INCORPORATION OF ENDODONTIC POSTOPERATIVE CONTROL TOPICS IN THE SPECIALTY CURRICULUM AT UNIVERSIDAD MICHOACANA DE SAN NICOLÁS DE HIDALGO

It is often predicted by professors and students of the specialty of endodontics that the fact of applying the endodontic treatment or a certain endodontic technique, will result in the success of the treatment, with the only evidence of a "final" radiograph, and the clinical status of the root canal which in turn would seem to be impeccable. This occurs in a large part of the endodontist population and it is unquestionable that the postoperative recommendations by professionals are a mean of a remote postoperative control which helps to continue monitoring the case. However, it has been observed that some treatments that have this control at a distance, is not enough at medium and long term period of time, due to developing possible recurrences derived from an endodontic treatment. Postoperative control through an efficient record of the history of the pathological process would help to prevent recurrences and post-treatment failures, practiced at certain periods of time with an indicated and mandatory clinical revision. The objective of this study, was to know through a survey applied on students of the specialty of endodontics which included 10 questions related to postoperative control, if the incorporation of clinical and epistemological postoperative control as a guideline within the current curriculum in the specialty of endodontics of the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, in Michoacan; Mexico, where it is not well defined or included at the moment; and if its inclusion is necessary as a topic, within a learning unit in the specialty of endodontics. The results showed that 92% of the students suggested the incorporation of theoretical and practical concepts in the treatment of endodontic patients on postoperative control. In conclusion, we were able to confirm that the lack of theoretical and practical concepts regarding postoperative control in endodontics should be incorporated into the specialty curriculum, as an epistemological and clinical topic, which may allow an integral formation of the student for the endodontic treatment and the adequate follow-up, of the patients whom attend the endodontic clinic.