Bjarne Bergheim, President & CEO, Sonendo, Inc.
An engineer’s path into endodontics, the founding question behind the GentleWave® Procedure, and why technology, partnerships, and patient education are converging at the right moment for the specialty.
As Sonendo’s first employee, what initially drew you to the company?
By 2006, I had spent nearly a decade in cardiovascular device development, working on some of the earliest transcatheter heart-valve concepts. I was ready for the next big problem to solve.
Through Fjord Ventures — our family office and life-science accelerator — we began exploring an idea that would eventually become Sonendo and, ultimately, the GentleWave® Procedure.
What drew me in was the scale of the unmet need: root canal therapy is performed more than 15 million times each year in the U.S., yet the fundamental challenge had remained largely unchanged — how do you more effectively remove infection from the dentin without unnecessarily removing the dentin itself?
If we could remove infection from the dentin, we would effectively have the solution for tooth decay, the most prevalent chronic disease in the world. From my perspective, that was an extraordinary problem to solve. From a patient’s perspective, it was an even more meaningful one.
What problem was Sonendo founded to solve?
Sonendo started with a simple “what if.”
The standard approach to root canal treatment had — and still largely has — a mechanical premise: remove the infected dentin. When we founded Sonendo, we asked the question differently: what if, instead of removing the infected dentin, we could remove the infection from the dentin?
Leave the tooth structure intact, and go after the bacteria and necrotic tissue directly — even where a file can’t physically reach. That single inversion of the problem is what created the GentleWave® Procedure.
To solve this problem, we quickly realize we need to degass the fluids we use during the procedure. The presence of air within the root canal system – sometimes termed vapor lock – will prevent proper cleaning and disinfection into the dentin. Put another way, if degassed fluids are not used during the procedure, we found it impossible to properly clean and disinfect a root canal system. Degassing happens automatically in the GentleWave System.
We further created an automated way to 3-dimensionally dissolve tissue and bacteria within the root canal system. Every GentleWave procedure instrument accelerates fluids close to the speed of sound, that in turn creates a cavitation cloud and a broad spectrum of pressure waves throughout the root canal system to gently dissolve tissue and bacteria.
Combining tissue dissolution with degassing enabled exceptional cleaning and disinfection. But one very important challenge remained: we had to do all of this while keeping the entire root canal system under continuous negative pressure. We believe any presence – continuous or intermittent – can be a source of post-op discomfort for the patient. This is why our Procedure Instrument is designed to always provide negative pressure. We take this very fact seriously and this is why every procedure instrument manufactured at Sonendo is manually tested to ensure they consistently create negative pressure.
We believe this continuous negative pressure is the reason why our procedure instrument reduces post-op pain and discomfort. We also believe that the combination of degassed fluids, broad-spectrum cavitation energy, and advanced fluid dynamics allows GentleWave to deliver a multidimensional clean — reaching deep into complex root canal anatomy, including the microscopic isthmuses, fins, and lateral canals where bacteria can hide.
To this day, the original question still drives every decision we make: how do we clean more, while preserving more?
How does technology like GentleWave help endodontists deliver better outcomes?
GentleWave was designed around four vectors at once: clinical, patient, practitioner, and practice.
Clinically, it reaches areas that mechanical instrumentation cannot, while preserving more natural tooth structure. For patients, most report minimal to no post-operative discomfort, with most procedures completed in a single visit. For the practitioner, GentleWave provides reliable and predictable technology that allows the endodontist to focus on diagnosis, judgment, and patient relationships rather than fighting the procedure.
And on the practice side, the AAE’s recent Referral Patterns Survey makes a point endodontists shouldn’t miss: 76% of general dentists rate up-to-date equipment and technology as ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ important when choosing an endodontist to refer to — yet endodontists rank that factor last among the top factors they believe general dentists use when choosing a referral partner. That perception gap matters: technology is not just a clinical investment; it is a referral-relationship and practice-growth signal.
What do patients misunderstand most about root canal treatment today?
Two things, and they are connected.
First, the persistent myth that root canals are painful — a belief inherited from a version of the procedure that is decades out of date. Modern endodontics, performed by a specialist with current technology like GentleWave, is typically comfortable and aimed at relieving pain, not causing it.
Second, the assumption that extraction is a clean, equivalent alternative. “Just pull it and replace it” sounds straightforward, but a natural tooth is genuinely irreplaceable — biologically, emotionally, functionally, and often financially over a lifetime.
Roughly 78% of Americans say they would do almost anything to avoid losing a natural tooth, and yet many still choose extraction because they do not fully understand what saving the tooth involves today.
Closing that knowledge gap is one of the most important things we can do as an industry.
Why was it important for Sonendo to support Save Your Tooth Month?
Save Your Tooth Month is one of the purest expressions of our mission.
Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease in the world — and yet most people still do not frame it as a public-health issue. The AAE has built a national platform around exactly the message we wake up every day to advance: natural teeth are worth saving, and endodontists are the specialists best equipped to save them.
Standing alongside the AAE during May is a way of saying: this is not only a Sonendo message or an AAE message. It is a shared message. And the more voices behind it, the further it travels.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of endodontics?
What excites me most is that the next decade in endodontics is going to be defined by the same forces that have already transformed other areas of medicine: better data, better imaging, better materials, and intelligence built into the workflow.
The trend lines support it. The specialty has grown more than 40% since 2001, making it one of dentistry’s strongest-growth specialty segments.
Sonendo’s role is to keep doing what we set out to do from the beginning: solve the hardest cleaning and disinfection problem in dentistry, while making the GentleWave® Procedure more accessible, more efficient, and more clinically relevant.
Endodontists have treated nearly 2 million patients with GentleWave System to date. Every one of those patients is a person who got to keep something irreplaceable.
That is the part that still gets me out of bed in the morning.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by authors are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Publication of these views does not imply endorsement by the AAE.
By Ariadne Letra, DDS, MS, PhD
Apical periodontitis (AP) results from the progression of microorganisms within an infected/necrotic root canal system. The localized infection activates the local host immunoinflammatory response, triggering a cascade of events with recruitment of immune cells, release of inflammatory mediators, establishment of local inflammation, hard tissue breakdown, and eventual formation of a periapical lesion1.
