Spear Talk Moderators

Dr. Cohen is a member of Spear Visiting Faculty and a Spear Study Club leader. In 1999 he entered private practice in Jenkintown, Penn.  He was a clinical instructor at Temple University School of Dentistry from 1999-2002 and was invited to join the medical, surgical and dental staff at Abington Memorial Hospital in 2000, where he was appointed a teaching position as an attending dentist in the general practice residency program.

Dr. Cohen is dedicated to the benefits of continuing education in both medicine and dentistry, and regularly attends lectures, hands-on workshops and seminars throughout the country. He is currently working toward becoming a diplomat in the treatment of sleep disorders. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Philadelphia Dental Clinics Club where he currently serves on the board and is the continuing education advisor and past president, and a member of "Dentists with Pride."  He was recently honored by being named Top Dentist in Philadelphia Magazine in both 2012 and 2014.

Dr. Cohen has a B.S. in psychology, and received his D.M.D. degree at Temple University School of Dentistry in 1998. This was followed by an advanced education general dentist residency at Abington Memorial Hospital. 

Dr. Hoders received her DMD degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and earned her MSD with certificates in Periodontics and Prosthodontics at the University of Texas in San Antonio. She is the first woman to complete this dual specialty program and is the only female to hold the distinction of being a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Board of Periodontology as well as the American Board of Prosthodontics in the country.

Dr. Hoders has contributed to advancing the fields of periodontics, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, and oral health education through her published research. She is the co-founder of SPEAR Hygiene and is extremely active in serving her community as a leader and member of several study clubs. She currently serves as a visiting faculty at University of Washington and is an ad-hoc reviewer for the Journal of Esthetic & Restorative Dentistry.

Dr. Steinberg maintains a restorative practice in downtown Philadelphia. He is a member of the Spear visiting faculty and a study club leader.

His training started at Temple University where he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and after three years was enrolled in their dental school. Following graduation, Dr. Steinberg was selected as a General Practice resident at West Jersey Hospital.

Committed to continuing education, Dr. Steinberg is very active in The AGD. He has earned their Fellowship, Mastership and Lifelong Service Awards. He has completed the curriculum at the Pankey Institute as well as many hundreds of hours of additional CE.

Locally, Dr. Steinberg mentors young (and some not so young) dentists in helping grow their practices. He is a perennial recipient of “Philadelphia Magazine” Top Dentist award. It is common for there to be guests in the office watching dental procedures as well as how our team works together as a cohesive unit.

For seven years Dr. Steinberg taught TMD / Occlusion in the Graduate Orthodontic program at Temple University. Now he shares these topics as well as interdisciplinary care and communication and airway management with the residency programs at Albert Einstein Medical Center.

Dr. David St. Ledger has been involved with Spear since 2009, and is a member of the Spear Visiting Faculty. He maintains a private practice in Upper Montclair, N.J. and has had a 20-year business partnership with Stephen Press, D.M.D.

After dental school, Dr. St. Ledger spent a year in a general practice residency program at the Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, N.J. In 1996 he became a clinical professor and an attending for the medical and dental staff to present day.

Dr. St. Ledger is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an elected member by peer review to the International Association of Dentists and Physicians, and the Western Essex Dental Association, where he served as an officer for four years and as president for 2002 and 2003. He was selected by Montclair Magazine as one of the region's Top Dentists for 2013, 2014 and 2015. NJ Top Docs recognized him in 2014 as a top dentist for general/restorative dentistry.

Dr. St. Ledger received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry with a minor in sociology from the University of Scranton. He also holds and successfully defended his undergraduate thesis in molecular biology with two years of laboratory research. He received his D.D.S. degree from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in 1994.

Dr. Stenberg is a member of the Spear Visiting Faculty and has been a Spear Study Club leader since 2011.

In addition to private practice in Stillwater, Minn., Dr. Stenberg has served on the Cleft Palate Clinic at Children's Hospital. Her practice has participated in the Give Kids a Smile, Minnesota Mission of Mercy and Smiles Change Lives programs. She also founded a scholarship for high school girls who plan to study science or math.

