Academy of General Dentistry

AGD Podcast host Dr. George Schmidt recently talked with David Hornbrook, DDS, FAACD, FACE, FASDA, AGD2026 featured speaker and one of the one of the most respected names in esthetic and restorative dentistry. They discuss the evolution of dental materials, particularly ceramics, over his 36-year career in private practice and how clinical success depends more on proper occlusion management than material strength alone. He described his approach to full-mouth rehabilitation cases, including his philosophy of restoring anterior teeth first while leaving molars out of occlusion to allow for proper muscle function. Dr. Hornbrook graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry and has been in private practice in San Diego, California, for the past 36 years. He is a pioneer in live-patient esthetic dental treatment programs and was the founder and director of LVI, PAC~live, the Hornbrook Group and Clinical Mastery. When you register for AGD2026 before the early bird deadline on April 30, you’ll automatically unlock 7 FREE CE credits for Dr. Hornbrook’s courses*. This is your chance to learn from a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry and a multiple-time lifetime achievement award recipient at no extra cost. Don’t miss this rare opportunity! (Learn more at AGD2026.org.) Dr. Hornbrook has lectured internationally on all facets of dentistry, including porcelain veneers, implants, dental materials, occlusion and direct composites. He is the past editor of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s (AACD’s) journal, the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, and is an accredited fellow of the AACD. He is also a fellow and diplomate of the American Society of Dental Aesthetics and a fellow of the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and he was honored with lifetime achievement awards by the Crown Council and the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics.

In the latest episode, George J. Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, spoke with Maria Smith, DMD, MAGD, AGD Foundation president and AGD past president, on the recent programming and grant opportunities available through the AGD Foundation. Smith explained the Foundation's grant program, which provides $5,000 grants to organizations running oral cancer screening programs, and highlighted the importance of community-level initiatives. Oral cancer screenings and prevention programs is a main focus for the group, and Smith invited AGD members to register for a free webinar series April 9 and 30. The AGD Foundation will be attending the scientific session June 24-27, and she invites all listeners to stop by their booth to learn about the many ways they are working to support general dentists and address oral cancer. Listen now.

In the most recent podcast, AGD Podcast host George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, talks with John A. Molinari, PhD, a renowned infection control authority and professor emeritus at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. In this episode, Molinari discusses the latest developments shaping infection control in dental practice. Molinari shared updates on regulations, emphasizing the importance of respiratory precautions and the use of N95 masks. He highlighted the dental profession's rapid response to COVID-19 and discussed emerging infectious diseases, such as bird flu and hepatitis C. The conversation also covered the importance of water line management in dental units and the need for extra precautions when treating immune-compromised patients. Packed with timely insights and real-world guidance, this episode is a must-listen for dental professionals committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and care.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Joseph J. Massad, an internationally recognized educator, clinician and innovator in prosthodontics and implant dentistry, who practices in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Massad is speaking at AGD2026 alongside Dr. Michael Scherer, presenting an engaging two-day program designed to bridge practical fundamentals with the latest innovations in removable and implant overdentures. In this podcast, Dr. Massad offers a preview of what attendees can expect from the course — including patient assessment strategies, achieving impression accuracy, mastering occlusal records, and streamlined delivery protocols. With decades of combined teaching and clinical experience, Drs. Massad and Scherer are known for simplifying complex concepts into evidence-based, real-world techniques. Tune in to hear how this course will help you expand treatment options, improve patient satisfaction and build confidence in both conventional removable and implant prosthodontics.

In the latest podcast, AGD Podcast Series host and AGD President-elect George Schmidt, DMD, FAGD, recently talked with Fesaha Gebrehiwot, DDS, a general dentist from Wylie (Dallas) Texas and the Member Spotlight in AGD Impact this month. Coming from humble beginnings, Gebrehiwot left his hometown of Eritrea in East Africa after winning a Diversity Visa Lottery, which provided him the opportunity to move to the United States and pursue his education. His interest and appreciation for dentistry began when he visited the dentist for the first time at age 25. A dedicated lifelong learner, Gebrehiwot has completed extensive continuing education, and is pursuing a 2026 AGD Fellowship candidate, with aspirations toward Mastership. He also is passionate about serving patients with empathy and inspiring immigrants and first-generation professionals to believe in the power of their stories. His life reflects the belief that when determination meets opportunity, extraordinary things are possible. Listen now.

