AAE’s Strongest Grassroots Movement Yet: Members Secure PTET Victory  

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) led a record-breaking grassroots advocacy effort—the largest in its history—to protect the financial foundation of endodontic practices nationwide. Demonstrating unwavering conviction, AAE leadership mobilized with urgency and clarity as President Dr. Steven Katz issued a powerful call to action on May 22, urging members across the country to contact their U.S. Senators. AAE members responded in force, uniting behind the Association’s leadership to oppose a harmful provision in the House-passed budget bill that would have eliminated key tax protections for dental professionals and imposed significant financial burdens on specialty practices.  

AAE took swift and decisive action against the proposed elimination of the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) deduction. This measure would have dramatically increased the tax burden on countless dental practices, including many owned and operated by AAE members. The provision targeted pass-through entities such as S corporations and partnerships, which currently benefit from the ability to deduct state and local taxes (SALT) on their federal tax returns. The proposed change would have stripped that deduction, leading to significant tax increases at a time when practices are already grappling with rising operational costs and economic uncertainty.  

AAE made it clear that for endodontists in private practice, the financial impact of such a policy shift would be unsustainable. With inflation, staffing pressures, and supply chain challenges already straining resources, additional tax liabilities could have forced difficult decisions about access, growth, and even continuity of care. The Association stood firmly with its members, amplifying their voices in Washington to protect their ability to serve patients and communities with excellence. In addition, AAE joined fellow dental organizations in signing the Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) letter to Congress, reinforcing a unified message in defense of PTET and fair tax policy for dental professionals.  

AAE is pleased to announce that its advocacy efforts have secured a landmark victory. The final version of H.R. 1, now signed into law, does not include any restrictions on the PTET deduction. This preserves the current tax structure and ensures that pass-through entities, including dental practices, may continue to deduct state and local taxes (SALT) on their federal returns. As a result, members are protected from a potential 1.5% to 5% increase in their federal tax liability.  

This legislative success represents the best possible outcome for both the endodontic community and the broader dental profession. It not only ensures critical financial stability for specialty practices but also serves as a powerful testament to the strength and unity of AAE’s grassroots advocacy. Hundreds of AAE members wrote to their Senators, exemplifying how collective action can influence federal policy and safeguard the future of our profession.  

AAE celebrates this victory as a defining moment in its advocacy journey. Although this specific battle has been won, the Association remains committed to vigilance in defending the interests of endodontists nationwide. This success underscores what’s possible when unity meets advocacy—and how the collective voice of our profession can shape endodontics.