28 November 2024

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Academy of General Dentistry Installs California Dentist as President

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The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) installed Chethan Chetty, DDS, MAGD, a general dentist practicing in Los Angeles, California, as its new president during its annual meeting in Chicago on November 24, 2024. In 2022, Chetty was elected AGD’s vice president, securing his ascent to becoming AGD’s president, a role he will serve until November 2025. Chetty is a second-generation dentist with many years of service in organized dentistry and the AGD.

“The AGD has been such an instrumental vessel to the advancement of my career as a general dentist that I don’t think I would be where I am today without the organization,” said Chetty. “I believe the strength of our organization continues to be at the grassroots level, where we are nurturing and helping to educate new dentists, providing strong support to our regional leaders and local constituents, and fostering a commitment to making sure that our patients are receiving the best oral care.”

Chetty graduated from the University of Southern California Ostrow School of Dentistry in 2000. He joined the family practice with his father, R.K. Chetty, DDS, with whom he practiced for 20 years. While maintaining the practice philosophy and culture, he grew this practice, including multiple associates, hygienists, and specialists.

After several years as a member of the California AGD, Chetty joined the Southern California AGD board in 2003 and continues to be an active leader. He has also served as president of the Southern California AGD twice and was California AGD president in 2016.

He also served as California AGD MasterTrack assistant director from 2015 to 2019 and helped transform the California program into one of the most comprehensive MasterTrack programs in AGD. He was instrumental in establishing its Pathway to Fellowship program to help encourage new dentists to attain their AGD Fellowship and, eventually, Mastership. AGD’s Fellowship program was established for members to distinguish themselves professionally through the pursuit and attainment of quality continuing education (CE). Members complete up to 500 CE hours to attain Fellowship and an additional 1,100 hours for Mastership.

Chetty began his service as an AGD leader when he was invited to serve on the AGD Communications Council. During his seven years on this council, he was involved in many significant projects, such as social media planning, digital publication expansion, and streamlining communications. In 2017, Chetty joined the Membership Council, of which he would eventually become chair. During this time, he worked closely with leaders at all levels to implement new membership initiatives that established a cohesive membership strategy.

About the Academy of General Dentistry

Founded in 1952, AGD is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. AGD provides its more than 40,000 members with the resources, support, and education needed to provide the best dental care and oral health education.

AGD’s mission is to “advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education and advocacy.”

Source: https://www.agd.org/