Rooted in Advocacy: Year in Review
As we approach the end of 2024, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) proudly reflects on a year marked by significant advocacy achievements, driven by the unwavering commitment of our members and leadership. This year, we made remarkable strides in advancing Strategic Goals 3 and 4—enhancing our knowledge base and championing quality endodontic care among dental stakeholders and the public. Through bold initiatives and impactful victories, the AAE has firmly established itself as a leading voice for the endodontic specialty, paving the way for future accomplishments.
Upholding the Integrity of the Specialty
A central highlight of the year was our vigorous defense of specialty standards. In Washington, D.C., AAE President Natasha Flake, DDS, PhD, spearheaded a crucial effort against a proposed bill that could have severely disrupted the endodontic landscape. This legislation aimed to require secondary licenses and board certification for all dental specialties, threatening to force many endodontists to either relocate to nearby states or face potential closure. Thanks to the swift action of the AAE and our collaboration with the D.C. Dental Society, we successfully defeated the proposal in July, securing stability for our regional members. Similarly, in Ohio, the AAE mounted a strong response to proposed revisions to specialty advertising laws, which would have enabled general dentists to advertise as specialists with minimal training from unaccredited programs. Recognizing the potential dangers to patient safety and public trust, the AAE galvanized a national response, uniting dental organizations, and Ohio endodontists in submitting powerful testimonies and opposition letters. While our advocacy efforts will continue into 2025, we have laid a solid foundation for further actions at the upcoming Ohio State Dental Board meeting in January.
State Advocacy Successes
Over the past year, the AAE has broadened its state advocacy initiatives to better support our members in their local communities. Our Save Your Tooth Month Proclamation campaign in May achieved unprecedented success, resulting in 14 proclamations/resolutions. By simplifying the submission process via a grassroots platform, we effectively reduced the burden on our members and increased participation. Engaging state governors further amplified public awareness across the nation.
In collaboration with fifteen organizations, including the ADA and ADEA, the AAE endorsed the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and advocated for its passage in 12 states. As of now, the Compact has been ratified in nine states, improving license portability for our members. With continued support from the U.S. Department of Defense and other dental community stakeholders, we are committed to furthering advocacy for its adoption in additional states in 2025.
Federal Advocacy Achievements
The AAE has actively advocated for policies beneficial to endodontic practices, including opposition to the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This federal law mandates small business owners with 20 or fewer employees or under $5 million in revenue to submit ownership reports by January 1, 2025. AAE President Natasha Flake, DDS, PhD, has urged Congress to repeal the CTA, while the AAE launched a letter-writing campaign and established an informative webpage to assist our members. We welcomed the recent federal court decision to temporarily suspend the CTA’s reporting deadline, offering much-needed relief to small businesses, including endodontists.
Moreover, the AAE has consistently supported tax reforms aimed at providing economic relief for endodontic practices, advocating for the extension of expiring small business tax measures. Collaborating with the dental community, we have also backed bipartisan legislation that allows Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover over-the-counter dental products, thereby enhancing access to essential oral health care.
Furthermore, we strongly opposed a proposal to merge the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) into a new “Institute of Neuroscience and Brain Research” at the NIH, which threatened to diminish focus and funding for oral health initiatives. Our advocacy efforts successfully blocked this proposal for the current congressional session, but we anticipate its reintroduction in the upcoming Congress, and we remain resolute in our opposition.
Dental Plan Reforms
This year, the AAE made dental plan reform a top priority, aiming to tackle insurance abuses and reduce administrative burdens. Through data collection campaigns, direct engagement with insurers, and public advocacy at both state and federal levels, the AAE has worked tirelessly to level the playing field for its members. Efforts included lobbying for the DOC Access Act, opposing anti-dentist policies in state legislatures, and advocating for stronger network standards in ACA plans. These initiatives reflect the AAE’s commitment to ensuring fairer dental coverage for practitioners and improved access to care for patients.
Clinical Practice Resources
The AAE Practice Affairs Committee released seven new position statements to provide members with updated clinical practice information. These resources, promoted through the PAC newsletter, advocacy website, and the September publication, aim to support endodontists, amplify AAE’s stance on quality endodontic care, and educate consumers and decision-makers to make informed choices.
AAE Representation in Organized Dentistry & Oral Health Advocacy Forums
AAE leaders engaged in key forums, including ADA Lobby Day, the AADC Annual Meeting, and the ADA Code Maintenance Committee, to strengthen relationships and address issues like endodontic coverage. At the ADA House of Delegates Meeting in October, the AAE achieved significant policy wins, ensuring endodontists maintain a strong voice in the House of Dentistry.
Looking Ahead
This year, the AAE increased direct member engagement opportunities in the AAE’s advocacy campaigns through grassroots letter-writing campaigns AAE members could send to their local and federal lawmakers. The Association also prioritized increasing advocacy communications, including increasing the publication of the Advocate – AAE’s advocacy newsletter- from a quarterly to monthly publication cycle. These efforts have kept members informed and are involved in shaping the future of endodontics.
As we prepare for 2025, the AAE is ready to build on this year’s successes. With new state legislative sessions and a new Congress on the horizon, our commitment to protecting and advancing the specialty remains stronger than ever.