AAE members serving in the ADA House of Delegates:
Drs. Najia Usman, Blake McKinley, Ammon Anderson, Deborah Bishop, Alejandro Aguirre, Afshin Mazdeyasnan, Angela Noguera, Shaun Whitney, Adrienne Korkosz, Emad Bassali, D. Gregory Chadwick, Joseph Platt, Monique Belin, Amro Elkhatieb, Robert Roda, Thomas Brown, Robin Nguyen, Robert Hanlon, Michael Korch, Mitchell Greenberg, Kevin Bryant, Alana Humberson, Dustin Reynolds, Tadros Tadros, and Bethany Douglas

While the ADA does not allocate designated seats for specialty societies in the House, the AAE is fortunate to have 25 members serving as delegates and alternate delegates for various ADA state and district chapters. As a smaller dental specialty, the AAE maintains a strong presence in the House of Delegates, with many members actively participating on key committees and councils, some even in leadership roles. This strong representation is a testament to the steadfast leadership and vision of AAE President Dr. Steven J. Katz, President-Elect Dr. W. Craig Noblett, and Secretary Dr. Mark B. Desrosiers, whose commitment to elevating the AAE’s influence within organized dentistry was exemplified through their testimony and insights at the House of Delegates meeting.

Each year, the AAE Board of Directors supports its members serving as ADA Delegates and Alternate Delegates by reviewing and formulating formal positions on resolutions and reports that significantly impact endodontists. This process spans several months and is led by Najia Usman, DDS, the AAE’s designated House of Delegates Liaison Chair. Dr. Usman collaborated closely with AAE staff to track and analyze a record-breaking number of relevant resolutions and reports, as this meeting featured the most introduced in recent ADA House of Delegates history. The relevant resolutions were reviewed with the AAE Board of Directors for ultimate approval.

The meeting also marked the induction of ADA President, Dr. Richard J. Rosato, who centered his inaugural address on unity across the dental specialties. Dr. Rosato specifically recognized the AAE for its leadership and advocacy on critical specialty issues, emphasizing collaboration on matters such as specialty advertising and scope of practice. He affirmed his commitment to prioritizing these concerns throughout his term.

AAE leadership and staff also participated in a joint meeting with representatives from other dental specialties to discuss shared advocacy priorities and exchange perspectives on resolutions impacting specialists within the house of dentistry. The Dental Specialty Group (DSG) serves as a vital forum for fostering collaboration among specialties, building consensus on key policy positions, and advancing the collective interests of dental specialists within the broader profession.

AAE Policy Wins

AAE once again proved to be the strong, steady voice of the specialty at this year’s ADA House of Delegates meeting—pushing back against proposals that threatened to blur professional boundaries and reaffirming the vital role of endodontists in patient care.

This year’s ADA House of Delegates meeting saw a record number of resolutions addressing topics vital to endodontists including regulatory concerns, insurance issues, specialty advertising, and endodontic education. Through strategic advocacy and expert testimony, AAE leaders ensured that policies advancing patient care and professional integrity prevailed, while measures representing overreach were successfully defeated or redirected for further study.

Oppose Resolution 412: Addressing the Barriers to Pediatric Endodontic Treatment.

Drs. Katz, Desrosiers and Usman, testified in opposition to a resolution proposing ADA oversight of collaboration between the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the AAE to enhance pediatric endodontic training. The AAE delegation reaffirmed that endodontists already possess the expertise necessary to treat pediatric patients and can independently collaborate with the AAPD on future shared initiatives. The Reference Committee supported the AAE’s position and recommended a “no” vote, which the House of Delegates. Affirmed, tabling the resolution.

Oppose Resolution 510B: Amendment to the Policy, Legislative Assistance by the Association.

Drs. Katz, Desrosiers and Usman also spoke against a resolution that could limit the ADA’s ability to act swiftly on national advocacy issues involving scope of practice and specialty recognition. The AAE delegation testified that this measure risked weakening the profession’s ability to respond quickly and cohesively to external threats, and recommended referring the resolution back to committee for further study and refinement, ensuring that recognized specialties – including the AAE – have input to safeguard patients and the profession. The Reference Committee agreed, and the House of Delegates voted to refer the resolution back for revision. This outcome preserved the ADA’s ability to advocate freely and ensured specialty voices remain central to policymaking.

Refer Resolution 517: Amendment to ADA Policy on Medical (Dental) Loss Ratio.

AAE also helped shape the conversation around Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) reform, reinforcing the need for greater accountability from insurance providers. Dr. Usman testified in support of refining ADA policy to ensure that patient premiums are used for care—not administrative costs. AAE has long advocated for a minimum DLR of 83% to ensure that patient premiums are directed toward clinical care rather than administrative overhead. AAE advocated for continued study through the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs to develop a policy that holds insurers accountable while avoiding unnecessary administrative burdens for providers. The House adopted this recommendation, referring the resolution for refinement that aligns with AAE’s long-standing call for fairness, transparency, and patient-centered reform.

