AAE26 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable meetings in AAE history as attendees gathered in the Salt Palace Convention Center for Celebrate Salt Lake City, an evening that perfectly captured the energy, camaraderie, and spirit of this year’s meeting.
From the moment doors opened, Hall A&B transformed into a lively, can’t-miss destination where friends and colleagues reconnected, unwound, and celebrated a successful week. Guests enjoyed a festive mix of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and dancing, all set to the upbeat sounds of live music from The Groove Merchants, who kept the crowd on their feet throughout the night.
The evening was packed with interactive experiences that brought a playful, distinctly local flair to the celebration. Attendees lined up for crowd favorites like the ice sculpture drink luge and the ever-popular dirty soda bar, while others tried their hand at the curling rink or took home personalized keepsakes from caricature artists. Photo booths captured countless candid moments, and cozy après-ski lounges offered the perfect spot to relax and take it all in.
The event was a reflection of what makes the AAE community so special—connection, celebration, and shared pride in the specialty.
Stay tuned for a full gallery of photos capturing the magic and a glimpse of the fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments that made Celebrate Salt Lake City the perfect finale to AAE26.
Dr. Noblett is Director, Division of Endodontics, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dr. W Craig Noblett received his dental degree from UCLA School of Dentistry and his Masters and certificate in Endodontics from the University of Iowa. He has also served as an assistant director of the GPR program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital/Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He has chaired several committees for the American Association of Endodontists, and is a past president of the Northern California Academy of Endodontics. He has also served on the Board of Trustees of the California Dental Association and served as Chair of the Committee on Volunteer Placement and the Nominating Committee for the CDA. Dr. Noblett has also served six years as a Director of the American Board of Endodontics including two years as president of the ABE. In April, 2020 Dr. Noblett joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and as of September 1, 2020 has assumed the role of Director of the Division of Endodontics and Graduate Program Director in Endodontics.
Stay tuned to the May edition of the Communique for a profile article on Dr. Noblett!
At the AAE26 in Salt Lake City, the American Association of Endodontists is recognizing a distinguished group of individuals whose contributions have advanced the specialty through innovation, research, education, leadership, and service. Being honored during the Edgar D. Coolidge Brunch on Saturday, April 18, 2026, these award recipients represent the very best of endodontics.
Dr. Alan S. Law, Edgar D. Coolidge Award
Dr. Alan Law received his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City, Iowa. He also completed his PhD, “Mechanisms and Modulation of Orofacial Pain”, with the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Iowa. Dr. Law has published over 40 articles in scientific and clinical journals, and has co-authored chapters on orofacial pain and regenerative Endodontics in Pathways of the Pulp and The Dental Pulp, is an editor of Endodontics: Principles and Practice, and has lectured at over 400 local, national and international meetings. He is a member the American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontics, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He is a Past President of the Minnesota Association of Endodontists, The American Association of Endodontists, and American Board of Endodontics. He is in full–time practice in the Twin Cities, President of The Dental Specialists, a multi-specialty dental practice with over 44 specialists, and Chief Clinical Officer-Specialty Practices for Park Dental Partners, Inc. He is also a Research Professor in the Division of Endodontics at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Fred Barnett, I.B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award
Dr. Barnett received his DMD degree in 1978 and his Certificate in Endodontics in 1981, both from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine. He received his Board Certification in Endodontics in 1988, and is currently the Chairman and Program Director of the IB Bender Postdoctoral Endodontic Program at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Dental Traumatology Journal, is a Director of the International Association of Dental Traumatology and a former Associate Editor of the Journal of Endodontics.
Dr. Harry T. Cosby, Edward M. Osetek Award
Dr. Harry Cosby has proudly served as Chairman of the Department of Endodontics at the University of Tennessee since 2019. His journey in dentistry began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from East Tennessee State University in 1981, followed by a Master of Science from Memphis State University in 1982. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee in 1988 and completed his Endodontic Certificate at the University of Pennsylvania in 1992. During his time at Penn, he was mentored by a wonderful group of professors, Drs. I.B. Bender, Sam Seltzer, Seymour Oliet, George Stewart, and Syngcuk Kim. Following his postgraduate training, Dr. Cosby established a private practice in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he became the first endodontist in Northeast Mississippi. Over his 26 years in practice, he built lasting relationships with patients and colleagues, always striving to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. In 2017, Dr. Cosby returned to the University of Tennessee, driven by a deep commitment to education and mentorship. He considers it a privilege to support and guide the next generation of dental professionals, and he continues to find inspiration in learning alongside his students.
