As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on my first eight months as your AAE President. All I can say is WOW! Time has moved quickly and taken me to places I never expected. The year began in New York City with my first satellite media tour and will end in Cairo, Egypt, where I will represent the AAE at the PAN Endo/APEC Conference.
In between, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Columbus, Morgantown, Charleston, Montreal, Denver, New Orleans, Prince Edward Island, Paris, Las Vegas, Savannah, Brazil, Washington, D.C., Palm Springs, Toronto, and Chicago… five times.
Our Marketing & Communications team tells me that our media presence this year has reached over 1.3 billion impressions. I’ve completed more than 25 interviews, including two at WGN in Chicago and two in my hometown of Cleveland. I’ve written for Good Housekeeping, Travel & Leisure, The Washington Post, Deseret News, Yahoo, and KevinMD.com. Some articles were endodontics-focused, some weren’t, but each one mentioned the AAE and underscored the value of our specialty. I’ve also recorded three podcasts, continuing to raise awareness of who we are and what we do.
Raising the Bar
When I think about what makes me most proud, my mind goes straight to the work happening at the Board of Directors level. One of the most significant accomplishments has been the update and approval of the joint AAE–AAOMR position statement on the use of CBCT in endodontics. A project begun under the leadership of Dr. Natasha Flake.
The updated statement has been approved and will be published in the JOE in January. This document will not only guide best practices for our specialty but will serve as a long-awaited reference for all of dentistry. We are recognized as the leaders in dental imaging, and we will continue to live up to that expectation.
In addition, your Board approved a new policy that elevates our specialty, clarifies how we partner with outside organizations, and reinforces the excellence expected when representing the AAE globally. There is no compromise when it comes to the standard of practice in endodontics.
We also initiated a forward-looking project on the use of Augmented Intelligence (AI) in endodontics. A dedicated think tank has been created to explore what many experts regard as one of the most transformative developments in human history, compared by Lee Rainey of Elon University to the discovery of fire and the invention of the printing press. The AAE intends to be at the forefront of understanding and guiding AI’s impact within our specialty.
Advocacy in Action
Our advocacy department has been exceptionally active this year. The AAE led the mobilization of endodontists and other specialists in Ohio to protect our right to advertise as specialists.
We have also signed on to legislation across numerous states and at the federal level addressing fluoride access, veterans’ benefits, insurance reform, specialty advertising, and tax policy.
With several dedicated AAE members, I testified at the ADA reference committee hearings and House of Delegates meetings. We faced issues that could have negatively affected our specialty, our autonomy, and our patients. I’m proud to report that every endodontic issue of consequence was resolved in our favor.
And just this past month, the AGD and AAE released a special edition of AGD Impact highlighting the value of endodontics and the strong relationship between endodontists and general dentists, a project more than two and a half years in the making.
Not Done Yet
With a little over four months until AAE26 in Salt Lake City, I’m far from finished. In recent weeks, we have pitched new media stories and responded to requests for additional national features. We also have a second satellite media tour tentatively scheduled for January. The momentum continues.
This is also an important moment to highlight how the AAE is proactively countering online mis and disinformation about endodontic therapy. Through our expanding influencer partnerships, strengthened social media presence, and the continued rollout of our Misinformation Toolkit, we are reaching new audiences with clear, evidence-based messages about the safety and benefits of endodontic care. These efforts are especially timely as a new study in the Journal of Translational Medicine indicates that root canal treatment may be associated with positive improvements in glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and systemic inflammation — findings that reinforce what endodontists have long known about the broader health implications of treating dental infection at its source. With that Satellite Media Tour scheduled for January, we will have a major opportunity to amplify this story, address longstanding myths, and ensure that accurate, patient-centered information rises above the noise.
