Stephen Buchanan, DDS, FICD, FACD – Professional Biography

Dr. Buchanan received his dental degree in 1978 from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, where he was Valedictorian of his class. In 1980 he completed the endodontic graduate program at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

He began pursuing three-dimensional anatomy research early in his career. In 1986, he became the first person in dentistry to use micro-computed tomography technology to show the intricacies of root structure.

In 1989, he established Dental Education Laboratories (DEL) a state-of-the-art training facility devoted to hands-on instruction where he teaches endodontic treatment, retreatment and segmented file retrieval. In addition to hands-on training courses at the DEL campus in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Buchanan is a frequent guest lecturer and live demonstration presenter for the ADA, AAE, AAED, AGD as well as for numerous dental societies around the world.  He is a regular contributor to Dentistry Today and various endodontic journals as well as a contributing author to Pathways of the Pulp.  Early in his career, Dr. Buchanan identified the power of video and film media in training, and produced the award-winning video series, The Art of Endodontics.

Dr. Buchanan holds a number of patents for dental instruments and techniques. Most notably, he was the first to introduce variable-tapered instruments for use in endodontic therapy and pioneered a system-based approach to treating root canals.

Dr. Buchanan’s most recent work in hands-on training is the development of 3D printed surgical training replicas:  TrueTooth™ and TrueJaw®.  These 3D printed replicas are anatomically precise human teeth and jaws–perfect for teaching endodontic therapy, implantology, prosthodontics and general restorative procedures. TrueTooth™ and TrueJaw® radiograph accurately with 2D and 3D imaging. TrueJaw® replicas have separately segmented cortical and trabecular bone, periodontal ligaments, and gingiva tissues with elastic PDL’s, providing a life-like oral surgery procedure experience. TrueJaw® and TrueTooth™ are produced and sold by Dr. Buchanan’s research and development company, Dental Engineering Laboratories, LLC.

Dr. Buchanan is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and a Fellow of the International and American Colleges of Dentists. He currently serves as Clinical Guest Professor at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and the University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry, and as Guest Lecturer, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Buchanan maintains a full-time private practice limited to endodontics and implantology in Santa Barbara, California, USA.