Dental News - Meeting review: AGD2019 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut

Sierra Rendon / DTA

Mon. 22 July 2019

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The Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Uncasville, Conn., was the host site of the Academy of General Dentistry’s 2019 Scientific Session, held July 18-20. The Mohegan Sun has nightclubs, spas, 50 bars and restaurants, 40 shops and a golf club. Nearby are Ocean Beach Park, the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, Mystic Museum of Art, Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium and other attractions.

AGD2019 included an opening session, an exhibit hall, scientific E-poster presentations and a president’s welcome reception. Optional course packages were spaced to not overlap, giving attendees a quick way to create a schedule around a primary interest. There were 11 packages: “Esthetics,” “Periodontics,” “Endodontics,” “Fixed Prosthodontics,” “Oral Surgery,” “Oral Medicine,” “Pediatric Dentistry,” “Basic Science,” “Sleep Solutions,” “Special Patient Care” and “Anesthesia and Pain Management.”

The AGD Foundation has committed to raising awareness of oral cancer, risk factor prevention and supporting the general dentist as the public’s first line of defense against this deadly disease. Early detection is key. Because dentists often can detect the disease in its early stages, the dental community is positioned to serve as the first line of defense against oral cancer.

Attendees gather around the AGD sign greeting visitors to the exhibit hall on the first day of the AGD2019 annual scientific session, held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

An attendee picks up her badge before joining the action on the first day of the AGD2019.

Attendees wait in line to pick up their badges and get registered for the AGD2019, held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

For the first time at an AGD meeting, a live operatory resembling an actual dental office has been constructed in the exhibit hall, allowing attendees to see how the latest equipment is used as a clinician performs cutting-edge procedures on a live patient while another clinician narrates.

A blessing officially kicks off the 2019 AGD annual scientific session at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Students, residents and new graduates hang out in their own designated area during the AGD2019. The New Dentist Lounge offers sponsored lunches, additional C.E. opportunities, career advice and more.

The AGD2019 kicks off Thursday morning with the opening session with a presentation by Dr. Henry Lee.

The AGD Foundation’s 2019 Electronic Silent Auction Fundraiser offers attendees the opportunity to purchase C.E. courses, dental instruments, artwork, electronics and more. Proceeds benefit the AGD Foundation Grant Program, which provides support for AGD constituents and nonprofit organizations that raise awareness of oral cancer.

Visitors to the exhibit hall can learn about a variety of new products and technology as well as pick up a copy of the today show daily.

A welcome sign greets visitors on the first day of the AGD2019 annual scientific session, held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Oral cancer screenings for all attendees, courtesy of the AGD Foundation, are being offered at the AGD2019.

A major part of the meeting’s fund-raising efforts included the AGD Foundation Electronic Silent Auction Fundraiser. Meeting attendees could use their smartphones, iPads or laptops to bid on hotel getaway packages, state-of-the-art dental equipment and dental instruments, C.E. courses, artwork, jewelry and more.

Taking hands-on learning to a new level

AGD2019 took hands-on learning to a new level. For the first time at an AGD meeting, a live operatory resembling an actual dental office was constructed in the exhibit hall. This unique opportunity allowed attendees to see how the latest equipment is used as a clinician performs cutting-edge procedures on a live patient while another clinician narrates.

Afterward, attendees could visit the manufacturers and distributors of this equipment on the exhibit floor and take advantage of special discounted pricing.

Course topics ranged from implant placement and functional esthetic restorative care to digital workflow solutions. Speakers covered the use and implementation of the latest dental technologies, such as CBCT systems and 3D-printed dentures. Operatory clinicians also presented lectures supplementing their live operatory courses later in the meeting.

Sponsors of this program were Biolase, Blue Sky Bio, Convergent, Dentsply Sirona and Planmeca.

2019 Convocation Ceremony and Celebration

Congratulations to this year’s fellows, masters and lifelong learning and service recognition (LLSR) award recipients, who were honored at the Convocation Ceremony.

The AGD awarded the Fellowship Award to 238 dentists. The Fellowship Award is presented to dentists who seek to provide the highest quality of dental care by remaining current in their profession. To receive this honor, dentists must complete 500 hours of continuing dental education, pass a comprehensive exam and fulfill three years of continuous membership in the AGD.

An additional 64 dentists received AGD’s Mastership Award. To receive this honor, dentists must earn their Fellowship Award and complete an additional 1,100 hours of continuing dental education. Dentists who have earned fellowship or mastership from AGD make up a distinct group — they represent less than 1 percent of all general dentists practicing in the United States and Canada.

Finally, 13 dentists received LLSR Award, which is formal recognition for AGD Masters in the areas of continuing education, dental-related community service and service to organized dentistry. The prestigious LLSR award symbolizes a member’s dedication to remaining current in dentistry and giving back to his or her community.

Following the Convocation Ceremony, the AGD Convocation Celebration was held. Everyone was invited to honor the accomplishments of AGD’s 2018 award recipients.

The AGD Foundation continues to fight oral cancer

At this year’s conference, the AGD Foundation continued its work to fight oral cancer by offering free oral cancer screenings and hosting an electronic silent auction fundraiser to support future oral cancer initiatives such as education, research and community-based programs.

The AGD Foundation was on site to build awareness of the importance of oral cancer screenings. Because general dentists are the first line of defense to oral care, the foundation’s goal is to educate and influence general dentists to become proactive in offering and discussing the screening opportunity with their patients.

Mohegan Sun offered its employees a chance to participate in the AGD Foundation’s free screenings. Attendees of the meeting could also be screened in the Expo Center.

Additionally, the AGD Foundation’s 2019 Electronic Silent Auction Fundraiser offered attendees the opportunity to purchase C.E. courses, dental instruments, artwork, electronics and more. Proceeds benefit the AGD Foundation Grant Program, which provides support for AGD constituents and nonprofit organizations that raise awareness of oral cancer.

The AGD Foundation expressed gratitude to its corporate donors who provide vital support for its oral cancer awareness initiatives. This year’s major corporate donor was 3M. Supporting corporate donor was Dentist’s Advantage, and in-kind contributors were from Crest Oral-B and Patterson Dental.

AGD New Dentists Lounge

Back by popular demand, students, residents and new grads had their own designated area with scheduled events each day in the Expo Center to help them get the most out of their AGD2019 experience.

On Thursday, a mentorship event was held to pair new attendees with another dentist who could show them the ropes at AGD2019 as well as learn about AGD’s new mentorship program.

On Friday, attendees could network with their peers and AGD leaders at the Student and New Dentist Reception. The winners of the 2019 Chapter of the Year and 2019 Faculty Advisor of the Year were announced. There also were raffles and gifts for AGD members. Drinks and appetizers were served.

In addition to these important events, the New Dentist Lounge included sponsored lunches, additional C.E. opportunities, career advice and more.

(Source: AGD)