Global trends in preclinical and clinical undergraduate endodontic education: A worldwide survey

Abstract

This is a global study that evaluated the undergraduate endodontic curriculum in dental schools worldwide. An online questionnaire sent to faculty members involved in undergraduate endodontic teaching at 50 dental institutions across six continents. The questionnaire was a modified version of previously validated survey comprised of 46 questions in three sections on essential aspects of the didactic, preclinical (PT), clinical trainings (CT), and assessments in undergraduate endodontic programs. The response rate was 76%. 63.2% of schools have a separate preclinical course, with 65.8% having a dedicated clinical area. Traditional methods dominate, with 84.2% using phantom heads and 78.9% using natural extracted teeth. The student-to-staff ratio for clinical training ranges from 1:6 to 1:9, with most supervisors specializing in endodontics (76.3%). Lectures and practical sessions are the primary teaching methods. Non-surgical root canal treatment (RCT) is the most common procedure (94.7%), and the majority use stainless steel or rotary nickel-titanium files. Cold lateral compaction is the preferred obturation technique globally (81.6%), except in North America. Advanced technologies like magnifying systems and ultrasonic instruments are rarely used in training. The conclusion emphasizes the need for global standardization and adoption of modern techniques to enhance the quality of endodontic education and care.