5 reasons to study endodontics at Sydney

Our Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) (Endodontics)  program at the University of Sydney has been designed for general dentists who want to specialise in saving natural teeth.

“Graduates, as specialist endodontists, are in high demand in the private and public sector, in both metropolitan and rural settings,” says Course Director, Associate Professor William Ha.

Aside from working as dentists, graduates are also desirable as educators and tutors in universities.

“The only unemployed endodontist is a retired endodontist,” says Associate Professor Ha.

"Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Endodontics) graduates gain extensive knowledge in endodontic diagnosis and treatment, primary endodontics, re-treatment and surgical endodontics."

Patients who see endodontists are in pain, or they are worried about losing a tooth critical to their smile or chewing or they are unable to have teeth removed due to medical reasons.

Painful teeth make eating and drinking difficult. The ability of endodontists to determine and manage the source of the pain provides substantial relief to patients and immediately improves their quality of life.

Endodontically infected teeth can either be removed or undergo root canal treatment. Endodontists are specialists in saving teeth that would otherwise be extracted.

“For patients who don’t want to lose teeth because it will affect their smile or ability to chew, endodontists can play a pivotal role in their future quality of life,” says Associate Professor Ha.

“Some medically compromised patients must avoid having teeth removed, such as patients on bisphosphonates or those receiving radiotherapy to the head and neck.

"Consequently, advanced endodontic skills are required to ensure they can maintain their teeth and avoid complications related to tooth extraction.”

Located in the middle of the action at Sydney Dental Hospital, students work on referred specialist-level cases.

“Sydney Dental Hospital provides students with cutting-edge facilities, including dental operating microscopes and modern endodontic equipment,” says Associate Professor Ha.

“Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is also available to students on-site for advanced imaging and management of difficult cases.”

The endodontics program at the University of Sydney admits only three students per year.

Limiting the number of students ensures a rigorous clinical experience and prepares graduates for exceptional careers as dental specialists.

“Engaging with other disciplines and referring dentists enables greater training in professionalism and treatment planning,” says Associate Professor Ha.

Each student will be supported and guided by Associate Professor William Ha, a clinically practising specialist endodontist, researcher and academic.

He has lectured and tutored at multiple Australian dental schools and hosts an annual webinar series of international speakers for DClinDent endodontic students within Australia and New Zealand.

“Guiding students through their learning journey is a rewarding part of my academic career,” said Associate Professor Ha.

Students will also learn from a diverse mixture of local registered specialist endodontists to ensure graduates are proficient in modern techniques in advanced endodontics.

Research training by Associate Professor Ha and several PhD level academics will ensure graduates complete clinically relevant, cutting-edge research.

The Sydney Dental Hospital and the School of Dentistry have multiple specialist departments, and host a wide range of meetings and case sessions.

This means that students will be involved with a significant number of dental specialists and complex cases.

Aside from endodontics, the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry program at the University of Sydney sees an unparalleled range of specialisations, including prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, paediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, orthodontics, and oral medicine.

“With the presence of multiple specialities, students are immersed in an interdisciplinary care environment,” says Professor Heiko Spallek, Head of School and Dean at The University of Sydney School of Dentistry.

“Our Doctor of Clinical Dentistry program provides endodontic trainees with a unique opportunity to engage in a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environment that fosters collaboration across various specialisations, further enhancing their skills through exposure to shared patient cases and diverse clinical perspectives."