Leading with Humility and Vision: Dr. Steven Katz Reflects on a Transformative Year as AAE President – Ep. 85
In this episode of Endo Voices, Dr. Marcus Johnson sits down with outgoing AAE President Dr. Steven Katz for an honest and reflective conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the future of endodontics. From his early days on the Public and Professional Relations Committee to leading one of the most visible years in AAE history, Dr. Katz shares the experiences that shaped his presidency, including the organization’s expansive media outreach, the evolution of the Worth Saving campaign, and the development of the updated CBCT position statement and trauma guidelines.
Together, they explore the importance of servant leadership, the role of mentorship in organized dentistry, and how endodontists can continue to make meaningful contributions to the specialty at every stage of their careers. Dr. Katz also offers thoughtful insight into the challenges facing the profession—from educator shortages and student debt to the growing influence of AI—while emphasizing the enduring value of humanity, connection, and giving back.
Episode Resources
- American Association of Endodontists. (2026). Recommended guidelines of the American Association of Endodontists for the treatment of traumatic dental injuries. Journal of Endodontics. https://www.jendodon.com/article/S0099-2399(26)00192-5/fulltext
- American Association of Endodontists. (n.d.). Guidelines & position statements. https://www.aae.org/specialty/clinical-resources/guidelines-position-statements/
- American Association of Endodontists. (n.d.). Traumatic dental injuries. https://www.aae.org/specialty/clinical-resources/treatment-planning/traumatic-dental-injuries/
- American Association of Endodontists, & American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. (2025). AAE and AAOMR joint position statement: Use of cone-beam computed tomography in endodontics. Journal of Endodontics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0099239925005849
- American Association of Endodontists, & American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. (2015). AAE and AAOMR joint position statement: Use of cone-beam computed tomography in endodontics. Journal of Endodontics, 41(9), 1393–1396. https://www.jendodon.com/article/S0099-2399(15)00663-9/fulltext
- Patel, S., Brown, J., Semper, M., Abella, F., Mannocci, F., & D’Addazio, G. (2023). Applying the American Association of Endodontists and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology guidelines for cone-beam computed tomography imaging in endodontics. Journal of the American Dental Association, 154(1), 28–37. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(23)00557-3/fulltext
Disclaimer
Episodes of Endo Voices may include opinion, speculation and other statements not verifiable in the scientific method and do not necessarily reflect the views of AAE or the sponsor(s). Listeners should use their best judgment in evaluating the merits of any content.