Interview: "Persistence is the key to success"— Dr. Shaul Lin, DMD

Dr. Lin, it's a pleasure to have the opportunity to chat with you. Your journey in the field of Endodontics is truly remarkable. Let's dive into some questions that I'm sure will offer our readers insights into your expertise and experiences.

Can you share your journey into the field of endodontics with us? What inspired you to specialize in this particular area of dentistry?

I started my journey as a student in general medicine before becoming a dentist because I love doing things with my hands. I like Endo because I can assist patients in getting instant relief for their pain and I have found that I am good at it.

What is your overarching mission or goal as an Endodontist? How do you envision contributing to the field globally?

I want to educate a young generation of endodontists to promote the quality of dentistry in my country. I would like to improve the understanding of dental trauma management worldwide.

Could you discuss some of the key principles or ideologies that guide your clinical practice?

The key principle of any success is persistence. I have found that persistence through many hardships will guarantee success. In my clinic, I demand from myself constant learning and persistence.

Who have been some of your chief mentors or influences throughout your career? How have they shaped your approach to Endodontics?

My chief mentor is Dr. Z Fuss, who taught me to ask questions. My second mentor is Paul Dummer, who gave me the tools to write and publish articles.

In your opinion, what are the most exciting advancements or trends in Endodontics today?

The most interesting and helpful tool used to advance endodontics is the use of files, which improve tremendously the quality of endodontics.

Your research focuses on the influence of bacterial infection on disinfection methods in root canals and dentinal tubules. Can you discuss the current challenges in achieving optimal disinfection and how emerging medical treatments are improving success rates in root canal therapy?

The understanding of what medicine can disinfect bacteria in dentinal tubules is important in cases of inflammatory root resorption.

What advice would you give to aspiring Endodontists who are just starting their careers?

Insist that every single treatment is as good as you can give.

How do you balance your clinical practice with academic research and teaching responsibilities? What role do these activities play in your professional life?

It is extremely hard and demands sacrifice. You have to be ready and willing for it.

What motivates you the most in your daily work as an Endodontist? Could you share a memorable patient experience that reaffirmed your passion for this field?

The ability to help. It’s as simple as that: the satisfaction of seeing the relief in my patients is my motivation. I had a patient who was diagnosed with a dental issue, and I found out it was a neurological problem, which I identified and treated, preventing overtreatment.

Trauma management in dentistry is an evolving field. How has your research in dental traumatology informed new approaches to managing dental injuries, and what advancements do you foresee in this area for better patient outcomes?

The understanding is that the follow-up is just as important as the treatment and can prevent root resorption, which improves the outcome long-term.

Preventive approaches in oral surgery have the potential to reduce post-operative complications significantly. How has your work in preventive medicine influenced your surgical practices, and what preventive strategies do you find most clinically relevant?

I am happy to discover that the guideline that I suggested is now well-accepted around the world and is a basic treatment for inflammation and pain.

Top 3 journal recommendations in Endodontics?

1. International Endodontics Journal
2. Journal of Endodontics
3. Dental Traumatology

Top 3 book recommendations in Endodontics?

1. Pathways of the Pulp
2. Ingle
3. Endodontics Advances and Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines

If you could deliver one message to Endodontists around the world, what would it be? How do you envision the future of Endodontics evolving?

Don't ever accept the facts as is. Always ask questions and rediscover the truth in every situation.

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