Minutes from the General Assembly
Call to Order
President Steven J. Katz called the 2026 General Assembly of the American Association of Endodontists to order at 8:45 a.m. on April 17, 2026, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. A quorum of voting members was in attendance. President Katz instructed the assembly on voting procedures for the meeting.
Standing Rules for the General Assembly were published online with the General Assembly meeting materials and were reviewed at the outset of the meeting.
President Katz appointed Dr. Mark Desrosiers to serve as parliamentarian for the 2026 General Assembly.
Approval of Minutes
President Katz called for approval of the minutes of the 2025 General Assembly as published in the Communiqué.
GA-1 Moved: That the 2025 General Assembly Minutes be approved as published.
Motion Carried.
Report of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Constitution and Bylaws Committee Chair Dr. Natasha M. Flake presented three proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, published in the February 2026 issue of the Communiqué.
The first proposed amendments provided for an expansion of Educator membership eligibility to include internationally trained endodontists holding full-time faculty positions in CODA-accredited programs.
GA-2 Moved: that the proposed amendments to Chapter I, Section 3 and Chapter III, Section 3 AAE Bylaws, relating to Educator Membership, be approved.
Motion Carried.
The second proposed amendment aimed to clarify the process by which Constitutional amendments may be proposed.
GA-3 Moved: that the proposed amendment to Article XII of the AAE Constitution, relating to Amendments, be approved.
Motion Carried.
The third proposed set of amendments related to the Foundation for Endodontics’ updated governance structure, reflecting a revised composition of the Board of Trustees, term length references, and nomination and election processes.
GA-4 Moved: that the proposed amendments to Articles II and X of the AAE Constitution, relating to Foundation governance, be approved.
Motion Carried.
GA-5 Moved: that the proposed amendments to Chapter IX of the AAE Bylaws, relating to Foundation governance, be approved.
Motion Carried.
All motions amending the Constitution and Bylaws passed with the required 3/4 and 2/3 affirmative votes, respectively.
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. Bradley H. Gettleman reported that for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2025, the AAE achieved an operating surplus after investment earnings of $228,000. Strategic initiative spending totaled $606,000 resulting in a bottom-line deficit of ($378,000). Strategic initiatives focus on the public, the profession, and membership.
In addition, 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. Gettleman reviewed AAE Operating Revenues, Expenses, and Operating Surplus, Strategic Initiatives, and overall financial results for fiscal years ending June 2024 and 2025. For Fiscal year 2026, an operating deficit of ($379,000) and a total deficit of ($932,000) are forecasted. The projected deficit also includes expenses related to strategic initiatives. These projections reflect a prudent and conservative approach, accounting for inflationary pressures and cautious revenue expectations for the annual meeting.
The AAE Investment balance at June 30, 2025 equaled $14.1 million and was 101% of annual expenses. With investment reserves exceeding 90% of one year’s expenses, AAE remains in a very strong financial position.
Dr. Gettleman reported that the Board of Directors approved a Fiscal Year 27 budget projecting revenue of $13.5 million, expenses of $14.3 million, investment earnings of $385,000 with an operating deficit of ($403,000). This deficit is slightly greater than the current year, as we expect AAE to minimize expenses and expand revenues to reduce this conservative estimate.
The Board is advancing the strategic plan which focuses on expanding the public’s awareness of endodontics, developing knowledge to advance the specialty, advocating for quality endodontic care, and supporting members to advance patient care. The Board approved additional funding for the strategic initiatives in the amount of $613,000. This will be funded in Fiscal Year Budget 27 through the use of reserve funds. This strategic spending level is similar to prior years, and AAE’s strong financial position allows the organization 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.
JOE continues to attract noteworthy papers from researchers and clinicians around the world. There has been a 350% increase in the number of new manuscripts submitted to the JOE from 2003-2025.
This increase in submissions consisted of many manuscripts of good quality. In addition to the 1,392 new manuscripts submitted in 2025, an additional 227 revised manuscripts were submitted in response to a prior review.
With more than 400 endodontists and scientists from more than 25 countries currently serving as members of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), the JOE represents 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. Other measures are also strong: in 2024, the JOE generated twice as many citations and published more papers than the IEJ.
The JOE Awards were presented at the JOE Award and Scientific Advisory Board Reception recognizing the best articles in the categories of Basic Research: Biology, Basic Research: Technology, Case Reports and Clinical Techniques, Clinical Research, Regenerative Endodontics, Systematic and Scoping Reviews and Narrative Reviews. In addition, 7 papers published in 2025 received Honorable Mentions. Nominations for next year’s awards will open in the fall and members are encouraged to submit nominations to recognize their peers who are shaping the future of the specialty.
Foundation for Endodontics
Foundation for Endodontics President Dr. Patricia Tordik presented the Foundation report and highlighted the Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing endodontics through research, education, and access to care. Dr. Tordik reported that in 2025, the Foundation invested more than $1.25 million in programs supporting educators, researchers, residents, and practicing endodontists.
Dr. Tordik reviewed several key initiatives, including the Foundation & Dentsply Sirona Freedom Scholarship, the International Access to Care Program serving three Caribbean nations in 2025, and the New Diplomate Award developed in partnership with Cornerstone Dental Specialties.
The Endodontic Educator Fellowship Award was presented to Dr. Rachel Garoufalis, Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Predoctoral Endodontics at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine, in recognition of her contributions to education and mentorship.
