This Week at AGD

Harold “Hal” E. Donnell Jr., AGD’s longtime executive director who retired in 2003 after 30 years with the organization, died on July 23. Friend and colleague Richard C. Engar, DDS, FAGD, shares a special tribute to Donnell.

AGD has discounted the price of the Fall Fellowship Review Course from $750 to $600 due to the cancellation of the in-person course and exam. If you previously registered, a $150 refund will be credited to your credit card.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made AGD’s advocacy efforts paramount to the survival of general dentists. Myron J. Bromberg, DDS, describes the pandemic’s influence on AGD’s advocacy efforts and how the organization is working to help dentists like you.

Keep an eye out tomorrow for a special offer from Ivoclar Vivadent and AGDVANTAGE available only to AGD members. This offer is time-sensitive. If you haven’t already signed up for AGDVANTAGE, call 800-626-2163, ext. 4568, and sign up today to avoid delays for ordering products.

Dentists approaching retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic have a complicated set of factors to consider. For some, today’s circumstances may hasten retirement, while others will have to work longer than expected to get back on track.

AGD released a statement disagreeing with a recent announcement by the World Health Organization discouraging the public from seeking essential dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. AGD emphasizes that patients should maintain dental appointments for routine cleanings or conditions that cause pain to avoid further health issues and long-term problems.

Ivoclar Vivadent and AGDVANTAGE Flash Sale: AGD Member Exclusive [HEAD] Ivoclar Vivadent and AGDVANTAGE are partnering to offer AGD members a special promotion Aug. 25. Sign up with AGDVANTAGE now online or by calling 800.626.2163, ext. 4568, and don’t miss this time-sensitive promotion.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. The AGD recently advocated for tax-deductibility on PPP loan expenses, as well as for the creation of a “healthy workplace” tax credit.

As demand for esthetic orthodontic treatment in adults has grown, clear aligner therapy (CAT) has become increasingly accessible for patients and appealing to providers. This article highlights the clinical scope and limitations of CAT while outlining the differences among various clear aligner products.

In order to get recognized as a Fellow or Master at AGD2021 in Austin, Texas, June 9–12, applications must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2020. Still need to check off some award requirements? AGD offers several resources to help you fulfil the requirements for Fellowship and Mastership.

On Aug. 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reissued its Guidance for Dental Settings. The guidance has been rearranged for clarity, includes updated definitions, and outlines steps to take to foster proactive communication and ensure safety.

Ivoclar Vivadent and AGDVANTAGE are partnering to offer AGD members a special promotion later this month. Be sure to sign up with AGDVANTAGE now so that you will be ready to take full advantage of this time-sensitive promotion. More details are coming soon.

AGD Corporate Sponsor Crest Oral-B has evaluated electric toothbrushes and shares its findings on how a new generation of these devices can improve patient care.

In fall 2019, some dentists were taken aback to learn that their states would soon be mandating electronic prescribing of controlled substances. What do dentists need to know about complying with these new requirements?

New Dentist Week, a weeklong virtual event will take place in just one week, Aug. 17–21. The week is tailored to the educational needs of students and new dentists. Attendees will have unique networking opportunities, and the first 100 registrants will be invited to participate in a mentorship program.

The 2020 in-person Fall Fellowship Review Course and exam in Washington, D.C., has been cancelled and will be replaced with a five-day Virtual Fall Fellowship Review Course that will take place Wednesday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 4. Registration for the course closes on Sept. 25.

How would you like to attend AGD2021 for free? Each new AGD member you recruit qualifies as an entry to win a trip to AGD2021 in Austin, June 9–12. Plus, once they join, you’ll both receive $50 in Referral Rewards.

You work hard taking care of patients and employees at your practice, and AGD wants to remind you to take care of yourself, too. To help members experience balance and not financial burnout, AGD’s Exclusive Benefits program offers a variety of deals on products, services and more.

The newest issue of AGD Impact tackles the complicated set of circumstances dentists approaching retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic have to consider. Other stories include how to save money by buying used equipment and four factors of revenue recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

AGD continues to advocate for general dentistry and work to respond to member needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 17, AGD and the Organized Dentistry Coalition outlined priorities for the next COVID-19 relief bill in a letter to congressional leaders.