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SPEAKERS
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Augusto Malentacca
Dr. Augusto Malentacca received his degree in medicine in 1976 and specialized in dentistry in 1979.
He has worked in his own office in Rome since 1980 practicing on the whole in restorative and endodontic dentistry but also dedicates his time to teaching, holding private courses at the office
He was president of S.I.E. (Italian Society of Endodontists) from 1999 to 2001
He is an active member of A.I.C. (Italian Academy of Restorative dentistry)
and was the founder member and president of A.I.O.M. (Italian Society of Microscopic dentistry)
He has worked in his own office in Rome since 1980 practicing on the whole in restorative and endodontic dentistry but also dedicates his time to teaching, holding private courses at the office
He was president of S.I.E. (Italian Society of Endodontists) from 1999 to 2001
He is an active member of A.I.C. (Italian Academy of Restorative dentistry)
and was the founder member and president of A.I.O.M. (Italian Society of Microscopic dentistry)
Hagay Shemesh
Dr. Hagay Shemesh is Head of the Section of Endodontology at ACTA (Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam). Since 2021, he has served as Associate Professor and has held several leadership positions within the department, including Chair of the Department of Endodontology (2012–2019, and again since 2024) and Director of the postgraduate Endodontology program (2010–2021).
After immigrating to the Netherlands in 2002, he completed his PhD at ACTA (2005–2009) on changes in root canal wall structure. Before that, he completed a postgraduate program in Endodontology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1996–2000) and obtained his national specialty certification in Endodontology in 2000.
Dr. Shemesh has authored over 100 scientific papers, including textbook chapters and editorial work in the dental literature.
In addition to his academic work, he is co-owner of a private referral dental practice in Amsterdam and an active member of the Dutch Society of Endodontology (NVvE), the European Society of Endodontology (ESE), and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
After immigrating to the Netherlands in 2002, he completed his PhD at ACTA (2005–2009) on changes in root canal wall structure. Before that, he completed a postgraduate program in Endodontology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1996–2000) and obtained his national specialty certification in Endodontology in 2000.
Dr. Shemesh has authored over 100 scientific papers, including textbook chapters and editorial work in the dental literature.
In addition to his academic work, he is co-owner of a private referral dental practice in Amsterdam and an active member of the Dutch Society of Endodontology (NVvE), the European Society of Endodontology (ESE), and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
Hal Duncan
Received his dental degree from the University of Glasgow and his 4-year endodontic speciality training in Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London. For ten years, he worked part-time in specialist referral endodontic practice. He completed his PhD in the University of Birmingham on the subject of ‘Epigenetic approaches to the role of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACi) in promoting dentine-pulp reparative mechanisms’. As an Academic Professor and Consultant in Endodontics, he has led endodontic teaching, service delivery and research in Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) for the last 17 years. He has published over 190 international peer-reviewed scientific articles, 50 research abstracts, 18 book chapters as well as editing 3 textbooks, including one in 2023 on ‘Vital Pulp Treatment’. He was the primary author of the recent European Society of Endodontology (ESE) position statement on ‘Management of deep caries and the exposed pulp’ and is the lead of the ‘ESE S3-level Guidelines for the Treatment of Endodontic Disease’. He is the current Editor-in-Chief of the International Endodontic Journal. He has received multiple research grants as principal investigator. In DDUH, he currently maintains a research lab and is the principal supervisor of clinical and scientifically trained PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in his research area of interest basic and translational pulp biology and endodontics. Currently, he is the Director of Research in the DDUH, the past-president of the ESE and the Past-President of the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group of the IADR.
Hugo Sousa Dias
Hugo Sousa Dias is an endodontist and international lecturer with an exclusive clinical practice dedicated to Endodontics and Apical Microsurgery in Porto, Portugal. He graduated in Dentistry from Fernando Pessoa University (Porto) in 2008 and completed his Postgraduate Program in Endodontics at the University of Lisbon – School of Dentistry in 2015 .
He is actively involved in postgraduate education, serving as Director of the Endodontic Master Program (Clinical Residency) at Foramen Dental Education (2014–2018) and continuing as Program Director since 2015. He is also an Invited Professor in postgraduate Endodontic programs at IUCS-CESPU University and collaborates regularly with postgraduate programs at the University of Lisbon, University of Porto, Católica University (Portugal), and the University of Valencia (Spain) .
Dr. Sousa Dias is a frequent speaker at international congresses and hands-on courses worldwide, with extensive lecturing experience across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, as well as in numerous international online events and webinars. He is the founder of Hugo Sousa Dias & Friends – Webinar Sessions and the Portuguese Endodontic Study Group, both focused on advanced education and knowledge exchange in Endodontics .
His main clinical and scientific interests include pulp canal obliteration, guided endodontics, management of calcified canals, separated instrument retrieval, complex retreatments, curved anatomies, and canal blockages. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in the field of Endodontics, including publications in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, International Endodontic Journal, and Australian Endodontic Journal .
Dr. Sousa Dias is Vice-President of the Portuguese Endodontic Society (2024–2027), a former Board Member of the Society, and a member of the Clinical Practice Committee of the European Society of Endodontology.
