Spear Summit

Edward P. Allen, DDS, PhD has served as president of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. He is the recipient of the Master Clinician Award from the American Academy of Periodontology, the President’s Award for Excellence in Dental Education from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and the Saul Schluger Award for Excellence in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. In 2019, he was honored with the AAP Gold Medal Award, the highest award bestowed by the Academy. Currently, he serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, the Journal of Periodontology, and the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. Dr Allen is founder of the Center for Advanced Dental Education in Dallas, an educational facility where he teaches surgical technique courses. He has over 100 publications and has presented numerous lectures and surgical demonstrations worldwide.

Dr. Gonzalo Blasi graduated in dentistry from the International University of Catalonia in 2011. He worked for two years as a general dentist, always showing interest in the specialty of periodontics. That is why he applied for a position as a resident at the University of Maryland in the United States. He was accepted into the program in 2012 and started in 2013. During three years, he took the periodontics and implants program at the university specializing in the treatment of gums and implants. Including the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, coverage of gum retractions, implant surgeries, sinus elevations, peri-implantitis (implant infection) and bone margin increases. In the last course of residence he received the prestigious Richard Lazzara fellowship award by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. In 2016 he was accepted as a fellow at the Periodontal Prosthesis Implant Residency also at the University of Maryland. In this fellowship, he rehabilitated implants and teeth and also developed several research protocols. In 2017 he returned to Barcelona and started working at Blasi Clínica Dental Barcelona leading the Periodontics and Implants department. Gonzalo also collaborates as a professor in the department of periodontics of the International University of Catalonia and the University of Maryland. He also gives lectures both nationally and internationally. Dr. Gonzalo Blasi not only works with patients but also collaborates in various research projects to improve our treatments to patients and make them more predictable.

Dr. Bockow is a board-certified orthodontist and periodontist. She lectures internationally on topics ranging from interdisciplinary treatment planning to airway and sleep disorders, skeletal growth and development, and corticotomy-facilitated orthodontic therapy. Upon completion of her dental degree at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, Dr. Bockow practiced as a general practitioner in the Seattle area for two years. She ultimately decided to return to school and completed her dual training in orthodontics and periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her master’s in oral biology during dual residency. Dr. Bockow serves as an instructor in Spear’s Interdisciplinary Treatment of Esthetic Dilemmas seminar and has also served as an affiliate assistant professor at the University of Washington in the Department of Orthodontics. She maintains a private practice in the Seattle area limited to orthodontics and periodontics.

Dr. DeWood is Executive Vice President of Spear Education. 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. Today, he splits time between teaching and consulting. Dr. DeWood serves as an instructor in multiple Spear Workshops, including Facially Generated Treatment Planning, Occlusion in Clinical Practice, Advanced Occlusion, Sleep Medicine in the Dental Practice and a special focus workshop on temporomandibular disorder. He also 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. Prior to his contributions at Spear, Dr. DeWood maintained a private restorative general practice with his wife and fellow Spear Resident Faculty member, Dr. Cheryl DeWood, in Pemberville, Ohio, before dedicating most of his time to teaching full time. With 40 years in general dentistry, he provides a unique perspective to the application of the dental principles taught at Spear. He has spent years focused on diagnosing and treating functional occlusal problems and TMD, and as part of that focus completed the craniofacial pain mini-residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in the early 1990s. Dr. DeWood served as clinical director at The Pankey Institute from 2003 to 2008. He has held appointments as associate professor at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and assistant professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine. He earned his D.D.S. from Case Western Reserve University in 1980 and an M.S. degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2004.

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.

Dr Didier Dietschi graduated from the University of Geneva Dental School, Switzerland, in 1984, where he completed specialty training in periodontology and restorative dentistry. He held the positions of assistant, lecturer, and senior lecturer at the same university, where he received his doctoral title in 1988 under the supervision of Prof Jacques Holz and a Privat-Docent degree in 2004. He earned his PhD in 2003 at the Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam, Netherlands, under the guidance of Prof Carel Davidson. In 1990, he started a part-time practice in a private office in Geneva limited to esthetic restorative dentistry with a focus on soft tissue management and implantology. Since 2005, he has held the position of adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University (USA) and maintained his part-time senior lecturer position at the University of Geneva in the Department of Cariology and Endodontics headed by Prof Ivo Krejci. Dr Dietschi has won numerous awards for his contributions to adhesive restorative dentistry. He is an active lecturer author, journal reviewer, and industry consultant and has contributed to significant improvements in the field of composite shading with the development of the so-called “Natural Layering Concept”. He coauthored the book Adhesive Metal-Free Restorations, edited in 1997 by Quintessence and translated into seven languages. Dr Dietschi is internationally acclaimed for his theoretical and practical teaching programs focused on adhesive and esthetic restorations with the integration of scientific evidence and implementation of new technologies in the field of minimally invasive esthetic dentistry applied to the restorations of anterior and posterior teeth.

