Inside IADSR’s hands-on endodontics workshop highlighting Pakistan’s growing root canal skills gap

LAHORE: As dental practice in Pakistan continues to evolve toward more precise, technology-driven care, the importance of advanced endodontic competence is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook. A successful root canal procedure today is no longer defined simply by pain relief, but by diagnostic accuracy, controlled access preparation, predictable canal shaping, and long-term tooth preservation.

Against this backdrop, the Institute of Advanced Dental Sciences and Research (IADSR) recently conducted a two-day intensive hands-on workshop on endodontics on 28 and 29 March 2026 as part of its 20th Professional Diploma in Advanced General Dentistry (PDAGD).

The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Salman Aziz, focused on strengthening clinical skills in manual and rotary endodontics, with an emphasis on bridging the gap between undergraduate knowledge and real-world clinical performance.

Participants were first introduced to the fundamentals of manual endodontic diagnosis, where emphasis was placed on the interpretation of pulpal and periapical conditions through standard diagnostic testing methods. This foundational module aimed to improve clinical decision-making before initiating root canal therapy, an area often identified as challenging for early-career practitioners.

The training then progressed to access cavity preparation, a critical step that significantly influences the success of endodontic treatment. Participants were guided through the principles and objectives of access design and engaged in supervised practical exercises, including pre-endodontic build-ups, restoration of tooth structure, and controlled access opening procedures.

The workshop further expanded into the technical core of endodontic practice, including instruction on bur selection, instrumentation dimensions, and working length determination, all of which play a decisive role in achieving accurate canal preparation.

Hands-on sessions included the use of manual ProTaper files, allowing participants to develop tactile familiarity with canal shaping techniques and procedural sequencing under expert supervision.

A dedicated segment on rotary endodontics introduced participants to machine-assisted canal preparation. Dr. Salman Aziz demonstrated the full clinical workflow using the ProTaper Universal rotary system, highlighting efficiency, consistency, and improved shaping outcomes compared to traditional methods.

Participants then performed guided endodontic procedures using rotary systems, gaining direct exposure to modern instrumentation techniques used in contemporary dental practice.

Throughout the workshop, real-time clinical guidance was provided, with complications addressed on the spot to reinforce problem-solving skills and procedural confidence.

The two-day program concluded with participants demonstrating improved understanding of diagnostic protocols, access cavity preparation, manual canal instrumentation, and rotary endodontic techniques.

The workshop underscored a broader concern within Pakistan’s dental community: the growing need for structured, hands-on training to address gaps in endodontic competency and ensure that emerging dentists are better prepared for independent clinical practice in an increasingly demanding healthcare environment.