Dr. Yanling Jiang, Calvin D. Torneck Part-Time Educator Award
Dr. Jiang came to US as a post-graduate student from Peking University, China, and completed Doctor Science in Oral Biology, Dental Medicine and advanced training in Endodontics at Boston University, School of Dental Medicine. She started her academic career with research on inflammatory mediators and bone resorption mechanisms, founded by American Cancer Society, NIH and AAE foundation. Her study lead to a few dozens of publications in prestigious journals, such as “Science”, “Journal of Biochemistry”, ”The Journal of Immunology”,” Infection and Immunity” and “American Journal of Physiology”. She has mentored doctoral, master and CAG students including several research competition winners at AAE. After a decade of productive research career, she was called to serve as the director of pre-doc endodontics, later taught postgraduate endodontics for more than two decades. Besides research and teaching, Dr. Jiang has been practicing in private practice. Dr. Jiang was a clinical professor and become a professor emeritus now. After nearly four decades spent at BU, she is focusing on the love of her life, family and travel the world.
Dr. Asma Khan, Louis I. Grossman Award
Dr Asma Khan is a tenured Professor at UT San Antonio. She received her dental degree from India, her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland, and her Certificate in Endodontics from UT Health San Antonio. She completed a Fellowship in Clinical Research at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship on Neuro-Immune interactions. She currently serves on the Council of Scientific Affairs of the American Dental Association and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Journal of Endodontics. Her research interests include the use of AI to improve clinical practice and the development of new diagnostics and analgesics.
Dr. Kenneth B. Wiltbank, Spirit of Service Career Dental Community Volunteer Award
Dr. Kenneth B. Wiltbank attended dental school at the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) and graduated in the class of 1998. After seven years working as a general dentist, he returned to school at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, where he completed a Certificate in Endodontics (Class of 2007). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. Dr. Wiltbank is a member of and volunteers in the American Association of Endodontists, where he serves as a member of the Practice Affairs Committee and as an AAE representative to the American Dental Association’s Codes Maintenance Committee and to the American Association of Dental Consultants. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association and the Clatsop Country Dental Association. He is the current president of the Oregon State Association of Endodontists and has served in other capacities in organized dentistry. As well as owning two endodontic practices and regularly seeing patients, Dr. Wiltbank serves as an adjunct associate professor at the OHSU School of Dentistry, department of endodontology. When he is not in the office, Dr. Wiltbank enjoys the outdoors, running, sports, reading and spending time with his wife, Krista Lucas, and their two children.
Dr. Carolyn Primus, Honorary Membership
Dr. Carolyn Primus is an innovator whose work in bioactive ceramics has transformed modern endodontic care. From her role in bringing ProRoot MTA and White ProRoot MTA to clinical practice, she went on to develop many next-generation calcium silicate cements through NIH-funded research. She founded Avalon Biomed Inc., later acquired by another company. Her engineering innovations in endodontics have preserved countless teeth worldwide. Dr. Primus has devoted her career to bringing new technologies from concept to clinical reality. She developed an array of dental porcelain products and accessories, is the inventor on 13 dental patents. She has published 37 dental articles and contributed 10 chapters for dental texts. This year she published a book with appeal for dentists and biomaterials engineers, “Ceramics in Dentistry: Materials, Manufacturing, and Clinical Applications” on the multiplicity of ceramics used in dental products. Beyond innovation, Dr. Primus has achieved FDA clearance for a variety of medical products and has served as the chair of the ADA and ISO committees for endodontic and restorative materials to guide clinical quality and safety.
W Craig Noblett, D.D.S., M.S., will serve as President.
Elizabeth Shin Perry, D.M.D., will serve as President-Elect.
Bradley H. Gettleman, D.D.S., M.S., will serve as Vice President.
Mark B. Desrosiers, D.M.D., will serve as Treasurer.
Kenneth W. Tittle, D.D.S., MS, will serve as Secretary.
Steven J. Katz, D.D.S., M.S., will serve as Immediate Past President.
District Directors are as follows:
District 1
Fiza Singh, DDS, MMSc
Tadros Tadros, B.D.S, D.D.S, C.A.G.S
District 2
Adrienne Korkosz, D.M.D.
Carla Falcon, D.M.D., M.D.S.
District 3
Brian Bergeron, D.D.S.
Christopher Cain, D.D.S.
District 4
Alfred Wiemann III, D.D.S., M.S.
John Nusstein, D.D.S., M.S.
District 5
David Clanton, Sr., D.M.D.
Poorya Jalali, D.D.S.
District 6
Callee Clark, D.D.S.
Katherine Divine, D.D.S., M.S.
District 7
Nadia Chugal, D.D.S., M.S.
Mike Sabeti, D.D.S.
For decades, the specialty of endodontics has advanced through the dedication of individuals who commit themselves fully to patient care, education, scholarship, and service. This year, we are proud to recognize one such individual whose lifelong contributions have helped shape the profession both in the United States and around the world—Dr. Sam Dorn.
From the outset of his career, Dr. Dorn demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence and service. After earning his DDS and completing his specialty training, he served in the United States Air Force before entering private practice. It was there that his passion for teaching and mentorship took hold, leading him into a distinguished academic career.
