Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Cross-Disciplinary Clinical Cases

Cross-Disciplinary Clinical Cases
3
15349
1
First semester
OB
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Teaching staff


Dr. TOMÀS ALIBERAS, Jordi - jtomas@uic.es

jtomas@uic.es

Tuesday afternoon, wednesday morning and thursday morning

Introduction

The course Transversal Clinical Cases in Endodontics aims to integrate and apply in a practical manner the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills previously acquired in the field of endodontics through the analysis and resolution of complex clinical cases. Using a transversal approach, the course promotes clinical decision-making based on scientific evidence, diagnostic reasoning, and individualized treatment planning.

This subject addresses endodontics from a multidisciplinary perspective, incorporating its relationship with other areas of dentistry such as periodontics, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and radiology. This approach allows students to understand the interdependence of different treatments in the comprehensive management of the dental patient.

Working with real and simulated clinical cases facilitates the development of advanced competencies in differential diagnosis, interpretation of complementary diagnostic tests, selection of endodontic techniques and materials, as well as evaluation of prognosis and treatment outcomes. In addition, the course enhances transversal skills such as critical thinking, clinical communication, and teamwork.

Overall, this course represents a key component of postgraduate training, enabling students to consolidate a global clinical perspective and to apply scientific and technical principles of endodontics in real clinical care settings.

Pre-course requirements

To enroll in the course Transversal Clinical Cases in Endodontics, it is recommended that students have previously completed courses in the areas of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry as part of their undergraduate or master’s degree program, or that they can demonstrate equivalent training that enables them to competently analyze and manage complex clinical cases.

Furthermore, students are expected to have prior knowledge of dental and root anatomy, pulpal and periapical pathology, radiological diagnosis, endodontic instrumentation, and basic treatment protocols, as well as fundamental concepts related to asepsis, ergonomics, and clinical safety.

It is also recommended that students possess basic skills in the interpretation of complementary diagnostic tests, clinical reasoning, and therapeutic decision-making, along with a proactive attitude toward autonomous learning, teamwork, and the integration of knowledge from different areas of dentistry.

Objectives

  • Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge in endodontics when analyzing and managing complex clinical cases, taking into account their relationship with other areas of dentistry.

  • Develop clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis skills through the correct interpretation of patient history, clinical examination, and complementary diagnostic tests.

  • Plan and justify individualized endodontic treatment strategies, based on scientific evidence and the specific clinical characteristics of each patient.

  • Promote clinical decision-making in complex situations by assessing prognosis, treatment alternatives, and short- and long-term follow-up.

  • Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills through structured case discussion and review of relevant scientific literature.

  • Foster teamwork and clinical communication skills, encouraging the structured and well-argued presentation of clinical cases in academic and professional settings.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CN01 - Identify with precision the most advanced technical processes related to endodontics.
  • CN02 - Remember the theoretical and practical aspects of the methodology and work system in all fields of endodontics.
  • CN03 - Carry out a critical analysis to rigorously assimilate the different scientific methodologies
  • CP02 - Resolve the main endodontic complications through the correct preparation of a treatment plan in the context of daily clinical practice.
  • CP03 - Design treatment strategies for endodontic patients with special needs.
  • CP04 - Generate work synergies with professionals from other areas and disciplines through the design of joint action strategies.
  • HB03 - Manage the complexity of each endodontic case.
  • HB04 - Classify endodontic cases as easy, moderate or complex.
  • HB05 - Apply multidisciplinary knowledge acquired from other areas (periodontics, restorative and orthodontics) in an endodontic problem.
  • HB06 - Quickly and effectively resolve endodontic pain situations.
  • HB09 - Act rigorously in complex situations of endo-periodontal lesions, resorptions and pain of non-odontogenic origin.
  • HB11 - Safely solve problems in instrumentation and irrigation of root canals.
  • HB12 - Plan a defined and appropriate protocol in the event of endodontic failure.
  • HB13 - Diagnose any pulpo-periapical pathology of endodontic origin.
  • HB14 - Prepare, through correct prior argumentation, a treatment plan through the presentation of clinical cases and the most relevant literature.
  • HB15 - Relate pulpal and systemic diseases in the specialized field of endodontics.
  • HB16 - Integrate radiological advances in three dimensions in the analysis of different endodontic situations.
  • HB17 - Use the most advanced digital systems on the market in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth.
  • HB20 - Prepare an appropriate endodontic treatment plan based on an exhaustive clinical and radiographic analysis.