Looking Ahead
Serving as your President over these first eight months has been one of the most meaningful and energizing experiences of my career. The travel, the media outreach, the policy work, the board initiatives, the advocacy efforts—none of it matters without the people behind it. Every accomplishment this year has been possible because of the dedication of our members, the passion of our volunteers, the expertise of our educators and clinicians, and the steadfast commitment of our exceptional AAE staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our mission and elevate our specialty.
Thank you for your trust, your encouragement, and the many ways you continue to strengthen our specialty. I am grateful every day for the privilege of representing the AAE, and I look forward to everything we will achieve together as we head toward AAE26 in Salt Lake City and beyond.
Wishing all of you a happy and healthy holiday season and an excellent New Year!
Nominations for a new slate of leadership to take office in 2026 have been proposed by the AAE, the Foundation for Endodontics and ABE Nominating Committees. AAE Nominating Committee members, Drs. Stefan I. Zweig, past president; Craig S. Hirschberg, past president; Natasha M. Flake, immediate past president, together with District Directors Fiza Singh and Harold J. Martinez, met to recommend new Officers for the AAE and Trustees for the Foundation for Endodontics. The ABE Board of Directors and Foundation for Endodontics Board of Trustees also met to recommend new leadership for their respective organizations.
Nominees for terms beginning in 2026 are listed below.
The 2026 General Assembly will vote to approve nominees for AAE Officers and Directors, Foundation Trustees and Public Sector Representatives, and ABE Directors. Officers of the Foundation for Endodontics and American Board of Endodontics are elected by their respective Boards.
Additional nominations for AAE Officers, Foundation for Endodontics Trustees and Public Sector Representatives, or ABE Directors may be made in writing by Active, Educator and Life members. Such nominations much be accompanied by a petition that includes the printed names and signatures of 50 voting members, and must be received by AAE Secretary, Mark B. Desrosiers, care of AAE Headquarters, no later than March 18, 2026.
AAE Executive Committee
President Dr. W. Craig Noblett*
President-Elect Dr. Elizabeth Shin Perry*
Vice President Dr. Bradley H. Gettleman
Secretary Dr. Kenneth Tittle
Treasurer Dr. Mark B. Desrosiers
Immediate Past President Dr. Steven J. Katz*
*Automatic, the president-elect automatically succeeds to president and the vice president to president-elect.
Foundation for Endodontics Board of Trustees
Trustees
Dr. Hossein Moosavi
New Practitioner Trustee
Dr. Morgan Celistan
Trustees, Public Sector
Mr. Jack Burlison
Ms. Amy Warren-Kimbro
Ms. Judith Forsythe
American Board of Endodontics
Directors
Dr. Emanouela Carlson
Dr. Qian Xie
In addition, the following members were nominated by their respective districts to serve on the AAE Board of Directors for three-year terms beginning in 2026. The period in which a petition may be submitted to nominate an alternate candidate for District Director positions expired as of October 15, 2025.
District I
Nominee: Dr. Tadros M. Tadros, Hudson, New Hampshire
Nominating Committee Chair: Dr. Garry L. Myers, Midlothian, Virginia
District II
Nominees: Dr. Adrienne Korkosz, Schenectady, New York
Nominating Committee Chair: Dr. Lorel E. Burns, New York, New York
District III
Nominee: Dr. Christopher Walker Cain, Nashville, Tennessee
Nominating Committee Chair: Dr. Robert W. Heydrich, Spring Hill, Florida
District VI
Nominee: Dr. Callee Clark, Grand Junction, Colorado
Nominating Committee Chair: Dr. Alejandro Aguirre, Plymouth, Minnesota
District VII
Nominee: Dr. Mike Sabeti, Irvine, California
Nominating Committee Chair: Dr. Yaara Berdan, Calabasas, California
The AAE thanks the following directors who are completing their terms on the Board of Directors in April 2026: Drs. Harold J. Martinez, District I; Lorel E. Burns, District II; Robert Heydrich, District III; Lauren E. Jensen, District VI; and Bryan F. Mansour, District VII.
