AAE and ADA Leadership Convene to Advance Shared Priorities for Endodontists and the Dental Community
On February 21, AAE President, Dr. Natasha Flake and Executive Director, Ken Widelka met with ADA President, Dr. Brett Kessler, newly appointed Interim Executive Director, Dr. Elizabeth Shapiro, and their senior leadership to discuss AAE’s strategic goals and priorities.
A key focus of the discussion was the shared commitment of both associations to combating misinformation—both among the public and within the dental profession. AAE leadership highlighted its recent national PR campaign to counter root canal misinformation, which has been featured in over 1,000 online outlets nationwide, including the LA Times. The AAE also expressed its appreciation for the ADA’s latest policy strengthening its Code of Conduct and disciplinary actions to address misinformation and false advertising on social media by influencers and ADA members. Additionally, the leaders discussed the growing misinformation surrounding water fluoridation and reaffirmed their commitment to educating the public on its significant oral health benefits. Both associations agreed to continue partnering in the fight against misinformation and to promote evidence-based dentistry to the public and key stakeholders.
AAE and ADA leaders also explored their shared advocacy priorities and opportunities to strengthen collaboration on state and federal policy efforts. Both associations remain committed to advancing dental plan reforms, water fluoridation, student loan repayment and tax credits, oral health research funding, and more. The AAE also updated the ADA on its continued efforts to protect specialty recognition, including its latest advocacy to uphold specialty advertising laws in Ohio.
Finally, the discussion highlighted the associations’ ongoing work on the oral-systemic health connection and the broader significance of oral health research. The AAE expressed its appreciation for the ADA Forsyth Institute and the Health Policy Institute’s ongoing research initiatives, which provide valuable data to support endodontic practices and track dental industry trends. The AAE also emphasized its support for continued specialty-specific research to help specialty practices navigate evolving economic and industry challenges.
This meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between the AAE and ADA in advancing the dental profession and promoting evidence-based practices. By working together, the AAE and ADA will continue to champion initiatives that protect patient care, strengthen dental practices, and uphold the highest standards of professional integrity.
