DC: Mikhail, you are one of the most popular figures in endodontics, the director of the postgraduate endodontic program at Sheba Medical Center. Tell us how you got into dentistry and how your career in this field developed?
Mikhail: This is probably the hardest question: "How did I get into dentistry?" Since I am a product of Soviet upbringing, I always listened to my father. He essentially chose my profession for me. In St. Petersburg, people probably still remember him — he was one of the founders of the group "Singing Guitars" and worked for many years at the Lenkoncert organization.
I don't know why, but he decided to make me the first dentist in the family — and he always knew what to do. My mother, my guardian angel, supported me as always.
As for my own children, I don’t want to impose my opinion on Keren and Alena regarding their choice of profession; they should find their own path in this fast-changing world.
In the end, I entered the First Medical Institute (then called the First Leningrad Medical Institute) in 1987 and studied there for three years. Even then, I was very attracted to preclinical sciences: I loved biology, biochemistry, and physiology. I actively participated in Olympiads in these subjects, which greatly influenced my clinical thinking later on.
Then came the famous mass emigration wave of the 1990s from the collapsing Soviet Union. I was swept away with it along with many young people of my age. That’s how I ended up in Israel in 1990.
I was very lucky to be accepted into Tel Aviv University, which had a very interesting dentistry program. In Israel, dentistry is studied over six years, but at Tel Aviv University, there was a special program that allowed entry directly into the fourth year (this is still the case today) — three years of pure dentistry.
Admission required three years of dental or general medical studies either in Israel or abroad. My preclinical courses were credited, but no dental courses were accepted, no matter where they were taken. I passed a psychometric test and was admitted.
Of course, the change in the education system was a shock: in the Soviet Union, there were only oral exams, while here everything was based on written exams and tests. Initially, it was very difficult.
However, there were some advantages. For example, in oral exams, students from the Soviet Union often scored 20–30 points higher than Israelis because we had more experience with that exam format. It was amusing.
Thus, from 1987–1990 I studied in Leningrad, and from 1991–1994 at Tel Aviv University.
Another important point: in Israel, besides passing all exams, you must complete a scientific research project to be awarded not only the Doctor title but also a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree, similar to a PhD. My research project took almost three more years.
I was initially unhappy about how much time it took, but I was fortunate because my supervisor was Professor Zvi Metzger, one of the leading endodontists in the world.
He held numerous important positions and authored chapters in major endodontic journals and books, and headed the Department of Endodontics at Tel Aviv University for many years.
Thus, I became involved in endodontics, and my research project eventually turned into my first publication in the prestigious journal Dental Traumatology.
After my studies, like all Israelis, I served three years in the army. I was lucky again — I didn’t run with a rifle but worked as a dentist, doing therapy, minor surgery, and a lot of endodontics.
Most military doctors disliked endodontics, so neighboring military bases would send their patients to me once they found out I was enthusiastic about it.
I have a trait that has helped me a lot in life: when I am good at something, I start to love it.
I don't know why, but he decided to make me the first dentist in the family — and he always knew what to do. My mother, my guardian angel, supported me as always.
As for my own children, I don’t want to impose my opinion on Keren and Alena regarding their choice of profession; they should find their own path in this fast-changing world.
In the end, I entered the First Medical Institute (then called the First Leningrad Medical Institute) in 1987 and studied there for three years. Even then, I was very attracted to preclinical sciences: I loved biology, biochemistry, and physiology. I actively participated in Olympiads in these subjects, which greatly influenced my clinical thinking later on.
Then came the famous mass emigration wave of the 1990s from the collapsing Soviet Union. I was swept away with it along with many young people of my age. That’s how I ended up in Israel in 1990.
I was very lucky to be accepted into Tel Aviv University, which had a very interesting dentistry program. In Israel, dentistry is studied over six years, but at Tel Aviv University, there was a special program that allowed entry directly into the fourth year (this is still the case today) — three years of pure dentistry.
Admission required three years of dental or general medical studies either in Israel or abroad. My preclinical courses were credited, but no dental courses were accepted, no matter where they were taken. I passed a psychometric test and was admitted.
Of course, the change in the education system was a shock: in the Soviet Union, there were only oral exams, while here everything was based on written exams and tests. Initially, it was very difficult.
