Here’s a brief list of what Endodontists do:

• Root Canal Therapy: Performing root canal procedures to treat infections, inflammation, or damage to the dental pulp (soft tissue inside the tooth).

• Diagnosis: Using clinical examinations, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools to identify the cause of tooth pain and dental infections.

• Treatment Planning: Developing treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific dental condition and needs.

• Apical Surgery: Performing surgical procedures at the root tip (apex) of the tooth to treat persistent infections or to address complications from previous root canal treatments.

• Trauma Management: Providing emergency dental care and treatment for teeth that have been injured due to trauma or accidents.

• Endodontic Retreatment: Performing retreatment of previous root canals that have not healed properly or have developed complications.

• Treatment of Dental Trauma: Managing cases involving cracked teeth, traumatic injuries to the teeth and supporting structures, and avulsed (knocked-out) teeth.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Complete Undergraduate Education:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While specific majors are not always required, coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is beneficial. Maintain a high GPA to enhance your chances of acceptance into dental school.

2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT):

• The Dental Admission Test (DAT) assesses your academic abilities and scientific knowledge necessary for dental school. Prepare well for this exam during your undergraduate studies.

3. Attend Dental School:

• Earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school. Dental school typically lasts four years and includes coursework in dental anatomy, oral pathology, dental radiology, and clinical training in various dental procedures.

4. Gain Clinical Experience:

• During dental school, take advantage of opportunities to gain clinical experience in all aspects of dentistry, including endodontics. This includes diagnosing dental pulp and periapical diseases, performing root canal treatments, and managing dental emergencies.

5. Complete an Endodontic Residency Program:

• After dental school, pursue postgraduate education in endodontics by applying to and completing a residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

• Endodontic residency programs typically last two to three years and provide advanced training in endodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical procedures. You’ll gain extensive clinical experience under the guidance of experienced endodontists.

6. Obtain Licensure:

• Obtain a license to practice dentistry in your state or country by passing the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) and any additional state-specific licensing exams.

• Some states may require additional exams or qualifications specific to endodontics for licensure.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!