Learning outcomes of the subject

  • - Scientific Bases in Endodontics - LEARNING OUTCOMES Title – CN02, HB06, HB07, HB11, HB13, HB17 Subject – Students will be able to: 1. Identify the etiology, etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation of pulpo-periapical pathologies in all its variations. 2. Differentiate the patient's pain based on its location, origin, pain and characteristics. 3. Apply a logical sequence of instrumentation, irrigation and obturation of the canal system, regardless of the degree of complexity of the case. 4. Classify the endodontic and restorative prognosis required by the different pulpo-periapical entities. 5. Select the most appropriate emergency treatment for each situation. 6. Design a drug administration plan in relation to pulpo-periapical pathology. 7. Modify your therapeutic strategy depending on the root status of the affected tooth. 8. Schedule the minimum radiographs necessary to perform a successful endodontic treatment without exposing the patient to excessive ionizing radiation.

Syllabus

Block 1: Review and Consolidation of Endodontic Fundamentals

  • Dental and root anatomy applied to endodontic treatment.

  • Pulpal and periapical pathology: diagnosis and clinical progression.

  • Principles of instrumentation and root canal obturation.

  • Interpretation of radiographs and complementary diagnostic tests.

Block 2: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

  • Integration of patient history, clinical examination, and complementary tests in clinical decision-making.

  • Differential diagnosis in complex situations.

  • Prognosis assessment based on lesion type and patient characteristics.

  • Selection of individualized therapeutic strategies.

Block 3: Resolution of Complex Clinical Cases

  • Analysis of real and simulated cases of varying complexity.

  • Application of advanced endodontic techniques.

  • Management of complications and retreatments.

  • Discussion of therapeutic alternatives and available scientific evidence.

Block 4: Multidisciplinary Integration

  • Relationship of endodontics with other areas: restorative dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery.

  • Coordination with other specialists in patient management.

  • Evaluation of the impact of clinical decisions on the patient’s overall health.

Block 5: Transversal Skills

  • Clinical communication and case presentation.

  • Teamwork and collaborative decision-making.

  • Critical thinking and scientific evidence analysis.

  • Development of competencies for advanced clinical practice management.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



  • Participatory theoretical sessions: review of theoretical foundations and discussion of key concepts.

  • Clinical case seminars: analysis, discussion, and guided resolution of cases by the teaching staff.

  • Laboratory and clinical practice: simulation and application of endodontic procedures.

  • Independent study: case preparation, literature review, and preparation of clinical reports.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



1. Participation and discussion in clinical case seminars (25–30%)

  • Assessment of active participation in seminars.

  • Ability to perform critical analysis of cases, identify clinical problems, and propose solutions.

  • Quality of evidence-based and well-argued contributions.

2. Clinical reports and written case resolution (30–35%)

  • Preparation of individual reports of clinical or simulated cases.

  • Correct integration of theoretical knowledge, interpretation of tests, and treatment planning.

  • Clarity, precision, and scientific justification in the written presentation.

3. Practical assessment in laboratory and clinic (25–30%)

  • Application of endodontic procedures in simulation and supervised clinical practice.

  • Technical accuracy, proper use of instruments, and compliance with asepsis and safety protocols.

  • Ability to solve practical problems and adapt to complex clinical situations.

4. Final theoretical-practical exam (10–15%)

  • Written and/or online test covering key concepts and theoretical foundations.

  • Resolution of hypothetical clinical cases integrating diagnosis, planning, and treatment proposal.

  • Assessment of critical thinking and evidence-based justification.

Bibliography and resources

Reference Books

  1. Ingle JI, Bakland LK, Baumgartner JC. Ingle’s Endodontics (7th edition). Hamilton: BC Decker; 2019.

  2. Cohen S, Hargreaves KM. Pathways of the Pulp (12th edition). St. Louis: Elsevier; 2020.

  3. Gutmann JL, Lovdahl PE. Problem Solving in Endodontics (6th edition). St. Louis: Elsevier; 2018.

  4. Torabinejad M, Walton RE. Endodontics: Principles and Practice (5th edition). St. Louis: Elsevier; 2019.

Clinical Guidelines and Manuals
5. European Society of Endodontology (ESE). Quality Guidelines for Endodontic Treatment: Consensus Report. Int Endod J. 2022;55(12):1671–1703.
6. American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Guidelines for Clinical Endodontics. Chicago: AAE; 2021.
7. FKG Dentaire. Endodontic Techniques and Materials: Clinical Guide. La Chaux-de-Fonds: FKG; 2020.

Recent Articles and Scientific Literature
8. Plotino G, et al. “Clinical Management of Complex Endodontic Cases: A Review.” Journal of Endodontics. 2021;47(4):525–540.
9. Siqueira JF Jr., Rôças IN. “Endodontic Microbiology: Current Concepts.” International Endodontic Journal. 2020;53(12):1601–1619.
10. Ng YL, Mann V, Gulabivala K. “A Review of Endodontic Outcome Studies: Influence of Clinical Variables.” Int Endod J. 2021;54(1):16–38.

Electronic Resources
11. UpToDate. Endodontics and Pulpal Disease. Available at: www.uptodate.com
12. Cochrane Library. Endodontic Interventions: Systematic Reviews. Available at: www.cochranelibrary.com

Print version