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.
By Dr. Dentonio Worrell
A military career is not for everyone, but it was definitely the right path for me and my family. November 8, 2025, marks 29 years since I signed the dotted line and intrepidly embarked on a journey that I did not know at the time would span 3 decades, 3 continents, 40 countries, hundreds of cities, tons of adventures- sky diving, rappelling out of helicopters, obstacle courses, The Nijmegen Walk of the World, Army ten-miler, Bataan Death March and the saving of teeth all over the world. Admittedly…I’m still having fun! I grew up on the beautiful little island of Barbados centered in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I began my Army career shortly after leaving there when I signed up for the Army Reserves while attending the State University of New York at Stony Brook. It feels full circle that I am ending my career on a larger, yet equally beautiful island in the Pacific. My military career has exceeded my wildest imaginations. It paid for Dental school and residency training and the board certification process. It afforded me the ability to practice dentistry without the factor of finances coming into play for my patients. I have the privilege of working on the absolute best patients in the world who rarely complain and are always grateful to be in the chair. Each day I get to work on America’s sons and daughters and my colleagues and I and all who serve and have served take tremendous pride in that. For most of us, it is more than a job or profession, it is a calling or duty. I came onto Active duty in 2004 during the Global War on Terror and swiftly deployed to answer the call during Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2005 to October 2006. It was a watershed moment and life-changing experience in every aspect of the world. Spiritually, I learned to walk by faith under the daily, constant threat of death from rocket propelled grenades aimed at our camp. Professionally I grew because I was faced with all manner of dental trauma from combat…but also from boredom- Soldiers will Soldier during down times and come up with ‘creative ways’ to entertain themselves that often led to dental visits. The procedure I am most proud of in my career was a pulpal debridement that I performed as a Battalion Commander who rolled into our camp in an Abrams tank at 3 am because he was in intense pain that was affecting his combat readiness and effectiveness. He was so thankful and appreciative afterwards that he presented me with his coin, the first of my career at the time. I honed negotiation skills and how to barter…some of the best steaks I have ever eaten in my life were in Iraq because I gave cleanings to cooks. I earned an honorary Veterinary degree from the Vets because of my assistance in performing root canals on their military working dogs.
Mentally, I gained the patience of Job and a resilience and grit that serves me to this day. Emotionally I grew because my girlfriend at the time sent me a ‘Dear John’ letter in the middle of the deployment that also caused me to grow physically because lifting weights and running was my therapy- I can laugh now. While in Iraq as a general Dentist little did, I know my Endo journey was beginning. Another Dentist told me to go visit his uncle when I returned to the US. His Uncle was Dr. Fred Sykes, a board-certified retired Army Colonel and former AAE District Director of South Carolina. I called Dr. Sykes when I returned, and he and his wife Corliss rolled out the red carpet- endo style for my new girlfriend (now wife) and I. He pulled out the carousel slide projector (millennials Google it) and showed me his thirty- yes, I said 30 board cases. Keep that in mind when you complain about the current 5 case requirements. There are no excuses not to get boarded. Dr. Sykes was passionate and enthusiastic not only about Endo but also about life and it confirmed what God had already showed me was the path I needed to pursue.
Dr. Kimberly Lindsey, another board-certified Endodontist and retired Colonel was an early mentor who helped me to setup an externship at the Fort Bragg Endodontic Residency where COL (Ret) Pete Mines and COL (Ret) Alfred Anderson later accepted me into the program and trained me. Dr. Mines often spoke about Dr. Gary Hartwell, another veteran and retired Army Colonel who was a former program Director and 2024 AAE President’s Award recipient. They brainwashed our entire class into getting board certified as quickly as possible with the last resident getting boarded being current ABE Director Dr. Joe Dutner. I was super excited when I received my recent board certification recertification certificate to see it signed not only by my classmate but also by Dr. Garry Myers who is a former AAE president, an Air Force veteran and the current program director at VCU Endo. Dr. Myers and I met in 2019 when I completed the AAE Leader Development program where he volunteered his time to help mentor the next generation of Endodontists. My recommendation letter for the program was written by Dr. Clara Spatafore another former AAE President and then the program director at VCU. She is also a Navy veteran whom I first met in 2010 when she volunteered her time to come lecture at my Endodontic residency at Fort Bragg in NC. We reconnected in 2018 when I was stationed at Fort Lee, VA and volunteered my time teaching Endo in the undergrad department at VCU. With volunteerism, everything comes full circle. Two other examples of this I have are Dr. Maria Maranga who while not a veteran lives a life of service. She also volunteered as a mentor in the 2019 LDP class and it turns out she was good friends with my very first formal mentor from college, Ms. Jovanna Little who I met in 1998. The final example is another veteran Dr. Rodney Scott who was volunteering his time as chair of the Practice Affairs Committee in 2020 when I first volunteered with the committee. Dr. Scott is a Naval Officer with over 20 years of service. I recently found an old JOE article circa 2011 where we were both featured on the same page. He was featured in a spotlight on the Naval Residency. I was featured for doing a tandem skydive with the JOE.