AAE Luncheon

The AAE hosted a luncheon on Saturday, October 25, 2025, led by AAE Delegate Chair, Dr. Najia Usman, for all AAE members serving as Delegates and Alternate Delegates. The event provided an opportunity to discuss key resolutions and align advocacy strategies. AAE President, Dr. Steven Katz, expressed appreciation to AAE members for their service and leadership and welcomed special guests ADA President, Dr. Brett H. Kessler, President-Elect, Dr. Richard Rosato, ​and ADA Interim Executive Director, ​Dr. Elizabeth Shapiro, who each reiterated their support for specialty collaboration and shared priorities.

The AAE is grateful to its members who serve as Delegates and Alternate Delegates in the ADA House of Delegates, representing the interests of our specialty. We look forward to continuing to support these leaders and nurture the next generation of advocates in the House. If you want to get involved with your local ADA state chapter and the ADA House of Delegates process, please contact advocacy@aae.org.

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE), as part of the Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC), has joined leading dental organizations in supporting proposed amendments to the Transparency in Dental Benefits Contracting Model Act under review by the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL). The amendments, sponsored by Sen. Justin Boyd (AR) and Asm. Jarett Gandolfo (NY), are designed to reduce administrative burdens, protect provider choice, and improve patient access to care.

The Model Act, first adopted in 2020, was intended to simplify and clarify network leasing and claim payment practices in dentistry. However, as insurers adapted to the law, new complications emerged that shifted costs and administrative pressures on endodontists and patients. NCOIL’s five-year review provides an opportunity to refine the law to reflect its original intent better.

Key amendments would change default insurer practices from “opt-out” to “opt-in” for both network leasing and virtual credit card payments, require written transparency in communications, and ensure that endodontists’ payment elections remain clear and enforceable. These updates directly address insurer practices that too often restrict provider payments, confuse patients and hinder practice operations.

For endodontists, the proposed revisions will cut down on confusing and unnecessary administrative hurdles, giving them more time to concentrate on treating patients. For patients, the changes promote stronger accountability from insurers and greater clarity in their coverage, helping ensure access to the care they need. By supporting these amendments through the ODC, the AAE underscores its commitment to advancing transparency in dental benefits and protecting endodontists’ ability to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has joined the Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) in urging the U.S. Department of Education to preserve critical protections within the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The coalition emphasized the need to ensure endodontists working in public health and community-based settings are not unfairly penalized by sudden changes to their employer’s eligibility.

The PSLF program was created in 2007 to encourage graduates to pursue careers in public service by forgiving federal student loans after ten years of qualifying payments. For endodontists, this pathway is vital: more than three-quarters of dental graduates with debt begin their careers owing an average of over $312,000. Many use PSLF as a means to manage this burden while serving in community health centers, federally qualified health centers, teaching health centers, and other safety net providers.

Under the Department’s proposed rule, organizations engaged in activities with a “substantial illegal purpose” would lose PSLF eligibility. While intended to protect taxpayer dollars, this change could inadvertently harm endodontists who are faithfully serving patients but suddenly lose eligibility through no fault of their own. Such a loss could force participants to abandon public health service, relocate, or even interrupt their careers.

To avoid these consequences, the ODC is urging safeguards such as a six-month deferment period for affected endodontists to secure new qualifying employment, immediate reinstatement of PSLF eligibility if a court overturns a revocation, and stronger due process protections for employers. The coalition also called on the Department to clarify that health literacy and cultural competence training—essential to treating patients from diverse backgrounds—remains distinct from unrelated restrictions on diversity and inclusion programs.

For the AAE, these protections are essential to the specialty. Many early-career endodontists serving in public health settings rely on PSLF as a lifeline while delivering care to underserved communities. If access to the program is curtailed, residency opportunities could shrink, and patients in shortage areas may lose access to specialized endodontic care.

By joining with the ODC in this effort, the AAE is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the PSLF program as a pathway for young endodontists to achieve financial stability while advancing oral health equity. Safeguarding PSLF ensures that those who dedicate their skills to public service can continue their work without unnecessary barriers, strengthening both the dental profession and the patients it serves.

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has joined the American Dental Association (ADA) and other leading dental organizations in raising concern over new federal actions that threaten the ability of U.S. dental schools to recruit and retain qualified faculty. Recent policy changes imposing restrictions on nonimmigrant workers, combined with guidance establishing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa issuance, have drawn strong opposition from the academic dental community.

