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Minutes from the 2022 General Assembly

Call to Order

President Alan S. Law called the 2022 General Assembly of the American Association of Endodontists to order at 8:50 a.m. on April 29, 2022, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. A quorum of voting members was in attendance. President Law instructed the assembly on voting procedures for the meeting.

Approval of Minutes

President Law called for approval of the minutes of the April 23, 2021 General Assembly as published in the Communique.

GA-1 Moved: That the 2021 General Assembly Minutes be approved as published.

Motion Carried.

Approval of Parliamentarian

President Law appointed Dr. Glen Hall to serve as parliamentarian for the 2021 General Assembly. The Assembly was requested to approve Dr. Hall presiding over certain segments of the General Assembly meeting.

GA-2 Moved: That Dr. Glen Hall be approved to preside over the Assembly for the segment of the meeting in which the proposed Constitution and Bylaws Changes are considered, and at any time when any method other than general consent is used to adopt a motion.

Motion Carried.

Approval of Rules

Rules for the 2022 General Assembly were developed for all voting members to understand and agree to the rules of order for the meeting. The proposed rules were published online with the General Assembly meeting materials.

GA-3 Moved: that the rules of the 2022 General Assembly be approved as presented.

Motion Carried.

Constitution and Bylaws Committee Report

AAE Immediate Past President, Dr. Alan H. Gluskin, presented proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws.

At the 2021 General Assembly, proposed governance changes aimed at enhancing board composition and selection were brought forth. The Assembly voted to refer the proposed Board Transformation Initiative to the appropriate entity of the AAE for further study, with a report back to the 2022 General Assembly.

A Special Committee was appointed to study the Board Transformation Initiative. The committee reviewed prior work on the initiative, gathered and analyzed relevant data, and conducted town hall meetings with members to gather input to inform its recommendations.

The committee considered member input and recommended that adjustments be made to the Board Transformation Initiative.

Dr. Gluskin reviewed the proposed amendments with the Assembly:

  • Retain District Directors, with one Director per each of seven Districts, nominated by the District
  • Addition of three At-Large Director seats to the Board, nominated by the AAE Nominating Committee
  • Eliminate the Vice President Position on the Board
  • Allow the Board to elect its own officers, and fully transfer the authority to remove a Director to the Board
  • General Assembly to retain responsibilities of electing District and At-Large Directors
  • Retain existing Nominating Committee Structure

The Assembly was informed that the Board has separately charged the AAE’s Membership Services Committee to work on developing a leadership pipeline and leadership programming for the AAE, to ensure that the AAE continues to plan for the future of our organization by providing valuable leadership training and opportunities to the next generation of endodontists.

Discussion

Dr. Hall provided the members of the Assembly with instructions on providing testimony, participating in debate, and voting. Testimony was provided in support of, and in opposition to, the proposed amendments. It was explained that members of the Assembly may propose that individual amendments be considered separately.

A motion was made to separately consider the amendment which changed district directors from two per district to one per district. Discussion noted that if this change was made the full proposal would be impacted, and therefore it might be more efficient to consider the full proposal en bloc. The motion to separately consider the amendment [reducing the number of district directors to one per district] was subsequently withdrawn.

A motion was made to separately consider the amendment which referred to officers of the Association being appointed by the Board of Directors. The Assembly voted and the amendment [transitioning election of officers to the Board] was defeated.

Following discussion on the proposed changes, a motion was made to end debate and vote immediately. That motion was seconded and adopted.

The Assembly did not approve the remaining proposed amendments to the Constitution.

GA – 4 Moved: that the proposed amendments to the AAE Constitution be approved.

Motion Defeated.

Proposed Bylaws amendments were moot as they reflected the proposed Constitution amendments which were not adopted.

Reports of Officers

Written reports from the AAE President, Secretary, and Treasurer were made available to members online prior to the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

AAE Treasurer, Dr.  Steven J. Katz reported that for the last fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2021, the AAE had an operating surplus after investment earnings of $2.3 million. Strategic initiative spending totaled $427,000 resulting in a bottom-line surplus of $1,876,000.  Strategic initiatives focus on the public (Worth Saving & Root Canal Truth), profession (advocacy), and membership.

The AAE received a clean audit from its independent auditors, indicating that financial operations not only comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, but also that the association is financially sound and that the Board of Directors has operated responsibly and in the best interest of the AAE and its membership.

Dr. Katz reviewed AAE Operating Revenues, Expenses, and Operating Surplus, Strategic Initiatives, and Total Surplus/Deficit for the years ending June 2019 through June 2021.  Revenues and expenses in 2020 and 2021 were impacted by COVID restrictions, including the cancellation of AAE20 and the virtual AAE21. The impact of those events was significantly offset by an insurance claim in both years. Staff had the foresight to add a “communicable disease rider” to the convention cancellation policy and AAE benefited from that decision.

