Chicago – October 15, 2026 -- The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is one of 24 associations profiled in a new book on how professional bodies guided their members through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author Joanna M. Pineda documents association response across health care and education
"When It Mattered Most: The Untold Story of How Associations Protected Professions and Saved Industries During the Pandemic" was written by association executive Joanna M. Pineda. It covers organizations in health care, education and other industries. AAE appears in the health care section with a chapter titled "When the Pain Can't Wait."
Pineda wrote the book to document pandemic response that often happened outside public view. Associations had to interpret rapidly changing information, advocate for their professions and supply resources to members when no established playbook existed.
AAE chapter covers dental emergencies during rapid practice disruption
The chapter looks at a period when dental practices faced rapidly changing circumstances while patients continued to experience tooth pain and dental emergencies that required timely care. AAE worked to keep endodontists informed and supported as they delivered essential care.
AAE President W. Craig Noblett, DDS, MS, said members continued to "relieve pain, treat dental emergencies and help patients save their natural teeth" despite uncertainty and potential personal risk.
AAE executive director says early months centered on members' needs
Executive Director Ken Widelka, CAE, FACHE, CPA, said the early months, when the severity of the pandemic was unknown, focused on listening to members' fast-evolving needs and helping them keep treating patients. He credited members for stepping up when access to urgent dental care was especially important.
The book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Apple Books.