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Endodontics

The Department of Endodontics at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry advances the art, science, and practice of endodontics through excellence in education, patient care, and research. 

As a leader in clinical education and innovation, the department was the first in the nation to equip every operatory in its endodontics clinic with an operating microscope — setting a national standard for precision and visualization in patient care. The clinic also features a dedicated cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) unit and the latest technologies that support state-of-the-art endodontic treatment. This advanced learning environment allows students and residents to perfect diagnostic and treatment procedures using the most current tools available in the field.

The department offers a 26-month Advanced Education Program in Endodontics leading to both a Certificate in Endodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree. This rigorous program prepares residents for clinical excellence, academic leadership, and professional advancement within the specialty. Graduates of the program have gone on to distinguish themselves as outstanding clinicians, educators, and leaders — reinforcing the department’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier endodontic training programs. 

Our Mission 

To provide high-caliber endodontics education in the development of outstanding health care professionals. 

Our Vision 

To be an international leader in endodontics through an integrated approach to education, patient-centered care, community service, and meaningful research. 

Our Goals 

Consistent with our mission and vision statements, our goals focus on four core areas: 

  • Education: Continually reassess and refine the curriculum to integrate cutting-edge techniques to prepare predoctoral students and residents for a successful transition to practice. 
  • Patient Care: Maximize clinical opportunities for predoctoral students and residents. 
  • Service: Establish strong partnerships with community dental clinics to provide accessible care to underserved populations. 
  • Research: Foster an environment conducive to research by encouraging collaboration, providing access to resources, and promoting publications and presentations. 

Department Chair

 Timothy Kirkpatrick
DDS
Professor
Chair for Department of Endodontics; Advanced Education Program Director of Endodontics

Endodontics Faculty

 Samar AlHashimi
DDS, MSD
Adjunct Assistant Professor
 Joyce Balat
DDS, MSD
Adjunct Assistant Professor
 Han Na Cho
DDS, MSD
Assistant Professor
 David Colmenar
DMD, MSD
Assistant Professor
 Kim Freeman
DMD, MS
Assistant Professor
 Ghazaleh Ghaneh
DDS, MSD
Adjunct Assistant Professor
 Leticia Guajardo-Morales
DDS
Associate Professor
Director for Predoctoral Endodontics
 David Jaramillo
DDS
Professor
 Ji Wook Jeong
DMD, MSD
Associate Professor
 Erin Loggins
DDS
Assistant Professor
 John Ludington
DDS, MSD
Associate Professor Emeritus
 Scott Makins
DDS, MS
Adjunct Associate Professor
 Akshita Mann
BDS, MDS, MSD
Assistant Professor
 Mahnaz Messkoub
DDS
Assistant Professor
 Parastou Rouhani
DDS, MS
Assistant Professor
 Kevin Sameti
DDS
Assistant Professor
 Zhen Shen
DMD, MSD
Adjunct Assistant Professor
 Eva Stanley
DDS, MS
Associate Professor
 Jillwen Sung
DMD
Assistant Professor

Endodontics Staff

 Shaunna Campbell
Dental Dispensaries I
 Alexis Canada
Dental Assistant I
 Rossland Collins
BS
Administrative Manager
 Ethel Espree
Patient Care Coordinator
 John Goodwin
Dental Assistant I
 Maria Gordon
Coordinator II for Educational Programs
 Paola Monti Monsalve
Dental Assistant I
 NaTasha Page
Lead Patient Care Services
 Alejandra Saldana
Dental Assistant I

Endodontics Residents