Graduate Program in Endodontics

Description

General Information

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

The Scope of Endodontics

The scope of Endodontics includes, but is not limited to, the differential diagnosis and treatment of oral pain of pulpal and/or periradicular origin; vital pulp capping and pulpotomy, regenerative endodontics procedures, nonsurgical treatment of root canal systems with or without periradicular pathosis of pulpal origin and the obturation of these root canal systems; selective surgical removal of pathologic tissues resulting from pulpal pathosis; repair procedures related to such surgical removal of pathologic tissues; intentional replantation and replantation of avulsed teeth; surgical removal of tooth structure, such as root-end resection, hemisection, bicuspidization and root resection; root-end filling; endodontic implants; bleaching of discolored dentin and enamel; retreatment of teeth previously treated endodontically; and treatment procedures related to coronal restorations by means of post and/or cores involving the root canal space.

It is our belief that the development of scientific attitudes, of inquiring minds, and of professional curiosity, is every bit as important as the development of technical skill and craftsmanship. Put differently, we are dedicated to the task of producing not only a competent endodontic specialist, but a professional person-professional in every sense of the word.

History

The University of Detroit began its educational work in 1877 and was incorporated as the Detroit College in 1881. In 1911, it was reorganized and became the University of Detroit. In 1990, it consolidated with Mercy College and was given its present name, University of Detroit Mercy. The School of Dentistry was established in 1932.

The Postgraduate Endodontic Program began in 1959 as a part-time program, with the first graduate in 1961. The first full-time student graduated in 1966, receiving a Certificate in Endodontics. The first Master of Science degree was awarded in 1984. Our graduates are among the leading clinicians, researchers and educators in the United States and Canada.

In 2007, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry Advanced Education Program in Endodontics was granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements" by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

In January, 2008 the dental school moved from its Outer Drive Campus location to a new clinical facility on the Corktown Campus of the University in the downtown section of the City of Detroit. Included in this facility is a 2,000 square-foot graduate Endodontic Clinic containing nine operatories, a surgical suite and conference room equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as operating microscopes, digital radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.

Our program meets the educational requirements for certification:

Open All | Close All

  •  

    Introduction

    The program is designed to satisfy in 24 (total) months the educational requirements for certification of eligibility for limitation of practice in endodontics, and examination by the American Board of Endodontics.

    It conforms with the Guidelines for Advanced Study in Endodontics prepared by the American Board of Endodontics, the Education Committee of the American Association of Endodontists, and the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association.

    The incoming class enters the last week of June every year.

  •  

    Goals and Learning Objectives

    Beyond the skills of a competent dentist, the student is expected to develop those skills and procedures consistent with the role of a specialist in endodontics. These include:

    • the ability to diagnose and treat all manifestations of pulpal and periapical disease in the context of sound health care and comprehensive dental therapy.
    • competency in all aspects of endodontic care: vital pulp therapy, regenerative endodontic procedures, management of traumatic dental injuries, non-surgical endodontic therapy, emergency care and surgical endodontic therapy—apicoectomy, root-end filling, root amputation and curettage.
    • thorough familiarity with the evidence basis of past and current literature pertaining to endodontics and understanding of research methods, so that future literature will form the basis for rational modification of concepts.

    In addition, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to define an endodontically related research problem, develop a research protocol, carry out the research and prepare a presentation of the project. Students also participate in undergraduate laboratory and clinical practice teaching.

  •  

    Certification

    A Certificate in Endodontics and the degree of Master of Science will be granted by the University upon the satisfactory completion of all required courses and the research project.

