AGD Impact regularly features a Testing the Tools column with practical reviews of some of the latest dental products. This month, reviewer Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA, a general dentist in Gadsden, Alabama, tested an automatic U-shaped toothbrush, an electronic flosser, and a device that combines a toothbrush with toothpaste, toothpick and flosser.

This summer, why not get yourself up to date on 20 different topics — all in one weekend? AGD2024 — July 17–20 — has a dynamic schedule specifically crafted with general dentists’ education needs in mind.

A new study published in the March/April issue of General Dentistry helps dentists evaluate different methods for the fabrication of temporary restorations, select the most appropriate technique to maximize esthetics and appreciate the role of extrinsic factors in the discoloration of provisional restorations.

We can improve our practices in many ways, but three of the most common are price increases, changes in staff and new technology. These can be sensitive topics to discuss with patients. How can you convey them in a way that is clear, respectful and reassuring?

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

AGD’s Project Governance aims to explore how AGD's governance aligns with current best practices and helps determine the structure and processes necessary to support the organization's mission effectively.

Read about how to evaluate the financial success of your PPO participation and choose which plans to keep and which to drop in the April issue of AGD Impact.

The opportunity to lock in early bird pricing for AGD2024 expires next Tuesday, April 30. Premium Plus members can enjoy FREE registration, while Premium members benefit from discounted rates. Immerse yourself in world-class CE, discover the natural beauty of Minneapolis, and make AGD2024 a memorable experience.

Join us Oct. 4–6 for the 2024 Fall Fellowship Review Course at AGD headquarters in Chicago. As a special benefit, Premium Plus members will receive a 20% discount on registration. Following the review course, attendees have the option to register for the Fellowship Exam Oct. 7.

Congratulations to our soon-to-be 2024 dental school graduates! AGD’s Exclusive Benefits provider, Dentist’s Advantage, wants you to start off your dental career right by offering you professional liability insurance at no cost. It’s included as one of AGD’s membership benefits.

Attention all members who graduated between 2019 and 2024! We're excited to announce the FellowPath Scholarship. The scholarship covers the cost of the Fall Fellowship Review Course, Fellowship Exam, airfare and accommodations. With three scholarships available, make sure to apply by June 3.

On April 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized a rule to allow access to adult dental care as an essential health benefit through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. States must initiate an application process in 2025.

What dental specialty allows a practitioner to perform a sinusotomy on a standing patient who happens to have 12 pounds of teeth or fix a tooth the patient broke by biting an antler? The answer is animal dentistry.

Give your finances a serious workout with AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program. As an associate dentist, we can help you stretch your dollars and strengthen your savings with student loan refinancing offers, insurance coverage, entertainment discounts and more.

Nominations are open for AGD’s 2024 Student Chapter of the Year and Faculty of the Year awards! Help AGD recognize dedicated student chapters and faculty advisers who went above and beyond for their dental school’s AGD student chapters. Nominations are being accepted now through April 18.

Improve patient care and increase practice success by empowering your dental team. AGD2024 presents 15 courses specifically tailored for dental team members, covering a diverse range of subjects to help staff excel.

The Fellowship Review Course at AGD2024 takes place July 17–18 and includes a refresher in 17 dental disciplines, and attendees may take the Fellowship Exam the following day. Registrants will also receive an electronic copy of the Fellowship Exam Study Guide and a link to downloadable course handouts.

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

As part of April as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, this issue of AGD Impact features as update from the AGD Foundation on its mission to bring awareness to oral cancer. It also includes the latest in oral cancer research from around the world.

AGD’s Refer-a-Colleague program can help you gain some extra green this spring, giving you $50 in Referral Rewards for each new member you recruit. To help the AGD community grow, just fill out the online referral form, and watch your rewards blossom.