American Association of Endodontists Underscores Recommendations on Endodontic Competency and Treatment Standards

CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 26 -- The American Association of Endodontists issued the following news release:

Furthering its goal to advance the best patient care, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) distilled its white papers on competency and treatment standards into executive summaries that provide key recommendations and directives to guide the insurance industry, state boards, and other communities of interest to support appropriate endodontic care.

"The Association is the premier voice of endodontists, their staff and patients," AAE President Dr. Keith V. Krell said. "As such, it's the AAE's responsibility to promote one quality standard of endodontic treatment. By condensing the existing white papers on endodontic competency and treatment standards, the Association is helping to promote standards of care and better patient outcomes among a broader audience of dental professionals, insurers and regulatory bodies."

AAE's white papers are meant to ensure patients have the best root canal treatment and to assist general dentists in making optimal decisions. It is incumbent upon dentists who believe they cannot meet the standards laid out within these documents to refer to an endodontist or acquire the necessary skills.

Endodontic Competency: Executive Summary Establishes standards for requisite knowledge and skills required by all practitioners for competence in endodontic diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Treatment Standards: Executive Summary Assists educational institutions, organized dentistry, and other stakeholders in developing minimum educational requirements and practice standards for nonsurgical endodontic treatment.

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About the American Association of Endodontists: The American Association of Endodontists (AAE). The AAE is headquartered in Chicago and represents more than 8,000 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. For more information about the AAE, visit the Association's website at aae.org.