    Required courses include:

    • Preclinical Endodontic
    • Head and Neck Anatomy
    • Oral Pathology
    • Endodontology
    • Research Methodology/Biostatistics
    • Microbiology-Immunology
    • Research Design and Analysis
    • Pulp Biology
    • Advanced Endodontics
    • Endodontic Surgery
    • Endodontic Literature Review
    • Endodontic Case Review
    • Current Literature Review
    • Clinical Endodontics
    • Dental Materials
    • TMJ Seminar
    • Practice Teaching
    • Ethics and Professional Responsibility
    • Graduate Dental Materials
    • Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
    • Implant Dentistry

    It is possible for our graduate students to practice outside of the graduate program while enrolled. However, this activity must not compromise the educational experience and the fulfillment of responsibilities to the patients and the Department of Endodontics.

  •  

    Accreditation

    The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

  •  

    Research Project

    Introduction

    One of the requirements for the successful completion of the Endodontic program in the Graduate Department of Endodontics at University of Detroit Mercy is that the resident initiate, conduct, complete and present an original research project, including a written article for submission to a professional journal. The basis for the requirement stems from the conviction that a research experience can, perhaps better than any other learning experience, develop and/or refine habits of critical thinking and reading. It is difficult to imagine a more appropriate goal for education at any level.

    The Research Project

    The research topic must be one that can be formulated in terms of a research hypothesis and one that is amenable to systematic and scientific investigation, including statistical evaluation of the data. Also, the project should be one that can be completed during the two-year program. All research topics must be approved by the director of Graduate Education and the program director at the outset.

    Project Advisor and Review Committee

    In carrying out the research project there are several people who will be available for advice and assistance. These include the director of Graduate Education, the program director, the project advisor, the Review Committee, and members of the faculty. At least two members of the committee must be members of the Detroit Mercy Dental Graduate Division faculty. 

    The project advisor generally will be a faculty member of this institution or some affiliated institution, and is the person with whom the student will work most closely in terms of advice and guidance throughout the project. In most instances the student may select the individual who will serve as his/her project advisor.

    The research committee will usually consist of a minimum of three persons: the director of Graduate Endodontics, project advisor, and additional qualified persons from a different division serving on the Review Committee.

    Hearings

    At least two research committee meetings will be held. One meeting will be held soon after you have established your research design. It is at this time that any questions, confusions or apprehensions concerning the research, either on the part of the Review Committee or yourself, should be fully aired. Intermittent meetings are scheduled to evaluate progress of the project.

    The final meeting will be held after the research project is completed and after each member of the Review Committee has received a typewritten copy of the final version of your research report. An oral presentation of the research findings is also given by the resident.  If, for any reason, either you or any member of your Review Committee should wish to convene the committee for an additional hearing, such requests simply may be relayed to the project advisor, who will make the appropriate arrangements. The recommendations of the committee are given to the student immediately following the hearing, who is then responsible for implementing these recommendations.

    The Research Paper

    The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Endodontics no longer requires the traditional thesis as the written report of your research. In place of the thesis, the Department requires that the written report take the form of an article in suitable form for submission to a professional journal.

    Journal Submission

    The journal to which you submit your research is decided according to the research committee.  The format and style of the manuscript will adhere to the submission guidelines employed by that particular journal.  The written manuscript will simply follow the format utilized by most professional journals in reporting research results, that is:

    • Introduction,
    • Review of the Literature,
    • Methods and Materials,
    • Results, Discussion,
    • Summary and Conclusions,
    • and References.

    The director of Graduate Education and your project advisor will work closely with you during this phase of your project.

    Timelines

    By the completion of course DEN 5900 (Basic Research Methods), each resident will have developed a written research proposal. The proposal will include the problem statement, purpose and background literature review. During this semester, the project advisor and Review Committee will be determined and provide appropriate input.

    By the completion of the course DEN 5910 (Biostatistics), each resident will have developed the written research protocol. The protocol will include the introduction, purpose, methods and materials, and statistical analysis in the format of the referred journal to which the article will be submitted. The research protocol will then be reviewed/approved by the Review Committee.

    It is anticipated that the experimentation and data collection will be conducted during the summer between the first and second years. By the completion of the second year Fall Term, all data will be collected, analyzed and the written article developed.

    The project will be presented multiple times during the final semester and the written manuscript submitted for publication.