Studies in humans and animal models have implicated host factors as critical contributors to AP susceptibility, with host-pathogen interactions suggested to influence disease development and progression1. Host factors involving genetic regulatory mechanisms may affect host physiology, resulting in imbalances in the expression of key pro- and/or anti-inflammatory mediators that integrate the complex biological network underlying AP.
In other words, when an individual’s genetic machinery is disrupted, the consequences may affect how the immune system responds to infection, whether a patient heals, how much pain they experience, and even whether they develop the disease at all2.
Genetic mechanisms such as DNA variation (e.g., single-nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) have been proposed as host factors potentially influencing an individual’s risk of AP development, progression, and/or repair. SNPs are the simplest form of genetic variation among people and occur on average about once in every 1,000 nucleotides, which means that each person has roughly 4 to 5 million SNPs in their genome. Most SNPs are neutral, but those located within functionally important genes can alter gene and protein expression, impair cellular function, and thereby influence disease susceptibility or healing capacity2,3.
What the Research Shows
In recent years, emerging evidence has supported AP as a genetically regulated process with overlapping protective and destructive functions. Studies across multiple populations have found that polymorphisms in disease-relevant genes, including pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukins, matrix metalloproteinases, tumor necrosis factor, heat shock proteins, and others, are associated with AP. The majority of these studies reflect candidate genes selected based on their reported function in the pathogenesis of AP, and revealed the association of many genes, such as IL1B, IL6, IL8, MMP1, MMP3, MMP8, TNFA, TBX21, HSPA1L, WNT3A, among others 2-6. One variant in IL1B (rs1143643) that was significantly associated with AP was also shown to alter gene and protein expression in periapical tissues5. Similarly, the MMP1 promoter variant (-1607 1G/2G) associated with AP was also shown to result in differential gene expression based on individual genotypes; individuals with this polymorphism had increased MMP1 mRNA expression in periapical tissues as compared to healthy tissues obtained from individuals without AP4. Among the more clinically promising findings is the role of the WNT signaling pathway in bone repair. WNT3A variants are associated with AP, and laboratory evidence suggests WNT3A may be a viable therapeutic target for accelerating bone healing after AP-related bone loss6,7, pointing towards targeted treatment possibilities. These findings suggest functional effects of these polymorphisms on cellular functions involved in AP pathogenesis and shed light on how polymorphisms may shape an individual’s risk of AP and how they may be used as targets for treatment strategies.
Genome-Wide Studies
Recently, two genome-wide association studies analyzing over two million genetic variants in thousands of adults with and without AP revealed the association of novel genes with AP, with and without associated pain8,9. Among the newly associated genes are RAP1GAP (RAP1 GTPase activating protein) and SPP1 (osteopontin), both of which are involved in immune cell recruitment, macrophage polarization, and regulation of immune-inflammatory response8. Moreover, these studies found distinct male-only and female-only AP-associated variants, confirming a sexual dimorphism pattern reported in epidemiological studies and animal models of AP, highlighting potential implications for precision AP risk assessment and treatment planning10.
Toward Precision Endodontics
A deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings in AP is essential for developing precision diagnostic and treatment strategies. That said, the associations identified to date should not be interpreted as causation. Genetic association studies remain limited by sample size, population diversity, and difficulty controlling for environmental confounders such as microbiome variation. Therefore, the most significant advances in the field will be made through unbiased studies with large and diverse populations and functional validation of identified SNPs as potential targets for precision treatment strategies8.
For now, endodontic treatment remains the standard of care, and most patients heal well. But the trajectory of this research points toward a future in which genetic profiling may help clinicians predict a patient’s risk of developing AP, likelihood of treatment success or failure, susceptibility to associated pain, and optimal pharmacological management, enabling more predictable diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of all endodontic patients. While such precision endodontic approaches are not yet a clinical reality, recent research advances suggest they are within reach.
References
- Cavalla F, Letra A, Silva RM, Garlet GP. Determinants of Periodontal/Periapical Lesion Stability and Progression. J Dent Res. 2021:100:29-36.
- Menezes-Silva R, Khaliq S, Deeley K, Letra A, Vieira AR. Genetic Susceptibility to Periapical Disease: Conditional Contribution of MMP2 and MMP3 Genes to the Development of Periapical Lesions and Healing Response. J Endod. 2012; 38:604-607.
- Letra A, Ghaneh G, Zhao M, Ray H, Francisconi CF, Garlet GP, Silva RM. MMP -7 and TIMP-1, new targets in predicting poor wound healing in apical periodontitis. J Endod 2013; 39:1141-1146.
- Trombone AP, Cavalla F, Silveira EM, Andreo CB, Francisconi CF, Fonseca AC, Letra A, Silva RM, Garlet GP. MMP1-1607 polymorphism increases the risk for periapical lesion development through the upregulation MMP-1 expression in association with pro-inflammatory milieu elements. J Appl Oral Sci. 2016; 24:366-375.
- Dill A, Letra A, Souza LC, Yadlapati M, Garlet GP, Vieira AR, Silva RM. Analysis of multiple cytokine polymorphisms in individuals with untreated deep carious lesions reveals IL1B (rs1143643) as a susceptibility factor for periapical lesions development. J Endod. 2015; 41:197-200.
- Souza LC, Cavalla FC, Maili L, Garlet GP, Vieira AR, Silva RM, Letra A. WNT gene polymorphisms and predisposition to apical periodontitis. Sci Rep. 2019; 9:18980.
- Tang Y, Zhou X, Gao B, Xu X, Sun J, Cheng L, Zhou X, Zheng L. Modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling attenuates periapical bone lesions. J Dent Res 2014;93:175-182.
- Petty LE, Silva RM, Souza LC, Vieira AR, Shaw DM, Below JE, Letra A. Genome-wide Association Study Identifies Novel Risk Loci for Apical Periodontitis”. Petty LE, Silva R, de Souza LC, Vieira AR, Shaw DM, Below JE, Letra A. J Endod. 2023;49:1276-1288.
- Salminen A, Hyvärinen K, Ritari J, Leppilahti JM, Palotie U, et al. Genome-wide association study of pulpal and apical diseases. Nat Commun. 2025 Jul 23;16(1):6774.
- Sangalli L, Souza LC, Letra A, Shaddox L, Ioannidou E. Sex as a Biological Variable in Oral Diseases: Current Perspectives and Future Directions. J Dent Res. 2023, 102(13): 1395–1416.
