Chicago – September 20, 2026 -- The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) won four honors at the 2026 PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards for communications work combating dental health misinformation and promoting evidence-based endodontic care.
AAE secures four distinct award categories at the Sept. 17 gala
The winning initiatives were "Truth vs. Trends: How One Association Combats Trending Fear-Based Information," the "Worth Saving Campaign in 2025," "Combating Root Canal Misinformation Through Evidence-Based Public Education," and "Worth Saving: Reaching Digital-First Audiences Through Integrated Social Media Education." The awards were presented at Venue West in Chicago as part of PRSA Chicago's premier public relations competition for the greater Chicago area.
Worth Saving campaign combines earned media, influencers and member engagement
AAE's flagship 2025 consumer awareness campaign integrated earned media, social media, influencer partnerships, patient education and member engagement to encourage consumers to value their natural teeth and understand the specialized role of endodontists. The campaign's pinnacle activation was Save Your Tooth Month 2025.
Association targets fear-based content and root canal myths directly
AAE's influencer program identifies and responds to misleading and fear-based information about root canal treatment and oral health, providing patients, members and stakeholders with credible resources. Separately, the Association equipped members with a toolkit to counter persistent root canal myths and make scientific information accessible to consumers.
President Noblett links awards to broader strategy of meeting patients where they search
"These awards reflect something that has become increasingly central to our communications strategy: being present with credible information wherever patients are looking for answers," said AAE President Dr. W. Craig Noblett. He added that whether a patient encounters a question about root canals through social media, a news story, an influencer or an online search, the Association wants reliable, evidence-based information available.
Digital strategy expands to search- and AI-optimized content
AAE has increasingly combined traditional media relations with social media, influencer collaborations, patient resources, and search- and AI-optimized content to reach audiences beyond traditional dental channels. The work emphasizes translating scientific evidence into practical information consumers can use when deciding whether to consult an endodontist for tooth pain, dental trauma or other conditions involving the inside of the tooth.