Over the years, Dr. Dorn has held several prominent academic leadership roles. He served as the founding Director of a postgraduate endodontics program at a major university, later as Director of Graduate Endodontics and Department Chair at another institution, and ultimately as Chair of the Department of Endodontics at a respected school of dentistry. In each role, he played a pivotal part in shaping the next generation of endodontists.
A Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, Dr. Dorn is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy—recognitions that reflect his professional excellence and commitment to the field.
Dr. Dorn’s leadership has extended far beyond academia. He served as President of the American Association of Endodontists in the early 2000s, helping guide the organization during a transformative period. His global impact is equally notable: he went on to serve as President of the International Federation of Endodontic Associations from 2014 to 2016 and most recently led the Asian Pacific Endodontic Confederation. Through these roles, he has helped strengthen collaboration and elevate standards across the international endodontic community.
His contributions as a scholar and educator are equally significant. Dr. Dorn has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters, including a widely recognized chapter on emergency endodontic treatment in Cohen’s Pathways of the Pulp. He has lectured extensively across the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, sharing his knowledge and inspiring colleagues worldwide.
Throughout his career, Dr. Dorn has remained deeply committed to mentorship—guiding residents, supporting the development of postgraduate programs, and helping shape the future of the specialty. His influence can be seen not only in the institutions he has led, but in the countless individuals he has mentored along the way.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions as a clinician, educator, leader, and mentor, Dr. Dorn was previously awarded the Edgar D. Coolidge Award, the AAE’s highest honor for lifetime achievement.
Today, we celebrate a career defined by service, excellence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to advancing endodontics. It is with deep appreciation and great pride that we honor Dr. Sam Dorn with this year’s President’s Award.
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) recently joined a coalition of organizations in submitting comments to the U.S. Department of Education in response to proposed changes under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule. This effort reflects the AAE’s continued commitment to advocating for policies that support students, protect access to education, and ensure a strong future workforce in healthcare professions.
The coalition’s comments focused on the proposed timeline for implementing significant changes to federal student loan programs. As outlined in the proposal, the Department is considering sweeping reforms, including new repayment plans, changes to loan limits, and the phase-out of the Graduate PLUS program. These changes would directly impact students pursuing advanced education, including those entering dental and other healthcare fields.
Throughout the advocacy process, coalition partners emphasized that implementing reforms of this magnitude on an accelerated timeline could create unnecessary challenges for both borrowers and institutions. Students are already making decisions about enrollment and financing for upcoming academic years, and sudden changes could introduce confusion and uncertainty into that process. In addition, institutions would face operational challenges in updating systems, policies, and financial aid processes within a compressed timeframe.
To address these concerns, the coalition encouraged the Department to consider a phased approach to implementation. Specifically, the letter outlined options that would allow for a more structured transition, including aligning implementation with existing regulatory timelines or providing delayed compliance periods. These approaches would help ensure that students and institutions have adequate time to understand and adapt to the new requirements while minimizing the risk of errors or disruptions.
The coalition also highlighted broader implications of the proposed changes, particularly for the healthcare workforce pipeline. Limiting access to financing options without sufficient transition time could impact students pursuing advanced degrees in high-need fields such as dentistry and medicine. Ensuring a thoughtful and measured implementation process is critical to maintaining access to education and supporting the next generation of healthcare providers.
The AAE’s participation in this effort underscores the Association’s proactive approach to advocacy on issues that extend beyond clinical practice and directly affect the future of the specialty. By engaging with coalition partners and federal agencies, the AAE continues to work to ensure that policy changes are implemented in a way that supports both students and the profession.
Through efforts such as this, the AAE remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen access to education, support the healthcare workforce, and promote the long-term success of endodontics.
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) recently joined a coalition of organized dentistry groups in submitting comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), advocating for the preservation of adult dental coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This coordinated effort reflects the AAE’s continued commitment to advancing policies that improve access to oral health care and protect patients’ ability to receive necessary treatment.
The coalition’s comments were submitted in response to proposed regulatory changes that could impact the availability of adult dental benefits beginning in future plan years. As discussed among coalition partners, maintaining and expanding access to adult dental coverage remains critical, particularly as more states and plans have taken steps in recent years to include these benefits as part of comprehensive health care offerings.
Throughout the advocacy process, participating organizations emphasized the importance of recognizing oral health as an essential component of overall health. Restricting states’ ability to include adult dental services in benchmark plans would represent a step backward, limiting progress that has been made in expanding access to care. The coalition underscored that policies supporting adult dental coverage contribute to improved health outcomes and help reduce long-term costs associated with untreated dental disease.
