Are you interested in a great networking opportunity and chance to enhance your role as a technical resource to your dentist-clients? Spear Education — which established a program for specialist-led study clubs in 2009 — is now giving technicians and general practitioners the opportunity to establish and lead Spear Study Clubs in their area.
"When GPs, specialists and technicians learn together, everyone comes away with a greater understanding of the type of cases discussed and of what each member of the team needs in order to obtain the best results for the patient," says Martin Mendelson, DDS, Vice President Faculty Club Development & Professional Relations. "From a technician's perspective, helping clients increase their comfort level with complex treatment plans increases both the quantity and quality of referred cases."
The technician-led study clubs will follow the same format as the existing specialist-led study clubs, of which there are more than 200 across the U.S. and Canada. To be a club leader, a technician must be either a CDT or work in a Certified Dental Laboratory. Each leader forms his own club, consisting of eight to 12 restorative dentists, specialists (at least one is required), and technicians. Clubs meet eight to 12 times a year; each meeting revolves around the members' choice of learning modules from Spear's extensive collection.
"It's basically a study club in a box," says Dr. Mendelson. "We provide the club with access to a growing library of modules, currently around 30, that include interactive DVD-supported presentations on a variety of interdisciplinary topics. Approximately 70% of the modules are case-based and come with study models, photographs and radiographs so members can collaborate on possible treatment plans."
Founded at Spear by world-renowned dentist and educator Dr. Steve Ratcliff, Spear Study Clubs also benefit from faculty guidance, a members-only microsite to facilitate communication among the members, and access to the Spear Digital Learning collection of continuing educational materials. Tuition for the first year includes a two-and-a-half-day seminar that the group takes together at Spear's Scottsdale, AZ facility. As an additional benefit, tuition is waived for Club leaders.
For tuition information and to see an introductory video in which Dr. Spear describes the Spear Study Club concept and benefits, visit www.speareducation.com/study-club. For more information, contact Robyn Carpenter-Gall at rcarpenter@speareducation.com or 855-773-2772.
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