Building Bonds, Enhancing Practices: Tiffin, Ohio, Spear Study Club

In the heart of Tiffin, Ohio, a tight-knit community of dental professionals has found solace, support, and inspiration through a Spear Study Club led by Dr. Jack Felton, a general practitioner, and Dr. Robert Dornauer, an oral surgeon.

Since its formation in 2013, this club has evolved into more than just a monthly meeting — it’s a group of friends fostering camaraderie, sharing successes, and collectively overcoming challenges. Dr. Dornauer, reflecting on the close-knit nature of the group, noted, “We have a real sense of fellowship among all of our members. I look forward to our meetings each month, and it gives me a chance to step away from my practice and connect with people who understand.”

The recent meeting of the Spear Study Club delved into the vital topic of facially generated treatment planning (FGTP), specifically focusing on Resident Faculty member Dr. Jeff Rouse’s Study Club module. The members spent a significant portion of the gathering discussing the importance of not skipping the FGTP process and its impact on identifying airway problems in children.

Dr. Robyn Viceck, the club’s orthodontist, shared her insights into using palatal expanders and the Herbst appliance to widen children’s mouths. Her approach not only improves airway function but also lays the foundation to prevent future problems as patients grow. The collaborative atmosphere allowed members to learn from one another’s experiences, enhancing their individual practices.

Dr. Felton, co-leader of the club, emphasized the transformative impact being a part of the Study Club has had on his dental practice. “Sometimes as a dentist, you can practice on an island and go months or more without speaking to another dentist. The Study Club gets us into a forum where we can discuss common problems and solutions. A lot of us are journeying through life together, and it is fun to have peers to bounce things off of.”

The club’s 12-member group includes:

• Dr. Andrew Peterson, general practitioner
• Dr. Brandt Weininger, general practitioner
• Dr. Carl Schafer, general practitioner
• Dr. Daniela Cuadra, pedodontics
• Dr. Jeff Hoyda, general practitioner
• Dr. Jeffrey Shawberry, general practitioner
• Dr. Jack Felton, general practitioner, club co-leader
• Dr. Mark Myers, general practitioner
• Dr. Nathan Prueter, general practitioner
• Dr. Patrick Reineck, general practitioner
• Dr. Robert Dornauer, oral surgeon, leader
• Dr. Robyn Vicek, orthodontist

The Spear Study Club in Tiffin has become more than just a professional network — it’s a collective of like-minded professionals dedicated to elevating their practices, learning from one another, and collectively contributing to the well-being of their patients. As they continue to meet, share, and evolve, the impact of this close-knit group resonates not only in their practices but also in the smiles they bring to the faces of their patients.

If you’re interested in becoming a Study Club Leader or joining a Spear Study Club, let us know by completing the form here.