Ariadne Letra, DDS, MS, PhD, is Professor and Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Department of Endodontics, Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, at the University of Pittsburgh. She is also an associate editor of the Journal of Endodontics. Dr. Letra can be reached at AriadneLetra@pitt.edu.
Dr. W. Craig Noblett, AAE President
As I begin my term as your president, Endodontics as a specialty seems to be in a secure position. Public awareness of endodontics is at an all-time high. The message that we are the specialists at preserving natural teeth is definitely resonating with the public, reflected in the high level of demand for specialty endodontic care. Our practices are busier than ever. While it might be tempting to relax and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done, we must resist the urge to rest on our laurels and maintain our vigilance in promoting and protecting our specialty.
We face significant external challenges ranging from attempts to erode specialty recognition and the process by which that occurs, efforts to undermine public health initiatives such as water fluoridation, scope of practice modifications, the curtailment of federal student loan availability, and the capricious and often malicious withholding of research funds. In response to these and other concerns, I am happy to report that our regulatory surveillance and advocacy efforts are at the highest level that I have ever observed. Recent examples of our advocacy activity include a robust campaign in Ohio to preserve and strengthen the regulations governing specialty advertising as well as opposition to anti-fluoridation legislation in Iowa and Kentucky. Happily both anti-fluoridation bills were defeated – a significant victory for public health. We have also been actively supporting legislation aimed at dental plan reform in several states. But not all threats are external.
We are facing a significant existential threat to our specialty, and it is one for which we have yet to come up with any viable definitive solution. The critical shortage of full-time educators. More important than any device, instrument, technique, or material, educators are critical to the survival of our specialty. Without qualified graduate program directors, the future supply of endodontists could start to decline even as the demand continues to increase. Let’s face it –my colleagues and I might love what we do in educating our future endodontists, but we aren’t getting any younger, and as retirements start looming on the horizon, we are going to need people to take our place. This is a topic on which I would like to focus more during this upcoming year. I am hoping we can gather some definitive information as to what creates the barriers to careers in education – beyond the obvious financial considerations, so that we can work toward a meaningful and effective solution. This is not something that we will be able to solve in just a year’s time, but I look forward to collaborating with the Foundation’s Task Force on Endodontic Education to explore the possibilities, and I would welcome any feedback as to your perceptions in this area.
Another significant external challenge that we face is the alarming increase in mis- and disinformation to which the public is exposed. The aggressive nature of this messaging and the shameless exploitation of the public’s fear and lack of knowledge requires a thoughtful and strategic approach in combating this false information. Your AAE leadership is actively engaged in developing strategies and responses to the different false claims regarding endodontic treatment. This effort will also include regulatory messaging for legislators with the approach of protecting the public from inaccurate information that could adversely affect their health. Our extremely successful public awareness campaign will continue as a complementary effort as we continue to present the benefits of preserving natural teeth and portray our specialty in a friendly and favorable light.
I hope at this point, you are wondering what you might do to help with the efforts to secure the future of Endodontics. I learned early on from my dad that members of a profession are responsible for its health and wellbeing. If we don’t care for it, others will step in and attempt to take over and regulate our activities. So what you as a member can do is stay engaged, volunteer your time, either with the AAE or your local component society. Participate in our advocacy efforts, either directly or in a supporting role. If you haven’t already, become Board certified. It is also critical that we all support our Foundation as it promotes not only research, but educators and education. Each of these will contribute to our favorable public image and help to ensure our future as a specialty.
I look forward to a challenging but productive year as your president, and I vow to keep you well informed of our activities on your behalf.
Call to Order
President Steven J. Katz called the 2026 General Assembly of the American Association of Endodontists to order at 8:45 a.m. on April 17, 2026, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. A quorum of voting members was in attendance. President Katz instructed the assembly on voting procedures for the meeting.
Standing Rules for the General Assembly were published online with the General Assembly meeting materials and were reviewed at the outset of the meeting.
President Katz appointed Dr. Mark Desrosiers to serve as parliamentarian for the 2026 General Assembly.
Approval of Minutes
President Katz called for approval of the minutes of the 2025 General Assembly as published in the Communiqué.
GA-1 Moved: That the 2025 General Assembly Minutes be approved as published.
Motion Carried.
Report of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Constitution and Bylaws Committee Chair Dr. Natasha M. Flake presented three proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, published in the February 2026 issue of the Communiqué.
The first proposed amendments provided for an expansion of Educator membership eligibility to include internationally trained endodontists holding full-time faculty positions in CODA-accredited programs.
GA-2 Moved: that the proposed amendments to Chapter I, Section 3 and Chapter III, Section 3 AAE Bylaws, relating to Educator Membership, be approved.
Motion Carried.
The second proposed amendment aimed to clarify the process by which Constitutional amendments may be proposed.
GA-3 Moved: that the proposed amendment to Article XII of the AAE Constitution, relating to Amendments, be approved.
Motion Carried.
The third proposed set of amendments related to the Foundation for Endodontics’ updated governance structure, reflecting a revised composition of the Board of Trustees, term length references, and nomination and election processes.
GA-4 Moved: that the proposed amendments to Articles II and X of the AAE Constitution, relating to Foundation governance, be approved.
Motion Carried.
GA-5 Moved: that the proposed amendments to Chapter IX of the AAE Bylaws, relating to Foundation governance, be approved.
Motion Carried.
All motions amending the Constitution and Bylaws passed with the required 3/4 and 2/3 affirmative votes, respectively.
Reports of Officers
Written reports from the AAE President, Secretary, and Treasurer were made available to members online prior to the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
AAE Treasurer Dr. Bradley H. Gettleman reported that for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2025, the AAE achieved an operating surplus after investment earnings of $228,000. Strategic initiative spending totaled $606,000 resulting in a bottom-line deficit of ($378,000). Strategic initiatives focus on the public, the profession, and membership.
In addition, AAE received a clean audit from its independent auditors, indicating that financial operations not only comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, but also that the association is financially sound and that the Board of Directors has operated responsibly and in the best interest of the AAE and its membership.
Dr. Gettleman reviewed AAE Operating Revenues, Expenses, and Operating Surplus, Strategic Initiatives, and overall financial results for fiscal years ending June 2024 and 2025. For Fiscal year 2026, an operating deficit of ($379,000) and a total deficit of ($932,000) are forecasted. The projected deficit also includes expenses related to strategic initiatives. These projections reflect a prudent and conservative approach, accounting for inflationary pressures and cautious revenue expectations for the annual meeting.