However, there were some advantages. For example, in oral exams, students from the Soviet Union often scored 20–30 points higher than Israelis because we had more experience with that exam format. It was amusing.
Thus, from 1987–1990 I studied in Leningrad, and from 1991–1994 at Tel Aviv University.
Another important point: in Israel, besides passing all exams, you must complete a scientific research project to be awarded not only the Doctor title but also a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree, similar to a PhD. My research project took almost three more years.
I was initially unhappy about how much time it took, but I was fortunate because my supervisor was Professor Zvi Metzger, one of the leading endodontists in the world.
He held numerous important positions and authored chapters in major endodontic journals and books, and headed the Department of Endodontics at Tel Aviv University for many years.
Thus, I became involved in endodontics, and my research project eventually turned into my first publication in the prestigious journal Dental Traumatology.
After my studies, like all Israelis, I served three years in the army. I was lucky again — I didn’t run with a rifle but worked as a dentist, doing therapy, minor surgery, and a lot of endodontics.
Most military doctors disliked endodontics, so neighboring military bases would send their patients to me once they found out I was enthusiastic about it.
I have a trait that has helped me a lot in life: when I am good at something, I start to love it.
DC: That’s very important. Especially if it works the other way around too.
Mikhail: Exactly! That's why I don't believe anyone is born a dentist. It just happens.
My path into endodontics was a combination of a randomly chosen research project and army service.
After leaving the army in 1997, I realized I needed to find a job. In Israel, many dentists focus on prosthodontics because it's more profitable and leave endodontics to younger doctors.
When I returned from the army, I realized I was in demand and became a "traveling" endodontist with an Italian leather bag containing my apex locator, thermal obturation device, and magnifying loupes.
Over time, I realized I needed to move forward and decided to pursue specialization.
In 1999, I entered the endodontics specialization program at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
This was a turning point in my life. In the 1970s, Israel, like the U.S., created separate departments of endodontics and established postgraduate education programs — something that hardly exists elsewhere in the world today.
I completed a three-year program, passed the rigorous exams (written and oral, defending 20 clinical cases across 12 categories with 1–2 years of follow-up), and became a board-certified endodontist.
Meanwhile, I had already started lecturing in Israel.
It began in 1993 when Israel introduced exams for incoming foreign-trained dentists.
For several years, I privately organized courses preparing dentists from Russia, the Baltic states, Ukraine, Romania, Italy, and France for licensing exams.
This helped me develop strong lecturing skills.
In 1999, together with my friend Guy Levi, we founded a club for Russian-speaking dentists in Israel to help them continue their education — because many were in their 40s–50s and struggled to learn Hebrew.
I taught endodontics, and Guy taught implantology and prosthodontics.
Over time, we trained about 500 dentists.
My path into endodontics was a combination of a randomly chosen research project and army service.
After leaving the army in 1997, I realized I needed to find a job. In Israel, many dentists focus on prosthodontics because it's more profitable and leave endodontics to younger doctors.
When I returned from the army, I realized I was in demand and became a "traveling" endodontist with an Italian leather bag containing my apex locator, thermal obturation device, and magnifying loupes.
Over time, I realized I needed to move forward and decided to pursue specialization.
In 1999, I entered the endodontics specialization program at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
This was a turning point in my life. In the 1970s, Israel, like the U.S., created separate departments of endodontics and established postgraduate education programs — something that hardly exists elsewhere in the world today.
I completed a three-year program, passed the rigorous exams (written and oral, defending 20 clinical cases across 12 categories with 1–2 years of follow-up), and became a board-certified endodontist.
Meanwhile, I had already started lecturing in Israel.
It began in 1993 when Israel introduced exams for incoming foreign-trained dentists.
For several years, I privately organized courses preparing dentists from Russia, the Baltic states, Ukraine, Romania, Italy, and France for licensing exams.
This helped me develop strong lecturing skills.
In 1999, together with my friend Guy Levi, we founded a club for Russian-speaking dentists in Israel to help them continue their education — because many were in their 40s–50s and struggled to learn Hebrew.
I taught endodontics, and Guy taught implantology and prosthodontics.
Over time, we trained about 500 dentists.
DC: Is someone continuing this work now?