He is actively involved in postgraduate education, serving as Director of the Endodontic Master Program (Clinical Residency) at Foramen Dental Education (2014–2018) and continuing as Program Director since 2015. He is also an Invited Professor in postgraduate Endodontic programs at IUCS-CESPU University and collaborates regularly with postgraduate programs at the University of Lisbon, University of Porto, Católica University (Portugal), and the University of Valencia (Spain) .
Dr. Sousa Dias is a frequent speaker at international congresses and hands-on courses worldwide, with extensive lecturing experience across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, as well as in numerous international online events and webinars. He is the founder of Hugo Sousa Dias & Friends – Webinar Sessions and the Portuguese Endodontic Study Group, both focused on advanced education and knowledge exchange in Endodontics .
His main clinical and scientific interests include pulp canal obliteration, guided endodontics, management of calcified canals, separated instrument retrieval, complex retreatments, curved anatomies, and canal blockages. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in the field of Endodontics, including publications in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, International Endodontic Journal, and Australian Endodontic Journal .
Dr. Sousa Dias is Vice-President of the Portuguese Endodontic Society (2024–2027), a former Board Member of the Society, and a member of the Clinical Practice Committee of the European Society of Endodontology.
Imad About
Imad About is Professor of Oral Biology at Aix-Marseille University and responsible of the research Laboratory at the school of dental medicine, Marseille, France.
He is President of the Pan European Region, Vice-President of Bone Biomaterials and Beyond Academy, Past-President of both the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group and the Continental European Division of the International Association for Dental Research.
The research group of Prof. About is involved in investigating the tissue regeneration and the effects of materials on the initial steps of inflammation and regeneration.
Professor About is actively involved in developing new dental materials for tissue regeneration and he is one of the main academic members involved in Biodentine development.
Imad About is renowned speaker and frequently invited to major international conferences. He is a well-recognized expert in pulp tissue regeneration. He published more than 220 peer reviewed papers, abstracts and book chapters. He also edited a book on Biodentine in 2022.
Imad About was the winner of the European Society of Endodontology annual research grant in 2012. In recognition of his investigations in pulp biology, he has been awarded the “Distinguished scientist award” of the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group in 2018. He was also the winner of the Journal of Endodontics Awards in the category of Basic Research: Biology in 2022.
He is President of the Pan European Region, Vice-President of Bone Biomaterials and Beyond Academy, Past-President of both the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group and the Continental European Division of the International Association for Dental Research.
The research group of Prof. About is involved in investigating the tissue regeneration and the effects of materials on the initial steps of inflammation and regeneration.
Professor About is actively involved in developing new dental materials for tissue regeneration and he is one of the main academic members involved in Biodentine development.
Imad About is renowned speaker and frequently invited to major international conferences. He is a well-recognized expert in pulp tissue regeneration. He published more than 220 peer reviewed papers, abstracts and book chapters. He also edited a book on Biodentine in 2022.
Imad About was the winner of the European Society of Endodontology annual research grant in 2012. In recognition of his investigations in pulp biology, he has been awarded the “Distinguished scientist award” of the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group in 2018. He was also the winner of the Journal of Endodontics Awards in the category of Basic Research: Biology in 2022.
Julius Maminskas
Julius Maminskas, DDS, PhD is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Odontology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, and a practicing prosthodontist with extensive experience in both academic and clinical dentistry. His professional focus includes minimally invasive and restorative dentistry, prosthodontics on natural teeth and dental implants, biomimetic restorative concepts, and interdisciplinary treatment planning combining endodontics and prosthodontics.
Dr. Maminskas completed his dental education, prosthodontic residency, and PhD studies at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Alongside his academic career, he maintains active clinical practice and is involved in scientific research, with multiple publications in peer-reviewed international journals. He regularly lectures at national and international conferences across Europe.
He currently serves as Head of the Board of the Baltic Osseointegration Academy (BOA) and is an active member of professional dental organizations. Dr. Maminskas is recognized for his evidence-based approach and for integrating modern materials, technologies, and microscopy into contemporary prosthodontic and restorative dentistry.
Dr. Maminskas completed his dental education, prosthodontic residency, and PhD studies at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Alongside his academic career, he maintains active clinical practice and is involved in scientific research, with multiple publications in peer-reviewed international journals. He regularly lectures at national and international conferences across Europe.
He currently serves as Head of the Board of the Baltic Osseointegration Academy (BOA) and is an active member of professional dental organizations. Dr. Maminskas is recognized for his evidence-based approach and for integrating modern materials, technologies, and microscopy into contemporary prosthodontic and restorative dentistry.
Lise-Lotte Kirkevang
Lise-Lotte Kirkevang is Professor of Endodontics at the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Denmark. She graduated as a dentist in 1995 and earned her PhD in 2001, followed by the DrOdont degree in 2018. Her career includes a full-time professorship at the University of Oslo (2012–2013), where she continued to serve part-time alongside her roles in Aarhus until 2018.
