New Dentists

Are you a dental student, resident, or new dentist who graduated within the last five years?

AGD2026 has extra benefits tailored to your needs.

The New Dentist Lounge is your hub for connections, growth and continuous learning. With its fresh look and new features, this year’s lounge is sure to be a spot that new dentists won’t want to miss.

Early career attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in hands-on courses that strengthen their clinical confidence and allow them to practice new techniques in a supportive setting.

• Build lasting relationships through reformatted networking opportunities that encourage genuine conversations and professional collaboration.

• Meet with AEGD and GPR residency program representatives from across the country at the Residency Fair
  • If you’re a residency program and would like to participate, please reserve your booth space and pay the $200 participation fee. For more details on the residency fair, please contact students@agd.org. 

Check out the lineup for the 2026 New Dentist Lounge

Thursday, June 25

Fill the Void: A Hands-On Guide to Socket Grafting (HANDS-ON)

12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Mai-Ly Duong

Creating a Financial Integrity Scorecard: A Framework for Dental Professionals

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Mark Murphy

Sponsored by: Care Credit

Friday, June 26

New Dentist Lounge Reception

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Students, residents and new dentists will enjoy light breakfast bites, a mimosa bar and the chance to connect with peers before the day’s programming begins.

Protecting Your License Against Common State Board of Dentistry Matters

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Jennifer Flynn

Sponsored by: Dentist's Advantage

Leukoplakia in Practice: What to Recognize and How to Respond

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Dr. Ashley Clark

Red, White and Urgent: Recognizing the Clinical Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Dr. Sonal S. Shah

Sponsored by: AGD Foundation

The Age of Clear Aligners, Part 1: Foundations for Today’s Emerging Dentist

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Dr. David Galler

Before the Scaler: Why Home Care Therapy Determines Periodontal Outcomes

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Dr. Tae Kwon

Sponsored by: Crest Oral-B

Predictable Class V Composites: Techniques for Healthy Gums and Smooth Margins (HANDS-ON)

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Dr. Rachel Malterud and Dr. Mark Malterud

Saturday, June 27

AGD Residency Fair

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Representatives from AEGD and GPR residency programs from around the country will be available to connect with dental students and discuss their programs and opportunities for continued growth.

Excused Absence Letter Template for Students

AGD2026 offers valuable education and networking for students. Use this downloadable letter template to formally request an excused absence from your school while attending the meeting.