Goran Tošić

If You Confuse It, You Lose It: How to Navigate the Endodontic Labyrinth,

Modern endodontics often feels like navigating a maze—not because of the technical complexity but due to educational and systemic confusion. Despite groundbreaking advancements in tools and techniques, inefficiencies persist. This abstract dissects the root causes and outlines strategies for improving clarity and workflow.

The overwhelming variety of endodontic file systems is a major culprit. While innovation has refined these tools, the sheer number of options leads to decision fatigue and diluted focus. Adding to the chaos is marketing that trivializes endodontics, suggesting that success comes easily with specific products. This oversimplification downplays the importance of clinical skill, critical thinking, and sound decision-making. Compounding the issue, many dental schools cling to outdated curricula, failing to equip students with hands-on training or modern practices, leaving graduates underprepared for clinical realities.

To escape this maze, the mantra "If you confuse it, you lose it" must guide practitioners. The KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) advocates for focusing on mastering a few reliable systems and standardizing protocols to reduce variability. Methodologies like Kanban (visual task management) and Kaizen (continuous improvement) can further enhance efficiency by streamlining workflows and encouraging incremental changes.

Efficiency in endodontics isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about eliminating confusion. By addressing systemic issues and fostering simplicity, practitioners can successfully navigate the endodontic maze, delivering precise, effective care with confidence and clarity.

Goran Tosic is deeply passionate about endodontics, and his affection for this intricate and mysterious universe has led him to work with esteemed Endo Masters. Dr. Tosic has specialized in Endodontics and Operative Dentistry since 1997. He completed his Master’s degree at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and earned his PhD at the University of Nis, Serbia, where he also served as a faculty member teaching Endodontics and Operative Dentistry. He was a licensed practitioner in Germany, Botswana, Norway, and Serbia.

His collaboration with Elio Berutti at the University of Torino, Italy, significantly influenced his role as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Dentsply Sirona since 2014. Dr. Tosic has conducted hundreds of hands-on courses and lectures throughout Europe and the Middle East and has been a speaker at numerous conferences, webinars, and workshops. His teaching career has expanded to include Libya at the University of Sirt, Gulf Medical University in the UAE, and he is currently a Visiting Professor at Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital in Chennai, India.

Dr. Goran Tosic works as a specialist at Global Dentistry and serves as a consultant at various dental clinics in Serbia.