Internationally trained faculty are essential to maintaining the strength of U.S. endodontic education.  Without these educators, long-standing faculty shortages would become even more severe, threatening accreditation standards and limiting the number of new endodontists entering the workforce.

Unlike other professions, dental education requires in-person, hands-on clinical training. Internationally trained faculty fill critical gaps that cannot be outsourced or replaced with virtual models. Many pursue additional advanced standing programs in the U.S. to align their training with American standards, and they go on to serve in both faculty roles and community-based care.

For the AAE, endodontics relies heavily on specialized faculty to train residents in highly technical, patient-centered procedures. Many endodontic programs already face challenges recruiting sufficient faculty to meet Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requirements. If international educators are discouraged or prevented from participating due to visa restrictions and prohibitive costs, the pipeline of future endodontists will be at risk. This could mean fewer residency positions, reduced training opportunities, and ultimately diminished access to endodontic care for patients across the country.

By joining the ADA-led coalition, the AAE is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the future of endodontic education and ensuring that patients continue to benefit from the highest standards of specialty care.  Organized dentistry stands united in sending a clear message: safeguarding access to internationally trained faculty is vital to the future of dental education, the strength of the specialty, and the health of the patients we serve.

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is strongly supporting legislation in Michigan aimed at strengthening patient access to care, reducing administrative burdens for providers, and ensuring fairness in dental benefits and licensure. Through letters of support, the AAE has advocated for three bills now under consideration by the Michigan Legislature. 

House Bill 4935 – Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact 

AAE supports HB 4935, which would ratify the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact in Michigan. The DDH Compact creates a streamlined framework for licensure portability, allowing qualified dental professionals to practice across member states more efficiently. This improves regulatory oversight while reducing administrative burden, expands access to care, particularly in underserved areas and benefits military families by easing credential transfers. The legislation balances multi-state collaboration with state oversight, addressing workforce shortages and improving patient access. 

House Bill 4860 – Dental Payment Reform 

AAE also supports HB 4860, which requires health plans and nonprofit dental corporations to offer at least one reimbursement method that pays endodontists in full without additional fees. This measure ensures fair and timely reimbursement, prevents costly third-party payment deductions, and reduces administrative burdens, particularly for small and solo practices. Notably, the bill preserves endodontist choice by allowing providers to opt out of payment methods until they voluntarily opt back in, creating stability and transparency in dental benefits. 

Senate Bill 546 – Timely Claims Processing 

Finally, AAE has endorsed SB 546, which strengthens timely payment protections for dentists. The bill requires insurers to pay clean claims within 30 days and establishes tiered interest penalties for late payments. It also prohibits retaliation against providers who report violations and mandates annual public reporting of claims data by insurers. These provisions increase accountability, protect providers, and reduce administrative barriers that interfere with patient care. 

Senate Bill 370 – Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program 

AAE supports SB 370, which establishes the Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program reimburses eligible Michigan National Guard members for premiums paid under the Tricare Reserve Select and Tricare Dental Programs, helping ensure continuous access to essential medical and dental coverage. This measure recognizes oral health as integral to overall health and supports service members by reducing gaps in coverage that can lead to untreated conditions, pain, and higher long-term healthcare costs.  

Why It Matters 

Together, these three bills represent meaningful progress toward a stronger, fairer dental care system in Michigan. By addressing workforce mobility, payment fairness, and claims transparency, the legislation helps ensure that endodontists and other dental providers can focus more on patients and less on paperwork. The AAE applauds lawmakers for pursuing these reforms and will continue to support similar efforts across the country to strengthen oral health care delivery. 

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is proud to support Florida Senate Bill 96 (SB 96), that would transform access to dental care for veterans. This legislation, introduced by Senator Sharief, creates the Veterans Dental Care Program within the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs—a program designed to put comprehensive, high-quality oral health services within reach for the men and women who have served our country.

Many veterans suffer in silence from untreated oral diseases, pain, and complications that affect their overall health. SB 96 aims to change this by ensuring that veterans have access to preventive, restorative, endodontic, and prosthodontic services. These services will be available through trusted community health centers, nonprofit clinics, dental schools, and even mobile dental units that provide care directly to underserved areas.

Endodontists understand the significant impact that timely and specialized care can have. Root canal therapy and other treatments not only save teeth but also help stop infections, prevent serious complications, and protect overall health. For veterans living with diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, having access to these services can be life changing. By advancing SB 96, lawmakers are opening the door for veterans to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, while also recognizing the importance of oral health as a key component of overall well-being.

AAE is proud to take the lead on this issue, and we urge Florida lawmakers to act swiftly. Supporting SB 96 means honoring our veterans with the care they deserve, enabling dental professionals to perform at their best, and demonstrating to the nation what genuine commitment to oral health equity looks like.