I am eternally grateful for the opportunities serving the military and Specializing in Endodontics has brought to me. I like to say that most people work to make money to live a life of adventure. For those of us who serve, our lives are adventure. Almost a decade of my career has been spent in leadership where I was the Commander in charge of dental organizations or as we call them Dental activities in Belgium, Virginia, Hawaii and in charge of a Dental Field Unit in Washington state. Every location and assignment was unique and challenging but facilitated my growth and helped me to develop leadership and other skills beyond Dentistry. During the Pandemic while in the field unit we deployed teams of Dentists and Dental assistants to the middle east, one of whom is Dr. Adam Pink, another veteran who upon completing his military payback went into civilian Endodontic residency and will graduate this summer from VCU. We also were tasked as a unit to take on the mission of Covid testing the 50,000-person community around Joint Base Lewis McChord in the state of Washington.
Here in Hawaii as I enter the twilight of my career, I am still volunteering. Special Olympics is big over here and through Operation Special Smiles I have met two other board-certified Endodontists- Dr. Rachel Yorita who is president of the chapter here in Oahu and Dr. Carol Weber a retired Navy veteran. I also volunteer with Mentorships in Dentistry Inc. (MIND) an organization focused on mentoring and developing a dental workforce that is reflective of the US population. Within the Army I am now involved in education working with residents in our 2-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program in Hawaii. One of the great things about a military career is the flexibility to work in different modalities. You can teach General Dentists or Endodontic residents or take on administrative roles or staff jobs. You can also be a straight clinician. You can work in a traditional dental clinic or a field clinic. You can also venture completely out of Dentistry into medical administrative roles or Command positions. Another plus is that I have met and made friends from all over the country and all over the world. One of my daughter’s best friends is Estonian whom she met when they went to school together in Belgium. The military lifestyle is definitely a life lesson ordinary that is not for everyone but for my family and I it has been an absolute blast.
Salute to all the veterans of the AAE who have served the Nation one tooth at a time. –Dentonio Worrell
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has joined the American Dental Association (ADA) and other leading dental organizations in raising concern over new federal actions that threaten the ability of U.S. dental schools to recruit and retain qualified faculty. Recent policy changes imposing restrictions on nonimmigrant workers, combined with guidance establishing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa issuance, have drawn strong opposition from the academic dental community.
Internationally trained faculty are essential to maintaining the strength of U.S. endodontic education. Without these educators, long-standing faculty shortages would become even more severe, threatening accreditation standards and limiting the number of new endodontists entering the workforce.
Unlike other professions, dental education requires in-person, hands-on clinical training. Internationally trained faculty fill critical gaps that cannot be outsourced or replaced with virtual models. Many pursue additional advanced standing programs in the U.S. to align their training with American standards, and they go on to serve in both faculty roles and community-based care.
For the AAE, endodontics relies heavily on specialized faculty to train residents in highly technical, patient-centered procedures. Many endodontic programs already face challenges recruiting sufficient faculty to meet Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requirements. If international educators are discouraged or prevented from participating due to visa restrictions and prohibitive costs, the pipeline of future endodontists will be at risk. This could mean fewer residency positions, reduced training opportunities, and ultimately diminished access to endodontic care for patients across the country.
By joining the ADA-led coalition, the AAE is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the future of endodontic education and ensuring that patients continue to benefit from the highest standards of specialty care. Organized dentistry stands united in sending a clear message: safeguarding access to internationally trained faculty is vital to the future of dental education, the strength of the specialty, and the health of the patients we serve.
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is strongly supporting legislation in Michigan aimed at strengthening patient access to care, reducing administrative burdens for providers, and ensuring fairness in dental benefits and licensure. Through letters of support, the AAE has advocated for three bills now under consideration by the Michigan Legislature.
