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September 2025 Paper Point Editorial

Posted in Editorial | September 23, 2025

Dear Endodontic Residents & New Practitioners,

Happy Fall! As the season turns and the leaves change, I’m excited for some great opportunities ahead for those of you who want to deepen your involvement with the AAE, grow in leadership, and showcase your work. Here are a few things you definitely don’t want to miss:

What’s Coming Up

  • AAE Insight Track: Surgery (2025): If refining surgical skills and elevating patient care lights you up, this is one you’ll want on your radar. The 2025 Insight Track on Surgery takes place November 13-15, 2025, at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California.  Over several focused sessions, experts will walk through case selection, guided microsurgery, soft tissue management, anatomy, grafting, and more. It’s small-group, hands-on-friendly, packed with CE, and also gives you breathing room to reset, connect, and recharge. 
  • Committee Nominations: AAE has many committees, Resident & New Practitioner Committee among them, filled with colleagues who are shaping our specialty. Serving on a committee when you’re early in your career can be incredibly rewarding. You gain insight, build networks, and learn leadership firsthand. Nominations are open now, with deadlines by October 31, 2025 for terms starting in 2026. 
  • Abstract Submission for AAE26: If you’ve got research, case work, or an interesting new angle on something clinical, now is a great time to get that abstract ready. The call for oral, poster, and table clinic presentations for AAE26 (April 15–18, 2026, Salt Lake City) opens September 24, 2025 and closes November 14, 2025. 

For Those Preparing for the ABE Oral Examination (October 2025)

I know the oral exam can feel daunting; like no matter how much time you’ve spent preparing, there’s always one more topic you wish you had reviewed again. But here’s a mindset shift that can really help:

  • Someone once told me, you may never feel “ready” but you can feel prepared! Focus on what you do know, not what you’re unsure about. Build confidence in your strengths.
  • Use these next few weeks to polish those strengths, practice case discussions, think through treatment plans, and revisit literature in the areas you feel solid.
  • In dental school, my friends and I had a mantra before every big exam. Whether it was boards, clinicals, or anything in between: “You’ve already passed, you just have to take the test!” Walk in with that same mindset of victory. You’ve put in the work, earned your place, and proven you belong. Now it’s simply your moment to show it. Believe in what you’ve built and success will already be yours.
  • Lastly, everyone who sits on the other side of that table is rooting for you. Deep breaths. You’ve put in the work. Trust in your preparation and in yourself.

Want to Write, Share, Contribute?

Our committee always welcomes voices from residents and new practitioners. Whether you’re sharing a standout clinical case, a personal story from your journey, or even a favorite recipe (yes, we love a little extra flavor!), The Paper Point is your space to shine. No rigid guidelines, just genuine contributions that inspire and connect.

If you’re curious, need guidance, or want to submit something, don’t hesitate to reach out at PCarpenter.DDS@gmail.com.

Remember: You’re capable. You’re growing. And you’re already doing more than you realize.

Warmly,
Priscilla L. Carpenter, DDS, MS
Chair, Resident & New Practitioner Committee

Posted in Editorial