  •  

    Endodontics Application and Admission Policies

    The program is currently limited to three students entering in each year. It is preferable that applicants rank in the top 25 percent of their graduating class and have had a minimum of one year of private practice experience or its equivalent (general practice residency, military service, etc.)

    Applicants must plan to attend the program on a full-time basis.

    Deadline

    Applications must be completed through Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) and submitted to the Graduate Admissions office by August 1st of the year prior to the year of anticipated entry into the program.

    Application Fee

    The completed application must be accompanied by a $100.00 application fee. This fee is non-refundable and may not be credited to tuition fees should the applicant be accepted into the program. Applications will not be considered until all records and fees have been received.

    Apply

    Applicants may apply directly through the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS).

    Detroit Mercy is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all regardless of age, sex, race, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability, weight and sexual preference.

    Applicants must be graduates from institutions in the United States or Canada accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation, or a foreign dental school of equivalent educational background and standing as determined by the admissions committee.

    Criteria used to evaluate program applicants include: dental school grade point average, class rank, National Board scores, research, publications, experience since graduating from dental school, internship, general practice residency, letters of recommendation, and motivation for endodontics.

    Applicants who are deemed acceptable by the Graduate Endodontic Admissions Committee are appointed for a personal interview.

    Deposit upon acceptance

    Upon written notification of acceptance into the program, the applicant must send a deposit fee of $1,500.00 within 10 days or he/she automatically loses his/her reserved place. This deposit fee is applied to the first term tuition and is non-refundable should the applicant withdraw his/her acceptance at a later date. 

    Reapplication

    Applicants who are not successful in obtaining a training position may subsequently reapply through PASS  for the following year consideration. A reapplication must be accompanied by a $100.00 reapplication fee. Applicants are encouraged to update their application material to reflect the most current and accurate information. Completed application packets will be retained for one year following each review.

    Application

    Send Application to:

    Office of Dental Admissions- ATTN: Danielle Harris
    Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
    2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
    Detroit, MI 48208-2576

  •  

    Endodontics Program Fees and Expenses

    The following chart shows the estimated cost of two years of study leading to the MS degree and Certificate in Endodontics at the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.

    *All post-graduate students must have health insurance coverage or must enroll in the University plan provided through Aetna Health Insurance Policy; for the Waive/Enroll process go to: www.aetnastudenthealth.com.  Fees are subject to change without notice. It is anticipated that the costs of tuition and books will increase commensurate with inflation, budget needs, or similar affecting factors. Current costs are available upon request.

    First Year - 2021-2022 (Estimated)

    Tuition $86,500.00
    Books, Fees, Insurance and Instrument Rental $7,000.00
    Dental Health Insurance Fee $2,846.00
    Dental IT Fee $400.00
    Credential Fee $46.00
    Equipment Replacement Fee $200.00
    TOTAL $96,992.00

    Second Year - 2022-2023 (Estimated)

    Tuition $86,500.00
    Books, Fees, Insurance and Instrument Rental $7,000.00
    Dental Health Insurance Fee $2,846.00
    Dental IT Fee $400.00
    Equipment Replacement Fee $200.00
    TOTAL $96,946.00
  •  

    Endodontic Post-Graduate Curriculum

    ENDODONTIC POST-GRADUATE CURRICULUM

    Two-year curriculum last week of June to June 30th of second year 

     

    Endodontics SUMMER TERM First Year

    Course #

     

    Course Title

    Course Director

    Credit Hours

    DBS 5010

    Head & Neck Anatomy

    M. Ahmad

    2

    DEN 5060

    Preclinical Endodontics

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    4

    TOTALS

    6

     

    Endodontics FALL TERM First Year 

    Course #

     