House Bill 4935 – Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact
AAE supports HB 4935, which would ratify the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact in Michigan. The DDH Compact creates a streamlined framework for licensure portability, allowing qualified dental professionals to practice across member states more efficiently. This improves regulatory oversight while reducing administrative burden, expands access to care, particularly in underserved areas and benefits military families by easing credential transfers. The legislation balances multi-state collaboration with state oversight, addressing workforce shortages and improving patient access.
House Bill 4860 – Dental Payment Reform
AAE also supports HB 4860, which requires health plans and nonprofit dental corporations to offer at least one reimbursement method that pays endodontists in full without additional fees. This measure ensures fair and timely reimbursement, prevents costly third-party payment deductions, and reduces administrative burdens, particularly for small and solo practices. Notably, the bill preserves endodontist choice by allowing providers to opt out of payment methods until they voluntarily opt back in, creating stability and transparency in dental benefits.
Senate Bill 546 – Timely Claims Processing
Finally, AAE has endorsed SB 546, which strengthens timely payment protections for dentists. The bill requires insurers to pay clean claims within 30 days and establishes tiered interest penalties for late payments. It also prohibits retaliation against providers who report violations and mandates annual public reporting of claims data by insurers. These provisions increase accountability, protect providers, and reduce administrative barriers that interfere with patient care.
Senate Bill 370 – Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program
AAE supports SB 370, which establishes the Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program reimburses eligible Michigan National Guard members for premiums paid under the Tricare Reserve Select and Tricare Dental Programs, helping ensure continuous access to essential medical and dental coverage. This measure recognizes oral health as integral to overall health and supports service members by reducing gaps in coverage that can lead to untreated conditions, pain, and higher long-term healthcare costs.
Why It Matters
Together, these three bills represent meaningful progress toward a stronger, fairer dental care system in Michigan. By addressing workforce mobility, payment fairness, and claims transparency, the legislation helps ensure that endodontists and other dental providers can focus more on patients and less on paperwork. The AAE applauds lawmakers for pursuing these reforms and will continue to support similar efforts across the country to strengthen oral health care delivery.
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is proud to support Florida Senate Bill 96 (SB 96), that would transform access to dental care for veterans. This legislation, introduced by Senator Sharief, creates the Veterans Dental Care Program within the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs—a program designed to put comprehensive, high-quality oral health services within reach for the men and women who have served our country.
Many veterans suffer in silence from untreated oral diseases, pain, and complications that affect their overall health. SB 96 aims to change this by ensuring that veterans have access to preventive, restorative, endodontic, and prosthodontic services. These services will be available through trusted community health centers, nonprofit clinics, dental schools, and even mobile dental units that provide care directly to underserved areas.
Endodontists understand the significant impact that timely and specialized care can have. Root canal therapy and other treatments not only save teeth but also help stop infections, prevent serious complications, and protect overall health. For veterans living with diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, having access to these services can be life changing. By advancing SB 96, lawmakers are opening the door for veterans to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, while also recognizing the importance of oral health as a key component of overall well-being.
AAE is proud to take the lead on this issue, and we urge Florida lawmakers to act swiftly. Supporting SB 96 means honoring our veterans with the care they deserve, enabling dental professionals to perform at their best, and demonstrating to the nation what genuine commitment to oral health equity looks like.
During the ADA House of Delegates Meeting on October 25 – 28, 2025, AAE leadership, members serving as ADA delegates, and staff represented the specialty at organized dentistry’s largest policymaking forum of the year. This year’s meeting was record-breaking, both in the number of resolutions considered and in the level of delegate engagement. The event reflected a renewed commitment across the dental community to shaping policy that advances clinical excellence and supports the profession’s evolving needs. For AAE, the meeting capped months of review, collaboration, and preparation to ensure that endodontic priorities were clearly heard and effectively advanced within the ADA.
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.
By Dr. Matthew Malek
It has been over a century since the first rotary file was introduced, when Oltamare used fine needles with a rectangular cross-section mounted on a handpiece 1; however, early efforts to implement engine-driven files faced significant challenges, including poor resistance to torsional and cyclic fatigue, alteration of the canal’s internal morphology, and a high risk of iatrogenic errors. Many engineers of the time concentrated on kinematics, exploring various motion patterns to enhance the technology’s functionality. However, the concept failed to capture the enduring attention of a broad base of clinicians.