Dr. Stenberg is an active member of the MDA, served as president of the St. Paul District Dental Society in 2002, president of the Minnesota Association of Orthodontists in 2009 and on the ADA Council of Dental Education and Licensure from 2010-1014.

Dr. Stenberg received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She graduated first in her class from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1984. She completed a Master's of Science degree and certificate in Orthodontics 1986, and was certified by the American Board of Orthodontics in 2002.

Dr. Sandquist is a member of the Spear Visiting Faculty and a Spear Study Club leader. He began practicing in 1998 and specializes in restoring missing, broken and worn teeth, and treating jaw joint and bite problems.  Committed to continued learning and providing exceptional dentistry, he is a member of the Las Vegas Study Club – a select group of 30 dentists dedicated to professional growth and clinical excellence.

Dr. Sandquist graduated from Loma Linda School of Dentistry in 1997 and immediately began his post-graduate studies, averaging more than 50 hours per year. He has completed the curriculums at Spear and the Misch International Implant Institute.

Dr. Lineberry has been involved with Spear since 2009 and serves as a Visiting Faculty member and Spear Study Club leader. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and North Carolina Dental Society, and is a past president of the local dental society. He obtained his fellowships in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists in 2008 and Academy of General Dentistry in 2009. In 2017, he became an Accredited Member of the AACD. He is also a presenter and speaker host/emcee at national meetings as well as a contributor and author for dental journals and online media. He previously served as coordinator for the Give Kids a Smile Program and served on a peer review board for the North Carolina Dental Society.

Dr. Lineberry received his undergraduate degree from Western Carolina University and his doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 2000.

Actively involved with Spear since 2009, Dr. Carson is a Spear Visiting Faculty member and Spear Study Club leader. He has accumulated more than 2,100 hours in advanced training and has extensive experience and training in all aspects of general dentistry, including esthetics, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and implantology. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, serves on the editorial board of the Arizona Dental Association and is a past president of the Southern Arizona Dental Society.

Dr. Carson received his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

Dr. Huff is a general practitioner and orofacial pain specialist based in Dover, Ohio. His practice focuses on comprehensive dentistry through co-diagnosis. The Spear Visiting Faculty member is an awarded Fellow and Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, and he was one of the youngest dentists to earn the AGD's coveted Lifetime Learning and Service Recognition award.

Dr. Huff is a fellow of the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists. He is also involved with the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Tuscarawas Dental Society.

Dr. Huff has served as a Spear Study Club Leader, clinical instructor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, and as an attending clinician at the Dental General Practice Residency at Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio.

In addition to publishing articles in Spear Digest, Dental Economics, General Dentistry, CDOCS.com magazine, and Dentistry Today, he has lectured in the U.S. and Canada on topics ranging from complex treatment planning to risk management. He has also served as a consultant to the Ohio State Dental Board.

Dr. Huff earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1996. He has completed core curricula at the Pankey Institute and Spear, plus many other hands-on workshops in periodontal surgery, oral surgery, implants, restorative dentistry, radiology, temporomandibular disorder, and orofacial pain.

He has also completed a variety of focused continuing education programs in the field of orofacial pain, including the Louisiana State University Orofacial Pain Continuum in New Orleans and the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Clinical Preceptorship in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Huff became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain in 2019.

Dr. Salcetti is a member of the Spear Visiting Faculty and a Spear Study Club leader. She completed a three-year specialty program in maxillofacial prosthodontics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Research Center in New York City, followed by more than 30 years of clinical restorative experience. She has served on the executive board of the Dutchess County Dental Society and was president of the society from 1994-1995. She is also an active member of the New York State Dental Society and served as the past dental chairperson for the United Way. She has worked with all of the major implant systems available today.

Dr. Salcetti received her Bachelor’s degree from Providence College, in Providence, R.I. She then studied dentistry at Georgetown University’s School of Dentistry in Washington, D.C. Upon graduation she received the Psi Omega and Mary C. Dirisi award for the "highest degree of clinical proficiency" of her graduating class. Following graduation, she taught removable prosthodontics at Georgetown University.

“I truly enjoy the "what's possible" component of dentistry, both for the person connected to the restorative treatment as well as the people connected to dentistry.”