Mikhail: Yes, today this work is continued by former students of Guy Levi.
I left that project a long time ago.
In 2002, Dr. Mikhail Pevzner from Krasnodar invited me to lecture in Russia for the first time.
I still remember a very distinguished professor, S.I. Risovany, coming up to me afterward and saying, "Misha, this was a bomb!"
I gave one lecture, then another, and realized the process was becoming chaotic.
So I decided to organize it into a structured series of seminars.
Over 10 years, I created a cycle of 8 two-day seminars and several masterclasses.
It's an ongoing process of studying, improving methods, testing new materials.
My courses constantly evolve; no two are identical.
I've also lectured in English internationally at major endodontic congresses, including the World and European Endodontic Congresses.
In Israel, until 2010, I was a clinical instructor and lecturer at the Hadassah Hebrew University Department of Endodontics.
In 2011, I accepted an offer to head the endodontics specialization program at Sheba Medical Center — Israel’s largest hospital.
My first students became certified endodontists in May 2015.
Research is a key part of my work.
I have over 20 publications, including in prestigious journals like the Journal of Endodontics, International Endodontic Journal, and Endodontic Topics.
A fun fact: the questions asked during lectures in Russia and the CIS are the most challenging in the world.
Doctors there often face a lack of resources and must develop flexible thinking.
In the U.S., you just call and order what you need. In Russia, that's not always possible.
That’s why lectures there are so valuable and stimulating — they constantly improve my own teaching.
I left that project a long time ago.
In 2002, Dr. Mikhail Pevzner from Krasnodar invited me to lecture in Russia for the first time.
I still remember a very distinguished professor, S.I. Risovany, coming up to me afterward and saying, "Misha, this was a bomb!"
I gave one lecture, then another, and realized the process was becoming chaotic.
So I decided to organize it into a structured series of seminars.
Over 10 years, I created a cycle of 8 two-day seminars and several masterclasses.
It's an ongoing process of studying, improving methods, testing new materials.
My courses constantly evolve; no two are identical.
I've also lectured in English internationally at major endodontic congresses, including the World and European Endodontic Congresses.
In Israel, until 2010, I was a clinical instructor and lecturer at the Hadassah Hebrew University Department of Endodontics.
In 2011, I accepted an offer to head the endodontics specialization program at Sheba Medical Center — Israel’s largest hospital.
My first students became certified endodontists in May 2015.
Research is a key part of my work.
I have over 20 publications, including in prestigious journals like the Journal of Endodontics, International Endodontic Journal, and Endodontic Topics.
A fun fact: the questions asked during lectures in Russia and the CIS are the most challenging in the world.
Doctors there often face a lack of resources and must develop flexible thinking.
In the U.S., you just call and order what you need. In Russia, that's not always possible.
That’s why lectures there are so valuable and stimulating — they constantly improve my own teaching.
DC: Mikhail, tell us about your collaboration with Medical Consulting Group. How was the Israeli lecturers' team formed?
Mikhail: The idea of creating the Medical Consulting Group educational center is very interesting.
In 2005, I was offered to work part-time at the German Dental Center in Moscow — one week a month — which I did for nearly five years.
(Just mentioning this because of a myth that I am only a theorist!)
During this time, I met Boris Ashurov, one of the directors of the famous Russian dental company "N.Sella".
Boris is not a dentist, but he has a very sharp business vision.
He realized it’s better to work with professionals, and that's how the Medical Consulting Group was born as an educational branch.
A crucial condition I discussed with Boris right away: I would not promote any products during my lectures.
And that condition has always been respected.
Those who attend my lectures know I always present an honest view — pros and cons — and never claim something is "the best" without justification.
Thus, Medical Consulting Group was created, and I was one of the first lecturers there.
Later, I proposed involving Russian-speaking Israeli lecturers because otherwise you need translators — and even the best lose up to 20–40% of information.
In 2005, I was offered to work part-time at the German Dental Center in Moscow — one week a month — which I did for nearly five years.
(Just mentioning this because of a myth that I am only a theorist!)
During this time, I met Boris Ashurov, one of the directors of the famous Russian dental company "N.Sella".
Boris is not a dentist, but he has a very sharp business vision.