The forecast for the current fiscal year is also impacted by COVID with the return of an in person annual meeting and the receipt of government funding. AAE was granted PPP loan forgiveness and an Employee Retention Credit totaling $721,000.  The forecast includes an operating surplus of $952,000 and a total surplus of $559,000. The projected surplus also includes expenses related to strategic initiatives. These final results are similar to June 2019 actuals.

The AAE Investment balance on June 30, 2021 equaled $12.2 million and was 154% of the 2021 annual expenses, which is a one-time event.  Expenses in 2021 were unusually low without an in-person annual meeting and no travel expenses due to COVID.

The AAE Board of Directors approved a Fiscal Year 23 budget projecting revenue of $11,875,000, expenses of $12,060,000, investment earnings of $249,000 with an operating deficit of ($185,000). This deficit is greater than the current year, and it is expected that AAE will recover to prior levels for membership and events in the next couple of years.

The Board is advancing the strategic plan which focuses on expanding the public’s awareness of endodontics, the dental profession’s value of the endodontic specialty and supporting members to advance the specialty. The board approved additional funding for the strategic initiatives in the amount of $719,000. This will be funded in Fiscal Year Budget 23 through the use of the reserve funds. This strategic spending level is greater than the past two years.  AAE’s strong financial position allows us the opportunity to invest in new initiatives to strengthen the profession.

Journal of Endodontics Report

JOE Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Kenneth M. Hargreaves, reported continued advances in the Journal of Endodontics.

The JOE continues to attract noteworthy papers from researchers and clinicians around the world and has seen a 238% increase in the number of new manuscripts submitted to the JOE from 2003-2021.

The Editorial Board attributes this increase to the web-based manuscript submission system started in 2004 and to the increasing stature of the Journal. This increase in submissions consisted of many manuscripts of good quality. In addition to the 1,045 new manuscripts submitted in 2020, an additional 263 revised manuscripts were submitted in response to a prior review. It is believed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on increased submissions in 2020, with a reversion to the mean in 2021.

423 endodontists and scientists from more than 25 countries currently serve as members of the JOE Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), representing a substantial commitment to excellence by AAE members and endodontists around the world.

The JOE has developed an outstanding Impact Factor over the last two decades. The 2020 impact factor ranks the JOE #16 out of a total of 91 dental journals.  Other measures are also quite strong: in 2020, the JOE generated considerably more total citations and published more papers than the International Endodontic Journal. The 2021 Impact Factor will be published in summer of 2022.

At the JOE Award and Scientific Advisory Board Reception, hosted by JOE publisher, Elsevier, the JOE Awards were presented, recognizing the best articles in the categories of Basic Research: Biology, Basic Research: Technology, Case Reports and Clinical Techniques, Clinical Research, Regenerative Endodontics, and Systematic and Scoping Reviews. In addition, 12 papers published in 2021 received Honorable Mentions.

Foundation for Endodontics

Foundation for Endodontics President Dr. John M. Nusstein reported that in 2021 the Foundation budgeted $1.1 million to support research, education, and access to care.

To continually support the next generation of endodontists and committed educators, Endo1 Partners has committed to a five-year pledge of half million dollars to be applied toward two new programs:

The Foundation for Endodontics & Endo1 Partners Annual Meeting Resident Development Scholarship, and The Foundation for Endodontics & Endo1 Partners ADEA Scholar.

The Foundation prioritizes programs that serve as a catalyst for scientific innovation. A one-time $500 Resident Research Grant is available to every post-graduate resident to fund activities related to research and education. In 2021, Brasseler U.S.A. committed to generously support the program for all residents during 2022.

One the Foundation’s highest priorities is to ensure that endodontics is being taught by skilled endodontists, ensuring the brightest future for the specialty. The Endodontic Educator Fellowship Award aims to achieve this. In 2021, Dr. Ana Cristina Andrada, assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, was named the Endodontic Educator Fellow.

Although the pandemic put its international program on hold, the Foundation is committed to safely returning our volunteers to the clinic in Treasure Beach, Jamaica at the appropriate time. Until then, the Foundation is grateful to its corporate partner, the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, that is committed to the humanitarian and philanthropic experience of providing endodontic access to care.

The Foundation’s domestic access to care support program, launched in 2021, allows AAE members the opportunity to positively impact their community with funding to provide free access to the highest level of specialty care to underserved patients. U.S. Endo Partners was thanked for its monetary commitment to sustain this program through 2025.

The Foundation extends its thanks to its first-time corporate donor, Endo1 Partners, as well as several longtime corporate partners who have increased their commitment to the Foundation during the current campaign: Brasseler U.S.A., Pacific Dental Services, and Coltene.

American Board of Endodontics Report

ABE President Dr. Brian E. Bergeron presented the report of the American Board of Endodontics.

Dr. Bergeron congratulated the ABE’s 54 new Diplomates who were honored at the Grossman Ceremony during AAE22. Since AAE21, the ABE examined 220 candidates for the Written Exam, reviewed 69 Case History Portfolios, and provided approximately 250 in-person Oral Examinations.

