Setting up an MSc programme in endodontics

The course has been designed to provide a suitable foundation for academic and general practice careers. Emphasis has been placed on developing diagnostic and practical skills. Students are encouraged to review their clinical practice critically in the light of recent advances in knowledge. The course begins with an intensive period of lectures and seminars covering general aspects of endodontics, and is generously supplemented by practical demonstrations and classes on a variety of procedures performed on laboratory models. The course continues with lectures and seminars designed to stimulate group discussion. These are complemented by supervised clinical sessions encompassing assessment, planning and treatment of a comprehensive range of conventional and surgical endodontic problems. The syllabus includes relevant basic sciences, pathology, differential diagnosis, pharmacology and therapeutics. The biological basis for endodontics is stressed and covers the following: maintenance of pulp vitality; effects of pulp capping pulpotomy and pulpectomy; the management and treatment of traumatic injuries to teeth; the management of medically compromised patients; the effect of various methods of instrumentation of root canals; radiology; restorative treatment of the endodontically treated tooth; the interface between endodontics and periodontics, prosthetics or orthodontics. Each student is required to undertake a research project and write a report.