Five quick questions with Dr Jorge Vera

Dr Vera, what is your background in endodontics?
After finishing my DDS in Mexico, I did my postdoctoral programme in endodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston in Massachusetts in the US, from 1991 to 1993, helping to teach in the undergraduate clinic and doing many research projects under a great team consisting of Drs Joseph Tenca, Robert White and Melvin Goldman. Once I got my certificate, I returned to practising and teaching in Mexico.

What are your three favourite things about endodontics?
Firstly, I like the challenge of properly diagnosing and treating orofacial and dental pain, and, of course, relieving the affected patients. And then being able to treat symptomatic and previously endodontically treated teeth with retreatment techniques using CBCT, the microscope or endodontic microsurgery, and returning them to functionality. Lastly, the tremendous load of basic science that endodontists must carry requires continuous study to better perform clinically in fields like pharmacology, physiology and others.

Which endo products couldn’t you do without and why?
I would not be able to work without a microscope and ultrasonic tips because they change the approach to removing interferences like calcifications and previously placed materials from the root canal system in a conservative way. Also, the use of rotary/reciprocating instruments is essential in my everyday practice—their evolution is making root canal preparation easier while maintaining more dentine—and, finally, the use of hydraulic calcium silicate/bioceramic cements and CBCT for many cases.

What inspires you in your day-to-day work?
Being able to bring new techniques, devices and materials into my practice about which I have learnt in lectures and courses. Documenting their use and eventually seeing those patients on which they were used, heal and remain functional for a long time. I also enjoy preparing lectures for students and peers on those same topics.

What is one piece of advice that you would like to share with aspiring endodontists?
To be both open and critical about new techniques and devices arriving on the market; to always bring basic science into everyday practice because therein lies the foundation of our profession, so that whatever we use on patients helps both them and us; to study every single day; to revise old notes from school and to read the journals. Finally, it is advisable to take new courses every year.

Thank you very much for the interview.

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