He realized it’s better to work with professionals, and that's how the Medical Consulting Group was born as an educational branch.
A crucial condition I discussed with Boris right away: I would not promote any products during my lectures.
And that condition has always been respected.
Those who attend my lectures know I always present an honest view — pros and cons — and never claim something is "the best" without justification.
Thus, Medical Consulting Group was created, and I was one of the first lecturers there.
Later, I proposed involving Russian-speaking Israeli lecturers because otherwise you need translators — and even the best lose up to 20–40% of information.
DC: Which endodontic schools are the strongest today? Many ask where to go for studies.
Mikhail: When it comes to endodontics, the U.S. leads.
Since the 1960s, they have established endodontic departments in over 20 universities.
In Europe, the process is only starting, and programs are not yet well established.
Due to globalization, situations like this occur: a Dutchman, Paul Wesselink, left his position, and an Israeli, Hagay Shemesh, now leads the Amsterdam department.
Is it a Dutch or a Jerusalem school now? Hard to say.
Similarly, Shimon Friedman, originally from Jerusalem, created an outstanding program in Toronto.
Although he stepped down as department chair, a Nepali, Anil Kishen, now leads it.
Is it Canadian, Israeli, or Nepali? Globalization!
But overall, the U.S. remains the best place for specialization — although expensive.
Since the 1960s, they have established endodontic departments in over 20 universities.
In Europe, the process is only starting, and programs are not yet well established.
Due to globalization, situations like this occur: a Dutchman, Paul Wesselink, left his position, and an Israeli, Hagay Shemesh, now leads the Amsterdam department.
Is it a Dutch or a Jerusalem school now? Hard to say.
Similarly, Shimon Friedman, originally from Jerusalem, created an outstanding program in Toronto.
Although he stepped down as department chair, a Nepali, Anil Kishen, now leads it.
Is it Canadian, Israeli, or Nepali? Globalization!
But overall, the U.S. remains the best place for specialization — although expensive.
DC: You didn’t mention Italy and Germany.
Mikhail: In Germany, endodontics is practically dead — only isolated enthusiasts remain.
Italy is full of skillful practitioners, but most focus on technical execution rather than scientific research — except the incredible Domenico Ricucci, who combines technical excellence with brilliant histological studies.
There are also Castellucci, Cantatore, Gorni — all brilliant clinicians.
Italy is full of skillful practitioners, but most focus on technical execution rather than scientific research — except the incredible Domenico Ricucci, who combines technical excellence with brilliant histological studies.
There are also Castellucci, Cantatore, Gorni — all brilliant clinicians.
DC: What about the always-strong Japanese?
Mikhail: Interesting case.
Japanese dentists are perfectionists.
But they have no separate endodontic departments.
They study in the U.S. and conduct research within therapeutic dentistry departments.
There are stars like Dr. Sudo and strong groups like the South Korean team of Hyun Chol Kim in mathematical modeling.
Also Swiss researchers like Ove Peters and Frank Paqué excel in micro-CT studies.
But the U.S. system remains the strongest.
Japanese dentists are perfectionists.
But they have no separate endodontic departments.
They study in the U.S. and conduct research within therapeutic dentistry departments.
There are stars like Dr. Sudo and strong groups like the South Korean team of Hyun Chol Kim in mathematical modeling.
Also Swiss researchers like Ove Peters and Frank Paqué excel in micro-CT studies.
But the U.S. system remains the strongest.
DC: Misha, do you have a professional dream?
Mikhail: Yes, I dream of creating an international endodontics specialization program in Israel, making it easier for European and CIS doctors to study without having to fly to the U.S.
DC: Do you think there are Russian specialists at least at the European level?
Mikhail: Russia has always had many talented individuals — perhaps because of ethnic diversity (heterosis effect).
Endodontics is no exception.
There are many highly skilled practitioners.
The problem is theoretical training: disorganized reading and lack of critical thinking cannot replace a strong educational base.
Highlighting individuals can be tricky, but I was very impressed by the work of Evgeny Rzhanov — very serious, meticulous, clear protocols, a lot of hard work visible behind every case.
Many others lack clear methodology, which is sad — without it, it's impossible to succeed today.
Endodontics is no exception.
There are many highly skilled practitioners.