The AAE Investment balance at June 30, 2025 equaled $14.1 million and was 101% of annual expenses. With investment reserves exceeding 90% of one year’s expenses, AAE remains in a very strong financial position.
Dr. Gettleman reported that the Board of Directors approved a Fiscal Year 27 budget projecting revenue of $13.5 million, expenses of $14.3 million, investment earnings of $385,000 with an operating deficit of ($403,000). This deficit is slightly greater than the current year, as we expect AAE to minimize expenses and expand revenues to reduce this conservative estimate.
The Board is advancing the strategic plan which focuses on expanding the public’s awareness of endodontics, developing knowledge to advance the specialty, advocating for quality endodontic care, and supporting members to advance patient care. The Board approved additional funding for the strategic initiatives in the amount of $613,000. This will be funded in Fiscal Year Budget 27 through the use of reserve funds. This strategic spending level is similar to prior years, and AAE’s strong financial position allows the organization the opportunity to invest in new initiatives to strengthen the profession.
Journal of Endodontics Report
JOE Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Kenneth M. Hargreaves, reported continued advances in the Journal of Endodontics.
JOE continues to attract noteworthy papers from researchers and clinicians around the world. There has been a 350% increase in the number of new manuscripts submitted to the JOE from 2003-2025.
This increase in submissions consisted of many manuscripts of good quality. In addition to the 1,392 new manuscripts submitted in 2025, an additional 227 revised manuscripts were submitted in response to a prior review.
With more than 400 endodontists and scientists from more than 25 countries currently serving as members of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), the JOE represents a substantial commitment to excellence by AAE members and endodontists around the world.
The JOE has developed an outstanding Impact Factor over the last two decades. Other measures are also strong: in 2024, the JOE generated twice as many citations and published more papers than the IEJ.
The JOE Awards were presented at the JOE Award and Scientific Advisory Board Reception recognizing the best articles in the categories of Basic Research: Biology, Basic Research: Technology, Case Reports and Clinical Techniques, Clinical Research, Regenerative Endodontics, Systematic and Scoping Reviews and Narrative Reviews. In addition, 7 papers published in 2025 received Honorable Mentions. Nominations for next year’s awards will open in the fall and members are encouraged to submit nominations to recognize their peers who are shaping the future of the specialty.
Foundation for Endodontics
Foundation for Endodontics President Dr. Patricia Tordik presented the Foundation report and highlighted the Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing endodontics through research, education, and access to care. Dr. Tordik reported that in 2025, the Foundation invested more than $1.25 million in programs supporting educators, researchers, residents, and practicing endodontists.
Dr. Tordik reviewed several key initiatives, including the Foundation & Dentsply Sirona Freedom Scholarship, the International Access to Care Program serving three Caribbean nations in 2025, and the New Diplomate Award developed in partnership with Cornerstone Dental Specialties.
The Endodontic Educator Fellowship Award was presented to Dr. Rachel Garoufalis, Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Predoctoral Endodontics at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine, in recognition of her contributions to education and mentorship.
Dr. Tordik also highlighted the Foundation’s Domestic Access to Care initiatives funded in collaboration with Specialized Dental Partners. In 2025, three Domestic Access to Care initiatives were funded. Between 2021 and 2024, the program supported projects in eight states, contributed 2,724 volunteer hours, treated 830 patients, and completed 1,499 procedures.
Corporate partners were recognized for first-time and continued contributions during the 2025–2026 campaign.
Dr. Tordik announced that donations made in honor of Dr. Alan S. Law, 2026 recipient of the Dr. Edgar D. Coolidge Award, established a Full-time Educator Award in his name to be awarded annually. Additional educator development and tribute grant recipients were also recognized.
Dr. Tordik concluded by encouraging continued support of the Foundation’s 2025–2026 fundraising campaign and thanked Foundation Trustees, donors, and volunteers for their commitment to the specialty.
American Board of Endodontics Report
American Board of Endodontics President Dr. Meetu Kohli presented the report of the American Board of Endodontics and reflected on the ABE’s continued commitment to lifelong learning, excellence, and continuous improvement within the specialty.
In 2025, the ABE examined 204 Oral Exam candidates, reviewed 154 Case History Portfolios, and administered the Written Exam to 223 examinees. Additionally, over 100 Diplomates completed their recertification requirements.
Dr. Kohli highlighted several major initiatives completed during the year, including a comprehensive Job Task Analysis for all three examinations to enhance the experience for candidates and examiners. She also reported that the ABE is transitioning to a new database system expected to modernize and streamline processes for candidates and Diplomates by the end of 2026.
Dr. Kohli thanked past Directors who continue to serve as volunteer examiners, recognized the contributions of ABE staff members, and thanked the ABE Directors for their dedication.
Dr. Kohli congratulated the 138 new ABE Diplomates honored at the Grossman Ceremony in Salt Lake City and encouraged members pursuing Board certification to continue through the process, emphasizing the value of certification to both the individual and the specialty.
Diplomates in good standing were encouraged to consider Board service through the ABE self-nomination process. Dr. Kohli concluded her remarks by reflecting on her service as ABE President and expressing confidence in the continued strength and future of the organization.
Presentation of ABE Nominees
ABE President Dr. Meetu Kohli presented the following slate of nominees for ABE Directors:
Scott L. Doyle, Director, Second Term
Emanouela D. Carlson, Director
Qian Xie, Director
Dr. Kohli also announced the ABE’s officers for 2026-2027:
Joseph M. Dutner, President
Garry L. Myers, Vice President
Scott L. Doyle, Secretary
Renato M. Silva, Treasurer
Nominating Committee Report
AAE Nominating Committee Chair, Dr. Stefan I. Zweig, presented the slate of nominees for AAE officers and Foundation for Endodontics Trustees:
American Association of Endodontists
President: W. Craig Noblett
President-elect: Elizabeth Shin Perry
Vice President: Bradley H. Gettleman
Secretary: Kenneth W. Tittle
Treasurer: Mark B. Desrosiers
Immediate Past President: Steven J. Katz
Foundation for Endodontics Trustees
Hossein Moosavi, Trustee
Morgan Celistan, New Practitioner Trustee
Jack Burlison, Public Sector Trustee
Amy Warren-Kimbro, Public Sector Trustee
Judith Forsythe, Public Sector Trustee
Dr. Zweig also announced the 2026-2027 officers for the Foundation for Endodontics:
President: Craig S. Hirschberg
President-elect: Stefan I. Zweig
Treasurer: Robert S. Roda
Secretary: Bruce C. Justman
Immediate Past President: Patricia Tordik
District Director Nominees
President Steven J. Katz presented the slate of nominees for District Director positions:
District I: Tadros M. Tadros
District II: Adrienne Korkosz
District III: Christopher Walker Cain
District VI: Calee C. Clark
District VII: Mike A. Sabeti
Election of Board Members
There being no other nominees, the slate of nominees for Officers and Directors of the AAE, Directors of the American Board of Endodontics, and Trustees of the Foundation for Endodontics were elected for terms beginning in 2026.
