The Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD’s) House of Delegates installed new officers during its annual meeting, held virtually this year, Oct. 23–25. Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, a general dentist from Fayetteville, West Virginia, was named president.

AGD is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclew Award. To nominate a deserving colleague or educator, contact education@agd.org, and request a nomination form. The nomination deadline is Dec. 1, 2020.

The risk of malpractice claims and lawsuits are enough to scare any dentist, so we’ve arranged for all AGD new graduates and residents to receive professional liability insurance from Dentist’s Advantage at no cost. It’s one of the treats of AGD membership.

On Oct. 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an updated communication about SARS-CoV-2 and the potential for airborne transmission. The CDC has found that less infection is spread in contact or “fomite transmission.” Epidemiologic assessments have found that most infections are spread through close contact and not airborne transmission.

No matter your experience level, this guide is a must-have for every practice. Learn the different types of medical codes, how to complete the medical claim form and how to submit proper claims to medical payers.

A report published in the November 2020 Journal of the American Dental Association found that COVID-19 prevalence and positive rates among dentists were low and concluded that “current infection controls recommendations may be sufficient to prevent infection in dental settings.”

Dr. White shares perspectives on unusual times during her AGD presidency.

On Sep. 24, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided recommendations about the use of dental amalgam in certain groups who may be at greater risk of potential adverse health effects of mercury exposure, including pregnant and/or nursing women and people with certain preexisting conditions.

On Oct. 2, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released the consensus study report, "Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine."

Now more than ever, it is important that general dentists use their voices in legislative and regulatory policy planning. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for AGD members to stay informed and active. This year, the annual AGD Advocacy Conference will be held virtually on Saturday, Nov. 14.

AGD Impact’s Testing the Tools columnist Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA, shares some favorite PPE items along with other tools that he feels are above average to help as general dentists address new standards of care.

AGD wants to help alleviate some of the stress that comes along with school for our dental student members, so we’ve worked out some special savings just for you.

This month, AGD Podcaster Wes Blakeslee, DMD, MAGD, interviews Jackie Ulasewich Cullen, co-founder of My Dental Agency, about important efforts to improve online marketing efficiencies in your dental office.

As many schools remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some schools have moved to hybrid or fully online learning models for the 2020–21 school year. This change has affected many AGD members who must manage their office needs while also addressing fluctuating school schedules.

Not only does each new member you refer translate to $50 in Referral Rewards once they join — $50 which can be used to pay for the national portion of your dues renewal — but each recruit also earns you an entry to win a trip to AGD2021 in Austin.

Later this month, Roger Winland, DDS, MS, MAGD, will retire as AGD editor after 24 years of service. Over this time, he reviewed thousands of technical, clinical and research reports and findings, as well as case reports and columns that ran in AGD’s peer reviewed journal, General Dentistry.

Many AGD members completed a significant amount of CE this year. Submit your CE through AGD’s online CE submission form, which makes updating your transcripts quick and easy. Track your progress and monitor areas on which to focus for AGD’s achievement-based awards.

Your dental laser has the healing powers of photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level light therapy. Every Wednesday in October, the Academy of Laser Dentistry PBM Symposium will feature presentations on improving patient care and well-being using light therapy.

Applying for AGD Fellowship, Mastership or Lifelong Learning Service and Recognition is a clear way to reflect your ongoing commitment to providing quality care to patients through the pursuit of continuing education. Download the applications online, or contact awardapp@agd.org. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2020.

The “Stay Out of Jail” webinar series with Charles Blair, DDS, has been updated for 2020. This series is designed to provide you with essential tools and strategies to prevent you from leaving money on the table.