As part of the NUS extension programme designed to provide continuing education, the school of Postgraduate Dental Studies and the Singapore Dental Association jointly organised a technique course in root canal preparation on 21st April 1997, entitled "New Advances in Root Canal Preparation Techniques". Professor James Gutmann, a world-renowned authority in endodontics, was at hand to teach the newer techniques of root canal instrumentation using nickel-titanium hand and rotary instruments. Participants, both general practitioners and endodontists, were given intensive hands-on experience as well as comprehensive didactic information. All who attended were greatly enriched by Prof Gutmann's expertise.