Academic Credentials:

• Bachelor of Science, University of South Dakota
• Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Minnesota
• Certificate in Prosthodontics with a Master of Science, University of Minnesota

Dr. Benting maintains a prosthodontic referral practice, Renew Dental, in Phoenix, Ariz.

As a valued Spear Resident Faculty member since 2015, Dr. Benting has developed, and continues to present, the “Restoring the Edentulous Arch” workshop with fellow Resident Faculty member, Dr. Darin Dichter as well as the “Implant Restorative” workshop with Dr. Bob Winter. Dr. Benting has also developed content for Spear Digest and several Spear Study Club modules.

In his free time, Dr. Benting enjoys the outdoors, camping and hiking in particular.

Professional Affiliations:

• American College of Prosthodontics, board of directors 2012-2015, vice president 2017-current
• Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, adjunct faculty, 2010-2015
• University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, adjunct faculty, 2003-2005

Awards & Recognitions:

• Named in “Top Dentists” 10+ Years by Phoenix Magazine

Dr. Berman, a Maryland-based endodontist of 35 years, serves as an instructor in Spear’s Mastering the Exceptional Specialist Practice – Endodontists workshop. He also develops Spear Study Club modules and other endodontist-focused content for the Spear learning ecosystem.

Dr. Berman received his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and his certificate in endodontics from The Albert Einstein Medical Center, a hospital-based endodontic residency program in Philadelphia. He is a clinical associate professor of endodontics at the University of Maryland School and a clinical instructor and guest lecturer at the Einstein Medical Center. He has lectured internationally in the field of endodontics and has been published in several different peer-reviewed dental journals.

Dr. Berman is past president of the Maryland State Association of Endodontics and a member of the Journal of Endodontics Scientific Advisory Board. He is senior author for the chapter on diagnosis in the ninth, 10th and current (11th) editions of the leading endodontic textbook, “Cohen’s Pathways of the Pulp,” of which he is also the co-editor. He is also senior editor and contributing author of the comprehensive textbook, “Dental Traumatology.”

“Dentistry is my passion. I am particularly interested in understanding how and why malocclusions develop as well as how to orthodontically set up the foundation for the restorative dentist and the interdisciplinary team.”

Academic Credentials:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Washington School of Dentistry
• Masters in Oral Biology with Board Certification in both orthodontics and periodontics, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

Prior to their residency in Pennsylvania, Dr. Bockow practiced as a general practitioner in the Seattle, Washington area for two years.

As a board-certified orthodontist and periodontist, Dr. Bockow lectures internationally on topics ranging from interdisciplinary treatment planning to airway and sleep disorders, skeletal growth and development, and corticotomy-facilitated orthodontic therapy.

Dr. Bockow maintains a private practice, Inspired Orthodontics, in the Seattle area limited to orthodontics and periodontics.

As a valued Spear Resident Faculty member 2018, Dr. Bockow serves as an instructor in Spear's “Interdisciplinary Treatment of Esthetic Dilemmas” seminar.

Dr. Bockow has an incredible husband and two loving daughters at home. In their free time, they love to have adventures with their family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

With more than three decades of dental experience, Dr. Bonk is devoted to sharing his knowledge and skills of advanced restorative dentistry. He joined Spear in 2009 as a member of the Anterior Live Patient Faculty and now serves as an instructor in the Restorative Design workshop.

In addition to his teaching role with Spear, he works with graduate dentists once a month in the General Practice Residency Program at Loyola Hospital in Maywood, Illinois. He also lectures nationally about advanced restorative dentistry and has mentored participants at The Pankey Institute.

Early in his career, Dr. Bonk provided advanced training in the dental specialties of periodontics, oral surgery, and prosthetics, as well as training in hospital medicine and treatment of medically compromised patients during a one-year residency at the Loyola University Medical Center.

Dr. Bonk received his D.D.S. from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1981 and became a designated Pankey Scholar in 2005.

“I love dentistry and love sharing it with anyone else who loves it! Being able to see others get that same joy from what we do is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. As my grandfather told me, “Gary, find something you love doing so much that you never have to “work” a day in your life.” I did.”

