Enhancing Your Career Through AGD Membership and Leadership Development

By Amrita Feiock, DDS, FPFA, FICD, FACD

Joining a professional association like ours offers dentists numerous opportunities for growth, networking and professional development. With a strong emphasis on continuing education (CE), clinical expertise and leadership opportunities, AGD membership equips general dentists with tools to elevate their careers and make a meaningful impact on the profession. Among the many advantages of joining AGD is the unique focus on leadership skills development, which can profoundly shape your career trajectory.

One of the most notable benefits of being an active AGD member is access to comprehensive and high-quality CE programs. Dentistry is a dynamic field, with technological advancements, treatment methodologies and industry standards evolving constantly. AGD offers members exclusive opportunities to engage in courses, workshops and seminars that provide the latest information in clinical dentistry. Through AGD’s programs, members can stay abreast of the newest evidence-based treatment options, cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to patient care. Members are encouraged to earn their Fellowship, Mastership and other advanced designations through coursework, which deepens their expertise and strengthens their professional credentials.

Leadership is integral to every successful career, and AGD places a unique emphasis on cultivating these skills among its members. When you join AGD, you’re not simply engaging in professional development — you’re stepping into a community that prioritizes leadership training as part of its mission. Leadership goes beyond managing a team or organization; it encompasses problem-solving, decision-making, communication, teamwork and adaptability. Being part of AGD provides dentists with opportunities to develop leadership competencies through structured programs, mentorship opportunities and volunteer roles. Members learn to lead both in their personal practices and in broader professional settings by collaborating with peers and participating in AGD’s organizational initiatives.

Leadership in dentistry involves more than skill — it requires connection. AGD offers members the chance to network with thousands of peers, from seasoned professionals to new graduates. These relationships can foster mentorship, collaboration, partnerships and new opportunities, both professionally and personally. As an AGD member, you join a diverse community of general dentists who are passionate about advancing their careers and supporting one another in their shared goals. One of the most exciting aspects of being an active AGD member is the opportunity to assume leadership roles at both local and national levels. AGD offers members numerous opportunities to participate in leadership through committees, governance positions and chapter activities. Whether you’re interested in serving as a local chapter leader, contributing to policy development or mentoring other members, AGD provides platforms for members to step into formal leadership positions.

Serving in these roles allows members to develop confidence, strengthen organizational management skills and create meaningful changes within the profession. Leadership within AGD also allows members to influence broader healthcare policies, advocate for professional interests and shape the future of general dentistry. By engaging with members on committees, attending AGD events and collaborating on initiatives, members naturally strengthen their interpersonal and team management skills. These leadership capabilities are crucial for any successful general dentist, as managing a dental practice effectively requires clear communication, conflict resolution, teamwork and empathy. The community provides a low-pressure, supportive environment to learn these vital skills. Members gain insight into how to motivate teams, resolve challenges and build collaborative, productive working relationships, which are skills that translate directly to their day-today practice.

Active membership in AGD isn’t just about personal or professional development; it’s also about contributing to the collective voice of general dentists. AGD serves as a powerful advocate for its members by engaging with policymakers and other organizations on important issues affecting the profession, patients and the healthcare system. As a member, you can take an active role in this advocacy by participating in campaigns, contributing to strategic decision-making or stepping into leadership positions within advocacy groups. This involvement empowers members to advocate for fair reimbursement rates, access to care, technological innovation and other critical policy priorities, enhancing both their leadership skills and their ability to effect systemic change. The journey toward professional success is enhanced by collaboration, innovation and leadership. By stepping into this supportive community, you invest in your career and demonstrate your commitment to the future of general dentistry.

Amrita Feiock, DDS, FPFA, FICD, FACD, is in private practice with her father, endodontist Rohit Z. Patel, DDS, PC, in Westchester County, New York. To comment on this article, email impact@agd.org.