"The scope of endodontics includes, but is not limited to, the differential diagnosis and treatment of oral pains of pulpal and/or periradicular origin; vital pulp therapy such as pulp capping and pulpotomy; root canal therapy such as pulpectomy, nonsurgical treatment of root canal systems with or without periradicular pathosis of pulpal origin, and the obturation of these root canal systems; selective surgical removal of pathological tissues resulting from pulpal pathosis, intentional replantation and replantation of avulsed teeth: surgical removal of tooth structure such as in apicoectomy, hemisection, and root amputation; endodontic implants, bleaching of discolored dentin and enamel (teeth); retreatment of teeth previously treated endodontically, and treatment procedures related to coronal restorations by means of post and/or cores involving the root canal space." The information provided by the UT Health Science Center is greatly detailed and gives the viewer a high level of insight into the definition of endodontics and what endodontists do.
The AAE (American Association of Endodontists) provides more detailed information about all aspects of endodontists. It has information about schooling required for endodontists, about treatment planning options, a journal of endodontics (JOE), latest news, and more. As an endodontist, students are required to complete four years of college, four years of dental school, and at least two years in an advanced specialty program in endodontic treatment. Upon completion of proper schooling, these advanced dental professionals can choose to work in several different ways: private practice, group practice, academia, and other settings to consult with dental professionals and treat difficult cases. All this information, and much more, is all found on the AAE website and serves well in schooling students about the field of endodontics.
This video describes what an endodontist (aka "root canal specialist"). The video was posted by Dr. Rubin Gutarts himself (under the youtube account name gutarts44129) and is a news report discussing Dr. Gutarts efforts in endodontics and the technological advancements that have developed in the field over the years. Dr. Gutarts is considered one of Cleveland's best endodontists and he provides us with valuable information about the field and its advancements. Years ago, teeth would have to be pulled out because of stressed out or diseased tooth nerves and blood vessels. Today, root canal treatment allows endodontists to remove these bad nerves and blood vessels, relieving the patients of their tooth pain and allowing them to keep their natural teeth teeth. May dentists perform root canal treatment themselves, but they often refer their patients to trained endodontists as the cases become more challenging.