In addition to concerns related to coverage, the coalition also highlighted broader implications of the proposed rule, including potential impacts on patient access and provider participation. Ensuring that regulatory frameworks support both patients and providers remains a key priority, as changes in coverage and plan requirements can directly affect how care is delivered.
The AAE’s participation in this effort reflects the Association’s ongoing focus on proactive advocacy at the federal level. By collaborating with coalition partners and engaging in the regulatory process, the AAE continues to work to ensure that policies support access to high-quality endodontic care and protect the interests of both providers and patients.
Through efforts such as this, the AAE remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen the specialty and promote the critical role of oral health within the broader healthcare system.
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) coding leaders and Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) representatives—Drs. Kayla Tavares Tio, Beth Damas, and Kenneth Wiltbank—represented the specialty at the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Code Maintenance Committee meeting on Friday, March 13, advocating to ensure that endodontics continues to be appropriately reflected in updates to Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes.
Throughout the past year, AAE coding leaders have worked closely with dental organizations and insurance carriers to review and refine CDT codes, helping improve clarity and consistency in dental coding practices for endodontists. During this year’s meeting, the committee reviewed and voted on more than 80 proposed new and revised codes, decisions that will help shape the future of dental coding and documentation.
The AAE remains committed to actively participating in the CDT code development process to ensure that the needs of the specialty are represented. Through this continued engagement, the Association helps support accurate coding, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure that endodontists have the resources necessary to deliver high-quality patient care.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the Practice Affairs Committee held its annual in-person meeting in Chicago, bringing together the AAE’s advocacy leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on the most pressing issues impacting the specialty. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for committee members to collaborate and outline strategic advocacy efforts that will shape the future of endodontic care and policy.
Throughout the meeting, committee members had highly productive conversations on strengthening the AAE’s advocacy initiatives. As emphasized during the discussion, it is imperative that the specialty remain vigilant and responsive to the ever-evolving dynamics affecting the profession. Changes in healthcare policy, insurance practices, and regulatory requirements continue to influence how endodontists provide care, making it critical for the AAE to take a proactive role in advancing policies that protect both providers and patients.
During the meeting, the committee outlined a set of key advocacy priorities that will guide the AAE’s efforts during the 2026 legislative cycle. A major focus will be Dental Plan Advocacy, including addressing ongoing concerns related to virtual credit card payments, non-covered services, disallowed services, and silent PPOs, which continue to present financial and administrative challenges for endodontic practices.
The committee also emphasized the importance of Specialty Recognition, particularly as it relates to specialty advertising laws, to ensure that endodontists are properly recognized and represented within state regulatory frameworks. In addition, members highlighted the need to continue fighting misinformation surrounding endodontic care, recognizing the growing impact that inaccurate information can have on patient understanding and treatment decisions.
Another key priority discussed was reducing administrative and regulatory burdens that place unnecessary strain on dental practices and limit the time providers can dedicate to patient care. Finally, the committee reaffirmed the importance of continued advocacy related to the Dental Loss Ratio, with the goal of improving transparency and accountability within dental insurance plans.
The collective insights and expertise shared by committee members during the meeting reinforced the AAE’s commitment to advancing meaningful policy solutions that support the specialty. By focusing on these priorities, the Association will continue working to ensure that the needs of endodontists are represented at every level of policymaking throughout the 2026 legislative cycle.
The American Association of Endodontists recently submitted a formal letter to New York state leadership urging strong opposition to proposals that would restrict the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) deduction for small healthcare practices. This targeted advocacy effort reflects the AAE’s ongoing commitment to protecting the financial viability of endodontic practices and ensuring continued access to specialized patient care across the state.
The proposed changes would reduce the PTET credit available to certain pass-through entities, effectively increasing the tax burden on small, service-based businesses like dental and medical practices. As part of its outreach, the AAE emphasized that many endodontic practices rely on these pass-through structures to remain financially sustainable while delivering essential care within their local communities.
Throughout the letter, the Association highlighted critical concerns that limiting the PTET deduction would result in a form of double taxation. This added financial strain would fall on practices already navigating a perfect storm of rising operational costs, acute workforce shortages, and persistent inflationary pressures. Increased tax burdens could force providers to make difficult decisions, such as reducing staff, limiting service hours, or delaying investments in the new technologies that drive modern endodontic care—all of which ultimately impact the patient experience.
The AAE also underscored the broader economic implications of the current proposal. Policies that arbitrarily increase costs for small healthcare businesses weaken New York’s overall competitiveness and make it significantly more challenging for practices to grow and hire. Maintaining a stable and supportive tax environment is critical not only to the business of endodontics but to the preservation of patient access and the strength of local economies.
Through this urgent advocacy effort, the AAE reinforced the importance of state policies that support small healthcare providers and protect the ability of patients to access specialized care. The Association will continue to engage directly with state policymakers to ensure that the needs of both providers and patients remain a top priority in all ongoing legislative and budget discussions.