‘Tis the Season of Renewal

Posted in Presidents Message | June 5, 2018

June is the transition month that takes us from spring to summer and is the traditional season of renewal and growth.

Consider the renewal of your AAE membership and the benefits of AAE membership, which include advocacy, CE opportunities, practice management tools and the JOE. The benefit to the specialty of your membership is even greater. Because we have a large percentage of practicing endodontists, our voice is better heard at state boards, legislatures and insurance companies, as well as among our dental colleagues in other specialties and at the ADA.

AAE membership also fosters further professional growth through continuing education, networking and community involvement. The possibilities are endless:

Attend state and local meetings. For me, in the Seattle area, that will be the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference.
Share and discuss ENDODONTICS: Colleagues for Excellence with your referrers. The spring issue is an excellent review of the impact of CBCT on endodontics.
Educate your patients and the public at large on the value of saving natural teeth.
Donate your time and expertise to free dental events. The Seattle King County Clinic, for instance, provides care to over 2,000 in need, then educates them on dental resources available statewide. Most regions have such opportunities.

Along with these and countless other benefits, the AAE offers a chance to have your voice heard when it comes to the business side of our specialty. We know our specialty is best reflected when business is conducted professionally, ethically and with patients’ best interest at heart. When we hear anything that suggests otherwise regarding business practices, we listen.

For instance, because we heard some of you express dissatisfaction with provocative advertising and exhibit promotions, we have revised our advertising and exhibit guidelines. This should result in more honest, ethical and professional advertising going forward.

Our commitment to high professional standards has created an AAE brand that is well respected throughout the health care community. AAE leadership is working to protect and enhance our brand, and we have some exciting things in store for 2018-2019.

All of this is to say that your membership has great value to the profession and that you, as an individual, should find value in being a member. Please renew this month – our specialty needs you.