Endodontics

Aim

To provide advanced theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies in endodontics, preparing dentists for independent practice as specialists in endodontics and for professional certification in accordance with the regulatory requirements of the Republic of Latvia and the requirements of the specialty.

The programme is based on contemporary evidence-based endodontic diagnosis and treatment, progressively developing residents’ competence from primary endodontic treatment to root canal retreatment, management of complex clinical cases, and surgical endodontics. 

Contents

The programme comprises theoretical, clinical, and research training, with particular emphasis on: 

• diagnosis and differential diagnosis of endodontic diseases, treatment planning, and prognosis assessment;  
• primary endodontic treatment;  
• root canal retreatment and management of complex endodontic cases;  
• surgical endodontics;  
• biology, pathology, and microbiology of the pulp and periapical tissues;  
• diagnosis and management of dentoalveolar trauma;  
• interdisciplinary aspects of endodontics in relation to other fields of dentistry and medicine;  
• the relationship between endodontic diseases and the patient’s general health;  
• the use of contemporary diagnostic methods, magnification, and digital technologies in endodontics;  
• evidence-based clinical decision-making and critical appraisal of scientific literature;  
• professional communication and teaching;  
• scientific research.  

Admission requirements 

Degree in Dentistry

Learning outcomes 

Knowledge 

Upon completion of the programme, the resident: 

• understands the aetiology, pathogenesis, and microbiology of endodontic diseases;  
• is familiar with contemporary methods for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of endodontic diseases;  
• is familiar with the principles and methods of primary endodontic treatment, root canal retreatment, and surgical endodontics;  
• understands the principles of treatment planning, prognosis, and treatment outcome assessment;
• understands the biological and pathological processes of the pulp and periapical tissues;  
• understands the relationship between endodontics and other fields of dentistry and medicine;  
• is familiar with research methodology, the principles of evidence-based medicine, and the fundamentals of critical appraisal of scientific literature.  

Skills 

Upon completion of the programme, the resident is able to: 

• independently diagnose endodontic diseases and perform differential diagnosis;  
• assess case complexity, treatment options, and prognosis;  
• develop an individualised, evidence-based treatment plan;  
• perform primary endodontic treatment;  
• perform root canal retreatment;  
• perform surgical endodontic treatment;  
• use contemporary diagnostic methods, magnification, and technologies in endodontic treatment;  
• plan and manage complex clinical cases;  
• integrate endodontic treatment into the patient’s overall dental treatment plan;  
• collaborate with professionals from other dental and medical specialties;  
• communicate professionally with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals;  
• critically appraise scientific literature and apply the acquired information to clinical decision-making.  

Competence 

Upon completion of the programme, the resident is competent to: 

• independently diagnose and treat endodontic diseases of varying complexity;  
• make well-founded, evidence-based clinical decisions;  
• assess endodontic treatment outcomes and prognosis;  
• select the most appropriate treatment strategy for an individual clinical case;  
• identify situations requiring interdisciplinary management and coordinate collaboration with professionals from other specialties;  
• independently maintain and develop professional knowledge and skills through critical appraisal of current scientific evidence and advances in technology;  
• participate in scientific research and teaching activities;  
• practise endodontics professionally and ethically in accordance with specialty requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.  

Assessment 

During the programme, the resident’s theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competence are assessed within individual study courses through theoretical examinations, clinical case analysis, practical skills assessment, presentations, and other assessment methods appropriate to the intended learning outcomes.

At the end of the programme, the resident takes the State Examination and defends a scientific research project.