Endodontic Mock Board Reflection:
In a simulated setting there are time constraints that we as students don't usually encounter in the main clinic. We are expected to compete debridement and obturation in a few hours when in main clinic it may take multiple 2-3 hour long appointments. However, not having to worry about maintaining profound anesthesia and not having to constantly debride with calcium hydroxide does help with minimizing the time necessary to complete the root canal.
I felt that the #8 debridement and obturation went relatively smoothly and I passed this portion of the competency my first try. The triangular outline is straightforward and the maximum required dimensions leave plently of room to have straight line access and access all pulp horns. I also feel that it is easier to ensure you have a reproducable landmark to determine working length using the incisal edge. Sometimes with posterior teeth is is more difficult to have an exactly, reproducable landmark using on of the cusps or marginal ridges. Overall, I feel competent that I will be able to pass the #8 access, debridement, and obturation during the ADEX examination.
#30 access I did struggle with during my first mock board session. I originally make the access much too large looking for the pulp orifices when I realized that I hadn't fully access the pulp chamber. The texture of the tooth was not what I was expecting and the roof of the pulp chamber was much harder and darker than I imagined it would look like inside. After realizing this, completing the access was simple, but as that point I have overextending my access. During my second attempt at the #30 access I was easily able to unroof the pulp chamber and I found that I had the most control using a round bur which I will make sure I use during the final exam. After my second attempt I feel much more confident that I will pass the ADEX Endodontic examination.
At this point in my career having only done four root canals in the main clinic I do not feel fully confident in my endodontic clinical skills. Some of my cases in the main clinic have been pretty complex, from pulp stones to lack of tooth structure due to caries removal and difficult to anesthetize patients, I required help from faculty during majority of my cases. I intend to practice on extracted teeth and to take CE courses to feel more confident in providing endodontic care for my patients.