DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Department of Endodontics actively supports the mission and goals of
Indiana University School of Dentistry towards "always striving for simply the
best." The mission of the Endodontic Department is to provide education and
conduct research in the biology of the dental pulp and the diagnosis,
prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated
periradicular tissues.
As of July 1, 2009, Dr. Kenneth J. Spolnik was appointed Chairman and Program
Director of the Endodontic Department. Dr. Joseph Legan continues to be Director
of the Pre-doctoral Endodontic Program and Dr. Mychel Vail has full-time
teaching responsibilities in both the Pre-doctoral as well as Graduate
Endodontic Programs. We anticipate a fourth full-time endodontic faculty member
to join our department in July 2010. He will be our Endodontic Research
Director.
Our full-time faculty are supported by twelve exceptionally qualified part-time
faculty, most of whom are nationally recognized clinicians in both surgical and
non-surgical endodontics. Our Graduate Endodontic Program is 24 months long and
offers a certificate in Endodontics. A Masters in Science Degree in Dentistry
(M.S.D.) is required in addition to the endodontic certificate. At the present
time, a stipend is given to graduate endodontic students. All of our graduate
clinic operatories are equipped with surgical microscopes, digital imaging, and
state-of-the-art delivery systems.
There are five graduate endodontic positions available at Indiana University
School of Dentistry and one position at the Roudebush Veterans Administration
Medical Center. The Veterans Administration position is associated with Indiana
University and is supervised by the Endodontic faculty at Indiana University
School of Dentistry.
The Department of Endodontics is very active and visible both at the university
and national levels. We are committed to the mission of education, research,
exceptional patient care, and service.