Call to Action for Connecticut AGD Members

As co-chair of this year’s AGD Foundation oral cancer screening event at our Scientific Session, I am personally writing to you to consider participating. It is the first time that Connecticut has hosted our national meeting and because it will be held at Mohegan Sun, it will be only a short drive for us.

As we know, oral cancer is the sixth most common form of cancer. It is silent, and it can be deadly. I am sure that many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with this disease.

The death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high, not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but because it is routinely discovered late in its development. Unfortunately, no comprehensive program exists in the United States to opportunistically screen for the disease and, without one, late-stage discovery is common.

As leaders in dentistry, we hold the responsibility for not only raising awareness of this disease, but also working to improve the oral health of our patients and the public through early diagnosis.

Member awareness, knowledge of risk factors and access to state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis are the most effective tools for prevention of cancer and its recurrence, our ultimate goals

As a member of AGD, your commitment and dedication are critical in the fight against oral cancer. Please join me at AGD2019 at Mohegan Sun, Connecticut, Friday, July 19, 2019, to volunteer for the AGD Foundation-sponsored oral cancer screening. Use the online form to sign up for one or more of the available time slots scheduled from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A valid Connecticut Dental license is required to participate in the screenings.

Hygienists are also able to participate with a valid Connecticut Dental Hygiene license.

 


Earn CE Credit for Volunteering

Also, participation credit for screening patients at this event can be earned by taking one or more of the Oral Cancer CE Courses shown on this page (Free webinar, and/or one or more of the courses offered at AGD2019). The courses are also posted at agd2019.org within the registration section for the meeting. One hour of volunteer screening along with course participation earns one hour of participation credit. It’s that easy. And it could save a life.

I hope to see many of you in July. Please do not hesitate to contact me or AGD Foundation with any questions.

Maria A. Smith, DMD, MAGD

Past President, Academy of General Dentistry
Co-Chair, AGD Foundation Oral Cancer Screening
72 Wooster St.
P.O. Box 427
Shelton, CT  06484
Office: 203-924-1613

A valid Connecticut license is required to participate in the screenings.

 

The AGD Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity; gifts to the AGD Foundation are fully deductible for United States federal income tax purposes, subject to the limitations placed on charitable gifts by the Internal Revenue Service. Be sure to check with your tax professional or attorney for specific, allowable deductions in your state.