Herbert Schilder Scholarship

Dr. Herbert Schilder was a renowned endodontist who chaired the school’s Department of Endodontics for 33 years. He developed a pioneering root canal therapy technique that involved cleaning out a tooth’s infected tissue, filling it vertically, and compacting it with a heated plastic material, which expands upon cooling, filling the gap. In 2006, a gift from endodontic alumni established a scholarship in his name, which is now awarded annually to one or more academically deserving endodontic graduate students each year.

DR. KANWAL MAHESHWARI ENDO 23 was fascinated with dentistry from an early age. However, the moment that shaped her career path in endodontics and research came when she was working on a premolar root canal during a dental school rotation. In that moment, she realized that endodontics was the only field of dentistry where one can work inside the tooth and explore the different anatomy of each tooth.

One of the reasons why Maheshwari wanted to come to GSDM was Schilder’s influence on the field of modern endodontics. Maheshwari lives by his motto: “Success = 100 – X,” which means that one can achieve success by starting at 100 and then ruling out clinical or multifactorial errors.

“He is a true legend in the field, and it’s been a blessing working at the same program he helped found,” Maheshwari said. “You can feel his influence in all aspects of the program – from the mentors to the literature, to every single root canal we do.”

After graduation, Maheshwari plans to pursue a career in clinical endodontics with an emphasis on research to help shape the next generation of endodontists.

“It is not so much about myself as it is validation for my mentors who have helped me reach this point. I appreciate their support,” she said. “I am inspired by Dr. Schilder and hope to contribute the best I can.”