Professor Kirkevang is internationally recognized for her pioneering contributions to endodontic epidemiology, diagnostic accuracy research, and clinical prognostication. She has established comprehensive longitudinal cohorts with focus on endodontic disease, providing data that continue to shape global understanding of prevalence, risk indicators, outcomes, and long-term disease progression.
Within the European Society of Endodontology (ESE), she has played a central role for more than a decade. She has contributed extensively to the development of undergraduate and postgraduate educational standards, and most recently served as a leading member of the multi-national working group responsible for the ESE S3-level clinical practice guidelines for pulpal and apical disease - a landmark collaboration involving researchers from 14 countries and more than 30 universities. She is currently involved with the development of diagnostic terminology, a collaboration between the American Association of Endodontists and the ESE.
Professor Kirkevang has authored numerous influential papers, serves on several editorial boards including the International Endodontic Journal, and is a regular invited speaker at international congresses. Her work combines scientific rigour with a strong commitment to improving patient care, advancing clinical education, and strengthening evidence-based endodontic practice across Europe and beyond.
Professor Kirkevang is internationally recognized for her pioneering contributions to endodontic epidemiology, diagnostic accuracy research, and clinical prognostication. She has established comprehensive longitudinal cohorts with focus on endodontic disease, providing data that continue to shape global understanding of prevalence, risk indicators, outcomes, and long-term disease progression.
Within the European Society of Endodontology (ESE), she has played a central role for more than a decade. She has contributed extensively to the development of undergraduate and postgraduate educational standards, and most recently served as a leading member of the multi-national working group responsible for the ESE S3-level clinical practice guidelines for pulpal and apical disease - a landmark collaboration involving researchers from 14 countries and more than 30 universities. She is currently involved with the development of diagnostic terminology, a collaboration between the American Association of Endodontists and the ESE.
Professor Kirkevang has authored numerous influential papers, serves on several editorial boards including the International Endodontic Journal, and is a regular invited speaker at international congresses. Her work combines scientific rigour with a strong commitment to improving patient care, advancing clinical education, and strengthening evidence-based endodontic practice across Europe and beyond.
Shanon Patel
Shanon divides his time between working in a specialist practice and teaching/carrying clinical research at KCL.
Shanon is recognised internationally for his clinical research on endodontic outcomes. root resorption and CBCT imaging in Endodontics. He has been lead author of several European Society of Endodontology position statements.
He has published over 120 papers and co-edited 7 endodontic and radiology textbooks which have been translated into five different languages. The impact of his research and clinical excellence has resulted in Shanon being invited as a keynote speaker at over 150 international meetings spanning 5 continents. His pragmatic approach to Endodontics has resulted in him being asked to run hands-on workshops all over the world.
www.shanonpatel.com
Shanon is recognised internationally for his clinical research on endodontic outcomes. root resorption and CBCT imaging in Endodontics. He has been lead author of several European Society of Endodontology position statements.
He has published over 120 papers and co-edited 7 endodontic and radiology textbooks which have been translated into five different languages. The impact of his research and clinical excellence has resulted in Shanon being invited as a keynote speaker at over 150 international meetings spanning 5 continents. His pragmatic approach to Endodontics has resulted in him being asked to run hands-on workshops all over the world.
www.shanonpatel.com
Tadas Venskutonis
Tadas Venskutonis is Head of the Department of Dental and Oral Pathology at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Odontology. He earned his PhD in dentistry and specializes in endodontics. With more than 14 years of academic experience, Dr. Venskutonis has coordinated the endodontics curriculum, supervised numerous master’s theses, and published extensively on dental imaging and treatment diagnostics. His research interests include cone beam computed tomography, periapical diagnostics, and treatment outcomes in endodontics.
Tugba Turk
Dr. Tugba Turk is a Professor in the Department of Endodontology at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ege University in Izmir, and holds a parallel position at Istanbul Kent University, Department of Endodontology in Istanbul, Turkey. She earned her DDs degree and completed her PhD at Ege University. As a full-time faculty member, she is involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate students and supervising PhD students. Additionally, she has given lectures at postgraduate programs at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
Dr. Turk has published several articles, received awards for her scientific studies, and presented at national and international conferences. She also serves as an editor and reviewer for several national and international journals. She is a member of The European Society of Endodontology, The Turkish Endodontic Society, and The Society of Stem Cell and Cellular Treatments. Since 2024, she has been a member of the clinical practice committee of the European Endodontic Society.
Her primary research interests include pulp preservation techniques, regenerative endodontics, dental stem cells and tissue engineering. Dr. Turk has extensive experience in performing vital pulp therapies and regenerative endodontic therapies with a large number of patients.
Dr. Turk has published several articles, received awards for her scientific studies, and presented at national and international conferences. She also serves as an editor and reviewer for several national and international journals. She is a member of The European Society of Endodontology, The Turkish Endodontic Society, and The Society of Stem Cell and Cellular Treatments. Since 2024, she has been a member of the clinical practice committee of the European Endodontic Society.
Her primary research interests include pulp preservation techniques, regenerative endodontics, dental stem cells and tissue engineering. Dr. Turk has extensive experience in performing vital pulp therapies and regenerative endodontic therapies with a large number of patients.
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