Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition caused by respiratory disturbances at night with sleep fragmentation, which can lead to hypoxia and inflammation. The effects of OSA can be particularly harmful for the pediatric population, leading to potential issues in neurobehavioral development, obesity, growth failure, bed-wetting and tooth wear. As members of the healthcare team, dentists can change patients’ lives by screening for and, in some cases, treating pediatric OSA.

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

On Dec. 8, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an announcement for an urgent recall of two lots of Teligent Pharma Lidocaine HCl Topical Solution USP, 4% - 50 ml. Dentists should stop using product from lots 16345 and 15594 immediately.

Select the AGD membership plan that best fits your current needs. Becoming a Premium member keeps you on the path to becoming a more well-rounded professional. Becoming a Premium Plus member gets you the most free CE, discounts on Fellowship course and study materials, and free early bird registration to AGD2022.

When Chung-Lei Kao, DMD, MAGD, earned her Mastership award in June 2021 at AGD’s annual Convocation Ceremony, it did not mark the end of her educational journey. She emphasizes a thirst for knowledge in her work as equally as excellent clinical skills and patient care.

Winter break doesn’t usually mean a break on the pocketbook, unfortunately. Luckily, the savings students get through AGD can help. Whether it’s online shopping discounts for last-minute gifts or trying to trim your auto or renter’s insurance expenses, there are plenty of deals available through the Exclusive Benefits program.

AGD’s special CE offer ends Dec. 31. Access and download your 14 free on-demand webinars for 2021 before the year ticks over to 2022. Topics include sleep apnea, oral surgery, sports dentistry and much more. Taking full advantage of this offer represents over $900 in savings.

The American Heart Association has not updated its guidelines for determining whether antibiotic prophylaxis should be used to prevent infective endocarditis in cardiac patients undergoing invasive dental procedures since 2007. More recent studies suggest refinements to those guidelines, however, that would significantly impact contemporary dental practice.