Endodontist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an endodontist. Feel free to use our Endodontist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an endodontist.
Who is an Endodontist?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the roots and soft tissue beneath the tooth. Certain dentists specialize in endodontics and may spend several years studying this specialty after completing a general dentistry course. Many obtain a Master’s Degree in their field of specialization. Typically, those who practice endodontics spend the majority of their time performing complex root canals, approximately 16 million per year in the United States alone. Root canals can also be performed by general dentists who are not endodontists.
Root canals are necessary when the pulpy portion of the tooth becomes infected in the roots. While the tooth’s surface may remain healthy, the roots have deteriorated. By drilling through the tooth, the dentist who specializes in endodontics extracts diseased pulp from beneath the tooth.
A dentist may perform a root canal if only one root is affected. If, however, multiple roots require cleaning and pulp extraction, an endodontist may be consulted to perform a longer and more complicated root canal. It can be difficult to wait for an endodontist at times, as pulp death or infection is typically quite painful. The endodontist’s schedule may be full, delaying treatment of the tooth for several weeks.
Endodontists are frequently in high demand because they limit their practice to performing root canals and other endodontic procedures such as draining abscesses and performing root canal therapy. Additionally, many insurance plans require a referral to an endodontist before performing work. This can complicate the process of consulting a specialist. However, those who have previously visited the same endodontist are considered “patients” and may receive priority treatment. Patients who are suffering from a life-threatening condition and require immediate treatment may also be seen promptly.
It is worth noting that the majority of patients who receive root canal treatment do not return to the endodontist for the tooth’s final course of treatment. The majority of endodontists fill the hollowed-out roots with a temporary filling. Root canal-treated teeth typically require a crown. Crowns are typically placed by a general dentist.
Endodontists are dental specialists who have completed at least ten years of collegiate education, including two additional years of advanced endodontic training and education beyond the four-year dental school curriculum. These additional two to four years of postgraduate specialty training are completed in a hospital or university-based program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Endodontic education places a premium on root canal therapy and the diagnosis of diseases and conditions that necessitate it. An endodontist does not practice general dentistry but rather focuses on performing root canals – particularly those with narrowed canals or anatomically atypical cases.
Endodontists are dentists who have completed additional training in diagnosing and treating dental problems involving the nerve tissue and blood vessels located inside the tooth. Endodontic treatment is required to save a tooth if the pulp, which contains nerves, vessels, lymphatic tissue, and fibrous tissue, becomes diseased or injured.
While performing endodontic treatment, the majority of endodontists have offices equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as digital imaging, operating high-powered microscopes, ultrasonic instrumentation, and fiber optics. Endodontists use technology and specialized techniques to obtain an accurate view of the tooth and to treat it quickly and comfortably.
By choosing endodontic treatment, you can ensure that your natural teeth serve as a healthy foundation for chewing and biting for years to come.
Teeth are critical because they are used daily to cut and chew food. There are numerous treatment options available for repairing damaged teeth as a result of technological and medical advancements. You must become familiar with and understand your treatment options to determine their long-term impact on your dental health.
The following dental procedures are performed by an endodontist:
- Root canal therapy/Root canal treatment
When the pulp within the tooth becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal procedure is required. An endodontist will carefully remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the area, enlarge, shape, and fill the root canal system, and then seal the access opening with a dental filling.
While a general dentist can perform root canal therapy as well, there are instances where access is restricted or the canal systems are more complex. The general dentist may choose to refer the case to an endodontist in these instances.
The pain associated with root canals can be excruciating. Because endodontists are pain management specialists, they ensure that treatment is painless, smooth, and comfortable.
- Treatments for dental traumatic injuries
Accidents can leave you with chipped or knocked-out teeth. Regardless of the severity of the injury, you should seek dental care immediately. Additionally, endodontists are trained to treat traumatic dental injuries and can restore damaged teeth.
- Implants dentaires
An endodontist may determine that extraction is necessary depending on the extent of tooth decay, injury, or the presence of a fractured root. Dental implants are frequently a viable option for tooth replacement in this situation because they look and function identically to natural teeth.
- Surgical endodontics
If conventional root canal therapy is ineffective in saving your damaged tooth, your endodontist may recommend surgery. They can detect problems that were missed during the initial dental exam during surgery.
Endodontist Job Description
Below are the Endodontist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an endodontist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an endodontist include the following:
- Examining patients’ medical histories and conversing with them about their symptoms and concerns.
- Using dental instruments and x-ray equipment to ascertain the source of oral pain and discomfort in patients.
- Developing treatment plans that are appropriate for the dental condition being treated.
- Root canal therapy is a non-surgical procedure used to treat damaged or infected tooth pulp.
- Using endodontic surgery to clean calcium-deposit-filled canals aid in making an accurate diagnosis, and treating damaged root surfaces or surrounding bone.
- Performing apicoectomies to treat persistent inflammation or infection in the bony area surrounding the tooth’s apex.
- Keeping teeth that have previously undergone root canal treatment in good condition.
- Keeping meticulous records of each patient’s diagnosis, treatment, and progress.
- Creating and maintaining a professional appearance
- Maintaining a record of patient information and submitting daily reports for each procedure performed while performing tasks.
