Justin Kolnick, tells Endodontic Practice US about his decision to become an endodontis


What can you tell us about your background?

I received my undergraduate and dental school training at the School of Dental and Oral Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. After graduating cum laude, I was awarded the University Postgraduate Scholarship for Overseas Study in order to pursue postdoctoral studies abroad. I then moved to New York where I completed my endodontic training at the School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Columbia University, in New York City. For the past 28, years I have been in private practice limited to endodontics in Westchester County, NY, where I established the first microendodontic practice and later, the first three-dimensional (3-D), laser-assisted endodontic practice. My associates and I now have offices in White Plains and Mt. Kisco, NY, as well.

When did you decide to become a specialist and why?

Early on in my dental training I realized that I would never be able to master all the disciplines in dentistry. My confidence in performing endodontics was boosted when I completed root canal therapy in 22 teeth in 1 patient. From that time on I was determined to become an endodontist even though endodontics was not yet recognized as a specialty in South Africa.

Is your practice limited to solely endodontics or do you practice other types of dentistry?

My practice is limited to conventional and surgical endodontics.

Why did you decide to focus on endodontics?

Endodontics was an emerging specialty at the time and there were relatively few endodontists worldwide. I was also attracted by the fact that the entire treatment was in my own hands and I did not have to rely on a dental lab technician to complete the process. It was only later that I realized how significant the post-endodontic restoration of the tooth was….and that was out of my hands.

Do your patients come from referrals?

Most of our patients are referred by other dentists. Some are referred by previous patients, while others reach us from the internet.

How long have you been performing endodontics and what systems do you use?

I have been performing endodontics for almost 30 years. My associates and I use many different systems depending on the demands of each case. Starting with digital radiography (Schick Technologies) and 3-D cone beam computed tomography (J. Morita USA) for unparalleled diagnostic information. Magnification and illumination are obtained with OPMI PROErgo microscopes (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Canal preparation performed with nickel titanium rotary systems using ProTaperÒ (Dentsply/Tulsa Dental Specialties) and LightSpeedLSXÔ (Discus Dental). Canal irrigation is accomplished with negative pressure apical irrigation using EndoVac (Discus Dental) and final canal cleaning and disinfection with Waterlase MDä using laser radial firing tips (Biolase Technology). We do our canal obturation with vertical condensation of warm gutta percha or bonded resin, Resilon (Pentron Clinical Technologies). Canals are back-filled with HotShot (Discus Dental) or CalamusÒ Flow (Dentsply/Tulsa Dental Specialties). Chamber floor sealing is done with EpiphanyÒ, a bonded resin material (Pentron Clinical Technologies).

Can you tell me about the training you have undertaken?

All new technology requires training for the endodontist and the staff. We are constantly undergoing training because I believe that a vibrant endodontic practice needs to incorporate the most effective technology available. Most recently we have undergone in-house training for 3-D CBCT and Waterlase MDä lasers. Most of my training is in the form of continuing education courses taken both locally and nationally. A significant part of my education comes from lecture preparation. I lecture frequently and have found that the preparation for these lectures requires extensive review of the literature as well as the most current textbooks.

Who has inspired you?

During my postdoctoral training I was inspired by my mentors Drs. Irving Naidorf and my future partner Dr. Marvin Firdman. Since then I have been inspired by those of my colleagues who have innovated and developed new techniques and products. There are far too many people to mention by name, ranging from the fathers of modern endodontics to inventors to corporations that have invested millions of dollars in research and development. Above all, I am inspired by those of my colleagues who have dedicated themselves to excellence in endodontics.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your practice?

The most satisfying aspect of my practice is the knowledge that, together with my 3 associates and 16 staff members, we are providing the best possible care for our patients.

Professionally what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the reputation we have for excellence and leadership in endodontics in our community.

What do you think is unique about your practice?

I think the most unique aspect about my practice is the technology that we have incorporated into a unique treatment protocol that I feel provides the best possible prognosis for our endodontic therapy.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been to educate general dentists and patients alike that endodontics done right is predictably successful and that many teeth scheduled for extraction and implant replacement can be saved.

What would you have been if you didn’t become a dentist?

A medical doctor – plastic surgeon.

What is the future of endodontics and dentistry?

I am optimistic about the future of endodontics and dentistry. I feel that most people value their teeth and if given the choice will always try to save them.  As technology improves, so too will our endodontic outcomes and restorative procedures.

What are your top tips in maintaining a successful specialty endodontic practice and what advice would you give to budding endodontists?

My top tips are to maintain your integrity and do what is best for your patients. Perform excellent endodontics utilizing the best available technology. Keep your practice current, educate your referrers and don’t be tempted to cut corners.

My advice to budding endodontists is to get a job in a quality endodontic practice and benefit from the experience of the endodontists working there.

What are your hobbies and what do you do in your spare time?

I don’t really have any hobbies. I guess endodontics is my vocation and my avocation. In my spare time I enjoy movies, theater, travel, spinning, hiking, skiing, and scuba diving. My professional interests include lecturing locally, nationally, and internationally;  the Endodontic Study Club of Westchester–which I founded 2 years ago for general dentists who want to improve their endodontic skills;  laser-assisted endodontics and the quest for sterilizing (rather than disinfecting) infected root canal systems;  exploring 3-D endodontics with CBCT; and new and emerging technology that improves endodontic outcomes.

 

Products/Equipment – Dr. Kolnick’s top 10 favorites

Diagnosis/Magnification & Illumination:

Digital Radiography (Schick Technologies) Veraviewepocs 3De CBCT (J. Morita USA, Inc.) Endo-IceÒ (Coltene Whaledent) Tooth Slooth (Professional Results, Inc.) OPMIÒ pico and PROergo microscopes (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.)

Endodontic Treatment:

Elements Diagnostic Unitä and Apex Locator (SybronEndo) ProTaperÒ nickel titanium rotary files (Dentsply/Tulsa Dental Specialties) LightSpeed LSXä nickel titanium rotary system (Discus Dental) EndoVac negative pressure irrigation system (Discus Dental) Waterlase MDä with radial firing tips (Biolase Technology Inc.) CalamusÒ Flow (Dentsply/Tulsa Dental Specialties) HotShot (Discus Dental) System B Heat Source (SybronEndo) Resilon with EpiphanyÒ Sealer (Pentron Clinical Technologies) ProRootÒ MTA (Dentsply/Tulsa Dental Specialties)

Justin Kolnick, DDS, owns Advanced Endodontics of Westchester, PLLC. He was formerly Clinical Instructor in Endodontics at Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, and an Attending in the Department of Dentistry, Westchester County Medical Center and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry, New York Medical College.