A recent article in U.S. News and Kaiser Health News (“Why Your Dentist May Seem Pushy”) circulated through many of the dentistry and public communities I’m associated with online. As a general dentist with over 40 years of experience, I have worked closely with my patients and my team to create trusting relationships. Ensuring good oral and overall health is something I take very seriously.

Unfortunately, attacks on our profession like this can set us back from providing the essential care our patients and communities need and deserve. I was concerned that this article would confuse the public and keep them from seeking regular and ongoing treatment. 

I want to share my response to the editor and writer of this story. It was important to me that I explain the role of dentists as care providers and employers and encourage them to learn more about our work. We’ve faced enormous challenges this past year in maintaining our practices and supporting our team members during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the public understands the measures we take to keep them safe. As a professional organization, it is our responsibility to maintain an open dialogue on topics discussed by the public, and it was important for AGD to express our point of view.

I hope you will take a moment to read this article and response and that you will feel free to comment directly, too. Please reach out to me if you have any feedback.

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD
President, Academy of General Dentistry