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Let colleagues know it’s the perfect time to become an AGD member. By joining now, they’ll pay only half of 2021 headquarters dues. Our Half-Year Dues promotion runs through Sept. 30.

AGD Corporate Sponsor Colgate provides support to general dentists to build better oral health habits. An online tool helps you access resources for recommendation to your patients.

AGD’s blog, “The Daily Grind,” offers insight and reflections from dental students and practicing general dentists. Recently, George J. Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, chair, Dental Education Council, highlighted the 2021 Convocation Ceremony and the excitement that AGD was able to commemorate these accomplishments.

Too many employees are leaving dental practices, citing concerns over COVID-19. Don Deems, DDS, FAGD, PCC, provides guidance to help retain employees in a competitive job market.

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

AGD Impact Self-Instruction exercises are designed to easily fit into your busy learning schedule. Each exercise contains 10 questions and is worth 1 CE credit. Once enrolled, all you need to do is read the articles, take the exercises and submit your answers.

AGD will host the 2021 Fall Fellowship Review Course Oct. 1–2 at the Capital Hilton in downtown Washington, D.C. Attendees can register to take the Fellowship Exam immediately following the review course Oct. 3.

This month, AGD Impact examines emerging research linking oral disease to severity of COVID-19 infections and complications as well as the state of research regarding the oral-systemic link in general.

Taking the course, “Orthodontics for General Practice,” delivered by general practitioner David A. Wright, DDS, MBA, MAGD, will prepare you to begin integrating satisfying orthodontic procedures into your practice.

AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program provides dental practice owners savings on a variety of insurance and financial products, educational services, practice management tools, office supplies, promotional products, lab services and more.

On July 19, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act (H.R.4439), which would require all state Medicaid programs to provide mandatory adult dental and oral health services.

The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2022 funding legislation on July 15 for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS). As anticipated, the Committee has included funding for vital oral health-related programs and provisions in the FY2022 Labor-HHS package (H.R.4502).

The Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act (H.R.4311) from Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and the Medicare Dental Coverage Act (H.R.4650) from Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) were both recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both bills would expand Medicare Part B coverage to include comprehensive dental and oral health services.

On July 20, Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) reintroduced H.R.4555, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021.

On July 13, I was honored to lead my colleagues as we took our message to Capitol Hill through a virtual Hill Day. We met with congressional leaders and their staffs virtually to communicate key details regarding pressing issues affecting the dental industry.

As we reach a critical point in the pandemic and continue to evaluate a barrage of daily new information, it is important to consider the ethical landscape of dental practice. Of significant concern are justice, equity and access to care.

Though pilocarpine is indicated for the treatment of xerostomia, systemic use may promote adverse reactions that make this drug unviable. Topical, controlled-release formulations of pilocarpine for use on the oral mucosa, however, may be an effective alternative.

AGD2022 will take place at the luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, Florida. Lounge by one of four shimmering pools, enjoy discounted access to the 18-hole golf course, have dinner at the award-winning steakhouse, or relax at the spa.

Each year, the AGD Foundation awards grants to community-based and community-driven outreach programs that promote oral cancer prevention and education with a focus on raising awareness. See the full list.

Protecting your career is a necessity. That’s why AGD members who are new dentists receive complimentary malpractice coverage from Dentist’s Advantage. For those still looking for the perfect opportunity, AGD can also help connect you with jobs in dentistry through AGD’s online Career Center. Let your membership benefits help propel your career today!