New AAE officers and district directors, ABE directors, and AAE Foundation trustees took an oath to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the American Association of Endodontists and the Bylaws of the respective organizations to which they have been elected, and to discharge their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities.
Outgoing President’s Remarks
Immediate Past President Steven J. Katz thanked the Assembly for the opportunity to serve as AAE President. He reflected on the honor of serving as AAE President, emphasizing leadership through service, collaboration, and advocacy for the specialty. Dr. Katz thanked AAE members, volunteers, Board and committee leaders, and staff for their dedication and contributions to the organization’s success. Highlights of the year included adoption of an updated strategic plan focused on saving natural teeth, advocacy efforts to protect specialty recognition and patient access to care, and continued public education initiatives promoting evidence-based endodontic care. Dr. Katz concluded by expressing gratitude to family and colleagues, confidence in the future of the AAE, and support for incoming President Dr. Craig Noblett.
Incoming President’s Remarks
Incoming President Dr. Craig Noblett reflected on his professional journey from dental school, residency, private practice, Board service, and full-time academia, noting the path that ultimately led him to leadership within the AAE. Dr. Noblett thanked mentors, colleagues, the AAE staff, and members for their support and emphasized his commitment to advancing the interests of endodontics and the Association during his presidency.
He highlighted the AAE’s ongoing advocacy efforts to protect specialty recognition, research funding, and patient access to specialty care. He identified the shortage of full-time endodontic educators as a significant challenge facing the specialty and expressed his intention to focus on educator recruitment and support during the coming year in collaboration with the Foundation’s Task Force on Endodontic Education.
Dr. Noblett encouraged members to remain actively engaged in organized dentistry through volunteerism, advocacy, Board certification, and support of the Foundation. He concluded by inviting members to attend the next Annual Meeting in San Antonio.
New Business
No new business was submitted for consideration by the Assembly.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the 2026 Meeting of the AAE General Assembly was adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
By Priscilla L. Carpenter, DDS, MS
As the academic year begins to wind down, many residents find themselves in a unique season of transition. Graduation is approaching, interviews and contracts are becoming reality, and the title of “resident” will soon shift to “endodontist.” It is exciting, humbling, and, at times, overwhelming.
For current residents and new practitioners alike, this period serves as an important reminder that growth in endodontics does not stop at graduation. In many ways, it is only the beginning. The past years have been filled with long clinic days, challenging cases, countless radiographs, late nights studying literature, and moments of self-doubt balanced by moments of incredible accomplishment. Residency has refined not only our clinical skills, but also our judgment, resilience, and confidence.
As you prepare to take the next step into practice, academia, military service, or other opportunities, it is important to recognize that none of us arrived here alone. Mentorship, collaboration, and organized dentistry have shaped our journey in ways we may not fully appreciate until later in our careers. One of the greatest strengths of endodontics is the willingness of those within our specialty to teach, encourage, and support one another. That sense of community does not end with residency graduation; rather, it becomes even more important as we transition into independent practice.
For new practitioners, there can often be pressure to feel as though you must immediately have every answer, every system perfected, and every procedure mastered. The reality is that excellence in endodontics is built over time through continued learning, humility, and consistency. Every challenging case becomes an opportunity for growth. Every mentor conversation becomes a lesson. Every patient interaction reinforces the trust and responsibility we carry as specialists.
As residents, you also have a responsibility to remain engaged within the specialty beyond your individual programs. Opportunities to connect with peers and leaders in endodontics are invaluable, particularly early in our careers. These experiences strengthen professional relationships, encourage collaboration, and remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
With that in mind, we encourage residents and new practitioners to attend APICES this August 14–15 in St. Louis. APICES continues to provide an outstanding opportunity to connect with fellow residents, recent graduates, faculty, and leaders within the specialty. Beyond the educational programming, meetings like APICES foster mentorship, professional development, and lifelong friendships that often shape careers in meaningful ways. Be on the lookout for information via email on how to sign up to join us!
As this academic year comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on how far you have come. The difficult cases, the setbacks, the victories, and the long hours have all contributed to the clinician you are becoming. Graduation is not the finish line; it is the start of a new chapter. Endodontics needs passionate, thoughtful, and engaged young professionals, and the future of the specialty is brighter because of the individuals entering it today.
Congratulations to the graduating residents and encouragement to those continuing their training. The work you are doing matters, and your future within this specialty is full of opportunity.
Warm Regards,
Priscilla L. Carpenter, D.D.S., M.S.
Resident and New Practitioner Committee Chair
By Levi Ulmer, Kade Bunting, and John-Ross Floyd
Take a moment to reflect on your predoctoral years and early career. Among those experiences, what most shaped your education and guided your path toward endodontics?
Really—pause and think. When you reflect on predoc, what comes to mind? Perhaps skip the late nights waxing teeth, setting up typodonts, or managing student loans. Instead, consider the moments that inspired you.
Was there a lecture that made everything click? A conversation with a faculty member that opened new possibilities? Encouragement from a professor that arrived at just the right time?
Chances are, somewhere in those memories, an educator influenced the trajectory of your career. We say this because many current and aspiring endodontists—including your authors—cite influential faculty as key inspirations in their professional journeys. Many of us were mentored by endodontists who hoped to impart their passion for the specialty to the next generation.
Unfortunately, that experience is becoming less common. As fewer endodontists choose careers in education and more predoctoral programs rely on general practitioner faculty to deliver lectures and oversee procedures, fewer students experience the privilege of learning endodontics from specialists. In many institutions, an endodontic educator shortage is already underway.
