INTRODUCTION

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry, which is concerned with the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues.  Its study and practice encompass the basic clinical sciences, including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. 

Since its founding in 1992, the Graduate Endodontic Program at College of Dentistry has provided an outstanding education and environment for specialty training.  The first batch of the students graduated in the year 1996/and is presently practicing at their parent institutions.  Upon completion of the three-year program, the graduate receives a Master's degree from King Saud University and a specialty certificate from the College of Dentistry.  The program accepts 3-5 candidates each year for a period of 36 months.

The program has been designed to satisfy the needs of those who wish to acquire greater skill, knowledge, and experience in endodontics, as well as a background in biological sciences.  The program includes participation in formal lectures, seminars, and laboratory courses; pursuit of endodontically oriented research; assistance in undergraduate teaching of endodontics; and treatment of patient in endodontic clinic.

Each candidate has her/his own operatory and all the necessary instruments and supplies. A chairside assistant is also available if possible to assist the graduate student in his/her daily routine.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

1. The ability to diagnose and treat all manifestations of pulpal and periradicular disease in the context of sound health care and comprehensive dental therapy.
2. Competency in all aspects of endodontic care vital pulp therapy, non-surgical endodontic therapy, emergency care and surgical endodontic therapy.
3. Thorough familiarity with past and current literature pertaining to endodontics and understanding of research methods, so that future literature will form the basis for rotational modification of concepts.
4. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to define an endodontically related research problem, develop a research protocol, carry out the research and prepare a presentation of the project.  Students also participate in undergraduate laboratory and clinical practice teaching.

The endodontic specialist is responsible for the advancement of endodontic knowledge through research, the transmission of information concerning the most recent advances in biologically acceptable procedures and materials; and the education of the public as to the importance of endodontics in keeping the dentition in physiologically functional state for the maintenance of oral and systemic health. 

CLINICAL COMPONENT

The program has a strong clinical component and approximately 50 percent of the time is spent in the clinic.  All the clinical faculties involved in teaching endodontics are trained in North America Universities and King Saud University the requirements are based accordingly.

The student will be exposed to all facets of clinical endodontics including emergency treatment, complex conservative treatment, endodontic surgery, pediatric endodontics, and treatment of traumatic injuries to teeth.  A detailed account of areas of clinical experience and clinical requirements can be found in appropriate sections.

Upon completion of the program the college will issue a certificate of clinical proficiency.  The requirements for the clinical proficiency can be found in the related section.  The students are required to submit the finished cases on a CD format using JPEG image and the patient treatments completed information on the assigned sheet or using power point program at the end of each month.

List of Courses