A renewed focus on kinematics in the following decades led to notable enhancements. In 1963, MicroMega engineers located in France introduced the Giromatic system, one of the earliest commercially available devices to employ reciprocating motion 2. This system utilizes stainless steel reamers powered by an engine to generate controlled reciprocation, aiming to enhance safety and reduce instrument fatigue. Micromega credited the Giromatic as one of the first systems to implement this form of kinematic motion in endodontic instrumentation 3. While researchers were assessing the impact of emerging kinematic systems, they remained largely unaware that just a few years earlier, in 1960, a transformative alloy—nickel-titanium (NiTi), also known as Nitinol—had been developed in Silver Springs, Maryland. Decades later, this alloy would revolutionize root canal instrumentation and fundamentally alter endodontic practice. The endodontic community would wait nearly three decades for the transformative potential of NiTi to be realized. In 1988, Dr. Harmeet Walia first reported the use of NiTi (56% nickel: 44% titanium) in endodontic files, highlighting its superior flexibility and shape memory 4. This innovation paved the way for further advancements. In 1990, Dr. John McSpadden developed the first engine-driven NiTi rotary instrument. By 1992, Dr. Ben Johnson had introduced and commercialized the first 0.04 and 0.06 taper rotary files, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of rotary endodontics5.
Researchers quickly recognized the unique properties of the NiTi alloy, particularly its superelasticity and shape memory. These characteristics allow the material to undergo reversible deformation of up to 8% strain—significantly higher than the ~0.2% strain limit typical of most conventional metals—without permanent or plastic deformation.6 This enhanced flexibility and resilience translated into notable clinical advantages, including a reduced incidence of instrument separation due to cyclic fatigue, improved preservation of the original canal morphology, and minimized canal transportation 7.
However, it was soon recognized that while the shape memory property of NiTi allows instruments to return to their original form after deformation, it also makes them susceptible to cyclic fatigue. Additionally, despite significantly outperforming stainless steel files in maintaining canal curvature, NiTi instruments can still exert a tendency to straighten the canal, albeit to a much lesser extent 8. To address these limitations, engineers shifted their focus to modifying the phase transformation behavior of NiTi alloys through various heat treatment procedures. By altering the transformation temperatures, they aimed to enhance flexibility, fatigue resistance, and clinical performance. Over the next three decades following the introduction of the first NiTi rotary files, the focus of innovation gradually shifted from kinematics to metallurgy, marking a new era in the evolution of endodontic instrumentation 9. The rapid pace and breadth of advancements in NiTi file technology have given rise to the development of numerous novel technologies and heat treatment processes. As a result, there are now approximately 150 to 200 different file types available on the market, combining metallurgical advancements with innovative geometry and kinematics to revolutionize the cleaning and shaping of canals.
The wide variety of files available on the market can often confuse dentists, as each company promotes its file system as uniquely superior. However, a careful evaluation reveals that many of these systems share fundamental physical similarities. Understanding these shared characteristics can help clinicians choose the most effective option within each category, maximizing the benefits of current file technologies. Next, we will review contemporary trends in NiTi rotary file design, focusing on metallurgy, geometry, and kinematics.
Metallurgy:
Shortly after the introduction of Nitinol, scientists discovered that its temperature-dependent, two-phase crystalline structure—characterized by transformations between austenite and martensite—could be altered 10. Austenite, the high-temperature phase of the alloy, is known for its superelasticity and rigidity, whereas martensite, the low-temperature phase, is distinguished by its flexibility and softness. The rhombohedral phase (R-phase) is an intermediate state that appears during cooling, characterized by a coexistence of both austenite and martensite structures, and occurs just before the complete transformation to the martensite phase 11. An austenitic file can also transform into martensitic under mechanical stress—a process known as stress-induced martensite transformation. While this change is reversible with heat, excessive stress beyond a certain threshold can lead to permanent plastic deformation of the file 12.
