2023—A Year of Rejuvenation, Education, Advocacy, and “Coming Home”

"The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals." —Melody Beattie

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." —Malcolm X

As we begin a New Year, I hope that all of you had a peaceful and restful holiday and that you were able to spend time with friends and family as you celebrated the conclusion of another year. As always, it is difficult to comprehend that another year has gone by. But 2022 was special and filled with opportunity, rebirth, and a return to “normalcy”. I am truly thankful for and proud of all that we were all able to accomplish as an organization and for all that you contributed to our successes in science, advocacy, philanthropy, promotion to the public, the delivery of quality patient care, and the overall advancement of endodontics.

For me, New Year is not only a time to reflect upon the past, but also a time to plan. With an entire year ahead of us and the future unwritten, I begin to envision the chapters which will tell our story and make our year successful, meaningful, unique, and significant. The story should build upon the prior year’s successes and be built upon hope, commitment, and learning. The AAE will continue to support its mission and core purpose to advance the art and science of endodontics, to be dedicated to the highest standards of endodontic care, support our members through research and education, leadership and advocacy, and philanthropy and service, and build upon our hugely productive and successful 2022. I look forward to 2023 with much of hope and excitement.

So, what can we all look forward to in 2023? After a resounding victory in Massachusetts, our busy Advocacy Department will continue its support of Dental Loss Ratio Legislation. After the passage of Question 2, several state dental societies have indicated that they will pursue legislation that will help ensure payers refund any excess dental premium dollars back to their customers and require payers to submit yearly reports on their spending. The AAE will help these state societies to formulate strategies and tactics for their efforts. In addition, the AAE will explore, monitor, and make input to a host of other important issues such as the potential expansion of Medicaid coverage of adult benefits, state legislation enabling the creation of robust dental-medical integrated care practices, and the Dentist and Dental Hygienist State Licensure Compact which could allow dental professionals to hold a single multi-state license which would be recognized by all states that have adopted the compact. Our Advocacy Department will certainly be busy as they monitor the issues which affect all of us.

The AAE and its Marketing and Communications Department will continue and step up its efforts to promote root canal therapy to save the natural dentition and to make the public aware of the expertise of endodontists in providing optimal endodontic care. Our award winning “Worth Saving” campaign will continue to increase the AAE’s digital presence and build creative media campaigns to strengthen and enhance our promotion to and connection with the public. In addition, Save Your Tooth Month will run concurrently in May with our Annual Meeting in Chicago, and there promises to be many surprises including TV appearances, social media “endofluencer” campaigns, giveaways, and even a special live event in Chicago. We won’t stop until “endodontist” becomes a household word!

And speaking of our Annual Meeting, AAE23 comes back home to Chicago where it began some 80 years ago. And what an exciting meeting it will be! Whether you come to take advantage of the educational opportunities presented by world class lecturers and educators, to participate in our hands-on workshops, to connect with like-minded peers who are solving everyday clinical challenges, to visit our vendors on the exhibit hall floor, or to just reconnect with old friends, AAE23 will provide a unique and comprehensive experience that will inspire and energize you. With seven clinical tracks and over 100 educational courses, you will be able to zero in and immerse yourself on the topics which interest you the most. And with a host of social events capped off with our exclusive Celebrate Event, you will have the opportunity to meet new friends and renew old friendships, and just have fun. No matter what you love to do or where you’re from in the world, you’ll feel right at home in Chicago and AAE23, and we invite you to join us for this historic event. Registration is currently open (aae.org/AAE23) so act early and don’t miss it.

The American Association of Endodontists, its leaders, and staff, are looking forward to a fruitful and uplifting 2023. I wish each one of you a Happy New Year and a healthy and productive year to come. I look forward to seeing you in Chicago for AAE23 where we will all celebrate our efforts, our love of our organization and our specialty, and our dedication to endodontics.