Reframing the Future of Endodontic Research

The Core Outcome Set in Endodontics. In Perfect Alignment with the AAE’s Strategic plan.

You may have read in the April edition of the Journal of Endodontics (JOE) that five papers addressed the development of a Core Outcomes Set (COS) in endodontics. But what is a COS and why is this important to you as a practicing endodontist?

More than just a research tool — A Blueprint for Clinical Excellence

A COS is an agreed-upon, standardized collection of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials for a specific area of health care. In endodontics, establishing a COS aims to standardize outcome reporting, thereby improving the quality and comparability of research and facilitating evidence-based clinical decision-making.

The consensus-based, multi-phase process includes:

1. Identifying existing outcomes – a scoping review of endodontic outcome studies over the past forty years.
2. Engagement of stakeholders – a committee of 13, including 6 clinicians, 2 patients, 3 methodologists and 2 research coordinators
3. Administration of a Delphi survey – structured, anonymous, surveys, with multiple stakeholders, that involve several rounds of questions, each round building on the previous
4. A final consensus conference – 16 voting members, final outcomes determined

Through this process, the key core outcomes identified were:

1. Tooth survival
2. Presence of pain
3. Presence of infection
4. Radiographic evidence of healing
5. Tooth functionality
6. Need for further intervention
7. Adverse events/complications
8. Patient satisfaction

It is important to note that patient input was embedded at every stage of the COS in endodontics, ensuring relevance, credibility, consistency and innovation in a truly patient-centered approach.

Unfortunately, in endodontics, over the years there has been a lack of consistency in design, definitions, measures and outcomes of research. This has lead to difficulties in comparing study results and treatment efficacies. In turn, it has also been difficult to create reliable evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

 More Than A Buzzword

“Evidence-based” is a term we hear and use often. But as practitioners in our science-driven profession, it must be more than a trendy buzzword. It should be the foundation for our diagnostic choices, treatment planning and protocols, and conversations with our patients. Evidence-based endodontics means relying on the best available scientific evidence, while honoring clinical expertise and patient needs—and leaving behind the noise of marketing and bias.

The Core Outcomes Set in endodontics represents a giant leap forward in the path towards evidence-based endodontics. And this is exactly why you should understand and appreciate the COS.

A Long-Term Vision, Realized

This initiative did not emerge overnight. It is the result of years of strategic foresight, planning, and investment by the AAE Board of Directors, dating back to 2017. It represents the kind of foundational, mission-driven work that happens behind the scenes—work that not only shapes the future of the specialty but fulfills the AAE’s promise to its members.

Importantly, the Foundation for Endodontics partnered with the AAE on this initiative, providing vital funding support to bring this ambitious vision to life. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based care and raising the global standard of endodontic research.

Aligned in Purpose

The COS in endodontics is more than a timely initiative—it is a strategic priority that was intentionally planned and embedded within the AAE’s current strategic plan. It is the product of thoughtful, long-term visioning by AAE leadership, and it supports every goal of the plan while advancing our Core Purpose, Mission, and Values.

Core Purpose – To advance the art and science of endodontics and to promote the highest standards of patient care.

Mission – The AAE is dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in endodontic care. We support our members’ pursuit of excellence through:

Research and Education, Leadership and Advocacy, Philanthropy and Service.

Values – Integrity, Leadership, Knowledge, Collegiality.

COS in Action

This is how the COS in endodontics aligns with and supports our four strategic goals:

1. The public will value saving their natural teeth and seek endodontists – the specialists in saving teeth – for their care.
   A. From the outset, the design of the COS involves patient stakeholders.
   B. Allows for patient-centered outcomes like pain, functionality and satisfaction.
   C. Creates a process of shared decision-making.

2. The AAE will be recognized for providing an environment that is welcoming and supports the diversity of its members as leaders for the global advancement of endodontics.
   A. AAE’s leadership in the COS process will foster collaboration and credibility globally.

 

3. Develop and maintain a body of knowledge to advance the specialty.
   A. The COS will provide standardized outcome measures leading to improved consistency in endodontic research.
   B. Allows for better comparisons, leading to more robust evidence.
   C. Accelerates scientific discovery.
   D. Creates and supports the AAE’s goal of providing data-driven, evidence-based, research in support of clinical excellence.
   E. Establishes (confirms) the Journal of Endodontics and the AAE, as the global leader in endodontic research.

4. Advocate for quality endodontic care.
   A. By creating and supporting the implementation of the COS in endodontics, the AAE will set the standard for how outcomes are defined and measured.
   B. Creates best practices in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
   C. Fosters evidence-based endodontics.

 Aligning Research, Practice and Purpose

The Core Outcome Set in Endodontics is far more than a research tool—it is a strategic asset. A roadmap for standardization and excellence in clinical care.  It embodies the AAE’s vision of clinical distinction, scientific leadership, and patient-focused care. It positions the AAE as thought leaders in endodontics and creates a model for other dental fields to emulate. Its adoption and promotion directly reinforces the AAE’s mission and strategic priorities. A vital step forward into the future of endodontics.