Kuwait Board of Endodontics (KBE) is part of Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization (KIMS). KBE is a 36 month program teaching clinical endodontics in the Ministry of Health, Kuwait. Applicants can enroll into the program after successful completion of R2 examination of the Kuwait Board of Dentistry. Applicants with equivalent degrees must consult KIMS before applying to the program.
KBE is currently based in Specialized Dental Center in Salmiya, with 8 available chairs for residents and staff. The program accepts 2-3 residents per year, and application cycle is announced through KIMS website. All applicants must adhere to the rules and regulations of Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialties (KIMS).
Program overview
KBE program starts with a specially designed basic sciences course in collaboration with Dental Faculty at Kuwait University. Residents will review 10-12 basic sciences topics such as Head and Neck anatomy, Embryology, Microbiology, Oral Pathology, Radiology, Dental Materials, Biostatistics, and Oral Medicine. Each topic will be assessed via a final examination. Advanced Endodontics course is a lab based simulation on natural and plastic teeth. This course will prepare residents for clinical endodontics, and will be carried simultaneously with basic sciences course. Passing both courses is mandatory to progress to clinical endodontics in January of the first academic year.
Each Academic year is taught in 3 semesters, Fall (Oct to Dec), Spring (Jan to May), and Summer (Jun to Sept). Residents will be evaluated each semester to comply with KIMS rules. Clinical sessions run all year round, except for first year residents who start clinics in January.
Literature review: (current and classic) will run from December to the end of June each academic year and residents are required to attend all sessions.
Advanced Endodontics courses: are conducted during first, second and third year. Topics covered are; Surgical Endodontics, Retreatment, Pulp Biology, Orofacial Pain, Trauma, Case presentations, and topic discussions.
In summer rotation residents will have the end of year exam which covers all literature and courses given during the year (except for basic sciences course). Passing the final exam and completing clinical requirements are mandatory to advance to the next academic year. Failure in any of these courses or exams is dealt with according to KIMS rules and regulations.
At the end of 3rd year residents who completed all requirements and passed all required courses will be eligible to sit for the Kuwait Board of Endodontics Exam. Exam is set in two sections; written, and oral exam. Upon successful completion of the examination the residents will be awarded with Specialty Degree in Endodontics.
Program Goals.
The primary aim of the Endodontic Residency Program is to educate and train residents to enable them to practice evidence based Endodontics.
The residents shall acquire requisite knowledge, skills and attitude to enable them to practice with competence, compassion and professionalism as specialists in Endodontics.
The residents will work in a learning environment that is optimally conducive to develop skills of problem- solving while exercising evidence-based critical judgment regarding the diagnosis and management of disorders that present in the day-to-day practice in Endodontics.
The residents will assimilate the habit of self-learning to facilitate continuing life-long professional development.
The residents shall also recognize the significance of applied basic sciences relevant to the practice of Endodontics.
Program Objectives.
The residency program is designed to provide education and training to enable the residents to meet the stated core objectives. At the end of the residency training, the endodontic resident should demonstrate in-depth knowledge in;
Differential diagnosis of pulpal and periapical diseases and their treatment planning.
Endodontic patient care that is based on scientific, biological, and ethical standards.
Taxonomy, ecology, and pathogenicity of the endodontic microflora and in-depth knowledge in their etiologic significance in pulpal and periradicular diseases.
Endodontic anesthesia, pharmacology of local anesthesia, their adverse effects, and be proficient in endodontic anesthesia including intra-pulpal, periodontal ligament, and intraosseous injections.
Neural elements and mechanisms of pain in pulp and dentin, neurovascular interactions in the dental pulp in health and inflammation, neurobiology of pain.
Diagnosis and management of odontogenic pain and diagnosis of non-odontogenic pain.
Mechanisms of injury to the pulp and pulp response to injury.
Vital pulp therapy, the processes involved, materials used, and prognosis and be proficient in vital pulp therapy.
Morphology and anatomy of the human teeth.
Digital and endodontic radiographic techniques.
Biomechanical instrumentation techniques and be proficient in root canal instrumentation
Endodontic irrigants, rinses, and various root filling materials, their biological effects, and be proficient in common gutta percha root filling techniques.
Non-surgical endodontic retreatment and surgical treatment.
Revascularization techniques, and intentional replantation.
Understand periodontic/endodontic lesions and their treatment options.
Differential diagnosis of dental traumatic injuries, and be competent in their management.
Prognosis of vital pulp therapy, non-surgical, and surgical endodontic treatment.