Members will approve the nominees by casting their votes at the General Assembly in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 17, 2026.
AAE strives to develop position statements that present a comprehensive viewpoint on medical or scientific issues. These statements are developed through a consensus-building approach involving subject matter experts. We make it a point to review and revise them every five years, ensuring they stay up-to-date and relevant. After careful consideration, the members of our Practice Affairs Committee reached a consensus to sunset the following position statements due to their overlapping content with other position statements, outdated information and relevance to the specialty. This proposal was subsequently approved by the Board of Directors in October 2025.
AAE Guidance on Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Patients at Risk of Systemic Disease
Antibiotic Prophylaxis 2017 Update – Quick Reference Guide
Art and Science of New Materials in Endodontics
Paraformaldehyde-Containing Endodontic Filling and Sealing Materials
By Badr Hefnawi, Raju Gandhi, and Xiaofei Zhu
Many clinicians have ventured into the realm of regenerative procedures, often presenting radiographic evidence of apical closure and canal wall thickening. These observations frequently lead to assertions of successful regeneration. However, it is vital to acknowledge that relying solely on radiographic assessments cannot definitively distinguish between repair and regeneration (Figure 1). A deeper dive must be taken into the histological outcomes of regenerative procedures to attain a better understanding of its success.
Many prospective animal studies have been conducted to examine the histological outcomes to various treatment methods, however results from animal studies may not always be extrapolated to human situations.1,2,3 This is due to variations in pathophysiology, and also different study protocol conditions that can take place in animal versus human studies. Due to ethical reasons, no randomized control trial has been conducted in humans on histological outcomes. This limits the current review to focus on human histological observational studies as opposed to interventional. Although the number of reports on in vivo teeth that have undergone REP followed by histological analysis is scarce, and the details of each treatment may vary, it does not take away from the importance of evaluating this body of literature.
Literature Search
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published between 2001 and 2023. Inclusion criteria required that each study report a completed regenerative endodontic procedure with histological evaluation—either of the entire tooth or a relevant section. Out of 389 initially identified papers, 17 human case studies were ultimately included, representing 22 teeth subjected to histological analysis.
Pre-Treatment Diagnoses and Patient Demographics
Of the 22 teeth reviewed, 18 were immature teeth, most diagnosed with pulp necrosis and apical pathology such as acute or chronic apical abscesses, symptomatic or asymptomatic apical periodontitis. These align with the classic indications for REP, where continued root development is desired.4-20
Two cases involved mature teeth with pulpal necrosis—an area of increasing interest in regenerative endodontics. Notably, two additional cases featured vital, healthy teeth undergoing REP strictly for research purposes before scheduled orthodontic extraction, providing rare control-like conditions.
Clinical Outcomes
Thermal or electric pulp testing was included as part of the evaluations in 19 of the 22 cases reviewed. Five of these teeth recorded a positive reaction to either thermal or electric pulp testing. Notably, two of these teeth cases were mature teeth that belonged to the only case report involving mature teeth with histologic examination. These teeth lasted 3.5 years before requiring extraction due to horizontal crown fractures. These cases demonstrate the potential of regenerative procedures to induce a positive sensibility response in mature teeth, even in necrotic cases.
Percussion testing was reported in 20 of the 22 cases reviewed, with five teeth showing a positive response. Three of these teeth also showed a response to either thermal or electric pulp testing. The remaining two teeth that tested positive to percussion were associated with persistent infection, demonstrated by an acute apical abscess in one case and symptomatic apical periodontitis in the other.
Figure 1: Histological spectrum of outcomes following regenerative endodontic procedures. Regenerative response showing formation of tubular dentin structures and odontoblast-like cells, indicative of true pulp–dentin complex regeneration. Reparative response characterized by cementum-, bone-, and periodontal ligament (PDL)-like tissues containing cementocyte, osteocyte, and osteoblast-like cells. Inflammatory response demonstrating mononuclear cell infiltration with fibrotic or granular tissue formation, reflecting an unfavorable healing outcome.