Academic Credentials:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery, Case Western Reserve University
• Masters in Biomedical Sciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine

Prior to his contributions to Spear, Dr. DeWood maintained a private restorative general practice with his wife and fellow Spear Resident Faculty member, Dr. Cheryl DeWood, in Pemberville, Ohio. Dr. DeWood has spent years focused on diagnosing and managing functional occlusal problems and TMD, and as part of that interest, completed the craniofacial pain mini residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in the early 1990s.

He maintains a limited private practice on the Spear Campus in Scottsdale, Arizona, and lectures nationally and internationally on practice management, treatment planning, case management, case acceptance, TMD diagnosis, appliance therapy, occlusion, and esthetics.

As one of the founding members of Spear, he directed Curriculum and Clinical Education for nearly a decade prior to joining in the launch of Spear Practice Solutions. He serves as an instructor in multiple Spear live workshops, including “Facially Generated Treatment Planning,” “Occlusion in Clinical Practice,” and “Advanced Occlusion.” He also has recorded many programs for Spear Online and in Spear Practice Solutions live, recorded, and in person.

Gary and Cheryl were married in 1978 and have three children. They currently live in Cave Creek, just north of Scottsdale and the Spear Center. When not busy with something at Spear (which is definitely NOT work) Gary can be found riding a bike or his Peloton and puttering around the house. He and Cheryl also enjoy traveling, especially to Seattle to be with granddaughter Luna.

Professional Affiliations:

• The Pankey Institute, clinical director
• University of Toledo College of Medicine, assistant clinical professor
• The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, associate professor
• AT Still University, The Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, adjunct clinical professor
• The Seattle Institute, President
• Spear Education, executive vice-president

Professional Organizations:

• The American Dental Association
• The Arizona Dental Association
• The American Equilibration Society

Dr. DeWood brings more than 35 years of dental wisdom to Spear and the Facially Generated Treatment Planning workshop through her unique experience as both a general practitioner and practicing orthodontist.

In addition to her teaching duties at Spear, Dr. DeWood practices orthodontics in Glendale, Arizona, and Bellevue, Washington. After 22 years as a general practitioner in private practice, she chose to pursue an education and career in orthodontics. She has been a practicing orthodontist since 2005 and served as the acting clinic director in the graduate orthodontic program at the University of Tennessee until 2009.

Dr. DeWood graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1980 and received her General Practice Residency certificate in 1981. She earned her master’s in 2002 and a certificate in orthodontics in 2005 from the University of Tennessee and has been board-certified since 2006. She earned her Ph.D. in health policy from the University of Tennessee in 2011.

Dr. Dichter brings nearly 20 years of clinical, research and teaching experience — as a general practitioner and prosthodontist — to his position with Spear. He serves as an instructor in the Treating the Terminal Dentition and Fully Edentulous Patient seminar, in addition to multiple Spear Workshops.

Dr. Dichter has served as a guest lecturer and clinical instructor at Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, teaching occlusion and esthetics. He has been a Spear faculty member since the company’s inception, as well as a contributing author for Spear Digest. He is passionate about education and is involved with multiple study groups in the U.S. and Canada.

After earning his D.M.D. from OHSU in 1995, Dr. Dichter practiced general dentistry and eventually joined a startup practice in his hometown in coastal Oregon before moving to a practice in Portland. He brought 16 years of restorative dental experience into UCLA’s world-renowned, full-time advanced prosthodontics residency, which he completed in 2014.

After helping to develop Spear Masters Program at its inception, Ms. Fletcher innovated its expansion as product manager and now serves as faculty. She has also served as a Spear Study Club advisor and marketing manager, giving her a deep understanding of Spear’s educational principles.

Through the growth of Masters Program, Ms. Fletcher has helped improve curricula for the “Mastering the Exceptional Specialist Practice” workshops for endodontists and surgical specialists, in addition to her numerous contributions to consistently update resources that help Masters Program members strengthen their referral networks and grow their practices.

Ms. Fletcher is skilled at developing corporate trainings and has taught continuing education courses in customer service and finance. She earned a master’s degree in workforce education and e-learning prior to earning her Master of Education in adult education and training.

Dr. Gunson graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry, where he also earned his M.D. and specialty certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery prior to partnering with Dr. G. William Arnett in Santa Barbara, California. Their world-renowned surgical practice is limited to facial esthetics and reconstruction.

