Main Study Course Information

Course Code

RED_034

Branch of Science

Basic medicine

ECTS

4.00

Target Audience

Medicine

LQF

Level 8

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor

Aleksandra Kārkle

Residency Speciality

Speciality

Endodontist

Supervisor of Medical Speciality

Aleksandra Kārkle

Contacts

-

About Study Course

Objective

The course develops the resident's competence in applying the principles of evidence-based endodontics to clinical decision-making. Residents acquire advanced knowledge of the epidemiology of endodontic diseases, research methodology and the hierarchy of scientific evidence, while developing the ability to critically appraise scientific literature, evaluate the quality of clinical evidence and interpret research findings. The course prepares residents to objectively assess emerging technologies, biomaterials and treatment approaches, distinguish evidence-based innovations from commercially driven claims, and make scientifically justified clinical decisions in contemporary endodontic practice.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Acquire advanced knowledge of the principles of evidence-based endodontics, the epidemiology of endodontic diseases, research methodology and the hierarchy of scientific evidence.

2.Acquire advanced knowledge of the critical appraisal of scientific publications, interpretation of clinical evidence, and the scientific evaluation of emerging biomaterials, technologies and treatment approaches.

Skills

1.Critically appraise scientific literature, evaluate research methodology and the quality of scientific evidence, and interpret research findings to support clinical decision-making in endodontics.

2.Assess the clinical effectiveness, safety and scientific validity of emerging biomaterials, instruments, technologies and digital solutions, distinguishing evidence-based innovations from commercially driven claims.

Competences

1.Critically evaluate emerging technologies, biomaterials and treatment methods, making independent, scientifically justified and professionally responsible decisions in contemporary endodontic practice.

2.Independently plan, critically evaluate and present scientific research in compliance with the principles of scientific ethics and international academic quality standards.

Assessment

Individual work

Title	% from total grade	Grade
1. Critical Appraisal of a Scientific Article	-	Test
A written assessment in which the resident demonstrates knowledge of the principles of evidence-based endodontics, the epidemiology of endodontic diseases and the critical appraisal of scientific evidence. The assessment evaluates the resident's ability to analyse research methodology, interpret clinical evidence, assess the quality of scientific studies and identify potential sources of bias, conflicts of interest and the influence of marketing on scientific conclusions. The resident is expected to justify clinical decisions based on current scientific evidence and the principles of evidence-based endodontic practice.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME

Part 1

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Study room

Topics

Evidence-Based Endodontics: Research Methodology and Epidemiology of Endodontic Diseases

Description

The resident acquires knowledge of the fundamental principles of research methodology and epidemiology by analysing different study designs, levels of scientific evidence, study quality assessment and research ethics. The seminar explores research question formulation, hypothesis development, study planning and methodological design according to the research objective, while emphasising the role of evidence-based dentistry in clinical decision-making.

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Study room

Topics

Critical Appraisal of Scientific Literature and Interpretation of Clinical Evidence in Endodontics

Description

The resident acquires advanced knowledge of the principles of critically appraising scientific publications by evaluating study methodology, statistical validity, potential sources of bias and the overall quality of scientific evidence. The seminar examines randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical practice guidelines, together with their application in evidence-based endodontic practice. The resident develops the ability to interpret scientific findings critically and to justify clinical decisions using high-quality scientific evidence.

Seminar

Modality	Location
On site	Study room

Topics

Innovations, Biomaterials and Industry Marketing: Evidence-Based Evaluation of New Technologies in Endodontics

Description

The resident acquires advanced knowledge of the critical evaluation of emerging biomaterials, instruments, technologies and digital innovations in endodontics. The seminar examines the quality of scientific evidence, the characteristics and limitations of industry-sponsored research, conflicts of interest and the influence of marketing strategies on clinical decision-making. Particular emphasis is placed on evaluating the clinical effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of new products and technologies. The resident develops the ability to distinguish evidence-based innovations from commercially driven claims and to make independent, scientifically justified clinical decisions in everyday endodontic practice.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):

4.00

Number of Residency Seminars:

3

Length (weeks):

3

Final Examination:

Theory (residency)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ. 2021;372:n71.

2.

Schulz KF, Altman DG, Moher D. CONSORT 2010 statement: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials. BMJ. 2010;340:c332. (akceptējams izdevums)

3.

Nagendrababu V, Duncan HF, Bjørndal L et al. PRIRATE 2020 guidelines for reporting randomized trials in endodontics. Int Endod J. 2020;53(6):764–803..

4.

Altman DG. Practical Statistics for Medical Research. Chapman & Hall; 2024.

5.

Ng YL, Mann V, Gulabivala K. A prospective study of the factors affecting outcomes of non-surgical root canal treatment: part 2: tooth survival. Int Endod J. 2011;44(7):610–625. (akceptējams izdevums)

6.

Vandenbroucke JP, von Elm E, Altman DG et al. STROBE Initiative. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. PLoS Med. 2007;4(10):e297. (akceptējams izdevums)