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42 I I meetings _ AAE 2011 _The American Association of Endodontists (AAE)helditsannualsessionfrom13to16April2011 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The theme of the meeting, which offered attendees the chance to earn up to 31 continuing education credits, was Bridging the Gap: Partners in Interdisciplinary Care. The focus of the meeting was on collaboration among dental professionals for op- timal patient care. “The AAE emphasizes the importance of working withgeneraldentistsandotherspecialiststoimprove patient outcomes,” said AAE President Dr Clara M. Spatafore. The meeting commenced with a keynote pre- sentation by Christopher Gardner, an acclaimed motivational speaker and author of the bestselling autobiography ThePursuitofHappyness. Gardner shared the important steps to creating a successful and fulfilling life while telling his per- sonal story of seemingly never-ending obstacles and the ways he overcame them. Other special guests includedcomediansJohnPinetteandKathleenMadi- gan, who entertained attendees the last evening of the annual session during the President’s Dinner. To further enhance communication and strengthenrelationshipsamongdentalpractitioners, theAAE2011annualsessionincludedtwonewevents promoting networking and the sharing of ideas and experiences. A lunch-n-learn event and roundtable discussions allowed attendees the opportunity to share professional opinions and questions in a less structured environment. For exposure to endodontic techniques, the AAE’s popular Master Clinician Series showcased live surgeries by leading experts in the field. Master clinicians included Drs Dan B. Ang, Todd M. Geisler, James L. Gutmann, James C. Kulild, Stephanie L. Mullins, Richard A. Rubinstein and Fabricio B. Teixeira. Attendees were able to witness implant placement, molar surgeries and a demonstration of regenerative endodontic procedures. The AAE also hosted 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, pre- screened patients received care from licensed Texas endodontists and endodontic residents from dental schools throughout the state. “Wewantedtogiveourmembersandallattendees anintimatelookatthebesttechniqueforperforming endodonticprocedures,”Spataforesaid.“Participants were able to return to their own practices with a new appreciation for the spectrum and efficacy of the endodontist’s armamentarium.” Headquartered in Chicago, the AAE represents more than 7,200 members worldwide. The AAE was founded in 1943 and 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 fulfilment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. Nextyear’sAAEmeetingwillbeheldfrom18to21 April 2012 in Boston._ roots2_2011 AAE aims to ‘bridge the gap’ Author_ Sierra Rendon, USA