Editor’s Note
Editorial Staff
Don’t Put Off to Tomorrow… T ime is a most precious gift, and we all have it in an unknown quantity. Our lives can change for better or worse instantaneously. Some issues are minor, but others can be intense or life-altering. But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that, because time is so unpredictable, we should not put off important tasks. Like the old proverb goes: “Don’t put off to tomorrow what can be done today.” Procrastination at any level is a crime, shortening the gift of time by leading us to do nothing or to prioritize less important topics. To be successful, we need clear and concise priorities. The challenge is to use our time wisely. The more demands we face, whether personal or financial, the more crucial it becomes to determine what truly matters to you as well as to your family, friends and dental practice. You may think that procrastination is simply being idle, but it can be disguised by constant activity. Being perpetually busy does not necessarily mean that you are focusing on what truly matters; what is most critical is that your time is being used efficiently. If we let busy work overshadow other more important tasks, we are procrastinating on meaningful priorities. Setting goals is a good way to establish considerable success. Working toward those goals, whether they need to be met immediately or broken down over time, ensures a balance. When life feels chaotic due to numerous demands, the lack of time to think and reflect can lead us to prioritize tasks that can be completed quickly or those shouted by the loudest voices. These may not be true priorities. Long-term goals, deeper needs and tasks with the potential for beneficial change often get neglected both in our personal and professional lives. That must change. Take time each day to consider what matters most on a personal level. Meeting demands we face daily creates a powerful tool for readiness. It can bring order to chaos and reduce procrastination on important matters. It can provide a calm and assertive approach to overwhelming demands. Most importantly, it brings the question of readiness back to the forefront.
2
AGD IMPACT
NOVEMBER 2025
How do we keep from procrastinating? Many tools exist to help. The software we use daily has integrated functions to keep us on track. Microsoft Outlook allows you to “follow up” on important emails and keeps them in a separate pane, sorted by what’s most urgent. Microsoft also has a program, OneNote, that allows you to keep all your notes sorted and prioritized (Google Keep serves a similar function). All of the latest artificial intelligence applications — ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence, for example — are excellent at summarizing long messages to keep you on point. Or, if you work better not staring at a screen, making lists with a good old-fashioned paper and pencil can do wonders. Professionally, AGD can help you avoid procrastinating in areas of professional and personal development that can be vital to success in your career. Achieving your AGD Fellowship is a wonderful journey that I hope all AGD members at least consider (if you haven’t already earned your FAGD or MAGD). The track that the organization lays out ensures you gain knowledge in the most critical areas of dentistry. AGD Fellows must complete 500 continuing education hours in a prescribed number of subject areas. Masters take it one step further — they must complete 1,100 hours, 400 of which must be from hands-on courses, and local MasterTrack cohorts connect you with educational opportunities and fellow colleagues who will help keep you on task. Visit agd.org/fellowship for more information. Sometimes we need a little help to keep from procrastinating, and I can tell you that AGD will always be there to help keep you inspired. I wish you the best on your journey to productivity. Find a method that works for you, and stick with it. The feeling of accomplishment once you’ve tackled your goals is worth every bit of effort.
Timothy F. Kosinski, DDS, MAGD Editor
Editor Timothy F. Kosinski, DDS, MAGD Associate Editor Bruce L. Cassis, DDS, MAGD Director, Communications Kristin S. Gover, CAE Executive Editor Tiffany Nicole Slade, MFA Managing Editor Leland Humbertson, MA Associate Editor Caitlin Davis Manager, Production/Design Tim Henney Graphic Designer Eric Grawe
Advertising
Josh Shavel 215.499.7342 josh@ssmediasol.com
Reprints
scsreprints@sheridan.com
How to Reach Us
Academy of General Dentistry 560 W. Lake St., Sixth Floor Chicago, IL 60661-6600 agd.org impact@agd.org 888.243.3368 312.335.3427 (fax) DISCLAIMER: The Academy of General Dentistry does not necessarily endorse opinions or statements contained in essays or editorials published in AGD Impact. The publication of advertisements in AGD Impact does not indicate endorsement for products and services. AGD approval for continuing education courses or course sponsors will be clearly stated. AGD Impact (ISSN 0194-729X) is published monthly by the Academy of General Dentistry, 560 W. Lake St., Sixth Floor, Chicago, IL 60661-6600. Canadian Mailing Information: IPM Agreement number 40047941. Change of address or undeliverable copies should be sent to: Station A, P.O. Box 54, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 6J5, Canada. Email: impact@agd.org. Periodical postage paid at Chicago, IL and additional mailing office. AGD members receive AGD Impact as part of membership; annual subscription rates for nonmembers are $80 for individuals and $120 for institutions. Online-only subscriptions are $85 for individuals and $110 for institutions. All orders must be prepaid in U.S. dollars. Single copies are available upon request. Please contact our Membership Services Center at 888.243.3368 for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AGD Impact, 560 W. Lake St., Sixth Floor, Chicago, IL 60661-6600. No portion of AGD Impact may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the AGD. Photocopying Information: The Item-Fee Code for this publication indicates that authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use is granted by the copyright holder for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC). The appropriate remittance of $3 per article/10¢ per page is paid directly to the CCC, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA. The copyright owner’s consent does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for creating new works, or for re-sale. Specific written permission must be obtained from the publisher for such copying. The Item-Fee Code for this publication is 0194-729X. Printed in U.S.A. © Copyright 2025, Academy of General Dentistry, Chicago, IL.
AGD Corporate Sponsors