Hagay Shemesh appointed endodontics professor at ACTA
ACTA establishes first dedicated endodontics professorship, recognising the speciality's role in undergraduate and postgraduate dental training.
Hagay Shemesh has been appointed professor of endodontics at ACTA, the academic dental centre in Amsterdam. This is the first time endodontics has had its own full-fledged chair within the institution.
Shemesh's background and research focus
Shemesh earned his dental degree in 1990 from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and later completed specialist training in endodontics there. He has been based in the Netherlands since 2002, working at ACTA where he combines clinical care, teaching, and research. His work emphasises diagnosis, treatment outcomes, evidence-based decision-making, and the balance between active treatment and therapeutic restraint. He is active internationally as a researcher and speaker, collaborating with colleagues across Europe and beyond on publications and research projects.
Endodontics gains institutional recognition
Shemesh has served as section head of endodontics at ACTA for several years and has supervised multiple doctoral candidates. The appointment addresses a gap in Dutch dental education, as endodontics lacked a dedicated professorship despite being an important part of clinical dentistry and the undergraduate curriculum. The chair formalises the speciality's standing within the academic institution.
Frequently asked questions
When was Hagay Shemesh appointed professor of endodontics at ACTA?
Shemesh was appointed to the role in 2026. The appointment marks the first time ACTA has established a full professorship dedicated solely to endodontics.
What is Hagay Shemesh's dental background and training?
Shemesh earned his dental degree in 1990 from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and completed endodontics specialist training there. He has worked at ACTA since 2002.
What are Shemesh's main areas of focus in endodontic practice and research?
His work emphasises diagnosis, treatment outcomes, evidence-based decision-making, and balancing active treatment with therapeutic restraint. He collaborates internationally on research and publications.
Why is the endodontics professorship important for Dutch dental education?
Endodontics is a core part of clinical dentistry and the undergraduate curriculum, yet lacked a dedicated chair in the Netherlands. The appointment formalises the speciality's institutional standing.
