2026 Interim Board Meeting: Looking Ahead to the Future of Endodontics

On October 2-3, 2026, the AAE Board of Directors gathered for its Interim Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, with a significant portion of its agenda devoted to looking ahead at the forces shaping the future of endodontics. Through strategic discussions focused on healthcare disruption, Board members explored how evolving practice models, reimbursement and the changing payment environment, emerging technologies, and the growing popularity of alternative treatments could affect the specialty. The Board envisioned the potential impact that these drivers might have on the profession, the AAE, and patients.

A Strong Foundation for Advancing Strategic Priorities

The AAE’s independent auditor presented the findings of the June 30, 2026 audit. Following a comprehensive review, the AAE received a clean audit with no deficiencies, reinforcing the association’s commitment to responsibility and transparency.

The Board reviewed progress on each of the AAE’s four strategic plan goals, focused on encouraging the public to prioritize saving their natural teeth and seek endodontists as their trusted choice for care; supporting members’ leadership of the advancement of endodontics; establishing AAE as the leading authority for endodontic knowledge, and advocating for evidence based, patient-centered endodontic care.

Discussions highlighted several initiatives supporting these priorities, including efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation surrounding root canal treatment, strengthen AAE’s clinical resources, update diagnostic terminology, and advance the development of endodontic outcomes measures. The Board also reviewed findings from a recent member advocacy survey, which provided insights into practice-related challenges facing members.

Anticipating Change: Healthcare Disruption and the Future of Endodontics

A central focus of the meeting was a strategic foresight discussion examining healthcare disruption and its potential implications for endodontists, their patients, and the association. Board members explored four aspects of this change driver, considering both the challenges they present and the opportunities for AAE to provide leadership and support.

• Evolving Practice Models and Member Needs: As practice environments and career paths continue to evolve, the Board discussed the importance of understanding members’ needs and AAE being a source of trusted, objective information. Conversations also touched on workforce challenges, mentorship, and the value of maintaining the strong professional community that distinguishes AAE.
• Reimbursement and the Changing Payment Environment: With third-party payer policies and claims review processes continuing to evolve, Board members emphasized the importance of advocating for endodontic expertise in coverage and reimbursement decisions. Discussions included the growing use of AI in claims processing and opportunities to educate members on how to best navigate reimbursement challenges.
• AI, Emerging Technology, and Member Education: From artificial intelligence to robotics, rapidly advancing technologies are creating new possibilities for endodontic care and practice management. The Board considered how AAE can help members understand and evaluate these developments through education, leveraging member expertise, and advocacy for their responsible application. The potential implications for clinical training and the importance of maintaining professional judgment were also highlighted.
• Alternative Treatments and the Evidence-Based Position of Endodontics: As new treatments and technologies emerge, the Board reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong scientific foundation for endodontic care. Discussions emphasized identifying gaps in the evidence, encouraging research, and providing patient access to reliable, evidence-based information when making treatment decisions.

Across these discussions, a common theme emerged: AAE must continue to anticipate change, remain responsive to members’ evolving needs, and reinforce the value of endodontic expertise in a changing healthcare landscape.

The Board also considered how these emerging trends and challenges should inform refinements to AAE’s strategic plan, helping ensure that the association’s priorities remain relevant and forward-looking. These conversations will help guide AAE’s ongoing efforts to support members, advance the specialty, and champion high-quality endodontic care for patients.