Relevance date: These instructions will apply to the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) conducted beginning in 2011. See the RCDC website for instructions for examinations conducted on earlier or later dates.

Endodontics in Canada

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

Examination Structure

 

The examination dates for Component II will be determined following completion of the written examinations and the publishing of the written component results, and will be based on the number of candidates challenging Component II. These dates may fall anywhere within the indicated window and are fixed once set. The RCDC cannot accommodate requests for exceptions, other than in the case of religious or special needs that have been indicated before the date has been set.

COMPONENT I: Written Examination

Component I is a short answer format examination which consists of two (2) written papers, each of
three (3) hours duration. These papers, which deal with the biologic and clinical basis of Endodontics, include the following topics:

• Any topic relevant to the practice and theory of endodontic
• Questions will be selected from the following topics and emerging fields in the practice of endodontics:
• Anatomy; Histology; Physiology; Pathology; Histopathology;  Biostatistics;  Pharmacology; Anaesthesia; Microbiology; Immunology; Research Methodology; Clinical Procedures and Materials; Radiology and Research Literature related to Endodontics.
   

Familiarity with the scientific literature will be emphasized and reference to appropriate research papers tosubstantiate answers will be expected.

COMPONENT II: Oral Examination

To sit the oral component, all candidates must have successfully completed the first component (written examination or the Old Part I Examination). Examinations shall be held in subjects generally understood to constitute the science and art of Endodontics, the supporting basic sciences, and related subjects. Discussions of case scenarios form the basis of the examination. This examination will consist of three oral sections, each approximately 60 minutes duration. The following list of topics represents the basic blueprint for the exam:

Sciences (as it pertains to Endodontics)

Diagnosis

Therapeutics & Pharmacology

Anaesthesia

Clinical Techniques & Treatment
 

Adjunctive Disciplines e.g. Periodontics, Prosthetics and Implantology
 

Management of Medically Compromised Patients.
 

 Endodontics Suggested Examination Review Outline

This outline is provided as a guide for examination candidates in preparation for both components of the Endodontic examinations. This is only a suggested list of topics for study and should not be considered a comprehensive and all-inclusive outline. Consider it to be a minimal set of topics and suggestions from which you may expand appropriately.
 

General Advice:

I.Be prepared to quote at least some research literature to defend your position in each subject category. (I.e. be prepared to support your statements).
II. Complete details of studies are not always necessary, but if you do know the details
give them.
III. Avoid padding your answers with irrelevant facts and figures. Unsolicited information will not improve your grade.