History
The Irish Endodontic Society was founded in 1988 at a meeting held in a nightclub in Power’s Hotel on Kildare Street—an auspicious setting given the nature of the specialty, with its limited visibility and underground location.
The concept of forming a national society had been proposed the previous year following a visit and lecture by Dr Chris Stock to the Metropolitan Branch of the IDA, then presided over by Dr Leo Heslin. Dr Maria Jennings and Dr Ciamh O’Broin subsequently drafted a constitution based on that of the British Endodontic Society. The inaugural meeting was attended by approximately 30 interested dentists from private practice and the Dublin Dental Hospital. The late Professor Norman Butler acted as Chair and delivered a short lecture. A committee was elected, with Dr John Holmes appointed President, Dr Maria Jennings as Honorary Secretary, and Dr Bill Cosgrave as Honorary Treasurer. At this meeting, it was agreed that the Society would operate as an independent body rather than as a subsection of the Irish Dental Association.
A programme of five to six meetings per academic year, featuring lectures by members, alongside an Annual Scientific Meeting incorporating a trade exhibition and invited international speakers, was proposed. This structure has proven to be a successful and enduring formula. Over the years, many distinguished UK, US, European and Irish endodontists have travelled to Dublin to lecture at the Annual Meetings, with loyal support from Irish and UK dental suppliers.
A major milestone in the Society’s history was hosting the European Society of Endodontology 12th Biennial Meeting in September 2005. Held at Trinity College Dublin, this was the most successful ESE meeting to date, attracting approximately 1,200 participants. At that time, Dr Lynda Elliott served as President of the ESE, with Dr Johanna Glennon as President of the IES. The event was organised by Dr Maria Jennings, Chair of the Organising Committee, with the support of Society members—particularly Dr Mary Egan, Dr Paul McCabe and Dr Frank Gallagher—and was widely recognised as an outstanding academic and social occasion.
As the Society continued to grow, the need for dedicated administrative support became clear. In 2010, the position of Administrator was established and has since played a key role in supporting the Society’s activities and development. This role is currently undertaken by Ms Sandra Duffy, who continues to support the Society with professionalism and commitment.
Education, Sponsorship and Public Engagement
The Society remains committed to promoting endodontics to both the dental profession and the wider public. It supports education and academic excellence through its Annual Essay Competition for Irish-based dental students, which is generously sponsored this year by CJ Optik.
Membership
The Irish Endodontic Society welcomes applications from dentists, specialists, postgraduate students and dental professionals with an interest in endodontics.
Membership offers access to a range of educational and professional benefits, including Society meetings, membership of the European Society of Endodontology (ESE), online access to the International Endodontic Journal, and reduced fees for the Annual Scientific Meeting.
For information on membership categories, benefits, new applications and renewals, please visit our dedicated Membership page.
👉 Membership & Renewals – Click Here
IES Committee 2025-2026
President: Dr Roberto Careddu
Secretary: Dr Greg Creavin
Treasurer: Dr. Aisling Donnelly
Committee members: Dr Graham Quilligan, Dr Conor McLister, Dr Jane O’Regan, Dr Richard Flynn, Dr Sameer Lakho, Dr Geraldine Murray, Dr Stephanie Healy, Dr Lilia Reynolds
European Representative: Dr. Roberto Careddu
Administrator: Ms. Sandra Duffy
Past Presidents
1988-1990 Dr. John Holmes.
1990-1992 Dr. Patrick Cleary.
1992-1994 Dr. William Cosgrave.
1994-1996 Dr. Maria Jennings.
1996-1998 Dr. Aongus Roche.
1998-2000 Dr. Michael Darcy.
2000-2002 Dr. Frank McCrea.
2002-2004 Dr. Patrick Beausang.
2004-2006 Dr. Johanna Glennon.
2006-2008 Dr. Frank Gallagher.
2008-2010 Dr. Mary Rafter.
2010-2012 Dr. Ciaran O’Driscoll
2012-2014 Dr. Hal Duncan
2014-2016 Dr. Conor Durack
2016-2018 Dr. Fergus Duddy
2018-2020 Dr Sile Lennon
2020 – 2022 Dr Mary Egan
2022 – 2024 Dr Graham Quilligan
2024 – 2026 Dr Roberto Careddu