Endodontics Certificate
Residents in the advanced certificate program receive intensive clinical training under close supervision of endodontists in the multidisciplinary postgraduate clinic, while didactic courses cover biological sciences and a wide range of clinical topics related to endodontics. Integrated into the program are valuable experiences in teaching and research.
A completely different program - the individualized advanced education program - is occasionally offered and provides separate training as described below.
The application cycle is now closed.
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Domestic and internationally-trained dentists are eligible to apply to this certificate program.
The University sets general admissions requirements for graduate study. These include letters of recommendation; a minimum undergraduate GPA; and demonstration of English Language proficiency for international applicants. Please refer to the General Admissions Requirements page for full details.
Program-specific requirements are described on this page.
About the Advanced Certificate Program
Successful completion of the advanced certificate program leads to a Certificate of Proficiency in Endodontics and fulfills the educational requirements of the American Board of Endodontics.
This advanced certificate program prepares dentists for the specialized practice of endodontics. The clinical and didactic endodontic faculty represent extensive clinical, teaching and research experience.
Advanced certificate students may combine endodontic training with study for a graduate degree such as an MS in Oral Sciences or a PhD in Oral Biology or other disciplines.
When reviewing candidate applications, the faculty selection committee uses a holistic admissions process. The Periodontics admissions committee is most interested in a candidate's:
- Previous academic performance
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement: The personal statement should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to discuss their desire to participate in our program, and show a depth of understanding of the specialty, as well as passion for the field of dentistry.
Graduates have over a 97% success rate in passing written endodontic board exams in the US and Canada.
The program in endodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of accredited with reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is www.ada.org/en/coda.
The program length is 24 months of full-time attendance beginning July 1st, the first year. Combined programs may entail a longer period of matriculation depending on the chosen graduate program.
The clinical program is oriented to dentists who want to enter private practice and provide excellent endodontic care. Residents treat patients with diverse endodontic and associated problems, and degrees of difficulty range from uncomplicated to the highly complex. Please note that The placement of implants is not a component of this program.
Each resident has their own operatory with x-ray unit and digital radiography. The close working relationship between the attending faculty and residents allow residents to provide a variety of treatment for patients with complicated histories and clinical needs. The current faculty to student ratio (6 faculty / 8 students) meets the goals and objectives of the program. The program director is full-time; five part-time faculty members each spend ½ day to 1 day per week in clinical teaching activities.
A Variety of Patients and Treatment Methods
Patient referrals for consultation and treatment come from many sources including the advanced education programs at UB and private general and specialty dental practices. Endodontic residents see an array of emergency conditions for diagnosis and treatment.
The new resident is introduced to a basic technique for cleaning, shaping and obturation that includes the used of hand and rotary instrumentation and warm vertical condensation. Warm gutta-percha techniques have been taught at UB for over 30 years. In addition, methods for diagnosis, retreatment, removal of posts and broken instruments, use of ultrasonics, and more are used routinely in the clinic. The opportunity to use different treatment systems is available to the resident as they progress in the program. Of course surgical endodontics is also taught, again with close faculty oversight and participation.
Instrumentation
To enhance the clinical and learning experience, the advanced certificate program provides the following items for resident use during training: Zeiss microscopes; camera attachments; camcorders; adaptors; files; rotary files; burs; surgical instruments; and co-observation ports. By completion of the program, the resident provides at least 95% of Endodontic treatment with the microscope.
Residents are required to have their own personal PC or Mac-compatible laptop computer. They must purchase an Endodontic Surgial Typodont; specific details and specifications will be provided by the Program Director during the interview cycle and/or upon acceptance to the program.
The Advanced Program in Endodontics includes classroom lectures and true seminar style conferences to study the art and underlying science of Endodontics. Coursework is often complementary to Master of Science requirements. The Division of Endodontics maintains a private library with over 350 hard copy titles concentrating on endodontics. Care is taken to obtain new titles as they become available. Appropriate licensed software and e-books are also made available for faculty and resident use.
Frequent case presentations and literature reviews are core activities that help residents acquire personal skills and knowledge in the program. Collegial peer and faculty review heighten this learning experience.
Access to Technology
The Endodontic Conference Room is where many activities take place. It is equipped with a laptop computer, data projector, video, ethernet, wireless, audio, conference phone and multiple laptop input, for didactic courses, seminars, visiting faculty and meetings. Residents each have their own office workspace.
