This Week at AGD

Early bird registration closes tomorrow, Aug. 12, for the Case Acceptance Mastery Series at AGD headquarters in Chicago. Secure your $400+ savings and earn 7 CE hours while gaining essential tools to increase revenue and patient trust.

This month’s issue features a cover story on retirement planning from start to finish, as well as a feature story on Generation Z in the dental workforce. Columns include New Dentists, Practice Management and Wellness.

Refer a colleague to AGD by Sept. 30. Why? You’ll earn $50 for each one who joins, and your name will rise on the Recruiter Leaderboard. Whether you’re in it for the rewards, the recognition or both, there’s still time to make your move. Who’s catching up to you?

Earn CE and boost your clinical confidence with AGD’s August live webinars. Each session is led by expert instructors and covers practical, real-world topics to help you sharpen skills or explore new techniques.

Prepare for success with AGD’s Fall Fellowship Review Course held in Chicago. This in-person experience offers 16 CE hours and covers all exam topics. Gain focused insights from knowledgeable instructors, and take the next step toward earning your FAGD.

Early bird registration ends next Tuesday, Aug. 12, for All-Star Dental’s Case Acceptance Mastery Series in Chicago Sept. 12. Don’t miss your chance to save over $400 off the registration fee and earn up to 7 CE hours while learning proven techniques to boost case acceptance.

Leading effective conversations during bilingual pediatric dental appointments is a difficult task. A qualitative study in General Dentistry investigates the challenges and conflicts faced by dental providers and interpreters, offering clinicians new perspectives on these difficult encounters.

AGD Impact regularly features a Testing the Tools column with practical reviews of some of the latest dental products. This month, reviewer Dr. Ross Isbell, a general dentist in Gadsden, Alabama, tested a one-step solution for buffering local anesthetics, a burr for soft tissue and a high-quality dental-grade glycerine.

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

Check out this month’s member spotlight featuring Dr. Alexandra Otto, a board-certified pediatric dentist and nationally recognized speaker and leader in the dental community. She shares why membership in AGD and staying on top of her skills as a general practitioner are important to her as a pediatric dentist.

Unlock proven techniques to boost case acceptance and patient trust at the AGD Headquarters in Chicago. This in-person course offers practical strategies and up to 7 CE credits. Save over $400, and elevate your communication skills for better outcomes. Limited spaces available.

Check out AGD Impact’s feature story this month, which explores the ins and outs of the invisible dental services organization (DSO), a type of DSO that offers nonclinical administrative support services to dental practices while allowing them to retain their name and branding.

Dr. Jane F. Martone was honored at the 2025 Convocation Ceremony in Montréal on July 12. Martone’s remarkable career spans nearly three decades of private practice and dental education, where her tireless dedication to teaching and advancing oral implantology has earned her widespread respect and admiration.

To achieve your Fellowship, Mastership, or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition during the AGD2026 Convocation Ceremony in Las Vegas, all requirements must be completed and applications must be submitted on or before Dec. 31. Need help fulfilling the required CE? Search the AGD CE Directory or Online Learning Center.

Nearly 14.2 million Americans suffer from serious mental illness (SMI). A new study in General Dentistry used data from a U.S. dental school clinic to examine oral healthcare disparities experienced by people with SMI and suggest a more integrated approach to care.

In part two of our Convocation feature, four more awardees share what drove them to pursue Fellowship, Mastership or LLSR honors — and offer advice for others aiming to achieve these prestigious milestones.

The days of placing an ad on Indeed or the local job board and finding an employee in a few weeks are gone. Dentists need to be more creative with finding employees, and even more competitive when it comes to having a job that potential employees will fight for.

Recently, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George J. Schmidt spoke with Dr. Michael J. Melkers, an expert in restorative care, and Dr. John Chao, inventor of the pinhole surgical technique (PST™), a minimally invasive, scalpel-free, suture-free method for treating gingival recession.

Marketing budgets can vary widely depending on your practice goals, growth stage and location, but that doesn’t mean you have to guess. AGD Impact columnist Jackie Ulasewich Cullen says the key is treating marketing as a strategic investment — not just another line item.

Don’t worry! The Fall Fellowship Review Course and Exam will take place Sept. 26–28 in Chicago. Premium Plus members receive a 20% discount on the review course. To help prepare in the meantime, download the Study Guide Supplement 2016-2020 along with the Annual Study Guides.