Histological findings
The distribution of tissue responses following regenerative procedures varied according to the underlying etiology (Figure 2). Reparative outcomes were the most frequently observed across all categories, with caries and crown fractures demonstrating the highest number of cases. Dens evaginatus, however, showed a broader spectrum of outcomes, including combined reparative–regenerative and reparative–inflammatory responses, highlighting the complexity of tissue reactions in this condition. In contrast, purely regenerative or inflammatory responses were relatively uncommon overall.
While these findings may, in part, reflect the bacterial nature of certain etiologies, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn due to variability in protocols, including differences in materials, intracanal medicaments, and treatment time frames.
Figure 2: Distribution of regenerative, reparative, and inflammatory histological findings across human teeth subjected to regenerative procedures, categorized by etiology.
Comparing Immature and Mature Teeth
Although most studies involved immature teeth, the mature tooth cases may be the most groundbreaking.4,5 Histological analysis of these teeth (combined with clinical testing) demonstrates true regeneration may be possible even without a natural apical blood supply or native stem cells. This could represent a shift in the field’s understanding and a call to expand REP indications, particularly as tissue engineering advances, including the use of platelet-rich/fibrin matrices and allogenic stem cells, continue to emerge.
Conclusion: Regeneration or Repair?
This review provides a nuanced look into the biological realities of regenerative endodontic procedures in humans. While true pulp regeneration remains elusive, the formation of vascularized, functional tissue in some cases, especially in mature teeth, marks an encouraging evolution in endodontic care. As protocols are refined and regenerative materials evolve, a future where true pulp regeneration is routine may not be far off. Until then, continuing to integrate histological insights into clinical decision-making will be key in ensuring REP fulfills its promise.
References
- Altaii M, Richards L, Rossi-Fedele G. 2017. Histological assessment of regenerative endodontic treatment in animal studies with different scaffolds: A systematic review. Dent Traumatol. 33(4):235-244.
- Torabinejad M, Faras H, Corr R, Wright KR, Shabahang S. 2014. Histologic examinations of teeth treated with 2 scaffolds: A pilot animal investigation. J Endod. 40(4):515-520.
- Yamauchi N, Yamauchi S, Nagaoka H, Duggan D, Zhong S, Lee SM, Teixeira FB, Yamauchi M. 2011. Tissue engineering strategies for immature teeth with apical periodontitis. J Endod. 37(3):390-397.
- Adhikari HD, Gupta A. 2018. Report of a case of platelet-rich fibrin-mediated revascularization of immature 12 with histopathological evaluation. J Conserv Dent. 21(6):691-695.
- Arslan H, Şahin Y, Topçuoğlu HS, Gündoğdu B. 2019. Histologic evaluation of regenerated tissues in the pulp spaces of teeth with mature roots at the time of the regenerative endodontic procedures. J Endod. 45(11):1384-1389.
- Austah O, Joon R, Fath WM, Chrepa V, Diogenes A, Ezeldeen M, Couve E, Ruparel NB. 2018. Comprehensive characterization of 2 immature teeth treated with regenerative endodontic procedures. J Endod. 44(12):1802-1811.
- Becerra P, Ricucci D, Loghin S, Gibbs JL, Lin LM. 2014. Histologic study of a human immature permanent premolar with chronic apical abscess after revascularization/revitalization. J Endod. 40(1):133-139.
- Kwon SK, Kyeong M, Adasooriya D, Cho SW, Jung IY. 2023. Histologic and electron microscopic characterization of a human immature permanent premolar with chronic apical abscess 16 years after regenerative endodontic procedures. J Endod. 49(8):1051-1057.
- Lei L, Chen Y, Zhou R, Huang X, Cai Z. 2015. Histologic and immunohistochemical findings of a human immature permanent tooth with apical periodontitis after regenerative endodontic treatment. J Endod. 41(7):1172-1179.
