a children’s book, “You Can Become a Doctor Too.” She talks about why she developed the D.D.S. program and how other AGD members can get involved.

In this issue, learn more about cloud-based electronic health records in dentistry and how to achieve effective and efficient communication among all members of a dental team.

For all those who still believe in Tooth Fairies…. Wishing you a very Happy National Tooth Fairy Day!

Clean and healthy teeth not only promise a beautiful smile but also reflect good health. Happy Fresh Breath Day from #AGD!

Don’t forget to include a dental appointment on your back-to-school to-do list! Send your kids to school with the confidence that comes from a clean bill of dental health!

The new issue of AGD Impact is now Live!

Sign up for AGD’s two FREE live webinars in August. Register now for the Aug. 15 webinar, ”Cone-Beam Computed Tomography — Standard of Care?” and the Aug. 29 webinar, ”The Good Leasing Guidelines for Dental Offices.”

Show your commitment to general dentistry by achieving your Fellowship, Mastership or LLSR during the AGD2024 Convocation Ceremony. If you need assistance with fulfilling the required CE, search AGD's member-only CE Directory or browse the Online Learning Center. We hope to see you in Minneapolis!

The five ideas that form the ADA Principles of Ethics are patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice and veracity. In the July issue of AGD Impact, columnist Mary A. Baechle, DDS, focuses on nonmaleficence, beneficence and justice and addresses each from a preclinical approach.

AGD fact sheets provide your patients with all the information they need to maintain their oral health. Fact sheets on more than 25 oral health topics are available online and can be customized to include your name and practice information.

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

On July 19–22, AGD hosted its annual scientific session, AGD2023, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The meeting invited general dentists, dental team members and others in the dental profession to experience exceptional hands-on courses, inspiring lectures, fun networking events in the exhibit hall, and the opportunity to connect with others committed to excellence in dentistry.

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

On July 13, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released two proposed rules, the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Proposed Rule (CMS 1786-P) and the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule (CMS-1784-P).

On July 18, 2023, the AGD and other dental organizations sent a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6) urging them to reauthorize the Action for Dental Health (ADH) program (H.R. 3843, the Action for Dental Health Act of 2023) for 5 years (2024 through 2028).

You’ve graduated, now what? AGD members who are new dentists receive complimentary malpractice coverage from Dentist’s Advantage. It is a necessity to protect your career, and AGD wants to make sure you get professional liability insurance you need to practice.