AAE Champions Specialty Recognition and Advocacy Priorities at the 2026 ADA House of Delegates Meeting
AAE members serving in the ADA House of Delegates:
Drs. Najia Usman, Alejandro Aguirre, Ammon Anderson, Emad Bassali, Monique Belin, Deborah Bishop, Michael Boykin, Mark Doherty, Bethany Douglas, Amro Elkhatieb, Richard Herman, Jeffrey Johnson, Kevin Keating, Michael Korch, Adrienne Korkosz, Afshin Mazdeyasnan, Kim Menhinick, Joseph Platt, James Phillips, Dustin Reynolds, Calvin Suffridge, Christopher Smith, James Stephens, Tadros Tadros, and Emily Tarr,
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) continued to demonstrate its strong presence and leadership within organized dentistry at the 2026 American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates meeting, held October 10–13. Through strategic advocacy, collaboration, and engagement with ADA leadership, the AAE worked to advance policies that protect specialty recognition, promote evidence-based dentistry, and strengthen the profession’s ability to advocate on behalf of dentists and their patients.
AAE President Dr. W. Craig Noblett, President-Elect Dr. Elizabeth S. Perry, Treasurer Dr. Mark B. Desrosiers, and Secretary Dr. Kenneth Tittle represented the Association, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that the perspectives of endodontists are reflected in national dental policy discussions.
Each year, the AAE Board of Directors reviews and establishes positions on ADA resolutions and reports with significant implications for endodontists. Working closely with Dr. Najia Usman, DDS, the AAE’s designated House of Delegates Liaison Chair, and AAE members serving as ADA delegates and alternate delegates, the Association identified key opportunities to advocate for policies supporting the specialty, protecting clinical autonomy, and promoting high-quality patient care.
AAE Advocacy Priorities
Resolution 501: Strengthening Ethical Standards for Specialty Advertising
A significant priority for the AAE was Resolution 501, which revised and reorganized Section 5 of the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, addressing professional announcements, advertising, credentials, and representations of dentists’ qualifications and services.
The AAE supported the resolution, emphasizing the importance of accurate specialty advertising and ensuring that the promotion of dental services remains grounded in evidence-based care and established specialty recognition. As the Association continues to advocate against misleading specialty claims, maintaining clear distinctions between recognized dental specialties and other credentials remains essential to protecting patients and preserving public trust.
The House of Delegates adopted Resolution 501, reinforcing the importance of ethical professional communications and transparency in dentistry. The AAE will continue advocating for policies that help patients make informed decisions about their care and understand the qualifications of their dental providers.
Resolution 505: Preserving a Strong National Advocacy Voice
The AAE also prioritized Resolution 505, which addressed the ADA’s authority to provide legislative and regulatory assistance at the state level. The proposal strengthened requirements for obtaining prior written consent from state dental societies before the ADA could support certain state-level advocacy initiatives.
The AAE opposed the resolution, raising concerns that additional restrictions could limit the ADA’s ability to respond effectively when state-level positions conflict with established ADA policy or broader patient interests. The Association advocated for preserving the ADA’s ability to engage on critical issues, particularly those involving evidence-based care, specialty recognition, and patient protection.
Although Resolution 505 was ultimately adopted, the AAE’s advocacy highlighted the importance of maintaining a coordinated national voice for dentistry and ensuring that the perspectives of recognized dental specialties remain part of future policy discussions.
Additional Policy Achievements
Beyond these priority resolutions, the AAE supported several successful measures addressing issues affecting endodontic practice, including greater transparency in dental insurance reimbursement, protections against inappropriate payer practices, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in dentistry.
Notably, the House adopted resolutions supporting greater payer payment transparency, expanded reimbursement payment choices for dentists, and protections against arbitrary treatment completion deadlines imposed by dental benefit plans. The House also approved an updated policy on artificial intelligence emphasizing the importance of preserving dentists’ independent clinical judgment and appropriate oversight of AI-driven insurance decisions.
Together, these measures reflect the AAE’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the practice environment for endodontists while advancing policies that prioritize patient care.
AAE Luncheon Strengthens Relationships with ADA Leadership
The AAE hosted its annual luncheon bringing together AAE members serving as ADA delegates and alternate delegates for an opportunity to connect, exchange perspectives, and discuss shared advocacy priorities.
The gathering also welcomed distinguished ADA leadership, including ADA President Dr. Richard Rosato, President-Elect Dr. Thomas Paumier, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nader Nadershahi, and Dr. Markarian, Chair of the ADA Specialty Task Force.
The luncheon provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships between the AAE and ADA leadership, reinforce the importance of collaboration across dental specialties, and highlight the unique perspectives endodontists bring to organized dentistry. These relationships are essential to ensuring that specialty concerns remain part of national policy discussions and that the AAE continues to serve as a trusted voice on issues affecting the profession.
The AAE extends its sincere appreciation to the members who serve as ADA delegates and alternate delegates for their dedication, leadership, and continued advocacy on behalf of endodontics. Their engagement strengthens the specialty’s influence within organized dentistry and helps ensure that endodontists have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of dental policy.
The Association looks forward to building on these relationships and continuing to advance policies that protect patients, strengthen the profession, and support the highest standards of endodontic care.