Navigating COVID-19

*UPDATE (7/9/20):  Governor Abbott issues amended Executive Order No.GA-27.  Order states “Every hospital that is licensed under Chapter241 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, and is also located in the counties in Order No. GA-27, shall postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not medically necessary…”  It is Texas AGD's interpretation that this does NOT impact dental procedures outside of a hospital environment.

June 12, 2020 | Continuing to Help General Dentists Succeed - President's Message

As our profession continues figuring out what moving forward looks like in today’s environment, the Texas AGD is no exception. In recent months and in recent weeks, our Nation has faced challenges that are unfathomable in many ways.  We do not know what the future holds, but we can make a few promises to you. 

• We promise we will continue to advocate on your behalf to the dental board, elected officials, and government agencies so that they understand the uniqueness of the general dentist.  Expressing these specific needs has been an important initiative during COVID-19.  Your responses to our surveys have been valuable so that we can express our continued need for PPE to protect our teams and our patients – so thank you for your feedback. We have always been very methodical in our humble approach about the actions we take.  At all times and especially during a crisis, it is important for us to provide the most accurate information to you and to also speak for ALL general dentists in Texas, regardless of their membership status.

• We promise to continue to provide high-quality CE to help you on your path to Fellowship, Mastership, and Lifelong Learning.  You have a great resource in many volunteer leaders and the Texas AGD team to help you find success.  With regards to our ongoing continuing education efforts:

  • The safety of our members and staff is a top priority and for the first time, we took the MasterTrack® program virtual.  For 3 ½ days, over 30 dentists continued to take that step toward Mastership.  It was satisfying to know that our current crisis with COVID-19 did not stop them from meeting their goals. My hat is off to the Texas AGD team for developing this high caliber virtual program in record time!

  • We are planning to meet in person for our MasterTrack® and Lone Star Dental Conference, September 17-20.  All necessary precautions will be taken to offer you this opportunity where you feel comfortable while adhering to all recommended guidelines. If conditions force us in a different direction, like a hybrid program or a totally virtual program, we will do so strategically while upholding our commitment in bringing exceptional content that you have come to expect from us.  Registration will open in July and we know financial situations or uncertainty may prohibit you from signing up immediately, so thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we will extend the early bird rate right up until registration closes.  Save your money and make this the ONLY EVENT you attend in September!

• On a heavier note, we are deeply saddened by the lives that have been lost due to continued inequalities that are still present in our society today.  Access to care and breaking down barriers for ALL Americans to succeed should always be paramount.  Alongside AGD, we promise to encourage a dental community that is welcoming and embraces differences.  You will always hear me preach family.  Whether it is your immediate family, professional family, or your community family, we have very little without the love and support from them collectively.  Let's all continue to build and strengthen all of our families.

We will continue to navigate all of these challenges together as a community. At a time like this is when associations shine at bringing people together to innovate and problem-solve. Texas AGD is committed to helping general dentists succeed and to pave the path for ALL others.  Now is no different.  Our hope is that we can all meet in-person someday soon. My hope is to see my professional family in September.  Until then we will keep you posted every step of the way.

Hang in there!

Bryan Moore, DDS
Texas AGD Immediate Past President

To Read Past Messages, click Recent News