An instructor in Spear’s Interdisciplinary Treatment of Esthetic Dilemmas seminar, Dr. Gunson examines and treats thousands of patients with esthetic, functional and sleep conditions. His diagnostic process enhances his orthognathic and esthetic surgical treatments that help patients achieve optimal oral health.

Dr. Gunson lectures internationally and publishes research on orthognathic surgery, facial esthetics, obstructive sleep apnea and the treatment of TMJ arthritis and condylar resorption.

Jim Janakievski received his D.D.S. from the University of Toronto, which was followed by a general practice residency.  After several years in general practice, he completed his post-graduate training at the University of Washington, where he received a certificate in Periodontology with a M.S.D. degree and a fellowship in Prosthodontics. He began his academic position at the University of Washington as assistant director of Graduate Periodontics and is currently an affiliate assistant professor.

Dr. Janakievski is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. He is a reviewer for several dental journals and has published in the area of interdisciplinary dentistry, dental implants, and tooth autotransplantation.  Dr. Janakievski teaches at Spear Education in Scottsdale Arizona.  In addition, he participates in practice-based clinical research through the McGuire Institute.  He maintains a private practice in Tacoma, Washington.

A gifted academician and clinician, Dr. Kinzer's interdisciplinary approach to dentistry is founded in empirical research and clinical experience. His unique ability to impart complex clinical processes in a logical, systematic and understandable way differentiates him from other dental educators of our time.

Committed to advancing the art and science of restorative dentistry, Dr. Kinzer continues to serve as an affiliate assistant professor in the graduate prosthodontic program at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He also taught with Dr. Frank Spear at the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education from 1998-2009 prior to joining Spear Resident Faculty.

In addition, Dr. Kinzer has written numerous articles and chapters for many dental publications and serves on the editorial review board for the Journal of Esthetics and Restorative Dentistry. He maintains a private practice in Seattle limited to comprehensive restorative and esthetic dentistry.

Dr. Kinzer received his D.D.S. from the University of Washington in 1995 and an M.S.D. and certificate in prosthodontics in 1998.

“I have loved the combination of art and science that dentistry provides every day in a small family-owned business. Addressing both the clinical concerns of patients and the managerial responsibilities of private practice has been challenging and deeply satisfying at the same time.”

Academic Credentials:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Illinois College of Dentistry
• BBA, University of Notre Dame

Dr. McKee has lectured both nationally and internationally for more than 25 years. Additionally, he is a published author who writes the Occlusion/TMD section of the “Annual Review of Selected Dental Literature,” published each year in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, along with textbooks and article contributions.

He has maintained a private practice, AIRE Dental Group, in Downers Grove, Illinois, since 1984 and has experience treating a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry.

Dr. McKee provides a new perspective on occlusion and TM joints that helps dentists understand how structural changes in the jaw joints influence not only occlusion and airway anatomy, but also the growth of the mandible and the maxilla.

As a valued Spear Resident Faculty member 2017, Dr. McKee directs several Study Clubs and serves as an instructor in Spear's “Demystifying Occlusion” seminar and Spear's “Advanced Occlusion” workshop.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. McKee enjoys the humbling past time of golf and spending time with his family.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, member
• American Equilibration Society, past president

“Dentistry has afforded me so many opportunities despite my medical disablement. I cannot think of a profession or professionals I would be more honored to serve. I may not treat patients directly, but I treat so many more indirectly through my work with Spear.”

Academic Credentials:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland
• General Practice Residency, University of Maryland Hospital
• Certified Professional Coach
• Certificate in Happiness Studies
• Certified in Emotional Intelligence Assessments
• Certified Team Coach

Dr. Mendelson maintained a private restorative general practice for almost 10 years before ceasing practice due to chronic pain issues in his hand.

He has contributed to leading industry publications and has lectured nationally and internationally on color science, dentist/technician communications, and his passion for personal growth through mindset and positive psychology.

With his Executive Coaching, Team Coaching/Facilitation, Emotional Intelligence, and Happiness Studies certifications, he has spent almost 20 years working with leaders to become more fulfilled and build happier teams. His insights have been featured in nearly a dozen podcasts, and he has been featured in Voyage Phoenix and Shoutout Arizona magazines as a standout thought leader.

