APICES 2026: Connection, Community and a Weekend in St. Louis
By: Dr. Jessica Hwang
This August, endodontic residents from across the country came together in St. Louis for the annual APICES conference, and the weekend was a great reminder that some of the most valuable parts of residency happen outside of the clinic.
Held August 14–15 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, APICES brought residents together for two days of education, career development, networking, and plenty of opportunities to have some fun along the way. The program covered many of the questions residents are already thinking about as they prepare for life after training. Dr. Gordon Lai kicked things off with Things I Wish I Knew in Residency, sharing invaluable advice ranging from patient management and optimizing resident workflows to the practical clinical tips he is well known for.
Another crowd favorite was Dr. Monica Estes’ presentation, Beyond the Percentage: Understanding Endodontic Compensation in Today’s Market. Dr. Estes walked residents through real-world compensation scenarios, common contract considerations and potential red flags, and how to more thoughtfully evaluate employment opportunities. Residents also heard from Dr. Rene Chu on life after residency, a topic everyone in training is eager to think about! On the clinical side, Dr. Adham Azim delivered an engaging surgical lecture on the diagnosis and management of cervical root resorption, while Dr. Rob Roda shared plenty of wisdom and a few cautionary lessons in 10 Ways to Lose a Referral. Residents also heard from leadership across the AAE, AAE Foundation, and ABE College of Diplomates during the annual Get to Know Your Specialty session.
Beyond the lecture hall, the exhibit hall stayed busy throughout the weekend, with industry partners showcasing new technology, answering questions, and keeping things lively with giveaways and raffles. It gave residents an opportunity not only to learn about products and resources they may encounter in practice, but also to connect directly with the companies and organizations supporting the specialty.
APICES also provided an opportunity to give back. Before the meeting began, members of the Foundation Resident Expert Advisory Council (REACH) volunteered with Give Kids a Smile St. Louis, helping prepare dental supplies for the organization’s biannual open clinic in October. It was a meaningful way for residents to contribute to the local community while representing the Foundation for Endodontics and the specialty.
One of the weekend’s special moments was recognizing the 2026 recipients of the Foundation for Endodontics and Dentsply Sirona Freedom Scholarship. Each year, three residents receive a $50,000 award designed to help offset the significant financial investment of postgraduate endodontic training. This year’s recipients were Dr. Luc de la Villefromoy, Dr. Anas Akhras, and Dr. Sierra Nunn. The scholarship is another meaningful example of the support being invested in the next generation of endodontists.
Of course, APICES would not be APICES without the social side of the weekend. Corporate partners Specialized Dental Partners and Specialty1 Partners hosted events throughout St. Louis, giving residents a chance to step away from lectures, enjoy stunning views of the Gateway Arch, and connect in a more relaxed setting. Between the receptions, exhibit hall conversations, and catching up with residents from programs across the country, there was no shortage of opportunities to make new connections.
That may ultimately be what makes APICES so memorable. Residency can be intense, and it is easy to become absorbed in the day-to-day routine of patients, seminars, research, and requirements. APICES gives residents a chance to look beyond their own programs and realize just how large and welcoming the endodontic community really is. Hopefully, residents walked away with new knowledge, new friends, and a stronger sense that they have found their place in the specialty.
Until next year, APICES!
Dr. Jessica Hwang is a member of the AAE’s Resident & New Practitioner Committee.