As predoctoral students, your authors have witnessed firsthand the benefits that endodontist-educators bring to both classroom and clinic. Our purpose is to explain why their presence is vital—not only for student enrichment, but for the flourishing of the specialty itself.
Root Canal Anatomy Beyond the Textbook
Endodontics quickly teaches students that not all teeth are created equal. Unlike many dental procedures that allow for direct visualization and relatively consistent anatomy, root canal therapy demands an understanding of complex and often unpredictable canal systems. Success depends on technical precision, diagnostic acumen, and experience managing difficult cases—skills best taught by those who practice them daily.
The literature consistently demonstrates that root canal morphology varies widely, even within teeth traditionally considered straightforward. Effective treatment requires locating, cleaning, shaping, and obturating the entire canal system. As complexity increases, so does the importance of technique and informed decision-making.
Endodontists are trained to recognize subtle anatomic variations and understand their implications for treatment outcomes. Many general dentists, understandably, are less comfortable managing such complexity. Learning directly from endodontists helps students appreciate case difficulty, recognize their limits, and understand when additional time, skill, or referral is appropriate.
Diagnosis and the Management of Difficult Cases
Perhaps one of the greatest strengths endodontists bring to education is advanced diagnostic ability. Specialists routinely manage patients with ambiguous symptoms, referred pain, prior treatment failures, and questionable pulpal diagnoses. Through experience, they develop structured, systematic approaches to testing, interpretation, and treatment planning that extend well beyond memorized algorithms.
When endodontics is taught by endodontists, students can ask deeper questions—and receive thoughtful, experience-based answers. Understanding the rationale behind a diagnosis builds not only knowledge, but confidence. Conversely, when instructors cannot fully justify clinical decisions, students may struggle to develop the assurance required to make those decisions independently.
Endodontist faculty help students discern when to challenge themselves and when to refer. Exposure to complex cases under appropriate supervision allows students to grow clinically while safeguarding patient care. In this sense, endodontic educators serve as a safety net for both students and patients.
Exposure to Modern Endodontics
Endodontics has evolved dramatically with the widespread use of dental operating microscopes, CBCT imaging, and advanced instrumentation systems. Endodontists use these tools daily and understand how they influence diagnosis, planning, and treatment outcomes.
Learning from faculty who actively practice modern endodontics allows students to see beyond the idealized scenarios often presented in preclinical training. Case-based instruction—particularly when incorporating CBCT imaging—enhances visualization of canal complexity and reinforces why certain cases demand advanced skill.
Lectures delivered by non-specialists may understandably focus on straightforward cases. However, these cases are not always representative of what graduates encounter in practice. Endodontists can share insights into materials, instruments, and techniques that have proven effective in challenging situations. Hearing why specific approaches succeeded—or failed—cultivates clinical judgment, which is far more valuable than rote memorization of procedural steps.
Interpersonal and Professional Skills
The contributions of endodontists extend beyond technical expertise. They also model essential professional relationships.
While the general practitioner–specialist dynamic cannot be perfectly replicated in academia, students benefit immensely from understanding that relationship from both perspectives. For future general dentists, learning what information endodontists require in referrals, how they prefer to communicate, and how to cultivate mutual professional respect is invaluable. Engaging with endodontist faculty provides a controlled environment in which to develop these skills before graduation.
Endodontists are also highly skilled communicators with patients and colleagues. Whether explaining prognosis after a failed root canal or advising a referring dentist, specialists must convey complex information clearly and efficiently. Observing and learning from these interactions enhances students’ communication skills.
Moreover, faculty endodontists often become long-term mentors. Every graduate may not have easy access to a trusted endodontist in their community, but meaningful connections formed during predoc can provide lasting guidance well beyond graduation.
For the Sake of the Profession
Endodontists teaching endodontics is essential not only for students, but for the vitality of the specialty itself.
Specialist educators are uniquely positioned to introduce predoctoral students to endodontics during their formative training—even those who may never pursue residency. Board-certified endodontists instill confidence and respect for the specialty. Students who observe an endodontist in clinical practice witness firsthand the level of care achievable through dedicated specialty training.
Such exposure can also inspire students to pursue endodontics. As your authors can attest, the enthusiasm and excellence of a faculty endodontist can be transformative.
Mentorship during predoctoral education strengthens the pipeline of future specialists. Mentees become stronger residency applicants—better prepared for the academic and clinical rigor ahead. This stage is also ideal for instilling the values that sustain the specialty: organized dentistry, board certification, research engagement, and clinical excellence.
Endodontist faculty are particularly well suited to guide focused research projects, fostering meaningful scholarship that advances patient care. At the same time, comprehensive endodontic education produces better referrers—general dentists who understand the nuances and limitations of root canal therapy and communicate more effectively with both patients and specialists. Such collaboration is foundational to efficient, high-quality patient care.
In Conclusion
In this limited space, we cannot fully capture the profound impact that passionate, competent endodontist-educators have on their students. Their influence shapes not only how future dentists practice endodontics, but how they collaborate within their professional communities.
Endodontists already change lives daily by relieving pain and preserving natural dentition. By stepping into education—even part-time—their impact multiplies. Every dentist they mentor becomes an extension of their commitment to excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care.
If teaching is an option, we encourage every endodontist to consider it. The rewards—for students, for the specialty, and for the profession—are immeasurable.
By Yehuda Joesph Benjamin, D.M.D., M.S.
Bob Dylan famously reminded us that “the times they are a-changin’,” signaling that the zeitgeist evolves from generation to generation. The times are indeed changing for endodontics and endodontic education, and those changes are unfolding in real time. The decisions we make today regarding technology adoption, policy, educational philosophy, and treatment philosophy will undoubtedly create a ripple effect that shapes the future of our specialty for years to come.
Maybe the most exciting aspect of this evolution is that all of us, from clinicians in various practice environments, educators, researchers, administrators, organized dentistry, and industry partners, will play a role in defining what that future looks like. So, the big question is: what kind of dentist, endodontist, and dental professional do we want for our future? When questions of this sort are answered thoughtfully, it has been my belief that the rest naturally falls into place.
Advances in technology, generational shifts in student expectations, the palpable shortage of endodontic educators, a changing healthcare system, and unprecedented access to information continue to transform both how we teach and how our students and residents learn. Coupled with the economic realities of dental education and healthcare delivery, these shifts reveal the sobering truth that endodontic education increasingly requires us to navigate competing forces.
