AAE Advocacy Strengthens the Dental Community as the 2026 Legislative Cycle Begins
As the 2026 legislative cycle kicks off, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is already actively engaging with policymakers to strengthen the dental community and expand access to high-quality oral health care. AAE recently submitted a series of comment letters supporting state legislation to ratify the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Interstate Compact, underscoring the Association’s continued commitment to effective, collaborative advocacy.
To date, AAE has expressed support for compact legislation introduced in Arizona, Missouri, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Oklahoma. These early advocacy efforts highlight AAE’s proactive approach to shaping policy that supports a strong, mobile dental workforce and benefits patients across the country.
In its communications with lawmakers, AAE emphasized that interstate licensure compacts help address workforce shortages—particularly in rural and underserved areas—while maintaining rigorous licensure and public safety standards. By reducing unnecessary administrative barriers, the compact allows qualified dentists and dental hygienists to practice where they are needed most, strengthening collaboration and continuity of care throughout the dental community.
AAE also noted that the compact promotes accountability and public trust through background checks, coordinated disciplinary data sharing, and consistent licensure requirements across participating states. These safeguards ensure that workforce flexibility enhances, rather than compromises, patient protection.
As the specialty organization representing more than 8,000 endodontists worldwide, AAE continues to advocate for policies that recognize the essential role of dental specialists in preserving natural teeth, managing dental pain, and supporting comprehensive oral health care. Supporting interstate compact legislation aligns with AAE’s broader mission to strengthen the dental workforce and the dental community as a whole.
AAE will continue to closely monitor additional interstate compact bills introduced during the 2026 legislative cycle and will support legislation that advances patient access, protects public safety, and strengthens the dental profession. Through sustained engagement with lawmakers and coalition partners, AAE remains committed to advancing policies that benefit endodontists, the broader dental community, and the patients they serve.