Relevance date: These instructions will apply to the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) conducted beginning in 2010. 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

 

COMPONENT I: Written Examination

Component I is an essay format examination which consists of two (2) written papers, each of  three (3) hours duration. Some short/long answer questions may be asked. These papers, which deal with the biologic and clinical basis of Endodontics, include the following topics:

• Anatomy; Histology; Physiology; Pathology; Histopathology; Biostatistics; Pharmacology; Anaesthesia; Microbiology; Immunology; Research Methodology; Clinical Procedures and Materials; and Research Literature related to Endodontics.

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

• Any of the material to be covered by topics above may relate to endodontic theory and practice.

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. 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

Adjunctives Disciplines eg. Perio, Prosth

The oral examination process shall consist of two phases to be passed in the following order:

1. Case report screening, provisional approval of case submission.

2. Oral examination: discussion will relate to the cases submitted, cases presented by the examiners, and any topics endodontically and medically related. This examination will consist of three oral sections, each approximately 60 minutes duration.

Submission of Case Reports

The case reports should be received at the RCDC office at least three (3) months prior to the date of the planned oral examination. For screening, each case must consist of:

a) one printed copy (NOT originals) of:

• Radiographs - pre-op, intra-treatment, post-op, recall. (Images must not be scratched, “Cone Cut”, Stained, or too light/dark
• Color transparencies or photographs
• Written case report typed on the RCDC Endodontics case history report form (available online). Hand written Case Reports will not be accepted. The proper terminology as published in the most recent AAE Glossary is recommended. Also, all teeth should be noted using the international tooth numbering system. There should not be any candidate names or any identifiable information on the case history forms.

b) an electronic version (CD or DVD) with all of the above information.

These records will be reviewed for adequacy of patient selection and documentation, and will be retained on file by the RCDC. If the records are deemed inadequate, they will be returned to the candidate within one month of the deadline. Candidates will be informed as to whether or not the case report meets the criteria, and the reasons for either non-acceptance or provisional acceptance. Provisional acceptance will be granted if it appears that deficiencies can be made up for readmission of the case. An additional case may be submitted where required, but must be accepted two months prior to the oral examination to ensure eligibility.

Case Submissions for Re-sit (Oral) Candidates

Candidates who are unsuccessful in the oral examination (Component II) may choose to:

1. Submit the same case, unchanged (no resubmission required);
2. Submit the same case, with changes (submit case in its entirety);
3. Submit a new case for review.

Case Report Screening

The comprehensive case report may be prepared from patients treated by the candidate either during graduate studies or subsequent to the completion of graduate studies.

Case study reports comprise of three (3) cases with appropriate charting and radiographs. One case must be any multi-rooted molar case treated by non-surgical endodontics. The second must be a surgical endodontic case. The third must be a complicated endodontic case either clinically or medically. Recall follow up radiographs, minimum 6 months post-op, are required.

Digital Photography

In addition to the traditional printed format, (i.e. radiographs, slides, typed information) candidates must submit their cases in an electronic format for the case screening. The information must be in standard file format (i.e. jpeg, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe PDF). It is important that case material does not have any form of identifying logo, text or information regarding your office, university or any other institution you may have received training from or are affiliated with.

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:

1. 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).
2. Complete details of studies are not always necessary, but if you do know the details give them.
3. Avoid padding your answers with irrelevant facts and figures. Unsolicited information will not improve your grade.

Suggested Topics For Study

1. Pharmacology

2. Analgesics and Anesthetics

3. Instrumentation

4. Obturation

5. Treatment Outcomes

6. Diagnosis

7. Apex Locators

8. Restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth

9. Trauma

10. Canal Anatomy

11. Microbiology

12. Intracanal Irrigants and Medicaments

• Endodontics Case History Report (PDF)
• Endodontics Case History Report (Microsoft Word)