As a valued Spear Resident Faculty member, Dr. Mendelson assists Spear's content team by interacting with content contributors and he also serves as host of the Spear Annual Summit.

Dr. Mendelson has been married to his husband, Michael, for nearly 30 years and has lived in five states through the U.S. He loves cooking, traveling, entertaining, and long walks with his furry friend, Sunny.

Additionally, Dr. Mendelson is a member of the Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce, a mentor for The Point Foundation, and he is a former board member for Equality California.

Professional Affiliations:

• Fellow – International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics
• American Dental Association
• National Speakers Association

Awards & Recognitions:

• Katherine Toomey Award, University of Maryland Dental School
• Alumni Association Rookie of the Year, Clark University

“Being in dentistry for over 30 years has allowed me to understand the human experience on multiple levels. Helping patients, building professional teams and last but certainly not least, being an educator for over 20 years has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally beyond words. I cannot be grateful enough!”

Academic Credentials:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery, UNITEC University of Mexico
• Master of Science in Dentistry and Certificate in Prosthodontics, University of Washington

Dr. Mitrani has authored many scientific articles and chapters in textbooks on implant prosthodontics and esthetic dentistry and has given more than 500 lectures in 30 countries.

He maintains a private practice, Grupo Dental Bosques Oral Health & Smile Design, in Mexico City, limited to prosthodontics and implants.

As a valued Spear Resident Faculty member 2016, Dr. Mitrani serves as an instructor in Spear seminars, frequently contributes to Spear Digest, and develops numerous lessons for Spear Online.

On a personal note, Dr Mitrani has been happily married to his wife Sandra for 29 years and they have three amazing children. He is a music lover, a world traveler and considers himself a perpetual student!

Professional Affiliations:

• American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, member
• American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, member
• International College of Dentistry, member
• Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, editorial review board
• Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, editorial review board
• Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, editorial review board
• National University of Mexico, academic affiliation
• University of Washington, affiliate associate professor

“My passion has, and always will be, to help dentists and teams create a culture that supports the delivery of great dentistry with a great team that creates great successes!”

Academic Credentials:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Juilliard School
• Post Grad Studies, Golden Gate University

Amy Morgan was a consultant, trainer, and CEO of Pride Institute – a nationally acclaimed practice management consulting company – for more than 25 years. She and her teams have revitalized thousands of dental practices using management systems proven to help dentists become more secure, efficient, and profitable.

A prolific speaker and writer, Amy has presented throughout North America and Europe. Additionally, she has been featured at numerous regional organizations. She has published a wide variety of columns and whitepapers in major dental publications, in addition to self-guided training manuals. Her books, like, Leadership Lessons From the Road: Why Bother, We’re All Nuckin’ Futz!, which is among the best-selling books on dental assisting and practice management – provides real solutions to help doctors and their teams address the daily issues that arise in the evolution of their practices.

As a valued Spear Faculty member and Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Amy also contributes regular practice management articles to Spear Digest.

Amy is a mom, grandma, and proud cat mom to two cats – Panda Bear and Storm.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Dental Association, speaker
• Academy of General Dentistry, speaker

Dr. Rouse is recognized as a pioneer in the field of airway prosthodontics — the impact that a compromised airway has on the stomatognathic system. Along with fellow Spear Resident Faculty member Dr. Greggory Kinzer, he developed the "Seattle Protocol" to recognize, control and direct resolution of airway distress in a restorative dental practice.

Dr. Rouse maintains a private practice in San Antonio, Texas, and practices with Dr. Kinzer and Dr. Frank Spear in Seattle. He is also an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Among his dental accolades, he has written numerous journal articles, including a portion of the “Annual Review of Selected Dental Literature” published each summer in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Most recently, he co-wrote a textbook by Quintessence titled "Global Diagnosis: A New Vision of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Planning.”

After graduating from dental school in San Antonio, Dr. Rouse completed a two-year general practice residency at the University of Connecticut Health Science Center. He practiced family dentistry for 12 years before returning to school to earn his specialty certificate in prosthodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2004. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and American College of Prosthodontists and past president of the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry.

