Paper Point Editorial – April 2024

Dear Endodontic Residents and New Practitioners,

It was great to see so many of you last week at AAE24. One of the things that I look forward to at the Annual Meeting each year is the Keynote Speaker. If you did not make it to hear Sekou Andrews this year, I would encourage you to look him up on YouTube. Aside from his talent of spoken word poetry, the impact that he has had on others within his own field is truly remarkable.

On that note, Sekou’s story made me start reflecting on the people in my own life who have impacted my career journey as an endodontist. I cannot think of one of my accomplishments that is not the direct result of a mentor in my life that made it possible. As I have become further involved with the AAE, I can truly say that our profession is filled with people who are cheering for you from coast to coast. No matter what you are working towards, make sure that you are utilizing your village to help you along your way.

There is a collection of AAE Awards that are given out at the Annual Meeting on Saturday morning at the Edgar D. Coolidge Awards Brunch. For the first time in 8 years, the Spirit of Service Award (New Practitioner Dental Community Volunteer) was awarded to one of our very own, Dr. Katie Divine. Dr. Divine has an extensive history of service within the AAE and Foundation for Endodontics, and she is truly one of the most kind (and funny) people that I have gotten to know through this role. Congratulations, Doc!!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for APICES 2024 which will be taking place in Austin, Texas on August 16 and 17. Lastly, if you have any feedback regarding the Career Fair or the Resident Reception at AAE24 I would love to hear from you- positive and negative feedback are both equally welcome: acgdmd@gmail.com.

Now, go out there and be the reason that someone has a good day today.

Austyn C. Grissom
Chair, Resident and New Practitioner Committee