TREATMENT CLASSIFICATION - General Dentists and Endodontists
Endodontic treatment is taught in all dental schools. All graduates from these dental schools are educated and trained to perform endodontic procedures as well as they possibly can. However, it was recognized that all of us dentists have limitations and not all our treatment has the desired outcome.
The recognition of the outcomes which are less than desirable, which have not met the treatment objectives, gave rise to development of the concept of a Treatment Classification in Endodontics which was initially published in 1998. This is based on the difficulty of the tooth which requires endodontic treatment. This Treatment Classification has become a universal tool for teaching dental students about the variation in endodontic cases. Dental students now recognize that some cases are beyond their abilities. This recognition and understanding by the dental students allow them, upon graduation, to inform their patients of the degrees of difficulty with the patient's particular endodontic problem. The treatment options which may be discussed by the dentist are:
1. Referral to a colleague
2. Treatment by the general practitioner if the patient refuses referral
3. Tooth extraction
These treatment options are listed in the Canadian Academy of Endodontics Standards of Practice document http://www.caendo.ca
If the dentist prefers to treat an endodontic case, no matter how difficult, that is acceptable providing the patient was informed prior. If the dentist prefers to refer the patient for endodontic treatment because he/she recognizes the treatment is too difficult, this dentist is seeking to provide the best endodontic treatment possible for the patient.
The Endodontist is an individual who has chosen to specialize in the field of endodontics. The Endodontist is one who is called upon by the general dentist when the latter recognizes the difficulties and limitations of providing treatment in his/her office. The endodontist and the general practitioner work together to provide patients with the best endodontic care possible.
Endodontic treatment is taught in all dental schools. All graduates from these dental schools are educated and trained to perform endodontic procedures as well as they possibly can. However, it was recognized that all of us dentists have limitations and not all our treatment has the desired outcome.
The recognition of the outcomes which are less than desirable, which have not met the treatment objectives, gave rise to development of the concept of a Treatment Classification in Endodontics which was initially published in 1998. This is based on the difficulty of the tooth which requires endodontic treatment. This Treatment Classification has become a universal tool for teaching dental students about the variation in endodontic cases. Dental students now recognize that some cases are beyond their abilities. This recognition and understanding by the dental students allow them, upon graduation, to inform their patients of the degrees of difficulty with the patient's particular endodontic problem. The treatment options which may be discussed by the dentist are:
1. Referral to a colleague
2. Treatment by the general practitioner if the patient refuses referral
3. Tooth extraction
These treatment options are listed in the Canadian Academy of Endodontics Standards of Practice document http://www.caendo.ca
If the dentist prefers to treat an endodontic case, no matter how difficult, that is acceptable providing the patient was informed prior. If the dentist prefers to refer the patient for endodontic treatment because he/she recognizes the treatment is too difficult, this dentist is seeking to provide the best endodontic treatment possible for the patient.
The Endodontist is an individual who has chosen to specialize in the field of endodontics. The Endodontist is one who is called upon by the general dentist when the latter recognizes the difficulties and limitations of providing treatment in his/her office. The endodontist and the general practitioner work together to provide patients with the best endodontic care possible.
