Did you know that there’s a hierarchal order to diagnostic testing, and it’s all based on “diagnostic probability”? You don’t need to perform every diagnostic test on every patient every time to identify the problem! Instead, follow this systematic diagnostic testing network (fig. 7) and pinpoint the most likely source with just a few simple tests. Recognize when a diagnosis can simply be inferred from the clinical and radiographic findings or when a more extensive diagnostic workup is needed. Understand the signs and symptoms that differentiate between odontogenic and non-odontogenic pain. Know when you should treat— and more importantly— know when you shouldn’t.

Not sure about the prognosis? Ask me! My prognosis screening system helps you develop a prognosis based on the three most important prognostic variables— the surrounding biology, the structural integrity, and the patient. Follow one of three systems designed to help you understand the prognosis from the perspective of the supporting alveolar bone (fig. 8). Dive deeper into the rationale behind the choices with my analysis pages accompanying each system (fig 9). Use my systems and start thinking and communicating like an expert endodontist!

What were once thought to be abstract concepts and thoughts are now definitive, evidence-based clinical systems that any dentist can understand and apply at any experience level. My goal is to arm the dentist and endodontist alike with a clinical playbook that can be easily referenced. I want to arm the student with a tool to fill in the information gaps and accelerate the learning curve. I want to provide the dental community with a new perspective on the endodontic treatment process so that endo no longer has to be confusing or intimidating.