This Week at AGD

AGD recently responded to the call for comments for two Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed rules — Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and the 2024 Medicare Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies.

Show your commitment to exceptional oral care by pursuing the Fellowship or Mastership awards or Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition. To get recognized at AGD2024 in Minneapolis, July 17–20, all requirements must be completed and applications must be received on or before Dec. 31, 2023. 

The AGD Foundation is now accepting 2024 grant applications. The application period will run through Nov. 30, 2023, and all applications will be reviewed by the AGD Foundation’s Grants Committee.

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

On Oct. 3, discover how oral health impacts general health and how systemic medical conditions impact oral health; on Oct. 12, learn how to apply evidence-based treatment for patients seeking to become tobacco-free; and, on Oct. 17, gain an understanding of the thought, planning and presentation processes that will increase case acceptance.

Let colleagues know that joining AGD now for 2024 gets them the remainder of 2023 for free. That’s up to three months of membership at no cost. Once your colleagues join, you’ll receive $50 in Referral Rewards that can be used toward your own AGD dues renewal.

This month’s cover story, “Implant Education Journeys,” sheds light on the many paths to placing implants. With so many options, the key is choosing a path that advances your personal career and goals.

Recent dental school graduates: You are eligible to enroll in the complimentary malpractice coverage provided by Dentist’s Advantage through AGD’s Exclusive Benefits. If you are already signed up, why not remind fellow graduates to enroll?

A case report in the September/October issue of General Dentistry describes a patient with persistent mandibular deviation during speech who experienced clinically significant improvement — mandibular movement without deviation — after improvements to nasal resistance.

In collaboration with the American Gastroenterological Association, AGD Impact features a column this month that discusses dental problems gastroenterologists routinely see in their patients.

Many dentists are currently focusing on year-end tax planning, scrutinizing practice profitability and assessing their own financial health. If you’ve been putting this off, consider this a wake-up call — the earlier you start, the better.

Registration for the 2023 Fall Fellowship Review Course and Exam at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., Oct 6–8, ends Friday! Don’t miss this important step to becoming recognized as an AGD Fellow while earning 16 hours of CE.

It’s a back-to-school student recruit-a-palooza as AGD kicks off the academic year with new programs to stimulate student membership, including a 20% discount if purchasing all four years of membership at once and a reimagined student membership referral program called AGD BonusBucks.

An autopsy study published in the new issue of General Dentistry explores associations between the histopathologic and immunohistochemical aspects of tongue inflammation and aortic and coronary atherosclerosis. The authors determine that proper prevention and treatment of lingual infections could likely reduce the risk of this severe disease.

AGD Impact columnist Clayton Sorrells, DDS, recently graduated from dental school and bought a dental practice in his hometown in Arkansas. He shares his experiences, lessons learned and why he decided to buy a practice right out of school.

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

The data captured by 3D face-scanning technology, also known as facial scanning or 3D facial imaging, has the ability to streamline and make many of today’s most common dental procedures more affordable — for the patient and the practitioner.

As the school year begins, AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program has deals to make sure you can enjoy yourself while staying within budget. Find savings for online shopping and entertainment tickets as well as discounts on renters insurance, auto insurance and more.

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituency advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry. Learn more about some of the ways donations to the AGD Advocacy Fund have supported AGD advocacy efforts.

Do you know a talented new dentist who’s doing extraordinary things and deserves some recognition? AGD Impact’s popular cover story, “10 Dentists to Watch,” which spotlights dentists who have been practicing for 10 years or less, will return in 2024. Nominations are open to all AGD members!