These themes served as the backdrop for the AAE26 panel discussion, Education in and for the Future, which I had the honor of sharing alongside amazing endodontists and educators Drs. Melissa Drum, Avina Paranjpe, and Renato Silva.
Although each presentation approached the topic from a different perspective, several common themes emerged. Perhaps the most important was this: the future of endodontic education is not simply about adopting new technology. Rather, it is about preparing adaptable, compassionate professionals who can critically evaluate information, lead ethically, communicate effectively, commit to evidence-based practices, remain lifelong learners, and never forget about the importance of community.
One of the clearest themes from the panel was that the role of the educator continues to evolve. Today’s students and residents have unprecedented access to educational resources, digital platforms, social media, and artificial intelligence tools. Information is no longer difficult to obtain. As Dr. Drum emphasized during her presentation, the challenge is no longer simply access to information, but teaching learners how to critically evaluate information, recognize limitations and bias, and maintain sound clinical judgment in a data-rich environment.
Artificial intelligence is already influencing how learners gather information, summarize literature, and approach clinical questions. Our panel highlighted concerns regarding incomplete datasets, fabricated citations, bias, and the inability of AI to independently determine clinical relevance. We must teach learners how to use these tools thoughtfully while understanding their limitations. AI should serve as an adjunct to clinical decision-making, not a replacement for it.
Another theme discussed was redefining competency for the next generation of professionals. Dr. Paranjpe emphasized that modern competency extends beyond technical proficiency alone. Today’s graduates must be prepared for independent decision-making, evolving evidence, digital literacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, professionalism, and practicing within an increasingly transparent healthcare environment. Educational programs therefore face the challenge of redesigning curriculum and assessment systems to better reflect these broader competencies.
Our panel also addressed the importance of cultivating the next generation of clinician-scientists and educators. Dr. Silva highlighted the fragility of the dental educator pipeline. Evidence-based care depends upon strong research, mentorship, and future faculty development, yet many residents have limited exposure to academic career pathways. One meaningful takeaway was that research and teaching should not be viewed as separate from clinical practice. Research develops critical thinking. Teaching hones understanding. Programs that encourage curiosity, mentorship, scholarly activity, and involvement in organized dentistry help cultivate our future leaders and torch bearers.
My discussion revolved around leadership, ethics, emotional intelligence, and professionalism, noting that clinical competence without leadership, ethical reasoning, and emotional intelligence is incomplete. As technology continues to assume larger technical and analytical roles, distinctly human attributes have to and will become even more valuable. Communication skills, empathy, ethical reasoning, resilience, and leadership are increasingly recognized as critical differentiators in healthcare and many other industries adapting to this age of AI.
These soft skills influence how our future professionals communicate with patients, navigate uncertainty, lead teams, resolve conflict, and uphold professional identity. The future dentist and endodontist must be technologically fluent while remaining biologically grounded and deeply human in their approach to patient care.
They must also develop the problem-solving gene that does not fear uncertainty, and let’s face it, many of the teeth we encounter in endodontics carry some degree of uncertainty. Our responsibility is not to avoid those conversations, but to communicate uncertainty honestly and frame it in a way patients can understand so they can make truly informed decisions. I have always maintained that, when properly educated regarding their options, many patients will still choose to save their natural dentition and “kick the can down the road” on more invasive restorative alternatives.
Another point raised centered on the importance of language and our professional identity. Words matter. Are we “providers” or are we “doctors”? The titles we allow and use influence how society perceives our profession and how we perceive our responsibilities. Preserving professionalism, ethical standards, and the patient-doctor relationship remains critically important in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
At the same time, we as a specialty must continue to demonstrate, through both science and clinical outcomes, that high-quality endodontic care works. The future of tooth retention through endodontics will not be secured simply through philosophy or marketing, but through consistently excellent treatment outcomes that are documented, studied, and shared.
All of us have a responsibility and a role in this effort. That means having a sound understanding of occlusion, orofacial pain, restorative dentistry, and the other disciplines that intersect with endodontics, while rendering excellent endodontic care, selecting cases appropriately, emphasizing long-term recall and follow-ups, documenting outcomes transparently, and committing ourselves to lifelong learning and engagement through study clubs, continuing education, and participation in organized dentistry.
If we do this well, patients and our broader dental community will increasingly reach a point where the merits of preserving natural dentition through endodontic treatment cannot be ignored.
Our panel closed by highlighting that the future of endodontic education is incredibly promising. While the tools, technologies, and educational environments around us may continue to evolve, the mission remains unchanged: to prepare compassionate, thoughtful, highly skilled endodontists and dentists capable of serving patients and advocating for the appropriate retention of teeth for generations to come. These are things I heard when I was in school 20 years ago. So maybe the more things change, the more they stay the same?
As educators, we have the privilege and responsibility of shaping not only competent clinicians, but also our future leaders, mentors, researchers, advocates, and stewards of our amazing profession. How we model our programs will be how many of our dentists and specialists view dentistry and endodontics throughout their careers. So I ask again: What kind of dentist, endodontist, and dental professional do we want for our future?
Note: Generative AI was used as an editorial aid to assist with grammar, clarity, phrasing, and organization. The ideas, opinions, final wording of the content are solely those of the author.
Dr. Yehuda Joesph Benjamin is Assistant Professor and Director of Post Graduate Endodontics, Chair, Department of Endodontics, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine.
By Shawn M. Johnson, ChFC®, CLU®, CLTC
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of how professionals make financial decisions. Dentists are using AI tools to compare insurance policies, interpret coverage language, and explore “what-if” scenarios related to malpractice, disability, life, and health insurance.
Used correctly, AI can be a powerful educational tool. Used incorrectly, it can lead to misinformation, and costly coverage mistakes. The problem isn’t that dentists are using AI. The problem is when you let AI decide for you.
Why Insurance Is Especially Risky to Outsource to AI
Insurance decisions are not purely mathematical. They depend on nuanced definitions, legal language, underwriting standards, and the way that claims are determined and paid out in the real world. These are areas where AI often may sound confident but can be incomplete or wrong.
Dentists may turn to tools like ChatGPT to summarize policies, compare coverage types, explain terminology, or estimate needs based on income or debt.