By applying various heat-treatment processes, engineers have successfully modified the alloy’s phase transformation between austenite and martensite, allowing them to tailor the file’s mechanical behavior to perform optimally at specific temperatures. This advancement paved the way for the development of a wide range of files with distinct mechanical behaviors, ranging from the original austenitic files, which are stable at room temperature, to those exhibiting martensitic properties. Over the past 15 years, the evolution of this technology has prompted numerous companies to introduce their own proprietary heat-treatment methods. Some of these notable technologies are listed below:
| Technology | Company | Date | Significance | Examples |
| M-Wire | Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties | 2007 | Higher R-phase and martensitic structures compared to original austenitic files | ProFile®, GT®, ProTaper® Next, WaveOne® |
| R-phase | Sybron Endo | 2008 | Austenite; twisted in R-phase | Twisted files (TF™) |
| CM-wire | DS Dental
|
2010 | Higher total stable martensitic phase | Hyflex® CM, V-Taper® 2H |
| Blue-wire | Dentsply | 2011 | Higher total stable martensitic phase | Vortex Blue® |
| Gold-wire | Dentsply | 2011 | Higher total stable martensitic phase | ProTaper® Gold, WaveOne® Gold, |
| EDM | Coltene | 2016 | Higher total stable martensitic phase; includes the electric discharge machining technology | Hyflex® EDM |
| Maxwire® | FKG | 2016
|
Martensitic in room temperature changing to austenitic in the canal | XP- 3D Shaper™, XP-3D Finisher™,
XP – 4D ™
|
| DualWire® | Zarc | 2021 | Includes two heat treatments (Gold and Blue) in a single instrument. | BlueShaper PRO® |
| Compared to earlier heat treatment technologies such as M-wire and R-phase,, each subsequent advancement has aimed, among other goals, to increase the proportion of stable martensitic crystals in the alloy at body temperature. This shift results in files that are more martensitic, offering greater elasticity and improved resistance to cyclic fatigue. Two notable exceptions to this trend are MaxWire and DualWire heat treatment technologies. MaxWire produces files that are martensitic at room temperature but transform to the austenitic phase inside the canal, allowing the file to adapt to the canal’s shape. DualWire technology takes a unique approach by combining two different heat treatments within a single file (Blue and Gold), with the apical third treated to be more austenitic (Gold) than the shaft (Blue), optimizing flexibility where it is most needed13. | ||||
Files with more stable martensitic crystals are softer and more elastic, enabling them to deform reversibly without exhibiting shape memory or a tendency to return to their original shape, unless heated above a specific threshold known as the austenite finish temperature. If the austenite finish temperature is higher than body temperature, the file will retain a proportion of martensitic crystals during use in the root canal 14. This increased martensitic content enhances the file’s flexibility, allowing it to bend or deform within a certain range without permanent plastic deformation, thereby improving its resistance to cyclic and, to some extent, torsional fracture.
Geometry
Geometry refers to the physical characteristics of a file, including its taper, thickness, cross-sectional design, helical angle, and pitch.
Taper and thickness: In general, a file’s thickness and taper are directly related to its overall mass. In other words, for any given cross-section, a file with greater thickness and taper will possess a higher mass, resulting in increased stiffness 15. These characteristics make thicker and higher-taper files useful in wider canals or when increased stiffness is needed to resist torsional fatigue. However, this comes at the cost of reduced resistance to cyclic fatigue. NiTi files inherently possess superelasticity and flexibility, allowing manufacturers to increase taper and thickness with less concern for cyclic fatigue and canal straightening. Still, under normal clinical conditions, thicker, higher-taper files are more likely to alter the internal canal and are at a greater risk of separation in curved canals compared to thinner files. Conversely, lower-taper files tend to preserve canal curviture, which is advantageous in curved canals. To offset the increased stiffness caused by greater taper or thickness, modifications to the cross-sectional design have been employed.
Cross-section: Among other properties, the cross-sectional design influences cutting efficiency, debris removal, and flexibility. A larger cross-sectional mass increases stiffness, which is beneficial for enhancing torsional fatigue resistance, whereas a smaller cross-section is more favorable for resisting cyclic fatigue 16. A square cross-section generally exhibits greater stiffness than a rectangular one,17 while a triple helix design tends to be stiffer than a triple U cross-section 18. Cross-sectional modifications have been strategically used to reduce stiffness in larger files. For instance, ProTaper® Gold files feature a convex triangular cross-section in sizes S1 to F2, and a concave cross-section in sizes F3 to F5—an intentional design that decreases core mass in larger files, improving flexibility without compromising cutting performance.
Helical angle and pitch: The helical angle refers to the angle of the cutting edge relative to the instrument’s long axis, while the pitch is the distance between two consecutive cutting edges when viewed laterally. Generally, the helical angle and pitch share an inverse relationship—an increase in helical angle corresponds to a decrease in pitch, and vice versa. Studies have shown that increasing the pitch or decreasing the helical angle of a file enhances its resistance to cyclic fatigue but reduces its resistance to torsional fatigue19. Additionally, these changes are associated with lower cutting efficiency 20. It is important to note that the unwinding of rotary files after use results in an increased pitch and a decreased helical angle. These changes not only reduce cutting efficiency but also increase the file’s susceptibility to torsional fracture, particularly in tight or constricted canals.
