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Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) in Endodontics

The philosophy of the Dental School in postgraduate education is to provide students with an opportunity to seek, to interpret and to apply knowledge while developing the skills required of a specialist practitioner. Thus the doctoral degree programs are designed to provide candidates with advanced training in their chosen specialty, underpinned by an understanding of applied sciences, critical thought and analysis, interpersonal skills and self development. A major aspect of the program involves students gaining an appreciation of research literature, research methodology, ethics and the conduct of a research project.

INTRODUCTION

The University of Adelaide's graduate program in Endodontics is of three years duration and leads to the degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Endodontics). This is a specific program designed to lead to specialist registration in the field of endodontics. T he program comprises a mix of coursework, clinical work and a research project.

STAFFING

Program Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Peter Cathro
Teaching Staff:
Clinical Professor Geoffrey Heithersay AO
Dr E Vinczer
Dr D Farmer
Dr M Wotzke
Dr J Linn
Dr I Trantor
Dr K Nassery
Dr F Damiani

PROGRAM AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Aims

The DClinDent in Endodontics provides training in the clinical specialty of endodontics through a major research-training program. It permits the candidate to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in endodontics. The program is designed to facilitate the advanced development of clinical, academic and research skills necessary for a graduate to further a career in academia, research or specialty practice.

Objectives

The endodontic postgraduate program covers the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human tooth and in particular the dental pulp, root and peri-radicular tissues. Emphasis is placed on the biology of the normal pulp, crown root and peri-radicular tissues and the aetiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries that affect these tissues. Endodontic theory and modern methods of treatment are covered as comprehensively as possible during clinical sessions.

AVAILABILITY OF THE PROGRAM

There is a limited intake each year.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

A DClinDent program in endodontics involves a program of study comprising three years of full time research and study. Candidates must attend such research seminars, research training courses and meetings, coursework tutorials, clinical sessions and other relevant courses as required by the supervisor. Candidates must prepare a cumulative log summarising the clinical work performed in the principal subject areas for presentation to the examiners at the interim and final examinations.

The program is divided into two principal components:

1. Structured Program:

Research methods, experimental design and ethics
Coursework
Clinical experience

2. Research:

Research training
Research project

STRUCTURED PROGRAM

Research methods, experimental design and ethics

A series of lectures, seminars and workshops that provide an introduction to research literature, research methods, critical thought, management of research data, ethics and other topics that are needed to undertake research training. Presented in an intensive block followed by a series of seminars during the first six months of the program.

Course Work

Studentswill be exposed to the history of the discipline and will be expected to gain a thorough knowledge of the endodontic literature. Through reading, tutorials, seminars and case discussions students will gain knowledge and understanding in the areas of patient examination, assessment and management in endodontology and traumatology, diagnosis, treatment planning and a range of endodontic techniques. Students will also explore the nature of endodontic tissues, endodontic and periodontic relationships and therapeutics.

Clinical Experience

Clinical work will focus mainly on clinical endodontology and traumatology. Students are rostered to 4 clinical sessions per week for management of patients with endodontic needs. Multidisciplinary patient care will also form part of the clinical experience.
In addition, all students are required to participate in one undergraduate clinical teaching session per week and to attend clinical meetings.

RESEARCH

Research Training and Research Project
This is designed to provide training in the developmental and practical elements of biomedical research. It fulfils not only the requirement for a research project, but is based on the philosophy of research as the basis of biomedical science. Students will be asked to evaluate published, current and future research as the basis of clinical practice with the expectation of research forming the platform for lifelong learning.

Recent and current endodontic research in the Dental School includes:

Pharmacology of and response of teeth to bleaching
Treatment and complications of invasive cervical root resorption
Evaluation of the efficacy of cleaning and sterilising endodontic instruments
Genetic and morphological study of dentinal dysplasia type II
Pharmacology and efficacy of various root canal medicaments, irrigants and associated materials

SCOPE

Throughout the three years of the program in Endodontics students will gain knowledge of and experience in:

patient assessment and evaluating medical conditions
diagnosis of pulp and peri-radicular pathology and the differential diagnosis of other conditions responsible for alveolar pathoses
assessment and management of oro-facial pain of dental and non-dental origin.
radiographic techniques for endodontics
radiology
diagnosis and treatment of "cracked" and fractured teeth
endodontic-periodontic relationships
endodontic-orthodontic inter-relationships
endodontic-restorative relationships
evaluation of previous endodontic treatment
advanced local anaesthesia and nitrous oxide relative analgesia
methods for isolation of teeth during endodontic treatment
biological aspects of endodontics
techniques for chemo-mechanical preparation of root canals (hand, rotary and ultrasonic instrumentation)
use of the operating microscope for orthograde and retrograde endodontic therapy
applied pharmacology and therapeutics
endodontic materials, instruments and equipment
root canal filling techniques
comparisons of the various endodontic techniques
endodontic management by conservative and surgical techniques of pulpless teeth with associated periapical pathology, including
immature and mature teeth
infections
canal obstructions
iatrogenic problems
management of endodontic emergencies
the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the teeth and supporting structures including subluxations, luxations, avulsions, crown fractures, crown/root fractures and root fractures
vital pulp therapy
dentine desensitisation and protection
pulp capping (direct and indirect)
partial and total pulpotomy
partial and total pulpectomy
replantation and transplantation of teeth and their subsequent treatment
aetiology and treatment of apical, external and internal resorptive defects
evaluation, management and treatment planning of complex cases, including multi-disciplinary treatment planning
management of root perforations
re-treatment of endodontic failures
endodontic surgery
methods of restoring endodontically treated teeth
aetiology and treatment of discoloured teeth
paediatric endodontics
compromise endodontic procedures (eg therapeutic devitalisation, mummification) and their associated problems
management of medically compromised patients
dento-legal reporting
psychological aspects of dental trauma, pain and endodontic therapy.

ASSESSMENT OF THE STRUCTRED PROGRAM

Logbook – each student is required to maintain a record of treatments carried out during their candidature. Logbooks are reviewed regularly with supervisors to ensure adequate breadth of treatments.

Presentation of patients to clinical supervisors

Discussion of case reports with visiting specialists and academic staff

Two essays per year

Written examinations at the end of years 1 and 2

Final Examination prior to the end of year 3.

presentation of selected cases to external clinical examiner which reflect the range of treatments completed
written examination.

ASSESSMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROGRAM

The final assessment is external examination of the formal research report.. The formats for submission are (a) a formal thesis or (b) a compilation of no less than two papers submitted for publication with a summary of the relevant literature. The rules are detailed in University and School documents.