Endodontist

Overview

The Endodontist is responsible for diagnosing, treatment planning, and providing specialized endodontic care, including non-surgical and surgical root canal therapy and management of endodontic emergencies. This role delivers high-quality, evidence-based care while supporting a strong patient experience and collaborating with general dentists and practice teams to ensure appropriate referrals, continuity of care, and clinical excellence. The Endodontist partners with DSO support functions (credentialing, revenue cycle, compliance, supply chain, IT, HR, etc.)

to ensure efficient operations while maintaining clinical autonomy and adherence to all regulatory and clinical standards.

Clinical Care & Case Management

• Evaluate and diagnose endodontic conditions using clinical examination, imaging (including CBCT where available/appropriate), and pulp vitality testing.
• Provide endodontic treatment including:
  • Primary root canal therapy (anterior, premolar, molar)
  • Retreatment and management of failed endodontic cases
  • Management of traumatic dental injuries (as clinically appropriate)
  • Endodontic emergencies (pain, swelling, infection)
• Perform endodontic surgical procedures as qualified/privileged, including apicoectomy, incision and drainage, and management of endo-perio lesions.
• Determine appropriate case selection and referral to oral surgery, periodontics, or hospital-based care when indicated.
• Provide clear patient education and informed consent, outlining risks, benefits, and alternatives (including extraction and implant referral as applicable).
• Prescribe medications appropriately and in compliance with state/federal law and organizational policy, including controlled substances where applicable.

Documentation, Coding & Continuity of Care

• Document findings, diagnosis, treatment rendered, imaging interpretation, anesthesia, medications, and post-op instructions thoroughly and timely in the EHR.
• Ensure accurate procedure coding and clinical documentation that supports quality, compliance, and payer requirements.
• Communicate treatment details and follow-up recommendations to the referring provider and practice team (written summary, images, and clinical notes as applicable).
• Provide clear post-operative instructions and establish follow-up protocols to support patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Clinical Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Comply with HIPAA, OSHA, infection prevention standards, radiation safety requirements, and state board rules.
• Adhere to organizational clinical standards including sterilization, documentation, emergency preparedness, and risk management protocols.
• Participate in clinical quality initiatives such as peer review, chart audits, adverse event reporting, and outcomes monitoring as requested.
• Support patient safety through appropriate anesthesia selection, monitoring (where applicable), and escalation for complications or high-risk conditions.

Collaboration, Leadership & Professional Practice

• Collaborate with general dentists, hygienists (as applicable), and clinical teams to optimize referral pathways, patient handoffs, and scheduling workflows.
• Provide clinical guidance and chairside coaching to assistants and teams regarding endodontic workflows, instrumentation, and patient communication standards.
• Participate in practice/provider meetings and contribute to a culture of professionalism, accountability, and patient-centered service.

Operational Partnership (DSO-Supported Practice)

• Partner with centralized support teams on credentialing, scheduling optimization, case acceptance support, imaging/equipment needs, supply/inventory management, and revenue cycle processes.
• Support efficient patient flow and access to care while maintaining quality standards and ethical treatment planning.
• Contribute to growth and access initiatives by supporting timely specialty availability and appropriate case triage.

Non-Essential Duties (as assigned)

• Support provider education (lunch-and-learns, referral education, case review sessions).
• Community outreach and relationship development with referring providers.
• Participation in specialty councils, protocol work groups, and mentoring programs.

Knowledge…