Academy of General Dentistry

In the latest podcast, Dr. Schmidt talks with Ralph Cooley, DDS, FAGD, and Arlene O'Brien, DMD, FAGD, who are members of ADA Legislative and Government Affairs Council and AGD representatives to the ADA Code Maintenance Committee. The Code Maintenance Committee is responsible for reviewing and updating dental coding systems. In their roles, they advocate for changes that benefit general dentists. New codes for 2026 include updates to anesthesia codes, a new cracked tooth testing code, and modifications to denture duplication and occlusal guard cleaning codes. They emphasize the importance of public input and collaboration between organizations. Listen now.

AGD2025: Matthew Kremke, MBA, CAE, on AGD Benefits and More by Academy of General Dentistry

AGD2025: Mohammed Attia, DDS, MAGD by Academy of General Dentistry

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt speaks with John Chao, DDS, MAGD, inventor of the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), a minimally invasive, scalpel-free, suture-free method for treating gingival recession. A respected general dentist and educator, Dr. Chao shares insights into the clinical necessity of addressing gum recession as a vital intervention for protecting long-term oral and systemic health. (Dr. Chao is a speaker at AGD2025.) Tune in to hear Dr. Chao’s perspective on innovation in dentistry, patient-centered care, and the future of periodontal treatment.They discuss opportunities to utilize PST and how this technique fits into evidence-based periodontal care and how general dentists can integrate it into their practices to improve patient outcomes and preserve periodontal health. Listen now.

Dr. Michael Melkers, a distinguished graduate of Marquette University and current faculty at Rīga Stradiņš University, shares his expertise in restorative dentistry. He discusses the complexities of occlusion and the importance of personalized patient assessments. The conversation emphasizes the shift to digital methods, enhancing patient communication, and innovative tools like the Dental Facial Analyzer. Dr. Melkers also explores techniques for temporary crowns and staining in restorative practices, underscoring the blend of artistry and technical skill in dentistry.

In the latest episode, Dr. Schmidt talks with Joshua Austin, DDS, MAGD, dental educator and general dentists with a full-time restorative dentistry practice in San Antonio, Texas. During the discussion Dr. Austin addresses the opportunity in restorative dentistry including use of glass ionomer materials. Glass ionomers have undergone significant advancements that now make them essential tools for today’s clinicians. He shares how these improvements have changed his perspective—and his outcomes—and offers insights into when and how to best use these versatile materials. They also discuss ways to improve efficiency to ensure success with complex cases and treatment plans. Dr. Austin is an editorial director and monthly columnist for Dental Economics magazine, focusing on dental products and technology. He is a graduate of the University of Texas Health School of Dentistry and spent five years post-graduation in the department of restorative dentistry.

In this episode, Dale Miles, DDS, MS, FRCD, a renowned expert in oral and maxillofacial radiology, explores the evolving role of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dental practice. With a career spanning several decades in academic and clinical settings, Dr. Miles offers a compelling look at how advanced imaging is transforming diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. From clinical pearls to regulatory considerations and the future potential of AI in radiology, this episode is a must-listen for any dentist looking to stay at the forefront of diagnostic imaging. Listen now.

Dr. Schmidt sits down with Joseph Lucido, managing partner for Clear to Launch Dental Marketing. Lucido has collaborated with leading industry, professionals to enhance patient acquisition, strengthen brand authority and boost practice, efficiency through innovative strategies and data, driven insights. They share tips for marketing dental practices and growing dental practices. Listen to this episode for useful insight to apply on your practice immediately.

This episode features Leila Zadeh, DMD, FAGD, who discusses advances in digital technology and the relatively recent incorporation of photogrammetry — a method of approximating a 3D structure using 2D images. She shares how it not only improves the accuracy of capturing implant relationships in a 3D space but also helps streamline the final impression process so that it is significantly faster and easier than traditional analog workflows. This story is the feature of an article in the May issue of AGD Impact. Dr. Zadeh is an advanced restorative dentist at digitalDDS and an adjunct assistant professor at NYU Langone Health’s advanced education in general dentistry residency. She also creates educational content for Spear Education.

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt sits down with Adamo Notarantonio, DDS, FICOI, FAACD, a highly regarded cosmetic dentist, to explore the often-overlooked power of composite in aesthetic dentistry. While porcelain options often take center stage in smile makeovers, Dr. Notarantonio shares why mastering composite artistry is not only essential for delivering beautiful results—but also for becoming a true craftsman in cosmetic dentistry. From repairing fractured teeth on teenagers to fine-tuning provisionals, he explains how composite skills translate into superior patient outcomes and provides a deeper understanding of smile design. (Dr. Notarantion will be a speaker at AGD2025, July 9-12.) They also dive into the mindset shift required to build a fulfilling aesthetic practice—from ways to build skill and reputation to learning how to communicate treatment possibilities with patients without overwhelming them. This conversation offers practical insight, real-world advice, and inspiration for dentists at every stage of their journey. Dr. Notarantonio graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (2002), where he received honors in removable and fixed prosthodontics. He is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and received his Fellowship in the AACD in 2018. He is the current President of the AACD, Credential Examiner and Fellowship Chairman. Dr. Notarantio is a graduate and faculty of the Kois Center. He has received his fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has been published in multiple dental journals and lectures nationally and internationally on such topics as CAD/CAM dentistry, implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, composite dentistry, and dental photography. Tune in to hear how investing in your skills can transform both your dentistry and your career.