- Maintaining current knowledge of new endodontic treatment options, materials, equipment, and products.
- Comprehending the endodontic treatment process and being able to explain it to patients
- Utilizing cutting-edge endodontic tools and technology in the performance of job duties
- Working well in a team environment, collaborating with other healthcare professionals on patient care, and communicating effectively with patients, clients, staff members, and coworkers
- Examining, diagnosing, and treating a patient’s teeth’s nerve and dental tissue
- Administering anesthetics to assist patients who are unable to tolerate numbing procedures
- Conducting root canal procedures on patients
- Conducting a variety of endodontic surgeries, including apicoectomies
- Managing dental traumatic injuries
- Keeping abreast of new surgical techniques and dental trends
Qualifications
A successful endodontist is a well-trained dental professional who possesses a high level of education, skills, and qualifications.
Education
Endodontists seeking admission to dental school must possess a bachelor’s degree. While some schools offer a bachelor’s degree in pre-dental hygiene, the majority of applicants opt for a bachelor’s degree in a science field. Anatomy, physiology, biology, physics, and chemistry will prepare you well for dentistry school.
Dental school is a four-year postgraduate program. You’ll almost certainly take classes in dental-related sciences, such as oral anatomy, pathology, and histology, as well as pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry. You may earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine, depending on the school you attend (D.M.D.). They are identical degrees with the same curriculum, but schools have the option of awarding their students with one of the two qualifications.
An endodontist must complete a two-year residency program in endodontic studies after graduating from dental school. This program teaches graduates a variety of skills necessary for success as an endodontist. The course covers oral disease diagnosis and treatment, pediatric dentistry, emergency trauma care, and the use of specialized endodontic tools. The residency is overseen by the American Association of Endodontists and is managed by board-certified endodontists.
Training
Endodontists undergo extensive clinical training. Following graduation from dental school, candidates must complete a minimum of two years of clinical training before sitting for examinations. While it is possible to specialize in certain types of clients, such as children or the elderly, the majority of endodontists accept patients from a variety of sectors. The training you receive will be customized to the type of clients you hope to attract in your future practice.
Certification
After graduating from dental school with a D.D.S. or D.M.D., the designation, you will need to obtain a license to practice dentistry. To obtain licensure, you must pass a two-part written and clinical examination administered by the American Dental Association: the National Board of Dental Examinations. The written exam assesses your dental and oral health knowledge. After passing the first exam, you may proceed to the second, which is a practical clinical skills examination. You can use your proof of passing this exam to apply for licensure in your state. Each state has its licensing requirements, but all require continuing education through classes and seminars.
You can pursue certification as an endodontist through the American Board of Endodontists. This requires completion of a course accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Additionally, you must pass a written examination, a case history examination, and an oral examination.
Essential Skills
- Critical thinking
You must use logic and reason to develop a patient-specific treatment plan.
- Listening skills
When patients describe their problems, it is critical to listen carefully and pay attention to ask the appropriate questions and formulate effective solutions.
- Detail-oriented
You must pay close attention to minute details in the teeth and gums to make an accurate diagnosis. Due to the small size and refinement of dental equipment, you must be able to concentrate and use precision during treatments.
- Manual dexterity
As an endodontist, you’ll work with small tools in a small space. You must be capable of manipulating and controlling the equipment.
How to Become an Endodontist
The following are typical steps toward pursuing a career as an endodontist:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is the first step. Although most dental schools do not require specific undergraduate degrees, it is prudent to take science-related courses such as biology, anatomy, physics, chemistry, and physiology in preparation for dental school.
- Apply to dental school
Due to the competitive nature of dental school admission, you may want to consider volunteering at a dental practice to gain practical experience in the field. Additionally, you must pass the Dental Acceptance Test to be admitted to dental school.
- Enroll in dental school
Candidates complete coursework in dental sciences and biomedical studies during their first two years of dental school, covering topics such as cell development and dental anatomy. Additionally, students gain practical experience in laboratory settings performing procedures such as tooth cleaning and imaging. Students diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist during their third and fourth years.
- Obtain licensure as a DDS or DMD
After graduating from dental school, you must obtain licensure by passing the National Board of Dental Examinations. The American Dental Association administers this written and clinical examination. You will earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree (DMD).
- Successful completion of an endodontic residency
Following that, you should seek admission to an endodontic residency program. Candidates gain clinical experience during their residency by performing procedures such as working with microscopes, diagnosing and treating gum disease, and performing emergency and root canal treatments.
These two-year programs place endodontists in training under the supervision of board-certified endodontists. Additionally, residents complete an independent research project during their residency and present it at the American Association of Endodontists annual meeting.
- Obtain board certification
The final step toward becoming an endodontist is board certification, which requires passing a board certification exam.
Where to Work as an Endodontist
Endodontists typically work directly with patients. In general, their work environment is similar to that of a dentist. The endodontist will have a consulting room in which they will treat patients, as well as a private office in which they will perform administrative tasks such as managing patient files and notes.
Endodontist Salary Scale
In the United States, the average annual salary of an endodontist is $238,100 per year.
