When you're in pain or facing a complex dental issue, you want more than relief—you want the best. At Perry Endodontics, that level of excellence starts with our board-certified specialists and extends to the lecture halls of Harvard and Tufts. Yes, our doctors don’t just treat patients; they also train the next generation of endodontists at two of the nation’s most respected dental schools. But why does that matter to you, our patients and trusted referring dentists in Western Massachusetts?
Let’s explore how our faculty roles elevate your care.
Educators at the Forefront of Endodontic Innovation
Teaching at Harvard and Tufts: Shaping the Future of Endodontics
The Perry Endodontics team plays an active role in educating future dental leaders:
- Dr. Elizabeth Perry serves as a Lecturer and Clinical Instructor in the Advanced Graduate Education Program in Endodontics at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she trains residents in advanced diagnosis, treatment planning, and endodontic microsurgery.
- Dr. Joey Zeng teaches in the pre-doctoral endodontics program at Harvard, helping dental students master foundational skills in diagnosing and managing pulpal disease.
- Dr. Kelly Barbera is a Clinical Instructor and Co-Director of the Case Presentation Course in the Advanced Education Program at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she mentors residents in presenting and analyzing complex endodontic cases.
These roles aren’t honorary—they’re hands-on. Our doctors teach by example, bringing real-world experience, the latest research, and a commitment to compassionate care into every classroom. This engagement keeps our team sharp, inquisitive, and continually informed on emerging best practices.
Advancing Techniques and Technology in Practice
Teaching demands mastery. When our doctors demonstrate complex procedures or explain diagnostic protocols to residents, they're also reinforcing their own expertise. This cycle of continuous learning means that patients at Perry Endodontics benefit from state-of-the-art techniques and tools, from 3D imaging to minimally invasive microsurgery.
What It Means for Our Patients
- Cutting-Edge Care with a Gentle Touch
Our involvement with top-tier universities ensures we are early adopters of advancements in pain management, imaging, and root canal therapy. That translates to quicker procedures, less discomfort, and more predictable outcomes for our patients in Westfield and throughout Western Massachusetts.
- Higher Standards and Better Outcomes
Teaching keeps us accountable. We hold ourselves to academic standards, always seeking the best evidence-based approaches. This leads to higher success rates, whether we’re performing a routine root canal or a surgical retreatment.
- Deep Diagnostic Expertise
When you teach students how to interpret X-rays or identify the subtle signs of a cracked tooth, your own diagnostic acumen sharpens. This expertise helps us resolve even the most mysterious cases of dental pain with confidence and precision.
Benefits for Referring Dentists
- Trusted Expertise for Complex Cases
When general dentists refer patients to Perry Endodontics, they know their patients are in the hands of specialists who are shaping the field itself. Our experience in academic instruction adds a layer of credibility and precision that ensures the highest quality outcomes.
- An Extension of Your Team
Our collaborative approach doesn’t stop at the operatory door. We maintain open communication with referring dentists, sharing insights and treatment updates, and even co-managing complex cases. Our teaching roles reinforce our commitment to mentorship and partnership.
- Sharing Knowledge Through National Education
Though we may not host local CE events, our doctors are active contributors to national dental education platforms. By speaking at conferences and publishing in academic journals, we help advance the profession and keep our referral network informed of the latest endodontic developments.
Myth-Busting: What Our Teaching Experience Reveals
Myth #1: Root Canals Are Painful
Not anymore. Thanks to advances in technique, anesthetics, and imaging, root canals at Perry Endodontics are often no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. As educators, we train residents to prioritize patient comfort using the latest methods.
Myth #2: You Only Need an Endodontist for Rare Cases
General dentists handle many routine root canals well. But when anatomy is complex, symptoms are vague, or a tooth needs retreatment, a specialist dramatically improves the odds of saving the tooth. Our academic roles give us deep insight into when a case truly needs specialist care.
Myth #3: Teaching Means Less Time for Patients
In fact, it means better care for patients. Our teaching roles enhance our skills, and our patient hours are carefully protected. We are fully available for emergencies and scheduled appointments, often with same-day or next-day availability.
Why Perry Endodontics?
We are proud to be the only practice in Western Massachusetts staffed entirely by board-certified and board-eligible endodontic specialists. Board certification, combined with our academic roles and focus on advanced technology, sets us apart.
We offer:
- Gentle, pain-free root canal treatment
- Advanced diagnostic imaging (CBCT)
- Surgical and nonsurgical retreatment
- Cracked tooth and dental trauma care
- Microsurgical procedures
- Emergency endodontic care
All provided with a level of compassion and expertise that puts patients at ease and earns the trust of referring dentists.
To learn more call us at 413-562-3900 or contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I feel pain during or after a root canal? A: Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. Post-operative soreness is typically mild and short-lived.
Q: Why did my dentist refer me to an endodontist? A: Your dentist trusts us to handle complex cases, retreatments, or situations where specialist tools and training will lead to better results.
Q: How soon can I be seen? A: We offer prompt appointments—often same-day or next-day—especially for patients in pain or at risk of losing a tooth.
Q: Do you treat emergencies? A: Absolutely. We reserve time each day for urgent dental pain and trauma cases.
Q: Are you accepting new patients and referrals? A: Yes. We welcome both self-referred patients and referrals from general dentists.