Membership Has Its Privileges — And Its Purpose                                   

AAE Membership Is More Than a Benefit. It’s a Professional Imperative

Each year, as we enter our annual membership drive at the AAE, I find myself reflecting on two essential questions: “Why do members renew?” and “How do we get non-members to join?”

Membership, after all, is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. It means different things to different people. For some, it’s about access to cutting-edge education and training. For others, it’s a connection to a professional network or a platform for giving back. Or it could provide resources, not available elsewhere, like the leading publication and premier AAE member benefit, our Journal of Endodontics (JOE), or marketing and communications resources. Regardless, across the board, one truth holds: Membership must offer value. And not just in a transactional sense, but in the form of purpose (advocacy), community (networking), and professional empowerment (education and training, career advancement, resources and tools, and support for the specialty).

Years ago, American Express (AmEx) had a marketing campaign that redefined what it meant to be part of a membership community with the now-iconic campaign, “Membership Has Its Privileges.” Up to this point, credit cards functioned solely as a transactional tool to facilitate the purchase of goods and services. Typically, there were no fees — or rewards — for the consumer. American Express changed all of that! By convincing consumers there was value to owning and using an AmEx card, consumers adopted a pay-to-play mindset and were suddenly willing to pay to use the card.

This campaign launched a revolution in the credit card market and today, consumers regularly pay annual fees—sometimes thousands of dollars—for the perceived value of carrying a specific card. And it all started with the idea that membership, when done right, should offer more than just function—it should deliver meaning! From green to gold and black to platinum, with perks from cash back to lounge access and flight upgrades, the credit card industry has found a way to convince their members that there is value in owning their card.

So what does that mean for the AAE? How do we create and deliver that kind of value? Not just to inspire loyalty, but to cultivate leadership, foster connection, and elevate our specialty?

A Strong Foundation … With Room to Grow

Today, approximately 82% of the endodontists in the United States belong to the AAE, significantly higher than the majority of other dental specialty organizations and general dental membership, which has been struggling for years and currently hovers around 50%. AAE’s resident-to-member conversion rate is 92%, and our overall retention rate floats at about 94%.

While these are strong numbers, we are confident we can do better! We believe we can offer something meaningful for everyone, across every stage of their professional journey such as:

1. Clinical Excellence and Education at Every Level. AAE provides unmatched access to world-class education, designed to keep members on the leading edge of endodontics.
   • Annual Session. AAE 2026 heads to Salt Lake City, Utah for the first time, April 15–18. After record attendance in Boston, our next Annual Session promises even more breakthrough content, innovations, and networking.
   • On-Demand CE and Webinars. 24/7 access to online learning on emerging topics in endodontics.
   • Subscription to the JOE, Colleagues for Excellence, this very Communiqué, and several more e-newsletters.

2. A Force for Advocacy. AAE doesn’t just support its members. It protects their future.
   • Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy. From specialty recognition and scope of practice to insurance and student debt relief, AAE ensures endodontists are heard in both state and federal policy debates.
   • Recent Wins. Read more in our August issue about recent victories in Ohio and on Capitol Hill regarding PTET.
   • Coalition work. We partner with leading dental and healthcare organizations to amplify our collective voice on public health issues like fluoride, licensure portability, and dental loss ratios (DLR).

3. Advancing Research and Innovation. Through the Foundation for Endodontics, the AAE invests in:
   • Research Grants and Funding
   • Access to Care Initiatives that bring our specialty to underserved communities.
   • Support for academic pathways and innovation in the science of endodontics.

4. Career Development and Leadership Support. From residency through retirement, we walk alongside our members. Whether you’re seeking your first position or shaping the next generation of leaders, AAE is a resource and a partner.
   • Job Boards, Career Fairs and Mentorship. Job postings monthly in the JOE, career fair annually at AAE annual session. Mentorship at all career stages.
   • Leadership Training. Bi-annual Leadership Development Program.
   • Resident-Centered Programs. APICES

5. Community, Connection, Contributing. AAE fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration. We are stronger together—and our members bring that strength to life.
   • Regional and National Events
   • Online Forums for Peer Connection
   • Volunteer Opportunities through the Foundation for Endodontics

6. Practice Support and Patient Communication. AAE equips members with tools to succeed in private practice:
   • Patient Education Materials. Brochures, videos.
   • Risk Management Tools. Webinars and insurance resources.
   • Marketing resources to support referrals and practice growth. Marketing and social media “toolkits”, Save Your Tooth Month, Worth Saving Campaign, Satellite Media Tours.
   • Guidance on coding, compliance. Practice Affairs Committee, Code Maintenance Committee.

More Than a Membership

As you can see, the AAE offers something meaningful for everyone—whether you’re advancing your clinical skills, advocating for the specialty, mentoring future leaders, building your network, or growing your practice.

Our goal is not simply to maintain strong membership numbers. It is to ensure every member finds purpose, value, and connection. And if you don’t yet see a program or initiative that speaks to your goals or those of a colleague, I invite you to reach out.—because your voice shapes what comes next.

At its heart, membership in the AAE is not just about access to resources—it’s about alignment with your values, your aspirations, and our profession’s future. Membership has its privileges, yes, but more importantly, it has impact. By investing in the AAE, you are investing in yourself, your colleagues, and the enduring strength of endodontics.

In short: AAE membership does indeed have its privileges—because it’s built around you.