This Week at AGD

The 2025 AGD House of Delegates approved several updates to the guidelines governing the Fellowship, Mastership, and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) awards.

You and your practice are not defined by the past. Any perceived limitations can be overcome through better systems, stronger leadership and focused execution. AGD Impact columnist Roger P. Levin, DDS, explains that most practices can achieve 40% growth within just a few years, operating as stronger businesses with a highly trained team.

Most dental visits follow a familiar, predictable rhythm. Cleanings, restorations and routine procedures make up the majority of a dentist’s day. Still, even in well-run practices, unexpected situations can arise. These rare but serious events serve as important reminders that emergencies are not limited to hospitals or emergency rooms.

In the latest podcast, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George J. Schmidt talks with Dr. Emma Guzman who shares her personal journey from practicing dentistry in New York City to embracing a more holistic approach to health and wellness after experiencing burnout, chronic pain and a lack of fulfillment in her career.

Gauge your readiness with our Fellowship Practice Quiz, featuring authentic questions from previous study guides. It’s a great way to test your skills before joining our intensive two-day review course. Consolidate your knowledge and prepare to sit for the exam with confidence.

Dr. Shilpi Joshi was recently awarded the 2026 Lucy Hobbs Project Humanitarian Award from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine for her role as an adjunct faculty member and for her work at NeighborHealth, a community-based medical facility.

Get ready for an unforgettable AGD2026 experience in Las Vegas! Ignite your professional network at the high-energy Viva AGD party and the President’s Reception. Between dedicated student and new dentist social events and the prestigious Convocation Reception, you’ll find endless ways to connect and celebrate alongside your peers.

Take control of your professional development with AGD’s Online Learning Center. Explore a vast catalog of on-demand webinars, Self-Instruction exercises and FREE CE for members. Stay ahead of the curve and sharpen your skills with high-quality clinical content accessible whenever you’re ready to learn.

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

Being a healthcare provider instills a sense of communal responsibility. Many dentists are drawn to the profession with the desire to help others. With that often comes the call to provide charitable care either in one’s own practice or through organizations, both locally and abroad.

Read the latest issue for new research across subject areas. Highlights include case reports on animal-assisted therapy for fearful pediatric patients, a scoping review analyzing the athletic performance benefits of mouthguard use and much more.

AGD’s 2026 Leadership Development Symposium brought together current and emerging leaders in general dentistry for a dynamic day-and-a-half experience focused on building stronger, more self-aware leaders. Held April 24–25 in Chicago, the symposium emphasized a strengths-based approach to leadership development.

Strengthen your practical skills this May through sessions on navigating implant prosthetic complications, preventing clinician burnout and mastering dental office leasing guidelines. These sessions provide a flexible and efficient way to earn your necessary CE credits.

This month’s cover story features several perspectives from practicing dentists on how to maximize the impact of any free dental care you provide, both locally and abroad, and a feature story covers nightmare scenarios in the dental clinic and how you should handle them.

AGD relies on the commitment of its constituent leaders, who serve as delegates each year to the House of Delegates Annual Meeting, where they provide input and governance for the organization. The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 17–19.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has proclaimed May 3–9 as Drinking Water Week, highlighting the importance of safe drinking water in protecting public health. Dr. Melodie Jones, president of the Alabama AGD, attended the signing on behalf of Alabama AGD and the Oral Health Coalition of Alabama.

AGD is recruiting qualified members to serve as AGD spokespeople, serving as expert resources for media interviews and translating clinical knowledge into meaningful, consumer-focused messaging. We are seeking individuals who are subject matter experts, responsive to media opportunities and located near key media markets.

AGD relies on the commitment of its constituent leaders, who serve as delegates each year to the House of Delegates Annual Meeting, where they provide input and governance for the organization. The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 17–19.

This week, AGD members will gather in Washington, D.C., for Hill Day, an important opportunity to bring the voice of general dentistry directly to policymakers. These members will meet with legislative leaders to discuss key bills that impact general dentists and dental students, ensuring they understand the real-world implications of the decisions they make.

Secure your spot at AGD2026 now to access over 25 hands-on courses and Dr. David Hornbrook’s seven free CE credits. Premium Plus members register for free, and Premium members receive a discounted rate. Finalize your plans today to lock in these savings.