“I love to combine the art of color, translucency, and texture to mimic natural teeth. Further, I enjoy working with the patient to customize their smile to fulfill their aesthetic desires.”

Academic Credentials:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Royal London Hospital
• Diplomat Status in Restorative Dentistry, Royal College of Surgeons (England)

After spending three years in oral surgery residency in London and a year practicing restorative dentistry in London's Harley Street Medical District, Dr. Smithson relocated to Cornwall in the extreme southwest of England.

Dr. Smithson has a specific interest in direct composite resin artistry and minimally invasive ceramic restorations and has presented on these topics locally, nationally, and internationally. Additionally, he has provided hands-on programs in the UK, Europe, Asia, Canada and USA on behalf of GC, Ivoclar, Kerr, Hereaus, Optident, Micerium, Carl Zeiss, Global, Velopex and Triodent.

Dr. Smithson has published numerous articles on adhesive and aesthetic dentistry in both the UK and abroad. He is joint author of Vertical Margin Finish Lines In Fixed Prosthodontics (Elsvier, in print).

He currently practices at Revitalise Dental Centre, where his focus is microscope enhanced adhesive dentistry.

As a valued Spear Resident Faculty member since 2021, Dr. Smithson is the only European Resident Faculty member and serves as an instructor in the Composite Program.

Dr. Smithson is married to wife Kate with whom he has two children. He enjoys a good glass of Australian red wine, gardening, and traveling.

Professional Affiliations:

• The Centre for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago, resident faculty
• Carl Zeiss Dental Academy, accredited international trainer
• Kulzer, European key opinion leader
• The Russian Journal of Esthetic Dentistry, editorial board member

Awards & Recognitions:

• The Constance Klein Memorial Scholarship
• The Stafford Millar Scholarship
• The Malcolm Jenkins Scholarship
• The American Association of Endodontics Prize and the Overall Award for Clinical Dentistry

As co-founder and director of Spear Education, Dr. Spear continues to be recognized as one of the premier educators in esthetic and restorative dentistry in the world. He earned his dental degree at University of Washington in 1979 and an M.S.D. in periodontal prosthodontics in 1982.

Dr. Spear has been recognized by numerous associations for his contributions to dentistry. In 1993, he was awarded the Christensen Award for Excellence in Restorative Education from the Chicago Dental Society. In 1995, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry presented him with a special award for having advanced the art and science of cosmetic dentistry in the U.S. In 1996, he received the Saul Schluger Memorial Award for Excellence in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning from the Seattle Study Club. In 2003, he and colleague Vincent G. Kokich were awarded the first-ever President’s Award for excellence in education from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

In 2004, Dr. Spear earned the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Pacific Lutheran University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. In 2013, he was named Distinguished Alumnus for the University of Washington School of Dentistry. In 2018 he received the first ever Charles Pincus-Ronald Goldstein Lifetime Achievement Award in Esthetic Dentistry from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

In addition to his work at Spear, Dr. Spear is an affiliate professor in the graduate prosthodontics program at the University of Washington. He and fellow Spear Resident Faculty member Dr. Greggory Kinzer maintain a private practice in Seattle limited to esthetics and fixed prosthodontics. In addition to his faculty and practice responsibilities, Dr. Spear maintains a busy lecture schedule, presenting dental continuing education in North America, Europe and Asia.

Dr. Spear belongs to multiple dental organizations, including the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the American College of Prosthodontics. He is also a past president of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

As one of the world's most recognized prosthodontists and ceramists, Dr. Winter teaches dentists in Spear Workshops to understand the interdependence between laboratory procedures, treatment planning, restorative techniques, materials and laboratory procedures.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Winter produces Spear Study Club modules and creates a variety of clinical content for the Spear learning ecosystem. He has taught more than 900 didactic, clinical and technical courses in more than 40 countries. For the past 36 years, he has maintained a private practice limited to prosthodontics, and currently practices in Newport Beach, California. He is co-founder of Esthetics by Design dental laboratory and is past president of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

Dr. Winter graduated in 1981 from Marquette University School of Dentistry and completed his prosthodontic specialty residency at the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee in 1983.