The restoration of in-person Oral Exams in fall of 2021 was a significant challenge after an entire year of missed opportunity, due to the pandemic. Thanks to the hard work of the ABE Board and staff, an unprecedented 170 candidates were examined over four days. Dr. Bergeron thanked the ABE’s devoted Past Director Examiners for their essential contributions to this effort. While unsustainable as a regular biannual exam, as a one-time administration, it provided additional opportunities for postponed candidates to get back on track in their Board-certification journey.

While the Oral Exams continue to be held in St. Louis, the testing location changed effective March 2022, from the American Board of Orthodontics to the Sheraton Westport Plaza.

The ABE thanked the Foundation for its $59,000 donation which continues to benefit past, current and future Diplomates through upgraded technology, support of a digital case history portfolio platform, and evolving candidate and exam registration, recertification tracking, and annual dues collections.

Dr. Bergeron reported that the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards continues to recognize endodontics as a dental specialty, and that board certification rates are considered as part of the commission’s periodic review of specialties. Currently, 27% of eligible AAE members are Board certified.

Dr. Bergeron thanked the ABE Board, former directors, and staff for their contributions and continued support of the ABE.

Recess

The parliamentarian noted that a quorum was no longer present at the meeting. The Assembly voted to recess for 15 minutes to gather more attendees in order to achieve a quorum such that incoming Directors, Trustees, and Officers might be elected. Following a brief recess, it was confirmed by electronic vote that a quorum was present, and business continued as planned.

Presentation of ABE Nominees

ABE President Dr. Brian Bergeron presented the slate of nominees for ABE Directors:

Avina K. Paranjpe

Kent A. Sabey

Joseph M. Dutner

Garry L. Myers

Renato M. Silva

Nominating Committee Report

AAE Nominating Committee Chair, Dr. Patrick E. Taylor, presented the slate of nominees for AAE officers and Foundation for Endodontics Trustees:

American Association of Endodontists

President: Stefan I. Zweig

President-Elect: Craig S. Hirschberg

Vice President: Natasha M. Flake

Secretary: Steven J. Katz

Treasurer: W. Craig Noblett

Immediate Past President: Alan S. Law

Foundation for Endodontics Trustee

Poppy Blaseio

Foundation for Endodontics New Practitioner Trustee

Katherine A. Divine

Foundation for Endodontics Public Sector Representatives

Barbara Nordquist

Tom Von Sydow

Scott Fehrs

District Director Nominees

President Alan S. Law presented the slate of nominees for District Director positions:

District II: Mark B. Desrosiers

District IV: Qian Xie

District V: Mbachan C. Okwen

District VI: Anne E. Williamson

Election of Board Members

There being no other nominees, the slate of nominees for Officers and Directors of the AAE, Directors of the American Board of Endodontics, and Trustees of the Foundation for Endodontics were elected for terms beginning in 2022.

New AAE officers and district directors, ABE directors, and AAE Foundation trustees took an oath to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the American Association of Endodontists and the Bylaws of the respective organizations to which they have been elected, and to discharge their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities.

Outgoing President’s Remarks

Immediate Past President Alan S. Law thanked the Assembly for the opportunity to serve as AAE President and discussed how the AAE’s new strategic plan will continue to support the specialty, its members, and patients. Dr. Law congratulated Dr. Zweig on beginning his term as President.

Incoming President’s Remarks

President Zweig addressed the Assembly and shared his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the AAE and to contribute to achieving the specialty’s goals. Dr. Zweig shared his admiration and gratitude to those who have mentored and supported him.

Dr. Zweig discussed the inevitability of change and how adapting to change will be central to the specialty’s continued success. The AAE has been proactive and responsive to change within dentistry and endodontics and has recognized that change offers opportunities for growth and success. The AAE’s strategic plan has allowed the organization to make progress in promoting endodontists’ expertise and the essential role that endodontics plays in the maintenance of oral and overall health. The AAE’s dedication to endodontic education, research and technology, and the diversity of its membership will continue to benefit the organization.

Dr. Zweig spoke to the importance of individuals upholding the highest standards of care and practicing ethically and encouraged members to consider what their contribution to the specialty will be. He acknowledged that the success of the AAE will be dependent on member engagement and actions. Members were encouraged to practice ethically, to respect, understand and collaborate with colleagues, and to lead, mentor, educate and advocate.

Dr. Zweig closed by thanking past presidents, educators, and family members who have supported his growth, and thanked the membership for allowing him to serve as AAE President.

New Business

New business was submitted for consideration by the Assembly. The parliamentarian, Dr. Glen Hall, presided over the discussion. The motion that was introduced called upon the AAE to investigate options to allow all eligible voting members to participate in the General Assembly, either in person or virtually.

GA-5 Moved: That the Board or ad hoc committee of the AAE research the possibility of allowing all eligible members to participate in and vote at the General Assembly, and submit a report to the 2023 General Assembly.

Motion Carried.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the chair was returned to President Zweig and the 2022 Meeting of the AAE General Assembly was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.