- Lin LM, Shimizu E, Gibbs JL, Loghin S, Ricucci D. 2014. Histologic and histobacteriologic observations of failed revascularization/revitalization therapy: A case report. J Endod. 40(2):291-295.
- Lui JN, Lim WY, Ricucci D. 2020. An immunofluorescence study to analyze wound healing outcomes of regenerative endodontics in an immature premolar with chronic apical abscess. J Endod. 46(5):627-640.
- Martin G, Ricucci D, Gibbs JL, Lin LM. 2013. Histological findings of revascularized/revitalized immature permanent molar with apical periodontitis using platelet-rich plasma. J Endod. 39(1):138-144.
- Meschi N, Hilkens P, Van Gorp G, Strijbos O, Mavridou A, Cadenas de Llano Perula M, Lambrichts I, Verbeken E, Lambrechts P. 2019. Regenerative endodontic procedures posttrauma: Immunohistologic analysis of a retrospective series of failed cases. J Endod. 45(4):427-434.
- Nosrat A, Kolahdouzan A, Hosseini F, Mehrizi EA, Verma P, Torabinejad M. 2015. Histologic outcomes of uninfected human immature teeth treated with regenerative endodontics: 2 case reports. J Endod. 41(10):1725-1729.
- Palma PJ, Martins J, Diogo P, Sequeira D, Ramos JC, Diogenes A, Santos JM. 2019. Does apical papilla survive and develop in apical periodontitis presence after regenerative endodontic procedures? Appl Sci. 9(19):3942.
- Peng C, Zhao Y, Wang W, Yang Y, Qin M, Ge L. 2017. Histologic findings of a human immature revascularized/regenerated tooth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. J Endod. 43(6):905-909.
- Shetty H, Shetty S, Kakade A, Desai R, Zhang CF, Neelakantan P. 2018. Cone-beam computed tomographic and histological investigation of regenerative endodontic procedure in an immature mandibular second premolar with chronic apical abscess. J Investig Clin Dent. 9(4):e12352.
- Shimizu E, Jong G, Partridge N, Rosenberg PA, Lin LM. 2012. Histologic observation of a human immature permanent tooth with irreversible pulpitis after revascularization/regeneration procedure. J Endod. 38(9):1293-1297.
- Shimizu E, Ricucci D, Albert J, Alobaid AS, Gibbs JL, Huang GT, Lin LM. 2013. Clinical, radiographic, and histological observation of a human immature permanent tooth with chronic apical abscess after revitalization treatment. J Endod. 39(8):1078-1083.
- Torabinejad M, Turman M. 2011. Revitalization of tooth with necrotic pulp and open apex by using platelet-rich plasma: A case report. J Endod. 37(2):265-268.
Badr Hefnawi, Raju Gandhi, and Xiaofei Zhu are with the Department of Endodontics, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
By Dr. Keriann Jimenez
‘Tis the season to put down the handpiece, relax and lean into a different kind of comfort.
One dish worth the pause is the lovely Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Pecans from House of Nash Eats. It’s not about complicated technique or memorizing lit—just wholesome ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of warmth that helps you reset for a new year of seeing patients.
Why It Matters
- For you, the resident: You’ve spent the day navigating difficult canals, interpreting CBCTs, collaborating with faculty, and balancing clinic hours with study time. Your holiday moment is not about adding one more “to-do,” but about stepping out of that cycle for a few deep, restorative breaths.
- For the family table: The recipe leans into classic holiday flavors—sweet potato, cinnamon, brown sugar, marshmallows, pecans—and invites a communal vibe. It’s less about perfection and more about presence.
