Recently two endodontic case assessment forms have been introduced in the Netherlands. The aim of these forms, the Dutch Endodontic Treatment Index (DETI) and the Endodontic Treatment Classification (ETC), is to differentiate between complicated and uncomplicated endodontic cases. Preceding the treatment procedure, these forms may help general practitioners to assess the difficulty and risks of an endodontic treatment and to decide whether to treat the case or to refer it to a specialist. In which way complications may be prevented by using these risk assessment forms is illustrated with two case presentations. Finally, the frequently asked question is addressed whether the treatment of complicated endodontic cases should be exclusively reserved to specialists.