This Week at AGD

AGD, alongside Minnesota AGD, submitted formal comments to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry expressing concerns about proposed changes to expand the scope of practice for dental therapists. AGD emphasized patient safety considerations related to suturing and hard denture relines and urged further review before any expansion is approved.

At AGD2026, advance your skills through expert-led, hands-on courses while connecting with a global dental community to exchange insights on the latest in dentistry. Don’t miss your chance to secure 7 FREE CE credits from esthetics legend Dr. David Hornbrook.

AGD is accepting nominations for the 2026 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award. The nomination deadline has been extended to Jan. 31, 2026.

Now more than ever, patients are discerning, informed and, above all, skeptical. They scroll right past the blatant product pitches. As we step into a new year, dental practices have an opportunity to ditch their polished-to-perfection personas for a more authentic marketing strategy that will transform reluctant prospects into loyal advocates.

Recently, AGD Podcast Series host Dr. George J. Schmidt spoke with Dr. Amrita R. Patel, an award-winning author and national educator, who shared her journey in dentistry and discussed her contributions to the profession through writing and leadership roles.

The clock is ticking! You have less than two weeks to join the AGD2026 speaker lineup. We’re seeking dynamic presenters for the Take the Floor education series — symposium-style sessions designed to build a following and showcase timely dental innovations. Secure your spot before the Feb. 1 deadline!

While dentists are generally well aware that they are “mandated reporters,” there is a great deal of confusion concerning what being a mandated reporter actually entails. The common belief that a mandated reporter must make a report to the appropriate authority if they see that one of their child patients has been abused falls so short of a dentist’s actual legal and ethical obligations that many dentists are at risk of state and/or dental board sanction without knowing it.

High-level dentistry requires a team that effectively communicates the value of care. Join us in Chicago to master elite communication strategies that boost productivity and patient outcomes. Register for the All-Star Case Acceptance Mastery Series Level 1 by Feb. 1 to secure the early bird rate.

AGD Impact’s 2026 10 Dentists to Watch list is live! From community health clinics in rural Wisconsin to high-tech practices in New York City and even the front lines of the U.S. Army Dental Corps, this year’s 10 Dentists to Watch are redefining what it means to lead in modern dentistry. Check out this year’s honorees and see how they are impacting the future of dentistry.

Showcase your work, and win big! Submit your abstract for the AGD2026 Scientific e-Poster Session. The top two winners in each category (scientific research, clinical case study and literature review) will earn $700 and $550 and an official certificate, plus recognition among dental professionals nationwide.

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

Physiologic changes in pregnancy increase the risk of oral health issues, which can affect both the woman and the fetus. A study in the latest issue of General Dentistry assesses pregnant women’s knowledge of maternal and child oral health, evaluating socioeconomic, demographic and gestational influences.

The final countdown begins! Registration for AGD2026 opens next Tuesday, January 20! Secure your spot to unlock 7 FREE CE credits for courses by esthetic pioneer Dr. David Hornbrook. In the meantime, check out the lastest and find out about must-see attractions in fabulous Las Vegas.

Ready to shape the future of dentistry? Submit your abstract for the Take the Floor education series, and share bold ideas in clinical care, mental health or wellness. This is your chance to spark conversations and inspire change on a global stage.

Don’t miss AGD Impact’s annual 10 Dentists to Watch list, which profiles a collection of new dentists and their mark on the profession! Other feature stories cover the collection at the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, mandated reporter laws and metrics to assess your financial progress.

Start the new year with the latest issue of General Dentistry. This issue features new research across multiple subject areas, including a study of pregnant women’s knowledge and practices related to maternal and child oral health, a usage guide for the NSAID ketorolac, and a case report on recurrent symptoms in an endodontically treated tooth following vaccination—along with many other timely articles.

The winter blues can sneak up, but AGD is here to help. Social connection improves mood, engagement and learning — exactly what our community offers. Invite colleagues to join AGD, and share in the warmth. Each referral who joins also earns you both $50 in Referral Rewards.

Transform patient conversations into “yes” at AGD’s All-Star Case Acceptance Mastery Series in Chicago. This one-day program delivers actionable techniques to reduce cancellations and improve scheduling efficiency. Earn 7 CE credits, and gain skills you can apply immediately to strengthen your practice and patient relationships.

Start the new year with a resolution to earn more CE and stay current in your practice. AGD live webinars make it easy to build high-value education into your schedule. Explore upcoming opportunities, plan ahead, and stay on track with your professional development goals.

The path to professional distinction is built one step at a time. For many general dentists, that path leads to recognition through the Academy of General Dentistry. If earning the prestigious AGD Fellowship and Mastership awards, or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition is one of your goals, now is the time to take action.