Kinematics
While full reciprocation—equal clockwise and counterclockwise rotation—had been incorporated into rotary devices as early as the 1960s, the concept of partial reciprocation, involving unequal clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, was introduced to endodontics in 1985 by Dr. James Roane through the balanced force technique. This innovative technique, initially applied to hand instrumentation, was effective in maintaining the centering of stainless steel files within the canal 21. In 2008, Dr. Ghassan Yared adapted the concept to engine-driven instruments by investigating the cyclic fatigue resistance of a standard ProTaper® F2 file in both continuous rotary and reciprocating motions 22. Building on this foundation, Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties introduced the WaveOne® file system in 2011—one of the first to utilize reciprocating kinematics in a commercially available engine-driven file. Following the introduction of WaveOne®, several other reciprocating file systems have been developed and are now widely available on the market. Research has demonstrated that reciprocating motion—particularly in the horizontal plane—offers significant advantages, including improved resistance to both cyclic and torsional fatigue 23. Additionally, alternative kinematic approaches, such as the vertical oscillations used in the Self-Adjusting File (SAF) system, have been introduced, offering similar mechanical and clinical benefits24.
Summary
The integration of metallurgy, geometry, and kinematics has resulted in the development of a wide variety of file systems, each with distinct properties. For instance, the WaveOne® Gold file combines a heat-treated gold alloy rich in martensitic phase for enhanced flexibility, with reciprocating motion to maximize both cyclic fatigue resistance and cutting efficiency, leveraging the benefits of both advanced metallurgy and kinematics.
The era of just relying on one or two file systems to manage all cases is long gone. Today, with a wide range of files available – each offering distinct characteristics – clinicians have the advantage of selecting the most appropriate system tailored to the specific demands of each case. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that many of the files currently available on the market share similar core characteristics, with only subtle differences between them. A typical file selection in an endodontic practice will often include at least one file representing each of the following categories (glide path rotary files are not the subject of this article):
- A thick or progressively tapered martensite-austenite file for shaping large canals
- A thin or thick austenitic file for straight canals or retreatment cases
- A thin martensitic file for negotiating curved canals
- A 3D-adaptive file designed for C-shaped or anatomically wide canals
A wide canal may require a file with a greater taper for effective shaping, while a narrower canal is better suited for a file with a lower taper. In curved canals, a more martensitic file is preferred to minimize the risk of cyclic fatigue and canal transportation. Conversely, in straight but constricted canals, a slim yet more austenitic file may be more effective, offering increased resistance to unwinding and torsional fatigue fracture. Another file system that can be particularly useful in certain cases—such as c-shaped canals—is the so-called “3D” file. A notable example is a file utilizing Maxwire technology, which adapts to the canal’s shape and helps preserve its internal anatomy 25.
When selecting a file within each category, it is important to consider design features such as cross-section, helical angle, and pitch, as each significantly influences the file’s mechanical behavior. For example, a file with a higher pitch generally offers greater resistance to cyclic fatigue but may be more vulnerable to torsional stress. Similarly, a triangular cross-section typically provides greater flexibility compared to a rectangular one.
The following table summarizes key file specifications and their relative effects on file performance:
| Higher cyclic fatigue resistance | Higher torsional fatigue resistance | |
| Higher Martensite crystals | + | |
| Higher thickness | + | |
| Increased taper | + | |
| Cross-section | Triangle, S-shaped, U-shaped | Rectangular, triple helix, convex triangle |
| Increased helical angle / reduced pitch | + | |
| Reciprocation movement | + | + |
Ultimately, it is essential to acknowledge the significant impact of the operator’s experience on the successful cleaning and shaping of the canal26. It is well understood that it is the clinician—not the files themselves—who ultimately performs the treatment. It has also been shown that the outcome of root canal treatment depends on other significant factors, rather than the file choice.27 Nevertheless, when properly selected, files used by a skilled operator become invaluable tools for delivering high-quality, efficient care that meets patients’ expectations.
References
- Hülsmann M, Peters O.A, Dummer P.M. Mechanical preparation of root canals: shaping goals, techniques and means. Endodontic topics. 2005;1(10):30-76.
- Frank AL. An evaluation of the Giromatic endodontic handpiece. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1967;24(3):419-421.
