For the first time this year, the British Endodontic Society (BES) collaborated with the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) to offer a special Pump-priming Grant. Intended to support research within the field of endodontology among clinicians early their careers, the grant offers up to £10,000 to fund successful projects. Dr Joymon Sasikumar is the very deserving winner of the grant for 2025. He comments on what it means to him to have been successful:
“This grant was particularly appealing as it brings together my clinical, academic, and research interests. In my general practice, I regularly use CBCT imaging to support diagnosis and treatment planning for endodontic treatments, and I see first-hand the challenges in interpreting complex scans. I also teach at the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy, where we promote technology and evidence-based practice in education. The opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance CBCT interpretation in endodontics is both timely and exciting. The BES-FDS Pump-priming Grant offers the ideal support to initiate this research, bridging clinical practice, teaching, and innovation.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant. It represents a significant milestone for me personally, building on my clinical work and academic teaching, but it is very much a team achievement. Our project brings together a multidisciplinary group including Dr Flavio Pisani, Dr Lee Feinberg, Dr Shalini Kanagasingam, and Professor Shanon Patel, who each contribute expertise across endodontics, radiology, AI, periodontics and education.
“Collaboration across specialities is key to tackling complex challenges in endodontology. We are grateful to RCSEng and BES for jointly supporting young researchers and recognising the potential of multidisciplinary, early-stage projects like ours.
“This grant also represents the next step in my research journey, which really began with an MSc in Endodontology at UCLan. That course planted the seed for me to explore clinical research and gave me the confidence to recognise my potential as both a clinician and researcher. It has inspired me to push further, and I’m very excited to now be in a position to help take this project forward.”
Exploring how the grant will support his research moving forward, Joymon adds:
“The funding will allow us to undertake the essential first phase of the project, focusing on data collection, AI model development, and validation of AI-assisted CBCT interpretation. Our goal is to support clinicians in making more accurate, consistent diagnostic decisions in complex endodontic cases.”
Access to various dedicated grants and prizes is just one of the many benefits of BES membership. Beyond these, the BES offers a myriad of educational events and courses to further members’ knowledge and skills, as well as opportunities to network with colleagues, find mentors, and be part of something bigger. Joymon comments on what he feels the greatest advantages of being involved with the BES are:
“BES membership has been hugely valuable for me, not only for staying connected to the latest developments in endodontics but also for providing opportunities like this. The society creates a unique space where clinicians, educators, and researchers collaborate to advance this specialty. The support for early-career research, as demonstrated through this grant, highlights the BES’s commitment to innovation and development within the field.
“I would encourage anyone with a passion for endodontics to get involved. It’s a fantastic way to be part of a community that truly invests in its members and the future of the profession.”
The BES is an inclusive organisation that welcomes both endodontic specialists and those with a special interest in the discipline. To further your knowledge and skills, to meet like-minded individuals and to drive your endodontic career forwards, become a member today.
For more information about the BES, or to join, please visit the website www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk or call 07762945847