In the latest episode of the AGD podcast, Dr. George Schmidt sits down with AGD President Marc Worob, DDS, FAGD, for a wide-ranging conversation about where the organization is headed—and how members can be part of it. Dr. Worob shares how AGD is energizing general dentists nationwide through grassroots initiatives designed to strengthen local chapters and deepen member engagement. He also previews AGD’s new strategic plan, built around five priority areas: stronger advocacy, elevated continuing education, increased organizational effectiveness, enhanced constituent support, and leadership development. The conversation closes with a call to action, inviting members to step into leadership at the Leadership Development Symposium in Chicago and to secure early-registration incentives for AGD2026 in Las Vegas this June.

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt talks with Dr. Amrita Patel, an award-winning author and national educator, who shared her journey in dentistry and discussed her contributions to the profession through writing and leadership roles. Dr. Patel explained the importance of effective communication, team buy-in, and credible sources in dental education, while also addressing challenges in the dental field such as student debt, workforce shortages, and evolving career paths. The conversation stresses how critical work-life balance and mentorship is for young leaders in dentistry.

In the latest podcast, Dr. Schmidt welcomed Dr. Jason Mann and Phil Cassis, both from Providence Dental Partners, to discuss managing dental practices in challenging times. They are both industry leaders with extensive experience in dental business ventures and consulting, emphasizing the importance of a strong business model and practice management strategy in mitigating risk and navigating rising costs and decreasing reimbursements. The discussion focused on supporting dentists through both the administrative and clinical areas of a practice, while emphasizing clinical autonomy and local decision-making. Dr. Mann is the co-founder and chief dental officer, and Cassis, co-founder and chief executive officer, lead Providence Dental Partners. Dr. Mann is a nationally recognized dental leader, entrepreneur, and key opinion leader, with experience spanning clinical practice, dental services, product development, and strategic advisory roles. Cassis brings decades of executive leadership with one of the world’s largest dental companies, where he advised thousands of practices nationwide on business strategy, growth, and operational excellence. Listen now.

In our latest podcast, Dr. Schmidt talks with Mitch Gardiner, DMD, FAGD, focused on dental malpractice and the role of expert witnesses in civil court cases, with discussions about the qualifications and objectivity required of dental experts. The conversation covered key elements needed to prove negligence in dental cases, including standards of care and proper documentation of patient interactions and treatment plans. Dr. Gardiner provided advice for young dentists on maintaining high standards of care through continuous education and proper record-keeping. Dr. Gardiner is a full-time general dentist practicing in a multi-specialty office. A 1977 graduate of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. Gardiner served for three years as a dental officer in the Navy. He is a clinical instructor on the teaching faculty of the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in the Department of Restorative Dentistry-Fixed Prosthodontics. He has over 25 years of experience in reviewing dental malpractice cases as an expert witness. Dr. Gardiner lectures and presents programs on issues of dental malpractice throughout the United States. He holds fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists.

In the latest episode, Dr. Schmidt talks with Angela Davis Sullivan discussed the importance of practice management in dental offices, focusing on effective production and collection systems, goal setting, team involvement, communication, leadership, and having tough conversations. They also emphasized the need for a balanced approach to treatment planning, the importance of retaining patients, and the significance of effective communication and listening. on the importance of practice management in dental offices. During the podcast, they highlighted the importance of self-evaluation and the use of coaches in various industries, including dentistry and it concludes with a discussion on the significance of systems in a thriving dental practice. Davis Sullivan, CEO and founder of Adaptive Dental Solutions, is also a speaker and educator for dental practices. Her background as an administrator, expanded function dental assistant, new patient coordinator, office manager, and advanced training with dental management systems is invaluable with the day-to-day operations in a dental office, with the doctor, and with the team.