- Grande N, Ahmed H, Cohen S, et al. Current assessment of reciprocation in endodontic preparation: A comprehensive review – Part I: Historical perspectives and current applications. Journal of endodontics 2015;41:1778-1783.
- Walia HM, Brantley WA, Gerstein H. An initial investigation of the bending and torsional properties of Nitinol root canal files. J Endod 1988;14(7):346-351.
- Gavini G, Santos MD, Caldeira CL, et al. Nickel-titanium instruments in endodontics: a concise review of the state of the art. Braz Oral Res 2018;32(suppl 1):e67.
- Thompson SA. An overview of nickel-titanium alloys used in dentistry. Int Endod J 2000;33(4):297-310.
- Drukteinis S, Peciuliene V, Bendinskaite R, et al. Shaping and Centering Ability, Cyclic Fatigue Resistance and Fractographic Analysis of Three Thermally Treated NiTi Endodontic Instrument Systems. Materials 2020;13(24):5823.
- Esposito PT, Cunningham CJ. A comparison of canal preparation with nickel-titanium and stainless steel instruments. J Endod 1995;21(4):173-176.
- Liang Y, Yue L. Evolution and development: engine-driven endodontic rotary nickel-titanium instruments. Int J Oral Sci 2022;14(1):12.
- Shen Y, Zhou HM, Zheng YF, et al. Metallurgical characterization of controlled memory wire nickel-titanium rotary instruments. J Endod 2011;37(11):1566-1571.
- Lukáš P, Šittner P, Lugovoy D, et al. In situ neutron diffraction studies of the R-phase transformation in the NiTi shape memory alloy. Applied Physics A 2002;74(1):s1121-s1123.
- Yan L, Liu Y. Effect of Deformation Mode on the Wear Behavior of NiTi Shape Memory Alloys. Shape Memory and Superelasticity 2016;2(2):204-217.
- Aparicio JA, S. PMM, Guerrero. APG, et al. Multimodal Evaluation of Three NiTi Rotary Systems: Clinical Simulation, Mechanical Testing, and Finite Element Analysis. Dentistry Journal 2025;13(368).
- Alsofi L, Al-Marshadi M, AbuHaimed T, et al. Thermal behavior and cyclic fatigue resistance of three contemporary NiTi heat-treated single-file systems: metallurgical study. BMC Oral Health 2025;25(1):338.
- Camps JJ, Pertot WJ. Relationship between file size and stiffness of stainless steel instruments. Endod Dent Traumatol 1994;10(6):260-263.
- Oh SR, Chang SW, Lee Y, et al. A comparison of nickel-titanium rotary instruments manufactured using different methods and cross-sectional areas: ability to resist cyclic fatigue. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010;109(4):622-628.
- Versluis A, Kim HC, Lee W, et al. Flexural stiffness and stresses in nickel-titanium rotary files for various pitch and cross-sectional geometries. J Endod 2012;38(10):1399-1403.
- Turpin YL, Chagneau F, Vulcain JM. Impact of two theoretical cross-sections on torsional and bending stresses of nickel-titanium root canal instrument models. J Endod 2000;26(7):414-417.
- Baek SH, Lee CJ, Versluis A, et al. Comparison of torsional stiffness of nickel-titanium rotary files with different geometric characteristics. J Endod 2011;37(9):1283-1286.
- Roda-Casanova V, Pérez-González A, Zubizarreta-Macho A, et al. Influence of Cross-Section and Pitch on the Mechanical Response of NiTi Endodontic Files under Bending and Torsional Conditions-A Finite Element Analysis. J Clin Med 2022;11(9).
- Roane JB, Sabala CL, Duncanson MG, Jr. The “balanced force” concept for instrumentation of curved canals. Journal of Endodontics 1985;11(5):203-211.
- Yared GM, Bou Dagher FE, Machtou P. Influence of rotational speed, torque and operator’s proficiency on ProFile failures. International Endodontic Journal 2001;34(1):47-53.
- Pedullà E, Grande NM, Plotino G, et al. Influence of continuous or reciprocating motion on cyclic fatigue resistance of 4 different nickel-titanium rotary instruments. J Endod 2013;39(2):258-261.
- Singla MG, Kumar H, Satija R. Shaping ability of ProTaper Gold, One Curve, and Self-Adjusting File systems in severely curved canals: A cone-beam computed tomography study. J Conserv Dent 2021;24(3):271-277.
- Marques JLC, Freire LG, Scardini IL, et al. Shaping efficiency of XP-endo shaper and Mtwo instruments in long oval root canals: A micro-CT study. Aust Endod J 2021;47(3):624-630.
