History

This study club has been formed in honor of Dr. Louis I. Grossman for his unyielding efforts, genuine dedication, and his countless contributions to gaining the recognition of endodontics as a specialty in the field of dentistry.  Dr. Louis I. Grossman was born on December 16, 1901.  He received his DDS and DMD from University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry (1923) and University of Rostock (Germany) Dental School (1928), respectively.  Throughout his professional career, he had received numerous honors, made countless publications and, as a result, had received international recognition.  To some Louis Grossman was a colleague and a friend and to others he was a teacher/mentor.  However, to those who did not meet him, he has become the "father of endodontics" through his distinguishing contributions.

Dr. Louis I. Grossman was the founder of the first Root Canal Study Club.  It was established in 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at a time when the Focal Infection Theory threatened the future of endodontics.  The purpose of the Root Canal Study Club as stated in the original letter compiled by Dr. Grossman was "to study problems connected with root canal therapy and to present clinics so as to help others in practicing this important phase of dentistry more adequately."  Endodontists from as far away as Massachusetts chose Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the hub for scientific and educational learning in the field of endodontics.  Many of the participants included I. B. Bender, Bernie Evans, Mel Goldman, Dan Green, Dick Moodnik, Sy Oliet, Sam Rossman, Sam Seltzer, George Stewart, and George Zurkow.  After the Pearl Harbor tragedy, the meetings of the Root Canal Study Club were held less frequently.  Nonetheless, the untiring efforts of these endodontists have lead to the establishment of unity as a platform for learning.

Today, we continue to have the support of equally dedicated endodontists and the support of post-doctoral endodontic programs of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Many endodontists continue to volunteer their time to provide members of the study club a forum to come together, share ideas and get insight in the current topics in the field of endodontics through our quarterly continuing education seminars.