AAE Joins ADA-Led Coalition to Protect Dental Education and Faculty Access

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has joined the American Dental Association (ADA) and other leading dental organizations in raising concern over new federal actions that threaten the ability of U.S. dental schools to recruit and retain qualified faculty. Recent policy changes imposing restrictions on nonimmigrant workers, combined with guidance establishing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa issuance, have drawn strong opposition from the academic dental community.

Internationally trained faculty are essential to maintaining the strength of U.S. endodontic education.  Without these educators, long-standing faculty shortages would become even more severe, threatening accreditation standards and limiting the number of new endodontists entering the workforce.

Unlike other professions, dental education requires in-person, hands-on clinical training. Internationally trained faculty fill critical gaps that cannot be outsourced or replaced with virtual models. Many pursue additional advanced standing programs in the U.S. to align their training with American standards, and they go on to serve in both faculty roles and community-based care.

For the AAE, endodontics relies heavily on specialized faculty to train residents in highly technical, patient-centered procedures. Many endodontic programs already face challenges recruiting sufficient faculty to meet Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requirements. If international educators are discouraged or prevented from participating due to visa restrictions and prohibitive costs, the pipeline of future endodontists will be at risk. This could mean fewer residency positions, reduced training opportunities, and ultimately diminished access to endodontic care for patients across the country.

By joining the ADA-led coalition, the AAE is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the future of endodontic education and ensuring that patients continue to benefit from the highest standards of specialty care.  Organized dentistry stands united in sending a clear message: safeguarding access to internationally trained faculty is vital to the future of dental education, the strength of the specialty, and the health of the patients we serve.