This Week at AGD

Veterans have a desperate need for oral healthcare, but many oral health practitioners are not aware of the problem. What can general dentists do to help? Learn more in the November issue of AGD Impact.

Innovative readiness training (IRT) is a two-pronged Department of Defense military training opportunity that delivers opportunities for various branches of the uniformed services to increase deployment readiness. AGD Impact asked three dentists who participated in IRT missions to detail their experiences.

AGD is serving up insurance protection and premium credits this season. Recent graduates can claim complimentary malpractice coverage through Dentist’s Advantage. Additionally, all AGD members receive 10% premium credits on coverage. AGD Fellows and Masters receive premium credits of 15% and 20%, respectively.

Since the most recent amendment to the Controlled Substances Act and the subsequent passage of the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act, it is more important than ever to understand federal policy on regulated substances.

Special offers are provided to practice owners through AGD’s Exclusive Benefits Program. These deals are something to be thankful for during the holidays. Members can save on practice management resources, financial services and insurance. We want to help you succeed at running your practice.

AGD’s House of Delegates installed new officers during its annual meeting, Nov. 10–12. Merlin P. Ohmer, DDS, MAGD, a general dentist from Florida, was named president.

Join AGD’s free, two half-day Virtual Advocacy Conference to gain insight into the current legislative and regulatory landscape and how it may affect your practice. Hear from AGD members on today’s important issues, and learn how you can make a difference at the state and federal levels.

Register for the Dec. 7 live online hands-on course "Freehand Diastema Closure" to earn 2.5 participation CE credits. Robert C. Margeas, DDS, FAGD, will guide participants through techniques for closing midline diastemas with composite. Registration closes Nov. 27, and attendance is limited to the first 50 registrants.

With just a month and a half remaining, time is running out to fulfill all requirements and submit your application for the Fellowship or Mastership awards or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition.

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

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

By referring colleagues to AGD, you’re not only growing the organization, it also benefits you directly. For each colleague you refer who joins, you’ll receive $50 in Referral Rewards. By joining now for 2024, they’ll get the rest of 2023 free.

AGD Impact is honored to celebrate one special veteran: Capt. Timothy B. Tinker, DMD, who retired after 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy. Check out our interview with Tinker as well as a transcript of the speech his daughter presented at his retirement ceremony.

Don’t miss this month’s issue of AGD Impact, where you’ll find stories focusing on veterans and military dentistry in honor of Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11. The issue also looks at first-generation dental students and contains columns on marketing, leadership and medical perspectives.

Read the latest issue for new research across subject areas. Highlights include a primer for dentists on The Controlled Substances Act, an overview of in-house clear aligner therapy, a study on dental providers’ attitudes toward alternative payment models in value-based care and more.

AGD’s governance framework and procedures are under review, and this assessment will provide insight into how our organization’s governance aligns with current best practices. It will help AGD determine the structure and processes that will be effective in supporting the organization’s mission and fostering active participation from leaders and members.

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

The partnership between dental and anesthesia professionals is vital for the prevention and treatment of dental-related anesthesia problems. It is important to keep patient safety central to the delivery of these services.

On Nov. 3, join the first of a three-part series on why dentists are physically at risk in their occupation. On Nov. 21, learn how to improve your pediatric dentistry skills and immediately implement them. Finally, on Nov. 28, get up-to-date compliance information in a fun and easy-to-digest format.

Hans P. Guter, DDS, FAGD, highlights a few takeaways from his time as AGD president.