Anniversary edition of ROOTS SUMMIT kicks off in Athens

Franziska Beier, Dental Tribune International

Fri. 10. May 2024

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ATHENS, Greece: Held biennially, ROOTS SUMMIT is back—this time at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens, where it will run until Sunday. This year’s edition marks a special celebration: the 25^th anniversary of the endodontic meeting. Like in previous years, the congress offers the opportunity to engage in a robust scientific programme, including hands-on courses. In addition, the event provides a valuable platform for attendees to connect with fellow practitioners, sharing and expanding their clinical insights and experiences.

A particular highlight of this ROOTS SUMMIT was the opportunity to participate in an exclusive one-day pre-congress workshop on root canal blockage, which was presented by prominent endodontist Dr Antonis Chaniotis on Wednesday. In addition, Dr Chaniotis will be holding a lecture on the same topic on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking about the immense value of the meeting, he commented in an interview: “ROOTS SUMMIT is all about gathering endodontic enthusiasts from around the globe. It’s not only a scientific event but also a cultural blending of endodontists of different origins, cultures and perspectives.”

ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 commenced with a series of hands-on courses yesterday, giving dental professionals an opportunity to refine their techniques and delve into the latest advancements in endodontic care. Dr Hugo Sousa Dias led a practical course focused on managing narrow and curved canals, including S-shaped ones, using the JIZAI rotary system (MANI) to ensure safe and effective outcomes. Additionally, Prof. Gianluca Gambarini presented a workshop on the newest developments in the design, motion and clinical application of instruments, aimed at improving the efficacy and safety of root canal preparation while also offering a cost-effective approach to nickel–titanium rotary instrumentation.

The programme also features a series of lectures delivered by well-known endodontists from across the globe. For example, Dr Josiane Almeida from Brazil will discuss the impact of radiotherapy on dental structures, providing crucial insights on optimal treatments for patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy.

“Endodontists need to redirect their treatment procedures regarding patients who have undergone radiotherapy in order to achieve endodontic success and restore oral health,” she said in an interview.

Talking about ROOTS SUMMIT 2024, she said: “I am excited about participating actively this time in Athens and joining the team of speakers. I am confident that the event will provide valuable knowledge for all attendees, as well as an opportunity to network and share experiences.”

Indications, benefits and critical techniques for the successful autotransplantation of teeth will be the focus of the paper by Dr Mitsuhiro Tsukiboshi from Japan. Additionally, Dr Spyros Floratos from Greece will offer a comprehensive lecture on managing complex cases in endodontics, focusing on the clinical approaches required for challenging scenarios involving failed previous interventions, iatrogenic mishaps and persistent periradicular pathology.

“Attendees come expecting high-quality speakers, and they know they will receive the best from us.”—scientific director Dr David E. Jaramillo

Commenting on the scientific programme, co-chairman Dr Freddy Belliard said in an interview: “I think the most important strength that we have is clinical relevance. It shows now more than ever that it is driven by clinicians, by people who want to make science become something tangible.”

Scientific director Dr David E. Jaramillo added: “Organising this meeting is essential for keeping the ROOTS community together. Attendees come expecting high-quality speakers, and they know they will receive the best from us.”

Further educational opportunities will be offered by the oral and poster presentations and a dynamic industry exhibition. During breaks, attendees can explore the exhibition area to learn more about the latest endodontic offerings from the representatives of the various companies, including the three bronze sponsors, DirectEndodontics, EdgeEndo and Zumax.

“Our attendees know that they will gain valuable insights which they can immediately apply in their practices, starting Monday morning, to the benefit of their patients. That is where the benefit comes in for our exhibitors and why they support us to the extent that they do without having to dominate. They know that they are going to sell more products when people are doing better endodontics. Without our sponsors’ support, the event would not be possible,” emphasised co-chairman Steve Jones.

Participants are happy to be at this year’s meeting and reconnect with fellow dentists. (All images: Dental Tribune International)

ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 was being held from 9 to 12 May at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens.

Thanks to all the speakers and attendees for making ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 such a special event.

ROOTS SUMMIT commenced with a series of hands-on courses on Thursday, providing dental professionals with an opportunity to refine their techniques and delve into the latest advancements in endodontic care. Pictured from left: Dr Freddy Belliard, co-chairman of the event, and workshop presenter Dr Hugo Sousa Dias.

Dr Hugo Sousa Dias led a hands-on course focused on managing narrow and curved canals, including S-shaped ones, using the martensitic file system to ensure safe and effective outcomes.

Dr Freddy Belliard (left), co-chairman of the event, and workshop presenter Dr Marian Fanica.

Dr Marian Fanica during his hands-on course on post-endodontic treatment of teeth with large areas of destruction.

