What is the difference b/t endo specialist and GP? I understand specialists do more difficult root canals. But why specilaize since GP can do root canals also? What prevents a DDS or DMD from choosing to stictly doing root canals? (like specialist)

What takes a GP 45 mins to do (root canal), takes an endodontist 15 mins.

What takes a GP 45 mins to do (root canal), takes an endodontist 15 mins.
or vice-versa.

There are GPs who can do better and faster rct's than endodontists. Dentistry is weird like that.

A lot of GPs won't do molar endo...they refer it out to the endodontist. Most will do anteriors, but molars take too long...GPs can make up for that easily by doing lots of other things.

or vice-versa.

There are GPs who can do better and faster rct's than endodontists. Dentistry is weird like that.
When you find one, please point him out to me.

A lot of GPs won't do molar endo...they refer it out to the endodontist. Most will do anteriors, but molars take too long...GPs can make up for that easily by doing lots of other things.

Like full removeable denture?:eek: RCT are usually the easiest and the most profitable of all procedures.

I'd say another main difference between endo and GP is that endo cuts out a middle man (the lab). Very little overhead in endo..a definite plus.

When you find one, please point him out to me.

What is that supposed to mean? I personally feel my endo is better than a local endodontists work. I use a scope, he does not. Just because someone specializes doesn't necessarily mean his/her's work HAS TO BE BETTER. Come on aphistis. Take pride in being a general dentist.

question for you oceandmd, what is a scope?

question for you oceandmd, what is a scope?
assuming it is one of these bad boys...used to REALLY see the canals and such
http://www.merchantendo.com/ImagesDR/aa2.jpg

interesting. i've seen my local GP do RCT, but i have never seen them use that before. geez, that thing must cost a fortune?

When you find one, please point him out to me.
You have been institutionalized to think that endodontists are the only people who always do better root canals than GPs.

Nearly 20 million endodontic procedures are completed every year, the general dentists do 75 to 80 percent. do you really believe 16 million or 80% of the root canals done in this country could have been getting a better treatment if they saw an endodontist? some yes, but the majority no!

GPs are increasingly getting apex locators, while the development of rotary instrumentation have had the biggest effect on making treatment visits shorter and more comfortable for the patient.

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Endodontists do root canals and a few related procedures. General dentists do exams, fillings, crowns, bridges, maybe root canals, maybe implants, implant restorations, etc, etc.

The ADA considers it unethical to limit your practice or to advertise as a specialist unless you have completed an accredited specialty program. Most states consider it illegal.

Finally, you can't limit your practice to root canals unless you are working off referrals. How many GP's are going to refer root canals to another GP? Probably not enough to keep you busy full time.

Thanks for the info. Was just curious what differentiates the two besides additional training and better equipment. Very helpful.

Ok, if you want to see why you should think about referring some of your endo cases (note I did not say all) then read this thread on dentaltown:

http://www.towniecentral.com/MessageBoard/thread.aspx?s=2&f=113&t=64845&v=1

After reading that thread, see if you dont feel a little different about referring things out to an endodontist.

Caveats: I would NOT refer anyone to an endodontist who didnt use a microscope and ultrasonics on a regular basis, and I dont see how any self respecting endodontist wouldnt use them. If you are a GP and have a microscope and know how to use the ultrasonics, then I see no problem whatsoever with doing all your own stuff.