Recipe
For the mashed sweet potatoes
▢ 3 pounds sweet potatoes cleaned (about 3-4 sweet potatoes)
▢ 4 tablespoons salted butter melted
▢ 1/3 cup milk
▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon cinnamon
▢ 2 large eggs lightly beaten
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 1/2 teaspoon table salt
For the topping
▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar
▢ 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
▢ 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
▢ Pinch of salt
▢ 6 tablespoons salted butter melted
▢ 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
▢ 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- Cook the sweet potatoes by roasting or boiling. To roast: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork, then place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Roast for 45-60mins, until soft. Larger sweet potatoes may take longer to cook. To boil: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks, then boil them in a large pot with enough water to cover them for 10 minutes until fork tender. Drain well, then proceed as directed in the recipe.
- If you have roasted the potatoes, let them cool and scoop out the insides into a large bowl. Alternatively, transfer boiled potatoes straight to a large bowl and gently mash. Add the butter, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, vanilla, and salt, and mash with a potato masher or beat using a hand mixer until smooth.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, then transfer the mashed sweet potatoes and smooth them out evenly with a rubber spatula
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix them together with a fork or whisk, then sprinkle evenly on top of the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Increase the oven temperature to 375°F. Bake the sweet potato casserole for 25-30 minutes, until heated all the way through and the topping begins to brown.
- Remove the sweet potato casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the marshmallows. Set the oven to broil, then return the casserole to the oven and cook just long enough for the marshmallows to toast on top. This happens quickly so make sure to watch carefully during this part.
- Serve immediately (base can be assembled up to 3 days ahead in the fridge, or frozen up to 3 months)
How to Squeeze This into a Busy Residency Schedule
- Prep one afternoon: Roast or boil the sweet potatoes, mash and mix with the filling ingredients, and layer the streusel topping. Cover and refrigerate.
- When clinic ends: Drop the dish in the oven for ~25-30 minutes at 375 °F, then add marshmallows and broil until browned (watching carefully!). This gives you a warm homecoming ritual.
- Invite conversation: As you pull the casserole out of the oven, pause to share how the day went. You don’t need to talk shop unless you want to—just the rhythm of coming together counts.
- Use leftovers wisely: If there’s scooping at midnight or reheating the next day, you’ve earned it. Let the simple sweetness carry you through.
A Final Note
You dedicate long hours to mastering root morphology and patient comfort. In this moment, set the scene with a festive Thanksgiving table instead of a microscope and cassette, because the best part of the holiday is just showing up for the people who show up for you
Dr. Keriann Jimenez is a member of the AAE’s Resident & New Practitioner Committee.
Dear Endodontic Residents and New Practitioners,
As we approach the close of another incredible year, I hope you’ll take a moment to pause, breathe, and recognize just how much you’ve accomplished. The holiday season offers a perfect opportunity to reflect with gratitude; on the challenges you’ve overcome, the skills you’ve honed, and the purpose that propels each of us forward in this specialty. This is a time to celebrate your growth, your resilience, and the exciting journey ahead.
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who recently passed the ABE Oral Examination and/or Case History Examination. Pursuing Board certification is a remarkable achievement. One that reflects countless hours of dedication, discipline, and passion for excellence. Your hard work not only elevates your own career, but also strengthens and advances our entire specialty. I truly look forward to celebrating with many of you at the Grossman Ceremony in Salt Lake City!
The Resident and New Practitioner Committee (RNPC) is already working hard to shape a memorable 2026 for all of us. You can look forward to our annual March Madness bracket challenge, MTA Madness, the Resident Reception and Career Fair at AAE26, and an exciting APICES resident meeting this August. And if you’d like to contribute to The Paper Point, we always welcome new voices, whether it’s a fascinating case, a personal reflection, or even a favorite family recipe.
If you have an idea you’d love the RNPC to bring to life, need guidance on transitioning from residency into practice, want to learn more about getting involved with the AAE, or are ready to submit an article for the next edition of The Paper Point, please reach out to me anytime at PCarpenter.DDS@gmail.com.
Happiest of Holidays!
