Advancing Dental Education With Technology: The Integration of Smartphone Applications in Endodontics–A Narrative Review Publisher



Ourang SA¹ ; Sohrabniya F¹ ; Sadr S² ; Kahler WA³ ; Ha WN³
Source: International Endodontic Journal Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Smartphone applications are increasingly used in medical and dental education, offering flexible and interactive learning opportunities. In medicine, these tools enhance knowledge retention, clinical decision-making, and patient care. Objective: This review aims to evaluate the role of smartphone applications in endodontic education, assessing their quality, functionality, perceived impact, usability, and impact on learning outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of the App Store, Google Play, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted to identify relevant applications. The quality assessment of the apps was performed through heuristic evaluation and the uMARS tool. The Inclusion criteria focused on apps designed for endodontic education and clinical practice. Results: From 350 records, 9 applications met the criteria. The heuristic rating for all apps was low to medium, except for Endolit, which demonstrated severe usability issues. Dental Endo Master received the best mean score in the uMARS rating. The selected applications offer diverse functionalities, including educational tools (EndoPrep, Endo Lit, Dental Endo Master, Adat Endodontic Cram Cards, Tooth SOS, Injured Tooth, AcciDent), diagnostic aids (Endo10), and case difficulty assessments (AAE Endo Case). Most apps were available on Android and iOS, with ratings ranging from 4.2/5 to 5/5. Discussion: This study highlights the growing role of smartphone applications in endodontics, particularly in education, clinical support, and patient guidance. While these apps offer interactive learning and diagnostic assistance, their quality varies due to differences in developer expertise, usability, and regulatory oversight. Some excel in engagement and functionality, while others require improvements in customization and accessibility. Ensuring evidence-based development, standardized evaluations, and user-centered design is essential for maximizing their impact on dental education and clinical practice. Conclusion: Smartphone applications have transformative potential in endodontic education, enabling flexible learning and improved clinical skills. However, challenges such as inconsistent quality and limited validation require attention. Registration: No formal registration was required for this narrative review. © 2025 The Author(s). International Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Endodontic Society.