Endodontics Clinic
The University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle provides endodontics procedures including root canals in our Graduate Endodontics Clinic.
The Graduate Endodontics Clinic offers endodontic treatment at reduced fees to patients who provide good teaching experience for the students.
How do I become a patient in the UW Endodontic Clinic?
Appointments are by referral only; a referral must be mailed to our clinic, along with a periapical (PA) x-ray of the tooth requiring treatment. Once the referral has been received, a faculty member will review the x-ray to determine if it is an appropriate teaching case. Not all cases are accepted for treatment. If accepted for treatment, a letter will be sent to you explaining how to make an appointment. This screening process generally takes 2-3 weeks. Because the demand for endodontic treatment greatly exceeds our ability to provide care, there may be a wait of a few weeks to several months for an appointment.
Who will provide my endodontic care?
Depending on the complexity of your case you will be assigned to one of two clinics:
- Graduate Clinic – licensed dentists (graduate students) receiving specialty training
- Undergraduate Clinic – third or fourth year dental students
I have other teeth that need dental work – can my endodontic student do that also?
Our clinic is equipped for endodontic (root canal) treatment only. Acceptance to the Endodontic Clinic does not guarantee acceptance to the School of Dentistry clinics for ongoing care. Please call 206.616.6996 to schedule a screening appointment with the School of Dentistry or visit our Dental Student Clinics page.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment will consist of diagnostic testing and further x-rays to confirm the need for endodontic treatment. Your student dentist will review the planned treatment and fees. If time allows, treatment may begin. Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location
Patients who require Endodontic (root canal) services are seen in room B-470 on the fourth floor of the B-Wing. To find the Endodontics clinic, please visit our location and directions page.
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. The pulp, which contains nerves; arterioles and venules as well as lymphatic tissue and fibrous tissue, can become diseased or injured and thus is unable to repair itself. The pulp then dies and endodontic or root canal treatment is required. General dentists may provide root canal therapy or they may refer difficult treatment cases to an endodontist for specialty care.
For information on root canal treatment and other endodontic procedures, please visit the American Association of Endodontists‘ website.