In endo training, ask ALL the questions

The value of questions in endo training

One of the things I enjoy most about teaching endodontics is the questions. Some are straightforward and well anticipated, whilst others might be completely unexpected. I’ve heard questions that stop everyone in the room. A lively discussion follows and, by the end of it, we realise that many of us had been wondering exactly the same thing but hadn't quite found the confidence to ask.

Ask - you won't be the only one wondering...

We might hold back from asking questions, hoping that the answer will reveal itself as time goes on. We also don’t want to be the one who asks the seemingly obvious thing that everyone else absolutely, definitely knows. We don’t want to reveal ourselves as having any kind of knowledge gap.

Questions create clarity...

In meetings I have sometimes lost the thread of a conversation as I try to work out what an acronym stands for, especially in more commercial settings. The latest buzzwords and lingo can be quite distracting from the main focus. In dentistry we often have our own shorthand – I try to remember this, particularly in endo training sessions when I am with newly qualified dentists.

Answer questions clearly...

I like questions, there’s a good chance that if one person is wondering, there will be several others thinking the same way. It’s good practice to align yourself with the question at face value, without judgement, and express the answer in the way it’s needed. For example, if the person asking the question needs to draw something to explain themselves, it’s a good idea to respond visually.

Good trainers like questions...

Questions are so valuable to everyone, even the obvious ones. They tell me, as a trainer, to slow down and listen. Questions help teachers in particular. They tell us what people are finding difficult, what assumptions we've made and which areas deserve more time. Every course I teach is shaped, at least in part, by the conversations that happen because someone was prepared to put their hand up.

Keep questioning...

Perhaps we should think of asking questions as a professional skill rather than something reserved for students or newly qualified dentists. Curiosity doesn't disappear as we gain experience. If anything, it becomes more important. Dentistry continues to evolve, new materials and techniques emerge, and there is always something else to learn.

I really enjoy the wonderful quote by Albert Einstein “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” I use it as a guideline – to explain things as cleanly as possible, without losing the actual meaning.

Creating an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions is just as important as providing the answers. Whether you're attending a course, discussing a referral with a colleague or chatting with your team, the best conversations often begin with a simple question.

Use questions to strengthen your connections...

You can also invite one-to-one question and answer opportunities or share your email address to encourage further engagement with your audience. One of the things I am looking to implement is an informal, online drop-in for anyone interested in endodontics – more of that soon!

So, if there's something you've been wondering about, just ask. The chances are you're not the only one.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Dhiraj AroraBDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MSc (Endo) PG Cert CE.

Owner of evo endo with three practices (limited to endodontics) in Twickenham, Gerrard’s Cross and Slough.

He is a passionate teacher and ambassador for all things endo.

Follow him on Instagram: @drdij_evoendo

This article first appeared in The Probe magazine