Page 35 - Journal of Laser Dentistry 1

Endodontics

Endodontics (from the Greek endo "inside"; and odons "tooth") is one of dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, and deals with the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. Endodontists perform a variety of procedures including root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, surgery, treating cracked teeth, and treating dental trauma. Root canal therapy is one of the most common procedures. If the pulp (containing nerves, arterioles, venules, lymphatic tissue, and fibrous tissue) becomes diseased or injured, endodontic treatment is required to save the tooth.

Training

Australia

Australian programs are accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and are 3 years in length and culminate with either a Master degree (MDS) or a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree (DClinDent). Fellowship can then be obtained with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, FRACDS (Endo).

Canada

Canadian programs are accredited by the (CDAC) and are a minimum of two years in length and usually culminate with a master (MSc or MDent) degree. Graduates are then eligible to sit for the Fellowship exams with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCD (C)).

USA

In the United States after a dentist finishes their Dental degree they must undergo 2-3 additional years of postgraduate training to become an endodontist. The American Dental Association (CODA) accredited programs are a minimum of two years in length. Following successful completion of this training the

dentist becomes Board eligible to sit the American Board of Endodontology examination. Successful completion of board certification results in Diplomate status in the American Board of Endodontology.

There are 50 endodontic training programs in the United States, of which roughly 400 students are enrolled.

Endodontology consists of different phases:

Opening of the root canal

cleaning