Endodontics

Length of Program: 1 year, starting in the summer quarter of each year. Applying for 2nd year ACT program requires successful completion of 1st year ACT program. 

Number of Positions: 4 in the first year, 2 in the second year

Program Director: Dr. Insoon Chang

The Section of Endodontics offers training in endodontics to foreign- and domestic-trained dentists. This program will provide the most current training in the knowledge, techniques, and skills of clinical endodontics. The program consists of didactic training, including literature reviews and treatment planning conferences, laboratory technique exercises, and clinical training with direct patient contact under faculty supervision. The ACT program offers an optional second year for two outstanding first year trainees.

Description of first year:

Didactic Training: Participants will be exposed to several layers of didactic training in endodontics including seminars on selected topics of importance, guest lectures, and the annual distinguished lecture series. Seminars on various topics include issues with root resorption, endodontic surgeries, retreatments, periradicular pathology, pulpal inflammation, implants, patient management, etc. Participants are also engaged in a weekly review of endodontic literature that covers all aspects of non-surgical and surgical endodontics. Additionally, treatment planning conferences are offered on a weekly basis to discuss clinical cases of interest.

Technical Training: Participants will be assigned a space in the clinic to perform simulation cases on extracted teeth under faculty supervision. The clinic facility is equipped with surgical microscopes, X-ray machines, electric motors, vertical obturation systems, ultrasonic instruments, etc. Participants will perform root canal therapy on extracted teeth mounted on a typodont. Each case will be guided and evaluated by faculty.

Clinical Training: After demonstrating competency on simulation cases, participants may be allowed to have direct patient contact under faculty guidance. Clinical cases will be performed in the endodontic clinic fully equipped for contemporary endodontic techniques as described above. Participants will be introduced to the latest technology in endodontics by utilizing the full spectrum of rotary root canal instrumentation, new canal irrigation systems, vertical obturation technique, and the operating microscope. Each case will be evaluated by the attending faculty and may be discussed in the treatment planning conferences. Clinical training as part of the ACT program requires an annual enrollment into the program, starting in the summer quarter.

Description of second year:

The 2nd year will primarily focus on further enhancing trainee's clinical skills, engaging in scholarly activities mainly in form of research, and building upon their didactic training on endodontic literature through seminars and workshops.  Typically, 2nd year ACT trainees will spend the time as following:

  • Clinic (Patient contact and Simulation) – 30%
  • Research – 40%
  • Seminars and Lectures – 20%
  • Teaching – 10%
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A certificate of attendance is awarded upon successful completion of the program. This certificate is not the same as the postgraduate program certificate awarded to full-time international postgraduates in specialty training as a qualification for recognition by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Although this is not a CODA-accredited program, some states in the U.S. may allow two-year graduates the opportunity for licensure. Please contact individual state dental boards for specific requirements. 

Selection Process & Factors

The admissions committee considers the following criteria in its decisions:

  • Academic achievement

  • Clinical experience and aptitude

  • Professionalism and maturity

Accepted candidates will be notified in March by email. A letter of acceptance signed by the Program Director and the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will be issued upon acceptance. The Acceptance Packets will also be emailed to the accepted candidate. 

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Program Fees

Program Fees: $35,800 per year (subject to change)

Dental Kit: Trainees will be responsible for purchasing dental supplies and an equipment kit at the UCLA Health Sciences Store upon arrival in the program. The approximate cost of this mandatory kit is $3,000 (subject to change). Hand-pieces, rotary handpiece and apex locator may be replaced with the trainees’ own equipment. 

Certificate Fee: One-time payment of $200 (non-refundable)

Program Fee Schedule
Initial payment due April 5, 50% of annual program fee
100% refund 10 weeks before July 1
50% refund 5 weeks before July 1
None less than 5 weeks before July 1
Second payment due  Dec 15, 50% of annual program fee
100% refund Before the start of Winter quarter
50% refund Within first 5 weeks of Winter quarter
None After 5 weeks into Winter quarter

Contact Us

Postgraduate Programs Officer
Phone: (310) 825-7478 
Email: postdds@dentistry.ucla.edu