A Journey Toward Excellence: Discovering Endodontics
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.”
— Aristotle
I vividly remember my first experience observing clinical endodontics nearly ten years ago—and being immediately captivated. I watched, mesmerized, as the practitioner meticulously instrumented and irrigated microscopic canals, working with incredible focus to save a tooth that would have otherwise been lost. At the time, I was a dental assistant—bright-eyed, curious, and eager to learn. That experience ignited something in me that I couldn’t quite define then, but looking back now, I know it was the beginning of a life-changing journey.
At that time in my life, I was in a season of transition and exploration. Having just completed my undergraduate studies, I worked a variety of jobs—from selling cars at a local dealership to delivering pizzas, and even providing bedside support to patients in hospice care. These jobs were not glamorous, but each one taught me something valuable about people, communication, empathy, and hard work. Still, I felt like something was missing. I craved a career that would challenge me intellectually, demand precision, and allow me to make a lasting impact on others.
As fate would have it, I eventually found myself working alongside three general dentists who introduced me not only to the clinical side of dentistry but to its broader philosophy. Watching them work, I became especially fascinated by the delicate and technical nature of endodontic procedures. There was something profoundly satisfying about seeing a severely compromised tooth brought back to life through skill, patience, and science. That fascination quickly became a calling.
From that moment on, I immersed myself in the world of endodontics. I began following leading voices in the field such as Dr. Ali Nasseh, Dr. Clifford Ruddle, Dr. Kenneth Hargreaves, and Dr. Mahmoud Torabinejad. Their lectures, articles, and online content became regular fixtures in my life. I spent evenings and weekends absorbing everything I could—watching case reviews, reviewing treatment protocols, and learning the intricacies of materials and instrumentation. I wasn’t just trying to get ahead—I was genuinely in love with what I was learning.
During dental school, that passion continued to grow. Thanks to the guidance of faculty mentors and local endodontists in the Tampa area, I had the opportunity to further explore the specialty. My predoctoral education included opportunities to participate in organized dentistry and endodontic research, both of which deepened my appreciation for the specialty and solidified my desire to contribute to it in a meaningful way. These experiences taught me the value of collaboration and how powerful mentorship and community can be in shaping one’s professional path.
What has most profoundly shaped my passion for endodontics is the mentorship and generosity of the professionals who came before me. My journey began as a dental assistant, where three individuals took the time to invest in me—sharing their knowledge, skills, and passion for the field. That early guidance sparked a genuine curiosity, which grew as I engaged with educators and clinicians who freely shared resources and insights with the broader dental community. Now, as a practicing dentist, I strive to carry that same spirit forward—mentoring and supporting new graduates just as others have done for me, time and time again.
As a general dentist practicing in my hometown of Dallas, I carry these lessons with me daily. I strive to deliver excellent care, not only in technical execution but also in the relationships I build with my patients. I challenge myself to bring the same level of commitment and integrity to each case, no matter how routine it may seem. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” That quote resonates with me deeply—it’s how I’ve approached my practice from day one.
Nearly four years into practicing general dentistry, my enthusiasm for endodontics has only grown stronger. I find myself constantly drawn back to the procedures and concepts I first fell in love with as a dental assistant. Whether I’m studying new techniques, exploring innovative biomaterials, or engaging in online discussions with colleagues, I remain deeply committed to growing in this field. My ultimate goal is to one day become a full-time endodontist and educator, helping others discover the same passion that transformed my own career.
To me, endodontics is far more than a series of procedures. It’s a philosophy centered on preservation—a belief in the value of saving what nature created. No artificial substitute can fully replicate the structure, function, or beauty of a natural tooth. That mission to preserve, restore, and elevate patient care is what continues to drive me forward.
I’m incredibly grateful to the staff at AAE Communications and to the entire AAE Connection forum community. Your generosity, insight, and mentorship have been instrumental in my growth, and I look forward to continuing to learn from this amazing network of professionals.
I’m excited about what lies ahead and can’t wait to connect with many of you in the upcoming application cycle as I pursue my dream of becoming an endodontist.
Dr. Stanley John is a general dentist and aspiring endodontics resident. He can be reached at stanleydmd@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @stanleycjohn.