How will endodontics be practised in 10 years from now?

This is the fourth in a series of interviews with thoughts leaders in various clinical disciplines about the future of dentistry. Dr. Anibal Diogenes, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., is Associate Professor in the School of Dentistry at the University of texas San Anotnio.

Dr. Anibal Diogenes received his D.D.S. from the Federal University of Pernambuco in Brazil, his M.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of Nebraska, and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Diogenes is an associate professor and the director of the endodontic residency program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His areas of research include pain, neuroscience and regenerative endodontics. He is also an Associate Editor for the Journal of Endodontics, President of the Pulp Biology of Regeneration Group of the International Association of Dental Research and a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.

Highlights

• Recently, the field of endodontics witnessed a biological revolution: there is a better understanding of the important role played by biomaterials in endodontics which allow unprecedented healing to happen.
• Over the last two decades there has been a revival of biological concepts in endodontics.
• In 10 years, there will be more individualized treatments which will negate the idea that everybody responds in the same manner to therapies will be obsolete.
• Any given person coming into a clinic may have a polymorphism that would predispose them to have a failed root canal. Identifying this genetic constitution will help to better plan treatment for this individual patient.
• Genome coding is becoming more and more common and accessible to the general public, so patients could preset to a dental office with a USB that contains their genetic coding. There will be an increased opportunity of doing preventive therapies with patients who are more at risk of persistent disease.
• Thanks to the volume of research that is being done in the area of regenerative endodontics, we are learning new things such as wound healing, reinnervation of tissue, and microbial host cell interactions at a completely different level from our previous knowledge.
• We need to incorporate more translational science in education for those who are being trained now and provide sufficient CE opportunities for dental practitioners.
• The first role for associations is to raise awareness of the various progresses in the field of endodontics.

Audio file of the interview (mp3)