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The Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD’s) House of Delegates installed new officers during its annual meeting, Nov. 19–21. Gerald “Gerry” Botko, DMD, MS, MAGD, LLSR, FACD, FICD, a general dentist from Boca Raton, Florida, was named president.

Not only does AGD Exclusive Benefits provider Dentist’s Advantage offer complimentary malpractice insurance to our dental school graduates their first year out of school, but all members also receive 10% premium credits on coverage. AGD Fellows and Masters receive premium credits of 15% and 20%, respectively.

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

General dentistry benefits from the talents of so many people, and AGD leaders were pleased to honor some outstanding members at AGD’s annual meeting, Nov. 19–21. These dedicated individuals helped serve the organization and the oral health community.

Working at the local level, AGD constituencies do tremendous work to advance AGD’s mission and vision. Their outstanding efforts were also recognized during AGD’s annual meeting.

Merlin Ohmer, DDS, MAGD is a longtime member and leader of the AGD

New speaker has years of experience presiding over official governing bodies

Valerie Bartoli recognized for decades of accomplishments with the Washington Constituent

W. Mark Donald, DMD, MAGD is the fifth AGD member to be honored with this award since its inception

Award Presented to AGD Member with Exemplary Local and National Service to the Field of Dentistry

Robb A. Warren, DDS, Demonstrates Commitment to Dental Outreach

The proposed Medicare dental expansion was being advanced in Congress without thoughtful consideration.

On November 17, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce is holding a markup session for pending legislation, including the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act (H.R.4555).

Consideration of President Biden's broad social spending package, the Build Back Better Act (H.R.5376), in the U.S. House of Representatives is paused pending the release of cost scoring estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

On November 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published corresponding regulations on COVID-19 vaccination policies in the workplace.

The deadline to apply to join the class of 2022 FAGD, MAGD and LLSR recipients is Dec. 31, 2021. Start your application today to get recognized at AGD2022. AGD is also accepting nominations for the 2023 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award until Dec. 1, 2021. Make your nomination today.

For decades, organized dentistry has been urging lawmakers to close a loophole in the McCarran-Ferguson Act that exempts insurance companies from federal antitrust oversight. It finally happened in January with the passage of the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (CHIRA). As CHIRA’s first anniversary approaches, general dentists may wonder when they can expect to see real change in the post-CHIRA world. The short answer from experts: It’s hard to say.

Every dollar counts when running your own practice, especially these days. To help your business, AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program includes a variety of offers on practice management tools, insurance options and financial solutions.

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 for downloading online and can be customized to include your name and practice information.