Unit information: BUOLD Endodontology in 2014/15

Unit name	BUOLD Endodontology
Unit code	ORDSM0007
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Robb
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Dental School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This Unit of Teaching will be offered as an Optional Unit as part of a modular distance learning programme. The programme will allow students to build Certificate, Diploma or Masters level qualifications by combining optional 20 credit units.

The Endodontology Unit has the following four Elements and their general aims are: -

Element 1. Outcome analysis in endodontology

To review the literature to evaluate outcomes of various interventions applicable to endodontics so as to be able to provide patients with useful information when treatment planning.

Element 2. Armamentarium for vital pulp therapy and root canal treatment

To provide participants with the knowledge of equipment and techniques applicable to modern endodontics and to consider specific protocols for root canal treatment

Element 3. Management of post-treatment disease

To consider the medium to long-term implications for patients of having root canal treatment including the cost-effectiveness of the various options for managing persistent or re-emergent disease.

Element 4: Case studies

To present and review fully documented case reports of endodontic treatment provided by the participant within the timescale of the Element

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will obtain a knowledge and understanding of the following:

• The concepts of outcome analysis in terms of success, failure and survival in terms of endodontics
• The importance of providing potential patients with realistic evaluations of prognosis based on the literature and personal audit
• The relevance of having a detailed personal protocol for root canal treatment based on a modern approach to the management of endodontic disease

The student will acquire the skills and attributes necessary for:

• The critical appraisal of literature related to outcome analysis in endodontics
• The preparation of access cavities using burs and ultrasonic instrumentation under enhanced vision (operating microscope)
• The shaping of root canals with rotary and reciprocating instrument systems
• The obturation of root canals using cold and warm gutta-percha and sealer and MTA and MTA-like materials

Teaching Information

Self-directed CAL sessions 75%

Seminars with videos 5%

Web presentations 2%

Reflective writing 18%

Assessment Information

This Unit will have three summative assessments: -

1. Written in course assignment (30%)

2. Submitted clinical case studies (series of four) (20%)

3. Final written examination (50%)

Contribution of Element assessments to final Unit mark.

Element 1: Outcome analysis in endodontology - 30% contribution to final Unit mark

Element 2. Armamentarium for vital pulp therapy and root canal treatmen - 20% contribution to final Unit mark

Element 3. Management of post-treatment disease - 30% contribution to final Unit mark

Element 4. Case studies - 20% contribution to final Unit mark

The Unit will be summatively assessed as follows:

The second element (Armamentarium for vital pulp therapy and root canal treatment) in this unit is not amenable to summative assessment via assignment and thus will be wholly assessed in the final Unit examination

Written assignment (length 3 000 words) based on elements 1 and 3 (Outcome analysis in Endodontology and Management of post-treatment disease) (50% of final mark of each Element). This will link the two elements which have inter-related subject material.

A final written examination comprising Multiple Short Answer questions of 45 minutes’ duration will assess all Elements 1-3. The final examination will contribute the remaining 50% of marks for the final element mark of elements 1 and 3 and 100% of the mark for element 2.

Final combined Unit examination and contribution to constituent Element total marks

Element 1. Outcome analysis in endodontology 50%

Element 2. Armamentarium for vital pulp therapy and root canal treatmen 100%

Element 3. Management of post-treatment disease 50%

Element 4. Case reports 0%

Case reports - summative Assessment: Four fully documented case reports of endodontic treatment provided by the participant within the timescale of the Element will contribute 20% to the final Unit mark. These case studies will assess the practical application of the teaching received during the unit.

Reading and References

Bergenholtz G, Horsted Bindslev P, Reit C (Eds). Textbook of Endodontology 2nd Edition. 2009. Wiley-Blackwell ISBN 1405170956

Royal College of Surgeons of England. Standards in Dentistry. 2007. ISBN 0954345142

Torabinejad M & Bahjri K Essential elements of evidence-based endodontics: Steps involved in conducting clinical research. Journal of Endodontics. 31(8); 563-569: 2005.

Wu M-K, Dummer PMH, Wesselink PR. Consequences of and strategies to deal with residual post-treatment root canal infection. International Endodontic Journal. 39; 343-356: 2006.

Lumley PJ, Lucarotti PSK, Burke FJT. Ten-year outcome of root fillings in the General Dental Services of England and Wales International Endodontic Journal. 41; 577-585: 2008.

Pennington MW, Vernazza CR, Shackley P, Armstrong NT, Whitworth JM & Steele JG. Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of root canal treatment using conventional approaches versus replacement with an implant. International Endodontic Journal. 42; 874-883: 2009.

Ng Y-L, Mann V, Gulabivala K. Tooth survival following non-surgical root canal treatment: A systematic review of the literature International Endodontic Journal 43; 171-189: 2010.