AAE 2011 Annual Session offers education opportunities from roundtables to live surgeries

The American Association of Endodontists invites general dentists and dental specialists to attend its upcoming Annual Session, April 13-16 in San Antonio, Texas. The event offers the chance to earn up to 31 continuing education credits from the nation’s most credible provider of endodontic education while enjoying the historic city of San Antonio and its annual Fiesta celebration.

The theme of the meeting, “Bridging the Gap: Partners in Interdisciplinary Care,” focuses on collaboration among dental professionals for optimal patient care. “The AAE emphasizes the importance of working with general dentists and other specialists to improve patient outcomes,” said AAE President Dr. Clara M. Spatafore. To this end, multiple sessions are geared toward general dentists, and a special presentation by an endodontist and dentist duo will share best practices in endodontic treatment planning. "Endodontists and General Dentists: Partners in Patient Care" will address topics such as proper case selection, referral dynamics, and the practical benefits of partnership for the patient and the dental practice.

To further enhance communication and strengthen relationships among dental practitioners, the AAE 2011 Annual Session includes two new events that promote networking and the sharing of ideas and experiences. A Lunch-n-Learn event and roundtable discussions will allow attendees to share professional opinions and questions in a less structured environment.

For superb exposure to endodontic techniques, the AAE’s popular Master Clinician Series will showcase live surgeries by leading experts in the field. The master clinicians include Drs. Dan B. Ang, Todd M. Geisler, James L. Gutmann, James C. Kulild, Stephanie L. Mullins, Richard A. Rubinstein, and Fabricio B. Teixeira. Attendees will witness implant placement, molar surgeries, and a demonstration of regenerative endodontic procedures.

“We want to give our members and all attendees an intimate look at the best technique for performing endodontic procedures,” said Dr. Spatafore. “Participants will return to their own practices with new appreciation for the spectrum and efficacy of the endodontist’s armamentarium.”

The AAE also will host its Access to Care Project during the Annual Session. Through a partnership with the San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic and Henry Schein Dental/Henry Schein Cares, prescreened patients will receive care from licensed Texas endodontists and endodontic residents from dental schools throughout the state. To learn more about Access to Care, click here.

The meeting will commence with a keynote presentation by Christopher Gardner, an acclaimed motivational speaker and author of the bestselling autobiography, "The Pursuit of Happyness." Gardner will share the important steps to creating a successful and fulfilling life while telling his amazing personal story of seemingly neverending obstacles and the ways he overcame them. Other special guests include comedians John Pinette and Kathleen Madigan, who will entertain attendees the last evening of Annual Session during the President’s Dinner.

For more information and to view the full Annual Session program, visit the AAE Web site. To receive the member discount of more than 40% for session registration, general dentists are encouraged to join the AAE as associate members.

The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, Ill., represents more than 7,200 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication, and service.