Shared Decision Making in Endodontics

Engaging patients in shared decision making (SDM) is a professional requirement since the Montgomery ruling in 2015. Endodontic treatments present a specific challenge to achieving SDM, both for the clinician and the patient. The treatments are often perceived as more challenging to complete by the clinician, and the assessment of risk and likely outcome requires a deep understanding of the (limited) evidence base. For the patient, decisions can be required at a time of acute symptoms and prolonged treatments. There are health literacy demands in comparison to some less complex dental treatments. Treatment decisions may be based more on inherent biases and prior experiences than objective probabilities. This article discusses options and supports effective shared decision making in endodontic treatment.