This Week at AGD

Trauma-informed care is treating patients in a way that intentionally tries to avoid retraumatization and supports updated and processed realities about safety and control in the patient’s life. This type of care recognizes that best intentions and dental training can still have harmful impacts when we lean a person with sexual trauma back in our chairs.

In this month’s AGD Impact, Dr. Sweta Shah focuses on the kaizen approach to mindfulness in dentistry. Just as mastering a Class I filling begins with understanding the basics, mindfulness starts with small, consistent actions. Our minds and bodies are powerful instruments; when trained with intention, they can generate profound results.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists.

AGD’s member benefits provide dental practice owners savings on insurance and financial products, educational services, and practice management tools. Save money on office supplies, promotional products, lab services and more.

Earning your FAGD, MAGD or LLSR signifies a commitment to high-caliber patient care and professional growth. Ensure your hard work is formally honored during the Convocation Ceremony at AGD2027 in Chicago.

Within the last 5 years, there has been a marked increase in the appeal of pickleball. A new review in General Dentistry explores the literature on head and neck injuries associated with the sport, including facial trauma; concussion; and fractures to the nose, orbital bones, skull and mandible.

While a few years ago AI in the operatory meant flagging findings, sorting images or lightening administrative loads, today, the technology reaches further into the decisions that define the profession. What is AI’s current role in diagnosis, treatment planning, how findings are communicated to patients and how claims are reviewed by payers?

The Fellowship Review Course and Exam arrive at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 at the Javits Center. Earn 16 CE credits, review core disciplines with expert instructors, and take the Fellowship Exam — all in one convenient trip.

There’s no denying that AI could transform dental marketing, but it will never change what matters most: trust, expertise, authenticity and patient connection. The latest AGD Impact Marketing column provides expert insights to help members be strategic about this new frontier of web search.

Dental Card Services, an AGD Exclusive Benefits provider, analyzed the 500 most recent merchant statements submitted by dental practices. The study found that practices paid an average effective processing rate of 3.37%, with nearly 20% paying 4% or more.

Join AGD on December 4 for the Virtual Advocacy Conference and earn 4.5 free CE credits. Stay ahead of key legislative and regulatory changes affecting general dentistry, learn directly from AGD leaders, and get the insights you need to safeguard your practice.

If your student loan payments are changing, consider AGD Exclusive Benefits provider Juno, a student loan refinancing platform offering group-negotiated rates and cash back bonuses up to $1,000.

Finding time for quality training is tough, but the AGD Online Learning Center makes it simple. Explore a constantly updated catalog covering key specialties like periodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry. Work through on-demand webinars, or complete Self-Instruction exercises whenever you have a break in your day.

In the past decade, technology has forever changed the landscape of dentistry. Five simple technologies have been adopted into both the assessment and treatment phases of the dental hygiene process of care and are having major impacts on the patient experience.

The AGD Foundation is hosting a course Oct. 22 called “What Happens After Cancer? A Conversation Dentists Need to Hear.” This one-hour virtual webinar on supporting patients after oral, head and neck cancer treatment will feature Dr. Mai-Ly Duong.

Caries management has long relied on restoration and preventive remineralization, with fluoride playing a fundamental role. Contemporary cariology is increasingly embracing the ecologic plaque hypothesis, highlighting microenvironmental factors in disease progression and the use of arginine as a promising prebiotic strategy.

AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists.

To earn Fellowship, Mastership or LLSR honors at AGD2027, complete all requirements and submit an application by Dec. 31, 2026. From transcript tracking to numerous CE opportunities, AGD has the resources to help make your goal a reality.

Master cutting-edge AI integration, apply essential CDT coding updates to protect revenue, understand clinical links to Alzheimer's prevention, and shield your practice from legal risks. Gain actionable skills to enhance patient care and safeguard your professional livelihood.

Offered for the third time this year, the Fellowship Review Course brings an exclusive on-site testing opportunity to the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at the Javits Center. Complete 16 CE credits and then take the Fellowship Exam in one location.