Graduate Program in Endodontics

Endodontic Academics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues.  Its study and practice encompass the basic clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp; the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp; and associated periradicular conditions.

It is our belief that the development of scientific attitudes, of inquiring minds, and of professional curiosity, is every bit as important as the development of technical skill and craftsmanship.  Put differently, we are dedicated to the task of producing not only a competent endodontic specialist, but a professional person-professional in every sense of the word.

The Scope of Endodontics

The scope of Endodontics includes, but is not limited to, the differential diagnosis and treatment of oral pain of pulpal and/or periradicular origin; vital pulp capping and pulpotomy, nonsurgical treatment of root canal systems with or without periradicular pathosis of pulpal origin and the obturation of these root canal systems; selective surgical removal of pathologic tissues resulting from pulpal pathosis; repair procedures related to such surgical removal of pathologic tissues; intentional replantation and replantation of avulsed teeth; surgical removal of tooth structure, such as root-end resection, hemisection, bicuspidization and root resection; root-end filling; endodontic implants; bleaching of discolored dentin and enamel; retreatment of teeth previously treated endodontically; and treatment procedures related to coronal restorations by means of post and/or cores involving the root canal space.

Our program meets the educational requirements for certification

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    Introduction

    The program is designed to satisfy in 24 (total) months the educational requirements for certification of eligibility for limitation of practice in endodontics, and examination by the American Board of Endodontics. 

    It conforms with the Guidelines for Advanced Study in Endodontics prepared by the American Board of Endodontics, the Education Committee of the American Association of Endodontists, and the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association.  

    The incoming class enters during the last week of June.

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    Goals and Objectives

    Beyond the skills of a competent dentist, the student is expected to develop those skills and procedures consistent with the role of a specialist in endodontics.  These include:

    • the ability to diagnose and treat all manifestations of pulpal and periapical disease in the context of sound health care and comprehensive dental therapy.
    •  competency in all aspects of endodontic care: vital pulp therapy, non-surgical endodontic therapy, emergency care and surgical endodontic therapy—apicoectomy, root-end filling, root amputation and curettage.
    • thorough familiarity with the evidence basis of past and current literature pertaining to endodontics and understanding of research methods, so that future literature will form the basis for rational modification of concepts.

    In addition, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to define an endodontically related research problem, develop a research protocol, carry out the research and prepare a presentation of the project.  Students also participate in undergraduate laboratory and clinical practice teaching.

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    Certification

    A certificate in Endodontics and the degree of Master of Science will be granted by the University upon the satisfactory completion of all required courses and the research project.

    Required courses include:

    • Preclinical Endodontics
    • Head and Neck Anatomy
    • Oral Pathology
    • Endodontology
    • Research Methodology/Biostatistics
    • Microbiology-Immunology
    • Research Design and Analysis
    • Pulp Biology
    • Advanced Endodontics
    • Endodontic Surgery
    • Endodontic Literature Review
    • Endodontic Case Review
    • Current Literature Review
    • Clinical Endodontics
    • Ethics and Professional Responsibility
    • TMJ Seminar
    • Dental Materials
    • Practice Teaching

    It is possible for our graduate students to practice outside of the graduate program while enrolled.  However, this activity must not compromise the educational experience and the fulfillment of responsibilities to the patients and the Department of Endodontics.

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    Accreditation

    The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.