Our History
The purpose of the Society is to be an organisation with global reach and impact focused on the broad field of Endodontology, the branch of dental sciences dealing with health, injuries to and diseases of the dental pulp and periradicular region, and their relationship with general health and wellbeing. This history of the ESE sets out when it was created and how it has developed over time.
1983
During the Council Meeting held in Madrid during May 1983 it was decided to rename the European Academy of Endodontology as the European Society of Endodontology (ESE).
The inaugural Biennial Congress of the ESE was held at the Lido in Venice, Italy along with the 4th Congress of the Italian Society of Endodontics.
1987
During the 3rd Biennial Congress in Madrid the ESE Research Prize was established and awarded for the first time.
2001
In the first 18 years of its existence (1982-2000) the ESE consisted of approximately 150 Active Members and was managed by an elected Executive Committee, that included a President, Secretary, Treasurer and Editor.
Following work by Paul Wesselink (ESE Secretary 1995-2001) and Gunnar Bergenholtz, in 2001 the ESE adopted a new status as the "umbrella organisation" for European endodontic societies/associations; it also created a new category of ‘Certified’ individual member to replace the “Active” member category.
The new federal structure of the ESE was supported by an Executive Board that was itself overseen by a re-constituted General Assembly consisting of elected representatives from the Full member societies.
The main role of the Society was to oversee the biennial congresses that were organised and managed by national societies who bid for the honour of hosting the event. Biennial Congresses
The names of the individuals in posts over time can be seen here: Past ESE Officers
2011
In 2011, several committees were in existence – Research, Education & Scholarship, Clinical Practice and Membership.
The position of Editor was rescinded and the Chairs of the Research and Education Committees joined the Board.
An Administrator was appointed to help manage the increasing workload that was created as a result of the expanding scope and activities of the Society.
A new website was in operation and the ESE logo was redrawn
2018
The Research and Postgraduate Student meetings were incorporated into a “Clinical Meeting”.
An Interim Chief Executive Officer post was created to take on the increasing workload of the Society; this replaced the post of Secretary that was deemed to be unsustainable. A new position of President Elect was also created. Dag Ørstavik became President and Vittorio Franco, Interim Treasurer. The Chairs of the Clinical Practice and Membership Committees became full members of the Executive Board. New membership categories were created – Specialist, Guest.
John Whitworth (Chair: Education & Scholarship), Hal Duncan (Chair: Membership Committee), Gianluca Gambarini (Chair: Clinical Practice Committee), Dag Ørstavik (President), Vittorio Franco (Interim Treasurer), Leo Tjäderhane (Chair: Research Committee), Sue Bryant (Administrator), and Paul Dummer (Interim CEO & President Elect)
2020
The General Assembly approved a revised structure for the Executive Board with an ongoing post of Chief Operating Officer replacing the Interim CEO post.
A new committee, Benefits of Endodontics, was created with Lise-Lotte Kirkevang appointed as its Chair.
A representative of individual members from the Specialist, Certified & Postgraduate students membership groups were invited to attend the General Assembly.
New membership categories were created – Guest Specialist, Guest Certified and Dental Nurse.
A revised Constitution & Bylaws was approved to reflect the changes to the Society.
Vittorio Franco (Treasurer), Gianluca Gambarini (Chair: Clinical Practice Committee), Dag Ørstavik (Guest), Lise-Lotte Kirkevang (Chair: Benefits of Endodontics Committee), Hal Duncan (Chair: Membership Committee), Paul Dummer (President), Leo Tjäderhane (Chair: Research Committee), John Whitworth (President Elect and Chair: Education & Scholarship)
2024
Hal Duncan starts his mandate as ESE President.
Mónica Freire appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Appointment of Matthias Widbiller as Chair of the Research Committee and Cristiano Fabiani as Clinical Practice Committee Chair.
1st in person ESE Autumn Meeting held in Krakow, Poland.
The ESE introduces its next President-Elect, Gianluca Gambarini 2024-2025.
Helena Fransson is appointed as Chair of the Benefits of Endodontics Committee in October 2024, replacing Lise-Lotte Kirkevang.
2025
New abstract submission category at the Biennial Congress: Educational Posters with dedicated Award: John Whitworth Education Poster Award.
The Original Scientific Research Poster Award was updated to Paul Dummer Research Poster Award.
The ESE announces a new Annual Grant model of up to €30,000 to support basic research, clinical research, education and innovation in endodontics.
Valérie Chevalier appointed as the new Chair of the Membership Committee and Antonis Chaniotis appointed as the new Chair of the Clinical Practice Committee.
John Whitworth awarded Honorary Membership.
A revised Constitution & Bylaws was approved to reflect the latest changes to the Society.
