President’s Message: Off to an Eventful Start

As I step into the role of President of the AAE, I am filled with exhilaration and enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. As evidenced by our Times Square billboard last month, our off-the-charts member participation in Save Your Tooth Month on social media, and the thousands of media outlets that have run our informative interviews: we have something to say!

Our field is at a critical juncture, with an increasing patient market share but also challenges such as educator shortages and rising educational costs. It is imperative that we uphold the highest standards of professional practice for all clinicians, whether generalists or specialists.

My vision as President is clear: to increase public awareness of endodontists and the value of saving natural teeth, to stimulate member engagement and leadership, to advance the specialty through knowledge and evidence, and to advocate for quality endodontic care. We must continue to support our members and enhance our association by working closely with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and AAE staff.

In the year ahead, we will focus on several key initiatives:

• Advocacy: Strengthening our advocacy efforts to influence policies that benefit our profession and improve patient access to high-quality endodontic care. This includes increasing awareness about the importance of specialized care and advocating for fair reimbursement practices.
• Professional Development: Offering robust continuing education opportunities to help our members stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in endodontics. We will also encourage more endodontists to pursue board certification and become involved in organized dentistry.
• Community Engagement: Promoting initiatives that increase access to endodontic care and keep endodontists top of mind for the patient experiencing pain. Encouraging our members to employ their skills locally and globally to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
• Member Support: Enhancing the value of AAE membership by providing resources, networking opportunities, and support services tailored to the diverse needs of our members. This includes expanding our digital resources and creating more opportunities for member engagement and collaboration.
• Educational Excellence: Addressing the shortage of educators by identifying barriers and providing resources for experienced endodontists to teach and mentor the next generation. We will renew our focus on enhancing predoctoral education to ensure that all dental students receive comprehensive training in endodontics.
• Advancing Research: Promoting and funding cutting-edge research in collaboration with the AAE Foundation to improve endodontic therapy and patient outcomes.

What an exciting time for endodontics! We can propel ourselves to new heights, ensuring a bright and innovative future for our specialty. Let us embrace this journey as one profession with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to excellence.

As I mentioned in my address at AAE24, I invite each of you to consider how you can further engage with our remarkable profession. Whether through pursuing Board certification, volunteering to teach, increasing access to care in your community, supporting the AAE Foundation, becoming active in your local dental society, or mentoring early career endodontists, there are numerous ways to make a meaningful impact.

I look forward to a collaborative year ahead!