CHICAGO – More than 4,200 endodontists, dental professionals, exhibitors and guests attended AAE16, the annual meeting of the American Association of Endodontists, in San Francisco in early April. The largest AAE annual meeting in history included new education programming, the unveiling of a new AAE logo, the installation of new leadership for the Boards of the AAE, Foundation for Endodontics and American Board of Endodontics, the largest endodontic exhibit hall and several special events, including the Association's annual awards ceremony and the Fun Run 5K, which raised more than $1,800 for the SF-Marin Food Bank.
2015-2016 President Terryl A. Propper unveiled the new AAE logo during her President's Breakfast. She explained to the audience that the new brand is built around the Association's four key attributes — smart, professional, collaborative and innovative.
"While the new logo is a visual identity, the brand is much more," said Dr. Propper. "We want to demonstrate to members the AAE's efforts to advance the profession and develop innovative offerings, to illustrate the AAE's value to external audiences as a vital resource of endodontic treatment, research and educational information, and to reinforce the AAE's position as the leading global resource for knowledge, research and education in endodontics for the profession and for the public."
Dr. Propper also urged ADA President-Elect Gary L. Roberts and the ADA to enforce the standard of care for endodontics and encourage general dentists to consult endodontists in treatment planning. "We are in the business of saving teeth, not condemning them," explained Dr. Propper. "But if we are not included in the treatment planning process, then it is the patient who suffers."
Dr. Roberts spoke at the President's Breakfast, recognizing the AAE with a Presidential Citation from the ADA and highlighting the work of both associations to advocate and elevate the value of dentistry. "American dentistry is the gold standard for the world," said Dr. Roberts. "We work hard to keep those standards high."
"With more than 130 education sessions over seven tracks, 133 exhibiting companies and several special events, AAE16 was a huge success for the Association and attendees." said AAE16 General Chair Robert B. Amato. "I'm proud of our planning committee, staff and everyone involved in putting together an innovative meeting. We've set a new bar."
The Foundation for Endodontics raised more than $1.6 million in its 2015-2016 fundraising campaign which culminated at AAE16. Thanks to the many generous donors who made pledges and the establishment of the Jacob B. Freedland Society, the campaign exceeded its original goal of $1.35 million. The Freedland Society was established to recognize individuals making deferred gifts of $25,000 or more.
During AAE16, 79 new Diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics were recognized for their achievements. These Board-certified endodontists complete written, case history and oral exams demonstrating their exceptional knowledge, skill and expertise in the specialty of endodontics, commitment to quality patient care and dedication to professional growth.
