Endodontics

Year 1 Required Modules

Module 1: Applied Science of Endodontics Part 1

To develop a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of endodontics and to promote a critical approach to evaluating relevant literature to enable students to use evidence-based dentistry in clinical endodontics. To develop diagnostic and treatment planning skills necessary to practice modern clinical endodontics. Principally in the following:

• The anatomy of the pulp-dentinal complex and periapical tissues during health and disease
• Pulp-dentinal complex response to injury
• The aetiology, pathophysiology, microbiology and immunology of pulpal and periapical disease
• Pulp therapy
• Endodontic disease and management
• Overview of periodontal disease and its management
• Radiology and radiography related to endodontics
• Rationale for root canal treatment
• Preparation and obturation of root canal
• Acute endodontic problems
• Single visit versus multiple visit root canal treatment
• Root canal re-treatment
• The role of audit and the audit cycle in monitoring self-performance and reviewing practice
• Evidence based dentistry and critical appraisal reasoning/process
• Clinical photography

Module 2: Clinical and Practical Skills of Endodontics Part 1

The aims of this module are to demonstrate safe practice in practical endodontic techniques applying as appropriate a range of manual (stainless steel/nickel titanium) and automated (stainless steel/nickel titanium) instruments for preparation of the root canal. To demonstrate safe practice in obturation of canals using cold lateral condensation and warm vertical compaction. To demonstrate rationales for using various instruments, techniques and materials. Demonstrate skills to be able to assess and carry out root canal treatment and re-treatment cases for the ability of a tier 1 and tier 2 dentist.

Year 2 Required Modules

Module 3: Applied Science of Endodontics Part 2

To develop the knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of endodontics and to promote a critical approach to evaluating relevant literature to enable students to use evidence-based dentistry in clinical endodontics. To develop diagnostic and treatment planning skills necessary to practice modern clinical endodontics. To facilitate appropriate treatment planning within the context of overall patient care. To develop a knowledge of the interface between endodontics and other clinical dental disciplines. Principally in the following:

• Endodontic surgery
• Dental trauma
• Dental resorption
• Clinical outcome of root canal treatment
• Orofacial pain
• Restorative considerations of root filled teeth including bleaching of non-vital teeth
• The interface between endodontics and periodontics, orthodontics, restorative, and medically compromised/special care dentistry, oral surgery and oral medicine
• The importance of appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning in the context of the overall patient care including multi-disciplinary cases
• Evidence-based practice and critical appraisal reasoning/process
• The role of audit and the audit cycle in monitoring self-performance and reviewing practice.

Module 4: Clinical and Practical Skills of Endodontics Part 2

To develop clinical experience in the comprehensive management of patients including diagnosis, treatment planning of non-surgical root canal treatment, root canal re-treatment. To be able to restore the root filled tooth, provide detailed advice to other clinicians for such a restoration, carry out non-vital bleaching and treatment plan apical surgery. Have clinical skills to treatment plan and manage appropriately for a ability of a tier 1 and tier 2 dentist; but be able to recognise when it is beyond the clinicians skill set such as for tier 3 dentist and in addition refer appropriately in the following:

• Dental trauma
• Dental resorption
• Orofacial pain

To be aware of the importance of appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning in the context of the overall patient care including multi-disciplinary cases where there is an interface between endodontics and periodontics, orthodontics, restorative, and medically compromised/special care patients and oral surgery and oral medicine.. To encourage discussion of cases with the relevant supervising staff prior to the clinical session to devise a plan of treatment for that session. To demonstrate safe practice in root canal preparation and obturation including root canal re-treatments expected for the level of a tier 1 and tier 2 dentist. To be able to monitor and evaluate the clinical outcomes of all forms of endodontic treatment.