The American Dental Association statistics indicate that 75% to 80% of the 20 million endodontic treatments performed in the United States every year are carried out by General Dentistry Practitioners. This information has been published in reports every ten years from 1979 to 2007. Unfortunately, no such data is available on a global scale. However, it is generally assumed that the ADA’s statistics are applicable worldwide.

Root canal treatments are indicated to relieve pain and infection in teeth while saving them. However, it’s alarming to know that poor-quality endodontic care has resulted in a significant rise in Apical Periodontitis infections (AP), causing pain, oral health complications, and even tooth loss. The prevalence of Apical Periodontitis infections has increased to a shocking 53% globally in the last 30 years, which is much higher than the expected norm of 3%-5% from untreated pulp necrosis.

The rise of AP started in the 1990s and is observed in 30 developed and developing countries. It’s worth noting that, during the same period, there were significant advances in biotechnology, implant, and aesthetic dentistry. However, the dentoalveolar disease treatment and prevention discipline, i.e., endodontic undergraduate education, must be included.

Moreover, while discussing and dialoguing with numerous attendees of my continuing education courses and training programs over the past few years, I have noticed the prevalence of endodontic concepts, philosophies, and methods that reminded me of the controversies of the 1970s. These controversies have since been resolved by research or clinical consensus and best practices. There is a need for unlearning in endodontics. There is a need to offer alternatives because Endodontics is the vital core of dentistry, laying the fundamental groundwork for general dental practice and influencing every clinical dental specialty. While endodontic treatment outcomes may not be as visible as those in aesthetic dentistry, prosthodontics, orthodontics, or maxillofacial surgery, the repercussions of unsuccessful endodontic treatments related to these disciplines are keenly felt.

As an educator, I am impassioned by the state of endodontic education available to general practitioners, particularly recent dental graduates. I am resolute in contributing to this field with everything I have. I aim to offer evidence-based, biologically centered, and easily understandable philosophies and clinical alternatives in endodontics. I aspire to establish the academy as a global hub for endodontic continuing education, empowering general dentists, recent dental graduates, and dental students to elevate their knowledge and clinical skills. Through the academy’s curriculum, consultations, and interactive communications, I am driven to realize this vision.

I will serve as the Academy director and principal instructor to ensure quality, consistency, and membership benefits and satisfaction.

The following sample of criteria, concepts, and practices illustrate the need for change and improvement of undergraduate endodontic education worldwide. I have included these clinical criteria, ideas, and practices in this introduction to demonstrate how the AbouRass Endodontics Academy focuses on simplifying complex concepts, exploring alternative approaches, and encouraging unlearning and re-learning in endodontics.