The Health Sciences Library is adjacent to the School of Dental Medicine and provides instructional programs and services to the health sciences schools including seminars tailored for the Advanced Program in Endodontics. Currently, the library has approximately 1370 full-text electronic journals (including 140 dental related journals), newsletters and other serials. Biomedical databases are available through HUBNET (Hospitals and University at Buffalo Library Resources Network sponsored by 35 institutions). HUBNET is an enhanced reference and communications system that provides computer access to health-related bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE, full-text journals, clinical manuals and textbooks, drug-information resources, expert systems, and communication tools. HUBNET is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access is provided through Ethernet and wireless access available to all students throughout the UB campus.
Full Time Faculty
Phone: (716) 829-6197
Email: lucilapi@buffalo.edu
Part-Time Faculty
Paul G. Calabrese, BS, DDS, MS
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Periodontics and Endodontics
240 Squire Hall
Phone: (716) 667-2030
240 Squire Hall
Phone: (716) 829-3847
240 Squire Hall
Email: gcsiegel@buffalo.edu
240 Squire Hall
Phone: (716) 829-3847
Mariel Webber
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Periodontics and Endodontics
Volunteer Faculty
Sarah Lafif
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Periodontics and Endodontics
Kurt O'Donnell
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Periodontics and Endodontics
Joseph Quevedo
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Periodontics and Endodontics
Emeritus
Norman W. Bartz, Jr., DDS. MS
Satish M. Bhambhani, DDS, MS
Hesham M. Eltagouri, DDS, MS
Carole T. Pantera, DDS, MS
Eugene A. Pantera, Jr., DDS, MS
Ming Shih Levine, DDS, MS
Hesham El Tagouri, DDS, MS
The following are the minimum requirements for successful completion of the Advanced Program in Endodontics. Modifications may be made at the discretion of the program director.
The Post Graduate Endodontic Student
- Is required to report to the Post Graduate Endodontic clinic throughout the program whether a patient is scheduled or not. The Graduate Program requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 150 non-surgical clinical cases, 10 surgical cases, as well as complete 20 recall examinations. The Program Director, with faculty consensus, can waive the minimum require if the resident has demonstrated clinical proficiency.
- Is required to participate in an on-call schedule as developed and defined by the Program Director and the Post Graduate students.
- Is required to submit and present all clinical cases in PER 906-Endodontic Treatment Planning and Case Presentations over the length of the Program. Also, submit one case during each assigned presentation in the course using "Case History Report" from the American Board of Endodontics.
- Must become and maintain student membership in the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
- Is required to take the written board of the American Board of Endodontics in the final year of the program.
- Is required to satisfactorily complete required biomedical science didactic courses and all endodontic core courses with a grade of S or an average grade of B or better. Grades of U, C or lower in any course are considered to be unsatisfactory.
- Is required to take and pass all oral exams given throughout the program. Failing the oral exam may require remediation in a written or an oral format.
- Is required to attend and present in at least one annual session of the American Association of Endodontists. Financial support may or may not be available from the Division of Endodontics.
- Is required to participate in and facilitate the presentation of Continuing Education Courses in Endodontics when sponsored by the Division.
- Is required to teach in the undergraduate preclinical technique course and in the pre doctoral clinic. There is no University remuneration for teaching.
- Residents are allowed 20 days per year for personal time. This would include semester breaks, intersession, personal time, practice development, etc. This excludes time spent at professional meetings and University designated Holidays (not semester breaks). ALL time away must be requested in writing (or e-mail) and approved in advance by the Program Director.
- Must conduct a research study in the area of clinical or basic science. The student is required to submit a manuscript based on this study suitable for publication in a targeted peer reviewed professional journal, such as the Journal of Endodontics. Upon completion of the study, the student may be required to present the results of their investigation before a selected panel of faculty. Successful completion of these requirements must be attested to by the research mentor. The student must identify a research mentor and tpic by the beginning of classes in the second semester of the program. Following, the Program Director, or Assistant Program Director, will meet with the student and Mentor to develop expectations for completion of the research project.
Upon completion of the above requirements, a Certificate of Proficiency in Endodontics will be conferred to the student.
Courses Required for Graduation
CLD 555 - Head and Neck Anatomy
CLD 950 - Interdisciplinary Patient Care Seminar
OS 506 - Biomaterials
OS 510 - Research Seminar In Oral Sciences
OS 512 - Research Design In Oral Sciences
ODS 535 - Advanced Oral Pathology
ODS 972- Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Management
PER 900 - Current Endodontic Literature
PER 901 - Classic Endodontic Literature
PER 903 - Advanced Endodontic Lecture Series and Clinical Seminars in Endodontics
PER 905 – Advanced Endodontic Clinic
PER 906 - Endodontic Treatment Planning and Case Presentations
PER 926 - Supervised Teaching in Endodontics
PER 927 - Advanced Endodontic Technique
PER 928 - Advanced Endodontic Surgical Technique
PER 978 - Seminar in Dental Pharmacology
The Advanced Education overview page provides information about the annual Cost of Attendance.
