The curriculum in endodontology at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), The Netherlands

At the Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam (ACTA) clinical endodontics is taught and practised in a general clinic supervised by general dental practitioner instructors; they are continuously trained and supported by the endodontics staff, who are members of the Department of Cariology and Endodontology. The scientific basis of endodontology and the theory of clinical endodontic procedures are taught by the endodontic staff, primarily by using a textbook, a clinical manual, videotapes and a computer program, all accompanied by detailed instructional objectives. During their preclinical training, which allows 63 hours for practising procedures and performing several clinical tests, the students are taught one basic technique to prepare and fill root canals and to restore endodontically treated teeth. This technique, accompanied by clearly outlined criteria, is also used in the patient clinic. In the experience of the staff, who are limited to endodontology, the use of manuals, audiovisual aids and instructional objectives has been very beneficial, and the student's assessment of the endodontology course was, in general, very favourable. Although the clinical results are quite good, the endodontic staff feel that there is still some room for improvement of the teaching. Finally, an elective period has recently been introduced.