Hands-on course attendees learned about Encore D/C (Centrix), a dual-curing core build-up composite.

Prof. Gianluca Gambarini presented a workshop on the newest developments in the design, motion and clinical application of instruments, aimed at improving the efficacy and safety of root canal preparation, offering a cost-effective approach to NiTi rotary instrumentation.

Hands-on courses captured the attention of attendees and brought new procedural possibilities to the forefront.

The most current issue of roots magazine, including a ROOTS SUMMIT special highlighting the programme, lecture abstracts, speaker bios and interviews, was available to attendees at the event.

From left: ROOTS SUMMIT speakers Dr Ruth Pérez-Alfayate and Dr Rajiv Patel.

Dr David E. Jaramillo, scientific chairman, and Dr Freddy Belliard and Stephen Jones, co-chairmen at the opening ceremony on Friday morning.

ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 Scientific Chairman Dr David E. Jaramillo opened the event.

Prof. Matthias Zehnder was the first speaker and presented on “Irrigation and disinfection of the root canal”.

Steve Jones and Dr Freddy Belliard.

From left: Steve Jones, Dr David E. Jaramillo and Dr Freddy Belliard.

From left: Steve Jones, Dr Ruth Pérez-Alfayate, Dr David E. Jaramillo and Dr Freddy Belliard.

From left: Dr David E. Jaramillo, Dr Freddy Belliard, Prof. Matthias Zehnder and Steve Jones.

From left: Dr David E. Jaramillo, ROOTS SUMMIT speaker Dr Josiane Almeida, Dr Freddy Belliard and Steve Jones.

EdgeEndo offers endodontic files, points, obturators and verifiers.

Attendees in conversation at the COLTENE booth.

ROOTS SUMMIT attendee trying out the cordless endo motor CanalPro X-Move from COLTENE.

Centrix booth at ROOTS SUMMIT 2024.

Attendee trying out a surgical magnification device from Zumax Medical.

ROOTS SUMMIT attendee getting more information on a surgical loupe from Zumax Medical.

The XP-endo Rise Shaper from FKG Dentaire has a redesigned tip that increases predictability and control.

Dr Ruth Pérez-Alfayate during her presentation on complex diagnosis in endodontics.

Dr Rajiv Patel giving a presentation on dental trauma.

Dr Rajiv Patel.

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Prof. Aviad Tamse discussing vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth.

Prof. Laura Ceballos presenting her lecture, titled "Restoration of endodontically treated teeth: Increasing predictability and reducing limits”.

In addition to the scientific lectures, ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 featured a poster presentation.

ROOTS SUMMIT attendee trying out a dental surgical microscope from Seiler.

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Dr Josiane Almeida is a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Southern Santa Catarina and Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil.

Attendees mingling with industry experts.

Aesthetic outcome of single tooth replacement in the aesthetic zone was the topic Dr Juan Mesquida's presentation.

Dr Mitsuhiro Tsukiboshi believes that the success of autotransplantation of teeth depends on indication and technique.

Member case presentations.

As social engagement plays a crucial role in the ROOTS SUMMIT community, the organisers planned a seaside event on Saturday evening at the Ark restaurant, one of the highest-rated locales in Greece for six years running.

Attendees were treated to an open bar with classic cocktails and inventive Greek cuisine throughout the evening.

The get-together offered attendees the opportunity to relax and interact.

The organisers of ROOTS SUMMIT with team members of Dental Tribune International, co-organiser of the event.

Dr Spyros Floratos held a lecture on the rationale for the management of complex, borderline cases in endodontics.

Dr Ali Vahdati giving a lecture on the management of challenges and mishaps associated with radiographic examination and interpretation in endodontics.

Dr Antonis Chaniotis during his lecture, titled "Root canal blockage management: Ledges, bricks and broken tips”.

$Prof. Aviad Tamse discussing vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth.$

As social engagement plays a crucial role in the ROOTS SUMMIT community, the organisers have planned a seaside event on Saturday evening at the Ark restaurant, one of the highest-rated locales in Greece for six years running. The get-together will offer attendees the opportunity to relax and interact while enjoying an open bar with classic cocktails and inventive Greek cuisine throughout the evening.

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, ROOTS SUMMIT began as a pioneering email study club and evolved into a significant scientific meeting, its inaugural event being held in Canada back in 1999.

“It is wonderful to witness the strength of our virtual community, which continues to prioritise science and has grown into a tangible network over the years. The camaraderie, friendships and shared passion for endodontics that have developed create something I am truly proud to be a part of,” said Jones.

More information on the congress can be found at www.roots-summit.com. News will also be posted on the event’s Facebook page.