First-Ever Consensus Conference Brings Together Endodontic Educators and Leaders
CHICAGO —Addressing for the first time the wide-ranging nature of endodontic diagnostic terminology, the American Association of Endodontists is leading the call for uniformity that would benefit the entire dental profession. This October 3, 2008, in Chicago, the AAE will host a consensus conference bringing together an invitation-only group of endodontic leaders, educators, researchers and other interested parties to establish terminology standards for the specialty.
“There has been a concern within the endodontic community regarding the lack of standardized terms for diagnosis,” said AAE President-Elect Gerald N. Glickman, who also chairs the committee organizing the conference. “With the disparity within predoctoral curricula, endodontic textbooks, the American Board of Endodontics, AAE Glossary of Endodontic Terms and other resources used for national board exams, now is the time to address these issues.”
The conference is modeled after the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference format, which involves proposing questions that can be answered by the presentation of scientific information derived from evidence-based research. As a result, the Association identified four subcommittees to develop papers, each addressing a specific question. Those questions are:
- Identify and determine the metrics, hierarchy, and predictive value of all the parameters and/or methods used during endodontic diagnosis;
- Identify and define all diagnostic terms for pulpal health and disease states;
- Identify and define all diagnostic terms for periapical/periradicular health and disease states; and
- Identify various endodontic treatment modalities based upon the diagnoses.
“Endodontic terminology obviously impacts more than providers in the specialty,” said Dr. Glickman. “By setting standards, we can reach a common ground that will positively affect the way all dental professionals provide their services as well as educate future generations of dentists.”
After review of feedback from parties of interest, the subcommittee will make revisions as appropriate and the final four papers will be posted on the AAE Web site four to six weeks prior to the conference. Presentation of the papers will occur at the conference for discussion and consensus using an audience response system. Invitees for the conference were carefully selected and represent all interested parties, including educators, the AAE, ABE and AAE Foundation leaders, international participants, textbook authors, Journal of Endodontics associate editors, and representatives from the test communities.
# # #
The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 7,000 members worldwide, including approximately 95 percent of all eligible endodontists in the United States. The Association, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service.