    Course Title

    Course Director

    Credit Hours

    DBS 5130

    Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

    T. Dadul

    DEF

    DEN 5110

    Endodontology

    S. Paurazas

    DEF

    DBS 5140

    Microbiology & Immunology I

    D. Fischer

    2

    DEN 5150

    Clinical Endodontics

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    DEF

    DBS 5170

    Oral Pathology

    J. Ojha 

    3

    DEN 5210

    Endodontic Case Review

    M. Askar/ S. Paurazas

    DEF

    DEN 5220

    Pulp Biology

    S. Paurazas

    DEF

    DEN 5240

    Endodontic Literature Review

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    DEF

    DEN 5250

    Current Literature Seminar

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    2

    DEN 5670

    Advanced Endodontics

    M. Hoen/S. Paurazas

    2.5

    DOD 5910

    Basic Research Methodology

    R. Al-Qawasmi

    1

    TOTALS

    10.5

     

    Endodontics WINTER TERM First Year

    Course #

     

    Course Title

    Course Director

    Credit Hours

    DBS 5130

    Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

    T. Dadul

    2

    DBS 5750

    Microbiology & Immunology II

    E. Krukonis

    1

    DEN 5110

    Endodontology

    S. Paurazas

    4

    DEN 5150

    Clinical Endodontics

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    8

    DEN 5210

    Endodontic Case Review

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    4

    DEN 5220

    Pulp Biology

    S. Paurazas

    4

    DEN 5240

    Endodontic Literature Review

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    DEF

    DEN 5260

    Current Literature Seminar

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    2

    DEN 5680

    Advanced Endodontics

    M. Hoen/S. Paurazas

    2.5

    DEN 5690

    Endodontic Surgery

    M. Askar/A Gartner

    3

    DEN 5860

    Practice Teaching

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    DEF

    DOD 5920

    Basic Research Methods Biostatistics

    R. Al-Qawasmi

    1

    DRD 5000

    Graduate Dental Materials

    R. Pacheco

    1

    DRD 5270

    TMJ Seminar

    F. Plaza

    .5 (Pass/Fail)

    DSD 5111

    Ethics & Professional Responsibility

    P. Zarkowski

    1

    TOTALS

    34

     

    Endodontics SUMMER TERM Second Year

    Course #

     

    Course Title

    Course Director

    Credit Hours

    DPE 5110

    Implant Dentistry

    B. Kinaia

    2

    DEN 5160

    Clinical Endodontics

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    DEF

    DEN 5230

    Endodontic Case Review

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    DEF

    DEN 5240

    Endodontic Literature Review

    S. Paurazas /M. Askar

    4

    DEN 5860

    Practice Teaching

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    DEF

    DEN 5960

    Endodontic Research

    S. Paurazas/ M. Askar

    DEF

    TOTALS

    6

     

    Endodontics FALL TERM Second Year

    Course #

     

    Course Title

    Course Director

    Credit Hours

    DEN 5160

    Clinical Endodontics 

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    6

    DEN 5230

    Endodontic Case Review

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    3

    DEN 5290

    Endodontic Literature Review

    S. Paurazas /M. Askar

    DEF

    DEN 5300

    Current Literature Seminar

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    2

    DEN 5860

    Practice Teaching

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    2

    DEN 5960

    Endodontic Research

    S. Paurazas /M. Askar

    DEF

    TOTALS

    13

     

    Endodontics WINTER TERM Second Year – Start of Winter Term to June 30th

    Course #

     

    Course Title

    Course Director

    Credit Hours

    DEN 5190

    Clinical Endodontics

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    4

    DEN 5270

    Endodontic Case Review

    M. Askar/S. Paurazas

    2

    DEN 5290

    Endodontic Literature Review

    S. Paurazas /M. Askar

    4

    DEN 5310

    Current Literature Seminar

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    2

    DEN 5870

    Practice Teaching

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    3

    DEN 5960

    Endodontic Research 

    S. Paurazas /M. Askar

    DEF

    TOTALS

    15

     

    Endodontics SUMMER TERM Second Year – Start of Summer Term to June 30th

    Course #

     

    Course Title

    Course Director

    Credit Hours

    DEN 5960

    Endodontic Research

    S. Paurazas/M. Askar

    10

    TOTALS

    10