Dr. Tordik also highlighted the Foundation’s Domestic Access to Care initiatives funded in collaboration with Specialized Dental Partners. In 2025, three Domestic Access to Care initiatives were funded. Between 2021 and 2024, the program supported projects in eight states, contributed 2,724 volunteer hours, treated 830 patients, and completed 1,499 procedures.
Corporate partners were recognized for first-time and continued contributions during the 2025–2026 campaign.
Dr. Tordik announced that donations made in honor of Dr. Alan S. Law, 2026 recipient of the Dr. Edgar D. Coolidge Award, established a Full-time Educator Award in his name to be awarded annually. Additional educator development and tribute grant recipients were also recognized.
Dr. Tordik concluded by encouraging continued support of the Foundation’s 2025–2026 fundraising campaign and thanked Foundation Trustees, donors, and volunteers for their commitment to the specialty.
American Board of Endodontics Report
American Board of Endodontics President Dr. Meetu Kohli presented the report of the American Board of Endodontics and reflected on the ABE’s continued commitment to lifelong learning, excellence, and continuous improvement within the specialty.
In 2025, the ABE examined 204 Oral Exam candidates, reviewed 154 Case History Portfolios, and administered the Written Exam to 223 examinees. Additionally, over 100 Diplomates completed their recertification requirements.
Dr. Kohli highlighted several major initiatives completed during the year, including a comprehensive Job Task Analysis for all three examinations to enhance the experience for candidates and examiners. She also reported that the ABE is transitioning to a new database system expected to modernize and streamline processes for candidates and Diplomates by the end of 2026.
Dr. Kohli thanked past Directors who continue to serve as volunteer examiners, recognized the contributions of ABE staff members, and thanked the ABE Directors for their dedication.
Dr. Kohli congratulated the 138 new ABE Diplomates honored at the Grossman Ceremony in Salt Lake City and encouraged members pursuing Board certification to continue through the process, emphasizing the value of certification to both the individual and the specialty.
Diplomates in good standing were encouraged to consider Board service through the ABE self-nomination process. Dr. Kohli concluded her remarks by reflecting on her service as ABE President and expressing confidence in the continued strength and future of the organization.
Presentation of ABE Nominees
ABE President Dr. Meetu Kohli presented the following slate of nominees for ABE Directors:
Scott L. Doyle, Director, Second Term
Emanouela D. Carlson, Director
Qian Xie, Director
Dr. Kohli also announced the ABE’s officers for 2026-2027:
Joseph M. Dutner, President
Garry L. Myers, Vice President
Scott L. Doyle, Secretary
Renato M. Silva, Treasurer
Nominating Committee Report
AAE Nominating Committee Chair, Dr. Stefan I. Zweig, presented the slate of nominees for AAE officers and Foundation for Endodontics Trustees:
American Association of Endodontists
President: W. Craig Noblett
President-elect: Elizabeth Shin Perry
Vice President: Bradley H. Gettleman
Secretary: Kenneth W. Tittle
Treasurer: Mark B. Desrosiers
Immediate Past President: Steven J. Katz
Foundation for Endodontics Trustees
Hossein Moosavi, Trustee
Morgan Celistan, New Practitioner Trustee
Jack Burlison, Public Sector Trustee
Amy Warren-Kimbro, Public Sector Trustee
Judith Forsythe, Public Sector Trustee
Dr. Zweig also announced the 2026-2027 officers for the Foundation for Endodontics:
President: Craig S. Hirschberg
President-elect: Stefan I. Zweig
Treasurer: Robert S. Roda
Secretary: Bruce C. Justman
Immediate Past President: Patricia Tordik
District Director Nominees
President Steven J. Katz presented the slate of nominees for District Director positions:
District I: Tadros M. Tadros
District II: Adrienne Korkosz
District III: Christopher Walker Cain
District VI: Calee C. Clark
District VII: Mike A. Sabeti
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 2026.
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 Steven J. Katz thanked the Assembly for the opportunity to serve as AAE President. He reflected on the honor of serving as AAE President, emphasizing leadership through service, collaboration, and advocacy for the specialty. Dr. Katz thanked AAE members, volunteers, Board and committee leaders, and staff for their dedication and contributions to the organization’s success. Highlights of the year included adoption of an updated strategic plan focused on saving natural teeth, advocacy efforts to protect specialty recognition and patient access to care, and continued public education initiatives promoting evidence-based endodontic care. Dr. Katz concluded by expressing gratitude to family and colleagues, confidence in the future of the AAE, and support for incoming President Dr. Craig Noblett.
Incoming President’s Remarks
Incoming President Dr. Craig Noblett reflected on his professional journey from dental school, residency, private practice, Board service, and full-time academia, noting the path that ultimately led him to leadership within the AAE. Dr. Noblett thanked mentors, colleagues, the AAE staff, and members for their support and emphasized his commitment to advancing the interests of endodontics and the Association during his presidency.
He highlighted the AAE’s ongoing advocacy efforts to protect specialty recognition, research funding, and patient access to specialty care. He identified the shortage of full-time endodontic educators as a significant challenge facing the specialty and expressed his intention to focus on educator recruitment and support during the coming year in collaboration with the Foundation’s Task Force on Endodontic Education.
Dr. Noblett encouraged members to remain actively engaged in organized dentistry through volunteerism, advocacy, Board certification, and support of the Foundation. He concluded by inviting members to attend the next Annual Meeting in San Antonio.
New Business
No new business was submitted for consideration by the Assembly.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the 2026 Meeting of the AAE General Assembly was adjourned at 9:50 a.m.