When Alvin S. Berger, DDS, FAGD, retired in 2002 after a 41-year career in dentistry, his life did not become any less rich or fulfilling. He shared his experiences with AGD Impact in hopes of guiding and inspiring others as they move through their own professional journeys. Read this month's Member Spotlight.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. As part of AGD Impact’s annual recognition, the April issue includes stories that examine oral cancer from a global to a very personal level. “Oral Cancer Research Around the Globe” chronicles the most cutting-edge advancements in the fight against oral cancer.

Applications for the 2021 Distinguished Service and Humanitarian awards, which recognize exceptional achievements and contributions to the dental profession, are now open. Please consider nominating a fellow colleague by Monday, May 31.

Myofascial pain is a chronic condition that may mimic tooth pain. A new column in General Dentistry addresses this common disorder and reports a case in which a severe, persistent pain was reduced to virtually nothing when the patient received multidisciplinary treatment.

AGD2021 course registration is now open. Courses can fill up quickly, so don’t wait to register. Educational offerings range from advanced hands-on education to clinical and practice management lectures.

Each time you refer a colleague to join AGD , you both receive $50 in Referral Rewards. “By recruiting colleagues to join AGD, I’ve not only lowered my membership renewal cost, I’m also helping my fellow dentists,” said Filippo Marchello, DDS, MAGD.

This is your last chance to secure early bird pricing for AGD2021. Whether it’s the top-notch education or unique location you’re most excited about, AGD2021 is set to deliver an experience that lives up to its billing as the premier meeting for general dentists.

This month, AGD Impact recognizes April as Oral Cancer Awareness Month with stories that examine oral cancer from a global to a very personal level. The issue also covers the current state of stem cell research as it relates to dentistry and previews everything Austin has to offer AGD2021 attendees this summer.

Tooth autotransplantation is the movement of a tooth from its socket into another socket within the same patient. A new case report in General Dentistry discusses a successful tooth autotransplantation in a patient with diabetes mellitus, demonstrating how this conservative approach may be utilized.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. On March 26, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) urged the Biden administration and his fellow Democrats to include the expansion of Medicare benefits to cover dental, vision and hearing services in addition to lowering the eligibility age from 65 to 55 or 60 in the next infrastructure bill.

The AGD Foundation will make oral cancer screenings available Friday, June 11, during AGD2021 at the Austin Convention Center for scientific session attendees and at the Fairmont Austin Hotel for hotel employees.

This month, AGD Podcaster Wes Blakeslee, DMD, FAGD, talks with one of his patients, Tom Zarra, an oral cancer survivor. This story highlights the importance of the interactions between dentists and their patients during oral cancer treatment.

There are a few must-haves to start a dental career, and professional liability insurance is one of them. For all AGD graduates and residents entering their first year of dental practice in the United States, our Exclusive Benefits provider offers complimentary coverage as an AGD membership benefit.

AGD2021 course registration officially opens next Wednesday, April 7. Some of the industry’s most respected speakers will deliver impactful insights in formats that range from advanced hands-on education to clinical and practice management lectures.

AGD President Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD, released a statement regarding patterns of intentional violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that have increased starkly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each issue of AGD Impact features a Testing the Tools column with practical reviews of some of the latest dental products. This month, reviewer Ross Isbell, DMD, MBA, a general dentist in Gadsden, Alabama, tested bonding agents.

Botulinum toxin is noninvasive, safe and effective as an adjunct therapy for various orofacial disorders. A case series in the new issue of General Dentistry describes its successful use in treating gummy smile caused by muscle hyperfunction.

The ethical principle of beneficence challenges dentists to do their best considering the circumstances presented by the patient. A column on self-care by Frederick G. More, DDS, MS, suggests dentists should also regularly ask, “How am I doing?”

From April 1 through May 31, all AGD Fellowship study guides (2016–2020) and the Study Guide Supplement (2008–2015) are discounted. This is the perfect way to save money while preparing for the Fellowship Exam.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists. Last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the seventh amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act to authorize dentists and dental students to administer COVID-19 vaccines in all 50 states.