This Week at AGD

“Green” and “holistic” are two buzzwords in the health industry in recent years, and they primarily focus on the sourcing and implementation of products that naturally occur or protect nature in some way. While often used interchangeably because there is a significant crossover in these categories, there are important nuances between the two.

AGD will be at ADA SmileCon Oct. 23–25! Stop by booth No. 762 to meet our team, get your questions answered, and discover how AGD supports your career. Existing members can grab exclusive swag, and new members will receive a Crest iO6 bundle.

Learn proven communication and case presentation techniques that turn “maybe” into “yes.” Gain practical tools to reduce cancellations, improve scheduling, and boost your bottom line at AGD’s Case Acceptance Mastery Series in Chicago, March 6, 2026. Earn 7 CE credits, and return ready to elevate every patient conversation.

Earn 8 free CE hours at AGD’s free Virtual Advocacy Conference, Nov. 21–22. This two half-day event offers updates on key state and federal oral health issues. Strengthen your advocacy skills, understand how decisions impact your practice, and learn to make your voice heard in dentistry’s future.

Social media is flooded with quick-fix dental tricks — from charcoal toothpaste to do-it-yourself veneers. But, as dentists, we must stress to patients: Shortcuts often lead to permanent damage. Eric G. Jackson, DDS, MAGD, FICOI, FASD, FICD, FADI, breaks down the latest viral hacks and explains why a visit to the dentist is always a safer bet.

Looking for your next opportunity or planning your next career move? Don’t forget to take advantage of the AGD Career Center. Members can search exclusive job postings, post résumés, and access tools to strengthen their skills in interviewing, networking and career-planning.

This month’s Member Spotlight highlights what Sep Pouresa, DMD, FAGD, has learned from working with famous patients in his Beverly Hills cosmetic dentistry practice. He also highlights how he achieved AGD Fellowship less than five years after graduating from dental school.

Whether you’re a student, resident or new to practice, navigating risk is part of building your career. “Risk Ready: A New Dentist’s Guide to Real-World Challenges” is an Oct. 21 virtual event designed to help you understand how your benefits come into play — from malpractice and insurance to loan strategies.

All Fellowship, Mastership, and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition applications are due Dec. 31. Apply today to ensure your achievements are honored at AGD2026’s Convocation Ceremony. This is your opportunity to showcase your commitment to excellence in general dentistry and celebrate your professional milestones on a national stage among peers and leaders.

Dentistry’s influence grows with every member who joins AGD. Stronger numbers mean stronger advocacy, better resources and greater impact for the profession. Each colleague you recruit earns you $50 in rewards to use toward your membership renewal. Right now, new members for 2026 receive the rest of 2025 free.

The October issue of AGD Impact is live! In it, you can learn all about green and holistic products and technologies. Features include an in-depth look at some of the latest dental “hacks” floating around on social media as well as a recap of AGD’s scientific session this past July in Montréal. Columns include Financial Management, Marketing and a Member Spotlight on Dr. Sep Pouresa.

Join AGD’s free two half-day Virtual Advocacy Conference (Nov. 21–22) to stay up to date on the latest legislative and regulatory issues affecting general dentistry. Hear directly from AGD leaders, and learn how you can take action to protect your profession and your patients.

Step into style and comfort with AGD’s newest Exclusive Benefit. Members now save 25% on every Jaanuu purchase, giving you access to scrubs and uniforms that blend performance with modern design. Upgrade your workwear, and enjoy premium apparel tailored for professionals who want to look and feel their best.

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

An AGD member recently requested guidance after a concerning incident with a patient during a scheduled appointment. Given the prevalence of substance use and abuse, this is a scenario that will likely happen to most dentists, and it presents legal, ethical and practical challenges. AGD Impact Legal Matters columnist Jake Kathleen Marcus, Esq., tackled the many layers of this and similar scenarios.

Nominations are currently open for AGD Impact’s popular “10 Dentists to Watch.” Nominations for this honor are open to all AGD members! Do you know a talented young dentist who’s doing extraordinary things and deserves some recognition? Let us know!

Beverages with dyes and low pH values have a detrimental impact on more than just dental tissue; they can also expedite the degradation of resin-based restorative materials. A new study in General Dentistry examines how different beverage solutions affect the hardness and surface roughness of provisional fixed denture materials.

Listen to the latest from industry experts on the AGD Podcast Series. Recent episodes feature Dr. Mitch Gardiner on dental malpractice and Dr. Jason Mann and Phil Cassis on practice management.

Expand your skills this October with AGD’s live webinars. Covering topics from implant complications to orofacial pain disorders, each session delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Looking for your next opportunity or planning your next career move? Don’t forget to take advantage of the AGD Career Center. Members can search exclusive job postings, post résumés, and access tools to strengthen their skills in interviewing, networking and career-planning.