These uses can be helpful. However, AI models do not:
- Know which carriers have strong claims-paying histories
- Understand state-specific insurance regulations
- Evaluate contract enforceability
- Account for subtle exclusions buried in riders
- Know how policies perform in real claim scenarios
In other words, AI can explain what a policy says, but not always what it does.
The Risk of Confident-Sounding Misinformation
AI tools are designed to produce clear, persuasive answers, even when the underlying information is incomplete, outdated, or overly generalized. In insurance, that can be dangerous. AI models like ChatGPT are trained on publicly available text. They cannot see internal carrier data, broker-only reports or closed claims files.
This may result in a wide range of issues, including potentially:
- Misunderstanding “own-occupation” disability definitions
- Inadvertently comparing outdated policy language when making comparisons between two companies’ offerings (for example one policy may be older that the other, which makes the comparison inaccurate)
- Oversimplifying malpractice limits and tail coverage
- Underestimating exclusions related to mental health or musculoskeletal claims
- Applying generic advice that doesn’t fit dental specialties or ownership status
For dentists, whose income depends heavily on physical ability and precise coverage language, small misunderstandings could have career-altering consequences.
AI Doesn’t Know You
AI tools do not feel or have a responsibility to the client, the way that a human advisor at a reputable company does. AIs are not accountable for outcomes. They do not bear the cost of a denied claim or insufficient coverage.
More importantly, AI tools lack context. They don’t know your risk profile, your practice structure, where you are in your career, and so much more. Two dentists with identical incomes may need very different insurance strategies. AI struggles with that level of personalization without human interpretation.
It’s easy to forget that meaningful insurance purchases ideally happen in the context of a relationship where client and advisor understanding the importance of the placement of a particular insurance policy.
Where AI Does Add Value for Dentists
Used properly, AI can still improve insurance decision-making.
It works best when dentists use it to:
- Learn terminology before meeting an advisor
- Generate questions they hadn’t considered
- Compare high-level differences between policy types
In this role, AI acts as a decision-support tool, not a replacement for professional guidance.
Why Human Advisors Still Matter
Insurance, especially disability and malpractice coverage, is about more than price. It’s about contract language, claim history, and real-world applicability.
A knowledgeable human advisor can identify misleading comparisons, explain how policies behave in actual claims, customize coverage for dental-specific risks, and coordinate your insurance needs within a broader financial planning perspective.
The most effective approach is to use AI for education and preparation, but a human expert for validation, nuance, and final decisions.
What Dentists Should Know About AI and Insurance Decisions
AI is changing how dentists approach insurance, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Better-informed dentists ask better questions and avoid blindly accepting recommendations. But insurance is not an area where confidence alone is enough.
For dentists, insurance exists to protect years of training, earning power, and professional identity. That’s not a decision to outsource entirely to an algorithm. Make sure you work with an experienced insurance advisor who understands the specifics of a dentist’s financial trajectory.
Shawn Johnson is Vice President, Business Development, Treloar & Heisel.
About Treloar & Heisel
Treloar & Heisel, an EPIC Company, is a premier financial services provider to dental and medical professionals across the country. We assist thousands of clients from residency to practice and through retirement with a comprehensive suite of financial services, custom-tailored advice, and a strong national network focused on delivering the highest level of service.
For more information, visit us at treloaronline.com.
TH-26-005
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) continues to demonstrate the power of organized advocacy as Michigan House Bill 4593 successfully passed the Michigan House of Representatives and now advances to the Senate Committee on Health Policy. This important legislation represents a major step forward in protecting the integrity of dental specialties and ensuring transparency for patients seeking specialized dental care.
HB 4593 would strengthen Michigan’s public health code by ensuring that dentists cannot advertise or represent themselves as specialists unless they possess the appropriate specialty credentials and licensure recognized by the state. For endodontists and other recognized dental specialists, this legislation is critical in preserving the value, rigor, and trust associated with specialty education and training.
The AAE has been actively engaged throughout the legislative process by drafting and submitting a formal letter of support to Michigan lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of protecting patients and maintaining professional standards within dentistry. The Association is also mobilizing grassroots support and encouraging members to engage directly with legislators and state dental leaders to amplify the significance of this bill.
This legislative effort underscores the importance of member-driven advocacy. When AAE members lend their voices, share their expertise, and engage with policymakers, it strengthens the profession’s ability to shape meaningful policy outcomes. Advocacy victories such as the advancement of HB 4593 are only possible through collaboration between the national organization, state societies, and dedicated members committed to protecting the specialty.
The AAE remains committed to seeing this legislation through the remainder of the legislative process and will continue advocating until HB 4593 reaches the desk of Governor Gretchen Whitmer for signature into law. Protecting specialty designation standards is not only essential for the future of endodontics—it is vital for patient confidence, informed decision-making, and maintaining the highest standards of oral healthcare.
As the bill progresses through the Michigan Senate, the AAE encourages members to stay engaged, support advocacy outreach efforts, and continue demonstrating the collective strength of the specialty. Together, we can ensure that the voice of endodontics remains strong in state legislatures across the country.
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) continues to support federal legislation addressing key challenges facing the specialty, including student loan burden and dental benefits administration. Two bills currently under consideration—the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act (S. 942) and the Improving Dental Administration Act of 2026 (IDA Act)—reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the dental workforce and improve the practice environment.
The REDI Act would allow borrowers in medical and dental residency programs to defer student loan payments without accruing interest. For endodontic residents, this change would help reduce the long-term financial burden associated with advanced education and training, allowing new specialists to enter practice with greater financial stability.
The AAE is also tracking the Improving Dental Administration Act of 2026 (IDA Act), which would clarify that certain state laws related to dental benefits are not preempted by federal law. This legislation aims to support more consistent oversight of dental plan administration and improve transparency in how benefits are managed.
Both pieces of legislation reflect broader efforts to address issues that directly affect AAE members—from education and training to practice operations and patient access to care.
At AAE26 in Salt Lake City, members who visited the Advocacy Booth had the opportunity to take action on these important issues. Attendees were able to quickly contact their members of Congress and urge support for both the REDI Act and the IDA Act, reinforcing the importance of these policies to the specialty.
If you were unable to attend AAE26, you still have the opportunity to make your voice heard. AAE encourages members to reach out to their elected officials and support these critical pieces of legislation using the links below.
The AAE’s continued advocacy on these issues reflects its commitment to supporting members at every stage of their careers and ensuring that policies at the federal level promote a strong and sustainable future for endodontics.
Take Action Today: