Dr. Shinkwin graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1987.  He had a general dentistry practice in Modesto for eight years.  He went to Northwestern University and was awarded his specialty degree in Endodontics, graduating in 1997.  Dr. Shinkwin moved back to Modesto and opened up his Endodontic practice in 1998.  Dr. Shinkwin is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association and past President of the Stanislaus Dental Society.

Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, called the pulp.  The word "endodontic" comes from "endo" meaning inside and "odont" meaning tooth.  Like many medical terms, it's Greek.  All dentists are trained in diagnosis and endodontic therapy, however, some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat.  That’s why you may have been referred to an endodontic specialist.

In addition to dental school, endodontists receive two or more years of advanced education in this kind of treatment. They study root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth, for diagnosis and treatment of more difficult cases. For this reason, many dentists choose to refer their patients to endodontists.