(TC47) “I Read About it Online”: A Look Into Endodontic Educational Material for The Potential Patient

Abstract: Every day, endodontists face the challenge of explaining root canal procedures to patients who may have preconceived notions based on inaccurate online information. In December 2022, the Journal of Endodontics published an article titled “Evaluating YouTube as a Patient Information Source for the Risks of Root Canal Treatment.” This article examined the quality of endodontic procedure content that exists on YouTube. This content is highly variable, leaving patients with more questions than answers. Additionally, as healthcare trends towards a more holistic approach, the endodontic field is now incorporating “holistic” methods into everyday practices. The purpose of this review is twofold. First, to explore the ways in which patients acquire their pre-appointment dental knowledge. Second, to understand how online sources currently define the term “holistic” as it relates to endodontic and other dental treatments. A literature review with defined exclusion/inclusion criteria was conducted on the use of AI in patient decision-making and holistic dentistry using a standardized search strategy. The authors found various definitions of holistic medicine, but no clear consensus on what it means for endodontics. Biocompatibility is often considered a requirement for a procedure or product to be termed ‘holistic’, but there is no clear definition of what qualifies as biocompatible in this context. By attaining a deeper awareness of the role the internet plays in patient education, we hope to more effectively disseminate reliable information in the future.