Jaramillo shares endodontic expertise at international conferences in Poland and Egypt

Professor David E. Jaramillo, DDS, speaking at the APEC 2025 PanEndo Conference, held Dec. 3-5. in Cairo, Egypt.

Professor David E. Jaramillo, DDS (left), and his wife visited the Giza pyramid complex in Egypt.

Professor David E. Jaramillo, DDS (right), and his family visited the Museum of Fryderyk Chopin in Warsaw, Poland.

Professor David E. Jaramillo, DDS, recently represented UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry on the international stage with invited speaking engagements at two major endodontic conferences abroad.

Jaramillo served as a keynote speaker at the 26th International Endodontic Symposium, known as Pulp Fiction, held Nov. 6-9, in Krakow, Poland. The meeting brought together endodontic experts from around the world to explore clinical, scientific, and technological advances in the field.

During the symposium’s scientific program, Jaramillo delivered a lecture, titled “Bacteriological and Histological Analysis of the Latest Irrigation Techniques for the Canal System,” focusing on current and emerging technologies used in root canal irrigation. His presentation examined multiple activation and pressure-based irrigation systems, including laser-assisted techniques, ultrasonic activation, and negative-pressure approaches, highlighting their effectiveness through bacteriological and histological evidence.

The Pulp Fiction symposium featured hands-on workshops, scientific sessions, and social events designed to foster collaboration and discussion among clinicians and researchers. Jaramillo’s lecture was part of a program that included internationally recognized speakers who addressed topics such as vital pulp therapy, microsurgery, artificial intelligence in dentistry, and minimally invasive endodontic approaches.

“Pulp Fiction provided an opportunity to share research that directly informs clinical decision-making in endodontics,” Jaramillo said. “The strong international interest in optimizing irrigation protocols reflects how critical disinfection is to improving long-term treatment outcomes.”

Less than a month later, Jaramillo traveled to Cairo, Egypt, to participate as a guest speaker at the APEC 2025 PanEndo Conference, held Dec. 3-5. The event marked a joint meeting between the Asian Pacific Endodontic Confederation and the Egyptian Association of Endodontists, celebrating the 40th anniversary of APEC and the 25th anniversary of the EAE. Organizers described the meeting as the largest endodontic conference ever held in Africa, with thousands of attendees from across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

“Speaking to such a distinguished and globally diverse audience in Egypt was a truly remarkable experience,” Jaramillo said. “While I saw many scientific parallels with American endodontics, the most rewarding aspect was connecting with colleagues in a city that represents one of the world’s most significant cultural foundations.”

Jaramillo presented “Evaluation of Irrigation Technologies in Root Canal Systems: A Comprehensive Analysis Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy, Histological Analysis, and Bacteriological Analysis.” The lecture expanded on his core area of expertise by comparing conventional syringe irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation, laser-activated irrigation, and multisonication technologies. He discussed clinical implications for improving disinfection, particularly in challenging anatomical areas such as the apical third, lateral canals, and isthmuses.

He also highlighted the strong foundational knowledge demonstrated by attendees, despite regional limitations in access to certain advanced technologies.

“Although economic restrictions can limit the availability of some devices, the audience showed impressive expertise in the fundamental principles of hydrodynamic cavitation and multisonication,” Jaramillo said. “The level of engagement around their clinical application was exceptional.”

Jaramillo joined UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry in 2014 and has been teaching continuously since 1990. He is an active mentor to postgraduate students and residents, and also serves as a mentor for dental students during the Summer Research Program.

His research focuses on root canal irrigation and disinfection, and he has delivered more than 100 lectures worldwide, published dozens of peer-reviewed articles, and authored multiple book chapters. He serves internationally as chair of the Jean-Marie Laurichesse Research Award committee for the International Federation of Endodontic Associations.

Reflecting on his international work, Jaramillo said sharing knowledge remains a central motivation in his career.

“The field is constantly evolving, and there is always something new to learn and share,” he said. “Traveling for my work is an added gift — visiting beautiful countries, connecting with local colleagues, and experiencing different cultures makes the exchange of knowledge even more meaningful.”

Jaramillo earned his dental degree and endodontics certification from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Dental School.