Warmly,
Priscilla L. Carpenter, D.D.S., M.S. Resident and New Practitioner Committee Chair
Compiled by Dr. Austyn Grissom
From treating Marines at a field exercise at 29 Palms to running a dental clinic at the home of Top Gun, Dr. Rachel Kurcz Anderson has had a remarkable journey to becoming an Endodontist. In today’s New Practitioner Spotlight, Dr. Anderson will reflect on some of the experiences that have shaped her, and share more about what life has been like since completing her residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio this past summer.
The Paper Point: I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us, Dr. Anderson. I must start by congratulating you on your recent news that you conquered the ABE Oral Examination! That is such a huge feat, and I know that you are glad to have that one behind you… only one step to go! Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.
Dr. Anderson: Thank you! Congratulations to everyone who challenged the Oral Board this fall – it was not an easy feat whatsoever. I am a native of Detroit, Michigan and grew up skiing on a small local hill and dreaming of any time I could ski in the mountains.
The Paper Point: At what point did you decide to pursue dentistry, and what influenced that decision?
Dr. Anderson: I was in braces myself when I decided I wanted to become a dentist. My own orthodontist was inspiring to me, as she was a practice owner who also spent time teaching at two programs. She let me shadow even as a high school student, and helped me find other specialists to shadow. Her influence and encouragement really secured my interest in dentistry.
The Paper Point: During your time as a dentist in the Navy, you had some cool assignments. Share with our readers a little bit about some of these experiences, and how these experiences shaped you as a clinician.
Dr. Anderson: I started off at Camp Pendleton, which is a Marine Corps base in North San Diego County. I was fortunate to be in an AEGD program where I learned more about all specialties, especially prosthodontics, orofacial pain, and orthodontics. In my second year there, I was selected to be the dentist for a Marine Corps field exercise called ITX. I was sleeping on a cot in my camouflage dental tent and doing dental readiness for 2 months to kick off the year 2020! During my time at ITX, I frequently saw endodontic emergencies. It was a turning point for me to select endodontics as a specialty because I saw how important it was to military dental readiness.
The Paper Point: For future endodontic residents who are reading, do you have any advice to share that you wish you had known a few years ago?
Dr. Anderson: I initially felt frustrated that I could not specialize straight out of dental school due to my scholarship commitment. Now that I have finished residency and am in practice, I could not be more grateful for the 5 years I spent as a General Dentist. I would say that it is a strength to have experience like that.
The Paper Point: When you were looking for where you and your husband would settle after you finished your residency, what factored into that decision?
Dr. Anderson: Well, my second duty station in the Navy ended up being Remote Duty station in Fallon, Nevada. This is in the Reno-Tahoe region and we were able to ski 25-30 days per season. This became a large factor for us in selecting a home where we could enjoy our outdoor hobbies without having to take a flight! Ultimately, I was no longer in the military, so we selected Denver for the outdoors access combined with the many friends and family we already have in the area.
The Paper Point: Do you have any insight on searching for a job that might be helpful to residents who are about to begin that process?
Dr. Anderson: Looking from long-distance was difficult – If you can, consider moving and then starting the search. This was advice a coresident gave me, and I should have listened! Remember that you are looking for the position that is perfect for you, and everybody has different needs, desires, and motivations. Take your time, listen to your gut, and never settle.
The Paper Point: What has the transition been like from residency into the real world?
Dr. Anderson: I did take some time off after residency which was much-needed for me! I’ve been enjoying it – I am blessed to work at a comfortable pace and look forward to continuing to gain more experience.
The Paper Point: After a long week of saving teeth, what do you like to do for fun?
Dr. Anderson: I’ve been riding my gravel bike, hiking, training for a 10k, and waiting around for ski season to start! I’ve also been to NHL, NFL, and MLS games since arriving in Denver and that has been great fun as well.
The Paper Point: Before we part, share an inspirational quote that has kept you going on your incredible journey through life and dentistry.
Dr. Anderson: Former Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz said, “I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary!” Go Irish!
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.