Welcome to a new and promising year for the Academy of General Dentistry. As I begin my term as President of the New Jersey Academy of General Dentistry, I believe the future for general dentistry is strong, but there is work to be done on several fronts. We as a profession need to be aware of many of the changes that have occurred over the past decade, both at the state and federal level. There have been changes to state government policy, state dental board requirements and policies, the insurance industry, risk management, as well as changes at the federal level. The economy has also played a major role in the practice of dentistry, not only impacting the private practice on a small business/consumer level, but also impacting on several forms of legislation that have been presented at federal and state levels.
The AGD has brought the mid-level provider issue to the forefront of necessary policy changes in the dental profession. As many dentists know, there is one form of the mid-level provider known as Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHAT's) currently able to diagnose and provide irreversible dental services in Alaska. Unfortunately, several members of Congress have worked towards expanding this program nationally.
The AGD has taken a stance against other healthcare providers being able to practice dentistry. Only a licensed dentist should be able to diagnose diseases of the oral cavity as well as provide invasive and irreversible procedures, such as the placement of permanent restorations and the extraction of teeth. It may be surprising, but mid-level providers are providing these services in some states, and more states are legislating financial backing for more of these programs. Many of you may be thinking that this can't happen in New Jersey, but it's not as far-fetched as it might seem. Not only are sparsely populated states supporting these programs, but now the more densely populated states are or will be allowing this type of training and care.
I recommend reading both "The Academy of General Dentistry Position on Workforce Issues" as well as the "White Paper on Increasing Access to and Utilization of Oral Health Care Services", both of which may be accessed online at www.agd.org. By visiting the AGD website, you can keep up with current issues affecting dentistry and specifically the general dentist.
The AGD is the only organization devoted specifically to advocating for the general dentist. Many of us know the AGD as the organization built on the principles of continuing education. We can and still do approve courses through the Academy's "PACE" program, and track credit hours. The Academy strives to have members attain fellowship and then mastership, and offers programs such as AIM (Accelerate Into Mastership) to help our members reach these goals. The AGD still prides itself as the leader in continuing education for the profession. The time has come, however, for a more proactive approach towards not only protecting our profession but for strengthening it for generations of dentists and patients to come.
I invite our members to participate in organized dentistry at our state level. The New Jersey AGD is always in need of volunteer leaders. The time you put in not only will help to keep the profession strong, but I know from experience that you will find reward in the good that you do, the knowledge you both gain and share, and the collegiality you will discover. Several of our committees, such as the Continuing Education, Editorial, Membership and Legislative and Governmental Affairs committees, to mention a few, need dedicated professionals to keep our constituent functioning at a high level. If you have an interest in a particular area, we encourage you to become involved in it. Please visit our website, www.njagd.org, to view the 2011-2012 Board meeting dates. These dates are also published quarterly in the NJAGD's award-winning journal, Wisdom. Please contact me or any of our Board members should you have an interest in becoming involved with the NJAGD.
Sincerely,
Mark D. Robinson, DMD, FAGD
President, New Jersey Academy of General Dentistry
