The National Dental Specialty Examination – What Is It and Why We Should Care.

The National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) returned to the Royal College of Dentists of Canada in 2023 and it differs from RCDC’s Fellowship Examination. It is important that we understand the distinctions between the two examinations and why differences exist. Our Examiner-in-Chief, NDSE, will explain some basic tenets of testing, as well as guiding principles of the NDSE. This presentation will emphasize enhancing the examination process by assessing critical thinking instead of rote memorization. Dr. Loney will discuss present and future challenges to the administration of this important examination.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the different requirements for competency-based and other types of examinations.
• Recognize the difference between higher-level questions and difficult questions.
• Understand the challenges that are faced in the administration of the NDSE.
• Recognize the means by which fellows can assist with the development, refinement and continuation of the NDSE.

Dr. Robert Loney is Professor Emeritus of Prosthodontics from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry, where he taught for 23 years. Dr. Loney developed an extensive online library of instructional materials, including over 70 YouTube videos, which have been accessed millions of times globally, with over 30,000 subscribers. He also advocated for the integration of digital dentistry into the curriculum. Dr. Loney contributed to the National Dental Examining Board of Canada for 30 years, where he served as Chief Examiner for both the OSCE and the National Dental Specialty Exams (NDSE). He is currently the Examiner-in-Chief of the RCDC’s NDSE. His contributions to teaching and dentistry have been recognized with multiple awards, including W.W. Wood Awards for Excellence in Teaching, the 3M ESPE National Dentistry Teaching Award and the CDA’s Distinguished Service Award.

Odontogenic Infections: Diagnosis, Risk Assessment, and Management.

Odontogenic infections are among the most common and potentially serious conditions encountered in dental practice. While many are localized and easily managed, others can progress rapidly, leading to significant morbidity or life-threatening complications if not recognized early and managed appropriately.

This presentation offers a concise, clinically focused review of odontogenic infections, with emphasis on diagnosis, evidence-based antibiotic use, principles of surgical management, and the importance of interdisciplinary management for severe infections. 

Learning objectives

• Recognize the clinical features and diagnostic criteria of odontogenic infections.
• Identify risk factors that influence the progression and severity of odontogenic infections.
• Review the management of odontogenic infections –referral pathways, antimicrobial therapy, and surgical intervention. 

Dr. Alero Boyo is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practising in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She received her DDS in 2015 from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. This was followed by a general practice residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and a surgical internship at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  She continued her education and completed the 6-year residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Dalhousie University in 2023. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and a member of the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. In addition to her work in private practice, Dr. Boyo maintains involvement in hospital-based surgery, and works part time as an undergraduate clinical instructor in oral surgery at Dalhousie University.

Beyond the Surface: Dental Care for Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Dive into the world of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), where over 70% of patients experience unique oral changes. This session will present a brief overview of the systemic findings in NF1 and then delve into the unique oral and craniofacial manifestations along with the dental management.

Learning objectives

• Discuss the Pathophysiology: Understand the genetic basis for NF1.
• Pharmacologic Management: Understand the role of medications in controlling specific complications of NF1.
• Identify Clinical Manifestations: Recognize classic diagnostic criteria for NF1.
• Identify Oral Manifestations: Gain comprehensive knowledge of the various oral changes and anomalies commonly observed in patients with NF1.
• Develop Management Strategies: Learn effective preventive dental care techniques.
• Foster Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Understand the importance of working alongside different healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to managing NF1.

Dr. Chase is a board-certified Pediatric Dentist and an Assistant Professor at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She completed her dental degree at Dalhousie School of Dentistry (Canada) in 2000 and Pediatric Dental specialty at the University of Rochester and Eastman Dental Center in 2002. Dr. Chase joined the faculty of Boston Children’s Hospital and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 2006. She is the Postgraduate Program Director in Pediatric Dentistry. In the past 23 years, she has taught over 85 pediatric dental residents and over 500 dental students. Outside of teaching, Dr. Chase provides patient care either in the clinical setting or the operating room with a focus on the management of young, anxious patients and patients with special healthcare needs, with a particular focus on children with autism and Down syndrome. She serves on a number of committees, including the Sedation Executive Committee at BCH, the exam committees for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and on both the Council of Clinical Affairs and Evidence Based Dentistry committees for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and is a member of the Determination Panel for the Non-discrimination, anti-bullying committee at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Outside of work she enjoys running and spending time with her husband, two children and two dogs.