The President’s Message – The Classroom Never Closes
By Meetu R. Kohli, ABE President
If my career has taught me anything, it is that the classroom never truly closes. Whether I am teaching residents at Penn, treating patients, studying for my coursework to earn a Master’s in Oral Population Health, or sitting around the table with my fellow ABE Directors discussing how to make our examinations fairer and more effective, one is always learning. The American Board of Endodontics, at its core, is built on that same principle: the belief that our education does not end with residency, that excellence is not a destination but a discipline, and that the pursuit of Board certification is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in ourselves, our patients, and our profession.
That philosophy has shaped my time on our Board. As I stand before you today, I am reflecting not only on what the ABE has accomplished, but also on the growth and learning I have been privileged to be a part of and witness within this organization and amongst our Diplomates.
Your American Board of Endodontics continues to advance its mission with energy and purpose. In 2025, the ABE examined 204 Oral Exam candidates, reviewed 154 Case History Portfolios, and administered the Written Exam to 223 examinees through Pearson Vue testing centers. Also, over 100 Diplomates completed their Recertification requirements.
The past several years have been especially active for the ABE. Alongside our regular examination responsibilities, this year we completed a comprehensive Job Task Analysis for all three exams and are now incorporating the findings to enhance the examination experience for both candidates and examiners. We continue to collaborate closely with our psychometricians and data analysts on this work. The JTA has required years of sustained effort from our Directors and staff, and it reflects our commitment to continuous improvement.
At the same time, the ABE has researched and evaluated a new database system, widely used by many dental specialty boards. We hope to complete the conversion to this new system by the end of 2026, modernizing our technology and creating a more intuitive, streamlined interface for candidates and Diplomates alike.
All of this progress has occurred while administering four examinations each year, maintaining regular communication with candidates and Diplomates, and ensuring that every process aligns with the standards of the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. The classroom never closes for the ABE either — we are always learning how to serve you better.
None of this work happens without extraordinary people.
To our past Directors who continue to volunteer as examiners for the Case History and Oral Exams: your ongoing commitment to our specialty is deeply meaningful. You give your time, your expertise, and often your weekends and holidays because you believe in what this process represents. I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart.
To our exceptional staff — Ivana, Patricia, Alana, and Marcela — you are the foundation that keeps this organization steady. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex responsibilities with calm and good humor never cease to impress me. You kept me on track this year as President and, truthfully, all the years I have served as a Director. The ABE simply could not function without you. Thank you for everything you do.
To my fellow Directors: Drs. Joseph Dutner, Garry Myers, Scott Doyle, Amir Azarpazhooh, Keith Boyer, Sami Chogle, Anibal Diogenes, Paul Falcon, Frank Portell, Renato Silva, Terry Webb, Neville McDonald, and Avina Paranjpe — serving alongside you has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. To sit around a table where everyone shares an unequivocal goal — to make your Board the best it can be — is profoundly inspiring. Each of you brings a unique perspective, a tireless work ethic, and a genuine commitment to this Board. Thank you! I also want to welcome our newest Board members, Drs. Emanouela Carlson and Qian Xie, who I know will contribute tremendously in the years ahead.
And now, to the reason we do all of this — the reason the classroom stays open. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our 138 new ABE Diplomates, who will be honored at the Grossman Ceremony at AAE26 in Salt Lake City. This achievement belongs to you, and to the families, mentors, friends, faculty and especially program directors who supported you along the way.
For those still preparing cases, studying for the Oral Exam, or wondering whether Board certification is worth the effort, my answer is plain and simple: it is. The process is rigorous by design because meaningful accomplishments always require investment. But you are not alone. The ABE is here to support you at every stage. Your Directors, examiners, and staff are all invested in your success and look forward to the day you receive your pin and are welcomed as a Diplomate. The classroom is open. The seat is yours. We hope you will take it.
If you are already a Diplomate, I encourage you to consider serving on the Board. The ABE offers a self-nomination process — please visit our website for details. It is a significant commitment, but it is also one of the most rewarding professional experiences you can have. The friendships you build, the sense of purpose you gain, and the impact you make on the future of our specialty are truly lasting. Who will stand here in five, ten, or twenty years? It could be you. Consider this your invitation to serve.
I joined the ABE as a Director in 2021, and I still remember that phone call from then ABE Secretary, Dr. Melissa Drum, while I was driving home after teaching at Penn. I have spent my life in classrooms — as a student, as a teacher, and now as someone who understands that the most meaningful lessons often come from the people we surround ourselves with. My fellow Directors have taught me about leadership. Our staff has shown me the meaning of dedication. Our candidates are a lesson in perseverance, and our Diplomates — every one of you — have reminded me why this work matters.
Over these years, I have watched this Board evolve, innovate, and meet each challenge with thoughtfulness and resolve. The ABE is strong, and it will only grow stronger. It has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life to serve as your President. Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility, and for reminding me, every single day, that the best classrooms are those where everyone is both a teacher and a student.