- Burry JC, Stover S, Eichmiller F, et al. Outcomes of Primary Endodontic Therapy Provided by Endodontic Specialists Compared with Other Providers. J Endod 2016;42(5):702-705.
- Peters OA, Barbakow F, Peters CI. An analysis of endodontic treatment with three nickel-titanium rotary root canal preparation techniques. Int Endod J 2004;37(12):849-859.
As we move into November, I’m reminded that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. It’s something we express through action, connection, and commitment to one another, to our specialty and to our patients. In that spirit, I want to pause this month to recognize and thank two groups that embody what makes our specialty so strong: the many AAE volunteers who give their time and talents, and the Foundation for Endodontics, whose work continues to uplift our profession in lasting ways.
The Power of Volunteerism
Each and every day, I am reminded at the heart of the AAE are hundreds of members who serve on committees, task forces, working groups, and the Board of Directors—each lending their unique perspective and expertise to help the organization grow and adapt. These are busy endodontists and educators who take on extra work because they believe in something bigger than themselves: the collective progress of our specialty.
AAE volunteers guide initiatives that touch every aspect of what we do—from shaping clinical resources and educational programming, to refining our communications and public awareness efforts, to ensuring that our policies reflect the evolving realities of endodontic practice. They help us stay nimble and forward-thinking in a time when health care, technology, and patient expectations are rapidly changing.
Just recently, I attended the American Dental Association’s (ADA) House of Delegates meetings in Washington, D.C. Surrounded by nearly 25 AAE member–volunteer delegates to the ADA, we testified on behalf of our specialty—standing up for what is right for endodontics and for our organization. And the ADA heard us. They accepted our recommendations on nearly every resolution relevant to endodontics.
This kind of work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is everywhere. It’s evident in the advocacy that keeps endodontics visible and respected in Washington. It’s reflected in the exceptional continuing education that sets us apart from other specialties and equips our members to practice at the highest standards. It’s visible in our compassionate public outreach that helps patients understand the value of saving their natural teeth. And it’s recognized throughout the ADA and other specialty organizations as a testament to our unwavering commitment—to endodontics, to our members, and to the patients we serve.
To every committee member, reviewer, mentor, speaker, and leader who contributes your time and expertise—thank you. Your service not only strengthens the AAE, but it also strengthens the bonds that make our community unique.
Your dedication reminds me daily that leadership is never a solo endeavor. Every success we achieve as an organization is made possible by the insight, commitment, and generosity of our volunteers. You help me every day to lead more effectively, think more broadly, and stay connected to the very heart of our specialty. For that, and for all you do, I’m deeply grateful.
The Foundation: Gratitude That Gives Back
The same spirit of selflessness and shared purpose is woven throughout the work of the Foundation for Endodontics. For more than half a century, the Foundation has stood as a tangible expression of our profession’s gratitude—transforming generosity into real outcomes that benefit research, education, and access to patient care.
Through its research grants, the Foundation fuels scientific discovery that keeps endodontics at the forefront of dental medicine. Those studies don’t just expand our knowledge—they inform the treatments we provide every day and drive innovations that make endodontic therapy more predictable, effective and comfortable for our patients.
Through educational support, the Foundation ensures that endodontic educators and departments have the resources they need to train the next generation. By helping sustain faculty positions and expanding opportunities for residents with grants and awards, the Foundation safeguards the future of endodontic education and keeps our specialty visible, vibrant and thriving in academic settings.
And through its access to care initiatives, the Foundation empowers endodontists to serve their-own local and global communities—providing tooth-saving treatment to patients who might otherwise face extraction or chronic pain. These projects are a profound reminder that our skills can be life-changing, and that oral health is an integral part of overall well-being.
Every one of these efforts—every grant awarded, every student supported, every patient relieved of pain—is a reflection of your collective generosity and the Foundation’s unwavering mission.
A Community Worth Celebrating
When I think about the AAE’s many accomplishments over the past year, one thing is clear: none of it happens without the people who care deeply about our profession. The volunteers who give their time. The Foundation that channels our collective goodwill into action, and the members who show up for patients, students, and colleagues with integrity and compassion.
Together, you embody what it means to belong to a professional family that not only advances endodontics but also uplifts everyone connected to it. As we enter this season of thanksgiving, please know how deeply grateful I am for all you do. Together, we are not only saving teeth—we are changing lives.