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Endodontists

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment for specialty dentists (except oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists) is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2028. As long as people place a priority on retaining their teeth, endodontists' services will continue to be in demand. The longer life spans of the U.S. population and increasing rates of tooth retention mean that there will be more teeth that require treatment in the future. The emergency nature of many endodontic cases also keeps the demand steady. Most jobs will arise from the need to replace endodontists who retire or leave the occupation.

Digital radiography is one of the technological advances that are changing the way endodontists practice. Digital radiography allows them to expose patients to less radiation, which is important because endodontists use X-rays more than most dentists. Digital radiographs are displayed on computer screens, allowing patients to better understand their condition.

Another development is the use of nickel-titanium files. They are more flexible than the steel files that endodontists have traditionally used to clean root canals.

Endodontists are beginning to use operating microscopes to allow for a better view inside the tiny root canal.

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