The problem is theoretical training: disorganized reading and lack of critical thinking cannot replace a strong educational base.
Highlighting individuals can be tricky, but I was very impressed by the work of Evgeny Rzhanov — very serious, meticulous, clear protocols, a lot of hard work visible behind every case.
Many others lack clear methodology, which is sad — without it, it's impossible to succeed today.
DC: Should Russia open dedicated endodontic departments?
Mikhail: Absolutely yes! The demand for endodontic care is enormous.
Yet we still see outdated practices like using resorcinol-formalin and endomethasone. That must change.
I’m glad a professional endodontic society has appeared in Russia — it can issue guidelines and change the approach. It's a very positive trend.
Yet we still see outdated practices like using resorcinol-formalin and endomethasone. That must change.
I’m glad a professional endodontic society has appeared in Russia — it can issue guidelines and change the approach. It's a very positive trend.
DC: What's your forecast: where is endodontics heading?
Mikhail: First, due to increasing use of CBCT (cone-beam CT), diagnosis and outcome evaluation will change dramatically. The gap between high- and low-quality endodontics will become much clearer.
Second, we are moving toward a better biomechanical understanding and minimally invasive technologies. I’m confident results will keep improving.
Second, we are moving toward a better biomechanical understanding and minimally invasive technologies. I’m confident results will keep improving.
DC: Your professional and teaching work must be very exhausting. How do you recharge?
Mikhail: Positive feedback from patients and students is a major source of energy for me.
It doesn’t matter how many people are in the room — I always give my best.
Reading, good movies, and art exhibitions help me relax and offer new perspectives and ideas for new projects.
It doesn’t matter how many people are in the room — I always give my best.
Reading, good movies, and art exhibitions help me relax and offer new perspectives and ideas for new projects.
DC: Do you have hobbies besides professional interests?
Mikhail: My main hobby is travel photography.
DC: Your work takes you to different countries and cities. Are there any places you love to return to?
Mikhail: My trips are mostly tied to my lecturing activities, and unfortunately, I can't really call them "travels" in the relaxing sense. It’s hard work that leaves little room for leisure. However, there is one place I always love returning to — my native St. Petersburg, where I was born and raised, and where people dear to me still live.
DC: In May 2014, your book on retreatment was published. How do you assess the result?
Mikhail:The book project was very interesting. I tried to create a non-standard work that combined an analysis of high-quality literature, conclusions and practical recommendations, with an informal style of presentation. Judging by the feedback, it seems I succeeded! So far, not a single doctor has told me they didn’t read the book to the end. Many dentists use it as a practical guide to help make clinical decisions, and I sincerely hope it has influenced the conceptual approach doctors take to dental problems. An interesting fact: the book also caught the attention of specialists in dental law and legal aspects of dentistry.
DC: We know you are building a new clinic in Israel. How will it be different from others?
Mikhail: The clinic is designed as a center for clinical and academic endodontics, where certified endodontic specialists will work under my supervision. The concept of the clinic is minimally invasive endodontics, utilizing the latest technologies and knowledge. It will also serve as a base for clinical research and one-on-one education. The clinic's designer is Tanya Solomonova, my beloved wife, who heroically endures the challenging life of being married to a constantly traveling endodontist.
DC: Thanks to the internet, today the borders between countries have largely disappeared, and doctors can communicate freely. How do you use this resource in your work?
Mikhail: Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to use the internet as an active platform for communication as much as I’d like. Of course, I try to answer clinical questions, but the lack of time makes it difficult to do so effectively.
On the other hand, I do use Facebook to announce my courses and masterclasses, and to showcase interesting clinical cases. Soon, my website www.solomonov-pro.com will be updated, where I plan to provide the maximum amount of useful information.
On the other hand, I do use Facebook to announce my courses and masterclasses, and to showcase interesting clinical cases. Soon, my website www.solomonov-pro.com will be updated, where I plan to provide the maximum amount of useful information.
DC: Mikhail, thank you! I am grateful to fate that I can call you a friend. I wish you great success in all your endeavors, happiness in your family life, and to stay just as energetic — because you need a lot of strength to manage all your amazing projects!
The interview was conducted by Andrey Akulovich, Editor-in-Chief of "Dentistry Today" newspaper.
