From Neurons to Roots: Dr. Natasha M. Flake Charts a Pain-Free Path as AAE President

By Elisabeth Lisican

Dr. Natasha M. Flake has recently taken on the role of President of the AAE, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a profound dedication to the field of endodontics. Dr. Flake is currently a Professor and the Director of Predoctoral Endodontics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, a position she has held since 2009. Additionally, she serves as the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Flake’s educational journey has taken her across the country. She earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri, her D.D.S. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland, followed by an MSD and Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Washington. Her academic interests are deeply rooted in the mechanisms of pain, endodontic outcomes, and enhancing oral health care for rural and underserved populations.

Dr. Flake rivals even Past President Dr. Alan S. Law in terms of childhood family size: she grew up with six older sisters and an older brother.

“We get together every summer for Flake Fest,” she said.

Educational and Professional Journey

Reflecting on her path to dentistry, Dr. Flake shared, “I wasn’t the person who knew they wanted to be a dentist their whole life. I was a biology major in college, unsure of what I would do with it.” Her interest in dentistry was sparked unexpectedly through a college project on forensic pathology which led her to research the use of bite marks in forensics. This unusual introduction to the field piqued her curiosity about dentistry.

Dr. Flake’s passion for endodontics was ignited during her clinical labs in dental school. “My first real introduction to endodontics was in the preclinical lab course… but it was actually in the clinic, assisting a resident under a microscope, that I found my calling,” she recalled. This moment was a significant pivot that set her on her path to specialize in endodontics.

Leadership and Vision as AAE President

As the new President of the AAE, Dr. Flake is focused on the future of endodontics and the association. “I am honored to work with our Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and outstanding AAE staff to support our members and enhance our association,” Dr. Flake stated during her inaugural address.

Her presidency comes at a critical time when the specialty of endodontics is both gaining in patient market share and facing challenges such as educator shortages and rising educational costs. Dr. Flake emphasizes the importance of high standards in practice: “We must advocate for the highest standard of professional practice by all clinicians – generalist or specialist.”

Dr. Flake cited a number of endodontists who have inspired and helped her along her path, including AAE Past Presidents Drs. James C. McGraw, Garry L. Myers and Patrick E. Taylor.

“Jim Johnson definitely has been supportive from Day One, from the time even before I was a resident until today,” she said. “Shahrzed Sarram has been another mentor, welcoming me into her practice as a newly-graduated endodontist”.

Personal Insights and Interests

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Flake is deeply family-oriented. She lives in Seattle with her husband Larry, a neuroscientist and faculty member at the University of Washington, and their three children, Alexa, Augie, and Jack; 16, 14, and 9. The support of her family is crucial to her, as she highlighted, “It is only with their support that I am able to be active in organized dentistry and serve as AAE President.”

Despite a busy professional schedule, Dr. Flake finds joy and relaxation in cooking and participating in her children’s activities. She values these moments that allow her to balance her personal and professional life.

Looking Forward

Dr. Flake’s presidency promises to be a dynamic and pivotal era for the AAE. She is committed to advancing the specialty through innovative research, educational excellence, and advocacy to improve patient care standards across the field. “What an exciting time for endodontists,” Dr. Flake remarked, encapsulating her optimistic outlook for her tenure as president.

As Dr. Flake steps into her role with enthusiasm and a clear vision, her leadership is set to inspire and propel the American Association of Endodontists to new heights. Her journey from a curious student with a broad interest in biology to a leading endodontist and educator underscores her profound impact on the field and her dedication to the future of endodontic practice.

“In turn, I would like to leave you with an invitation,” she said in her incoming remarks. “An invitation that before we meet again in Boston, you consider one way you may further your involvement with our amazing profession. Let me suggest just six ways you could do that: pursue board certification; use your knowledge and experience to teach on a volunteer basis – even teach predoctoral students the very basics of endodontics and the role of the specialist in their practice; use your clinical skills to increase access to care in your own community or another; give of your financial resources to support the AAE Foundation – this takes no ongoing time commitment and allows the Foundation to promote the future of our specialty through research, education, and access to care; become active in you state component, or your local dental society, it is so important to have specialist representation in these organizations. Be a mentor – to an early career endodontist, a general dentist, or a prospective dentist. There are many ways to be involved, and I hope that one of these or another I did not mention resonates with you.”

Elisabeth Lisican is the AAE’s integrated communications manager.