ReThinking Endodontics: A Systematic Approach to Diagnosis and Case Selection

With information available at our fingertips, patients understand a great deal more today than ever before. The ability to present and discuss all reasonable treatment options helps keep patient expectations in line with what is clinically possible. Predictable endodontic treatment begins with a proper consultation. The foundation for informed decision-making must strike a balance between knowledge, communication and expectation. The ability to diagnose and communicate findings as it relates to reasonable treatment options and long-term predictability is a critical skill that can impact the confidence and trust between the patient and the treating clinician. This presentation is designed to help establish a systematic and methodical approach to endodontic diagnosis and give clinicians the necessary communication tools to improve the informed decision-making process.

Course Objectives:
1. Understand the five main goals of endodontic consultation.
2. Understand how to create a “team approach” to streamline the consultation process.
3. Understand the proper endodontic clinical and radiographic examination.
4. Understand relating the patient’s subjective findings to objective findings.
5. Understand the accuracy of diagnostic testing.
6. Understand how to properly communicate your diagnosis and treatment options to the patient.
7. Know how to get the patient to make an informed treatment decision.