Clinical

Seminar 1

Speaker

Dr Rachel S.W. Tan

Topic

Endodontic Treatment Failures: Causes, Prevention and Management

Abstract

Studies highlighted causes of failure of primary root canal treatment often stem from persistent or secondary intra-radicular infection. Due to the variability of symptoms, clinical presentation of failed root canal treated teeth, it is often challenging for decision making and prognosis of treatment depends on several factors. In this lecture, we aimed to evaluate the success and failure of root canal treatment, identify factors associated with treatment failures, appraise these factors in view of prevention. In view of management of failures, we will look into decision making for non-surgical or surgical root canal retreatment.

Biography

Dr Rachel Tan currently works as Fractional Senior Clinical Practitioner of Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, practises dentistry limited to Endodontics in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. She is specialist in Endodontics and the honorary secretary (2025/2027) of the Specialty Board in Endodontics, The College of Dental Surgeon of Hong Kong.

Core

Seminar 2

Speaker

Professor Simin Peng

Topic

Advancing Care: An Additional Step in Managing Traumatic Dental Injuries of Primary Teeth

Abstract

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) affect approximately 22.7% of primary dentition in children and can have significant immediate and long-term implications for oral health and facial development. This lecture provides dental practitioners with a comprehensive, child-centred approach to managing TDIs, emphasizing that optimal care extends beyond acute treatment to consider the broader biopsychosocial context. Current evidence-based principles will be systematically reviewed, commencing with case analyses of treatment approaches in young children and advancing toward the implementation of comprehensive, holistic management strategies. The presentation advocates for a nuanced approach that favours conservative observation when appropriate, while ensuring timely intervention in cases involving risks to permanent successors or aspiration hazards. A key focus is the importance of holistic assessment, including vigilance for non-accidental injury, consideration of medically compromised or developmentally atypical children, and understanding the psychosocial impact on the child and their families. Evidence-based treatment algorithms tailored to specific injuries and structured follow-up protocols for monitoring pulp vitality and late sequelae will be presented. Strategies to improve practitioner confidence, such as team preparation, standardized documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, will also be discussed. Ultimately, advancing care in primary dentition trauma requires shifting from a tooth-centric model to a comprehensive, child-centred approach that recognizes each injury’s complex biopsychosocial context. This lecture aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge to make informed decisions, identify cases needing specialist referral, and provide anticipatory guidance to safeguard both the developing dentition and the child's future oral health.

Biography

Professor Peng is the Assistant Dean (Clinical Affair) and Clinical Assistant Professor in Paediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine (BMed) and a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Stomatology from the Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, and obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from The University of Hong Kong. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in the United Kingdom and serves on the Editorial Board of BMC Oral Health. With extensive clinical experience in paediatric dentistry, she actively participates in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her research interests encompass oral diseases in children, epidemiology of oral health conditions, dental health and nutrition, dental pain, and dental education. Prof Peng has published a considerable number of articles in reputable international scientific journals, and her research team has received awards at prominent conferences, including the annual meetings of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the Southeast Asia Association for Dental Education (SEAADE).