Additional Endodontics Expenses
The Endodontic postgraduate student is required to purchase a laptop computer. Hand files, rotary files, burs, surgical instruments, and equipment are supplied. Complete information will be given at time of interview or upon request.
Resident |
|---|
| Dr. Fatima Bosaid |
| Dr. De la Fuente Balboa |
| Dr. Sharaschandra Govindool |
| Dr. Nihar A. Pillai |
| Dr. Mohini Ratakonda |
| Dr. Mose Snyder |
| Dr. Bryan St. Marie |
The University at Buffalo policies apply to all students enrolled in this program; they are compatible with those of the University’s Graduate School.
A complete description of Graduate School policies are available online in the Policy Library.
Instructions | Applying to the Advanced Certificate Program
Before applying to the IAEP program, you must contact the program director for additional details and to confirm program availablity.
Contact the program director via email and include your CV/Resume.
General Information
When resources permit, an advanced education course is offered entitled “Individualized Advanced Education Program” in Endodontics (IAEP/Endo). The Program is designed to allow the dentist with specialty training the opportunity to focus their study on a special interest area within their discipline. The course curriculum is tailored to include experiences in clinical or basic research, clinical and didactic teaching methodologies.
This course is twelve months (1 year) in length, beginning January 1 and ending on December 31st. The IAEP tuition details are available on the Continuing Education website. Upon completion of the program, 500 CEU’s and a certificate of completion from the Continuing Education Department is awarded. In addition, you may need to purchase a laptop (college’s choice), scrubs, and certain textbooks. Details will be provided upon acceptance.
Completion of the Continuing Education Program is an educational goal in itself, and in no way insures acceptance to a postgraduate residency program. Although many resources will be provided by the endodontic division, this is a Continuing Education program and is not listed on the University at Buffalo Registrar’s records.
Course Objectives
- Actively participate in a research project with the goal being an abstract for a national meeting and future presentation
- Participate in the endodontic dental core curriculum
- Attend the endodontic dental case conferences
- Attend all endodontic dental seminars and journal clubs
This program does not permit participants to perform any clinical procedures on patients.
Faculty
Departmental faculty participate in the program.
Application Information | Advanced Certificate Program
Fall 2024 Applicants — Important Dates
| Step | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Applications Accepted | May 10- August 1, 2023 |
Two applicants are accepted each year. Successful applicants are generally from the top 10% of their class though not exclusively. The selection committee reviews all aspects of an application before making any final decisions. National Board scores, Part I and Part II or INBDE are required.
The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Endodontics Program accepts application materials through the American Dental Education Association, Postgraduate Application Support Service (PASS). This service enables applicants to send an originals of most application materials to PASS for distribution to all the programs that the applicant selects.
Advanced Education Admissions
EMAIL: sdmpg@buffalo.edu
We encourage you to submit questions via our prospective student inquiry form
Application Requirements
1. The On-line PASS Application
2. $50.00 non-refundable application fee paid on UBePay
3. CV / Resume
4. Evaluation Forms
- Three Letters of Evaluation (Professional Evaluation Forms — PEFs); may be from academic faculty
- Graduates of US or Canadian dental schools must submit an Institutional Evaluation Form (IEF) or Dean’s letter
- Send forms to ADEA PASS (do not send directly to the school)
5. Transcripts
- Unofficial U.S. dental school transcript, unofficial foreign dental school transcript (in English) is strongly preferred, foreign dental school transcript evaluation, translation or request for exception to PASS
6. NBDE Scores
- For graduates of US or Canadian dental schools the NBDE Part I and NBDE Part II or INBDE are required
- For graduates of international dental schools the NBDE Part I and NBDE Part II or INBDE are required
Additional Requirements — International Applicants
In addition to the requirements listed above, please provide the following information on the ADEA PASS Application:
English Language Proficiency | ADEA PASS Application
International applicants must report a TOEFL score (79+) obtained within eighteen months of the application deadline; unoffocial score reports are sufficient.
NOTE: An official score report is not required; please do not send directly to the school.
Upon acceptance into the program, you will be asked to submit a copy of your passport along with financial documents. F1 and I-20 documents will also be requested, as applicable.
* All documents become property of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and are not returnable to the applicant.
Questions?
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