Advocacy Outlook for 2026
By Dr. Steven J. Katz
As we look ahead to 2026, I’m energized by the strength of our specialty and the growing momentum behind the American Association of Endodontists’ advocacy agenda. The policy landscape continues to evolve quickly, bringing new challenges and opportunities for endodontics. What remains constant is our responsibility to protect patients’ access to specialized care and to safeguard the professional autonomy that makes this care possible.
Grounded in the Association’s state and federal priorities, our outlook for 2026 is clear. We will advance specialty recognition, pursue meaningful insurance reform, and push back against misinformation that threatens oral health and evidence-based care.
Continuing the Push for State-Level Specialty Recognition
Specialty recognition remains one of our highest priorities—and for good reason. In many states, outdated or inconsistent regulations still create confusion about what it means to be an endodontic specialist and, in some cases, limit how patients find and access our care. The AAE will continue to advocate state by state for clear, enforceable recognition of endodontics as a specialty, ensuring that the public, legislators and dental boards understand and respect the advanced education, clinical expertise and patient outcomes tied to endodontic care.
In 2026, our strategy includes strengthening relationships with state dental societies, mobilizing grassroots engagement and supporting legislative and regulatory efforts that protect the integrity of specialty advertising and licensure standards. Specialty recognition is not symbolic—it directly influences patient safety, informed decision-making and sustaining the future pipeline of endodontists. I encourage every member to stay engaged when calls to action go out. Your voice and expertise matter.
Fighting for Insurance Reform That Protects Endodontic Autonomy
Insurance reform will be a defining priority in 2026. Across the country, endodontists are facing increased interference from dental benefit plans, particularly around non-covered services and payment mechanisms such as virtual credit cards. These practices do more than complicate administrative tasks—they undermine fair reimbursement, increase burden and can distort clinical decision-making.
Dental plan reform and related measures, including accountability tools like dental loss ratio transparency, remain top-tier priorities at both the state and federal levels. Our goal is straightforward: preserve the autonomy of endodontists to provide care based on patient need—not insurance convenience. In 2026, we will continue to advocate for policies that promote transparency in dental benefits, curb payment systems that add unnecessary burden and reinforce clinicians’ ability to make decisions grounded in evidence and patient-centered care.
Confronting Misinformation and Defending Science-Based Policy
Another urgent priority is combating misinformation that influences public perception and affects clinical decision-making. We continue to see false narratives about root canal treatment gain traction, leading some patients to avoid necessary procedures or pursue inappropriate alternatives.
In 2026, the AAE will continue working with federal agencies and states to ensure policymaking reflects sound science and real-world clinical expertise. We will also equip members with timely resources to address misinformation in their communities and with their patients. The voice of endodontics must remain visible—because silence leads to poorer health outcomes and diminished public trust.
A Shared Responsibility—and a Real Opportunity
I am confident about what we can achieve in 2026 because I see the strength of our specialty when we act together. Whether we are advancing specialty recognition, challenging unfair insurance practices or correcting misinformation, our success relies on sustained member involvement. Advocacy is not separate from clinical excellence—it protects it.
Thank you for what you do every day for your patients and for our specialty. The AAE will continue to lead boldly, and I ask you to stand with us in the year ahead. Together, we will safeguard the future of endodontics and the essential care our patients deserve.