This lecture starts from two questions: are we teaching endodontics correctly, and how much progress have we made in 40 years? It is based on the systematic review by Chien et al. (International Endodontic Journal, 2025).
In short: outcomes of treatment by undergraduate students are still poorly understood, and depend on pulp and periapical status, just as in general and specialist practice.
What the review found
- Of 11 available studies, the data that could be analysed were limited by heterogeneity.
- Only 3 were eligible for meta-analysis.
Dr. Cortés Torres's comments
- Students' results should be "similar" to those of graduate dentists and specialists. If not, there is a serious problem of ethics and educational method.
- Most treatments can be handled by general clinicians; a clinician must recognise their limits and refer when appropriate.
- Students should refine manual skills before using technology.
- He asks whether programmes should be required to run such studies at least every 4 years.