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.

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.

Dr. Pascal Magne recently joined Beverly Hills Dental Lab as Director of its Center for Education and Research in Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry (CER BRD), after a long and distinguished career in dental academia and research. Upon graduating from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in 1989 with a Med Dent degree, he was offered a position as a lecturer at the dental school, while practicing and receiving further training in fixed prosthodontics and other technical skills. At the same time, he pursued two doctorates, one awarded in 1992 (DMD) and the other in 2002 (Ph.D.), the latter in conjunction with co-authoring the book Bonded Porcelain Restorations in the Anterior Dentition: A Biomimetic Approach, with his mentor, Professor Urs Belser, which has been translated into 12 languages. "The biomimetic principle refers to using technology and dental materials to preserve and replicate the structure and function of teeth," he explained. He would add to his research on dental innovations at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1997-1999, before returning to Geneva. His discoveries have been widely published, resulting in many awards.Before his graduation from dental school, Pascal had been captivated by the beautiful photos of the lifelike porcelain restorations created by his older brother, Michel, who was the in-house technician for a dentist. In 1991, Pascal started working with Claude Sieber using a new dental porcelain developed with Vita. It was a turning point. "For the first time I could see the porcelain of a master inside of the mouth of my own patients," he said. Pascal was recruited as a full-time tenured faculty of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California School in 2004, as the Don and Sybil Harrington Professor of Esthetic dentistry. During his tenure at Ostrow, Dr. Magne spearheaded a multitude of curricular innovations in the areas of biomimetics, minimally invasive dentistry, and bonding techniques. His scholarly activity during his years there yielded over 100 peer-reviewed publications and over 200 continuing education programs nationally and internationally. As the preclinical director (2012-2020) of the Dental Morphology, Function and Esthetics module at Ostrow, Dr. Magne has also developed an innovative approach to teaching dental anatomy and morphology. In 2021, Dr. Magne published the second edition of his bestselling book entitled Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry. It has already been translated into several languages. After 33 years in the Academia, Dr. Magne eagerly accepted the exciting opportunity of the CER BRD educational programs offered by Beverly Hills Dental Laboratory last year.

George A. Mandelaris, DDS, MS, is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a fellow in both the American and International College of Dentists. He has published more than 40 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and has authored eleven chapters in nine different textbooks. Dr Mandelaris is coeditor of Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy: An Interdisciplinary Approach (Springer, 2022) and serves as an editorial consultant for The International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry. He is a two-time recipient of the American Academy of Periodontology’s Clinical Research Award and the 2018 recipient of the Saul Schluger Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. Dr Mandelaris maintains a private practice in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Ricardo Mitrani, received his DDS degree from the Unitec University of México City; a certificate in Prosthodontics as well as a Master of Science in Dentistry from the University of Washington, where he served as the Graduate Prosthodontics program’s assistant director during the year of 2001.  He currently holds academic affiliations at the University of Washington, and is a resident faculty at SPEAR Education in Scottsdale Arizona. He is a member of several organizations including the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry. He is part of the editorial board of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry (JERD), The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry (JCD) and Compendium, as well as the Executive director of Spear Digest. Dr Mitrani has authored numerous scientific publications and chapters in textbooks in the fields of Implant Prosthodontics and Aesthetic dentistry and has given over 600 lectures around the globe, maintaining a private practice limited to Prosthodontics, Implants and Aesthetic dentistry in Mexico City.  

Ms. Morgan joined Spear in 2018 as Vice President of Consulting Strategy. For more than 25 years as a consultant and trainer, and as former CEO of Pride Institute — a nationally acclaimed, practice management consulting company — she and her teams have revitalized thousands of dental practices using management systems proven to help dentists become more secure, efficient and profitable. Ms. Morgan started working at Pride in 1993 and, through the mentorship of renowned practice management expert Dr. Jim Pride, advanced from serving as a consultant and trainer to leading the organization as chief executive. She led Pride as CEO and owner from 2004 to 2018. A prolific speaker, Ms. Morgan has presented throughout North America and Europe and has been featured at every major dental meeting, including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and numerous regional organizations. She has also presented customized programs for various study groups and dental companies. Ms. Morgan is also an active writer and contributes regular practice management articles to Spear Digest. 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 — provide real solutions to help doctors and their teams address the daily issues that arise in the evolution of their practices.

Qualified at the Royal London Hospital in 1995; achieving a number of awards including The Constance Klein Memorial, The Stafford Millar, and The Malcolm Jenkins Scholarships, 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.

Dr Van Dooren attended the Katholieke University in Leuven, Belgium, where he received his degree in dentistry in 1982. After graduation, he opened a private practice in periodontics, fixed prosthodontics, and implants in Antwerp, Belgium. He is an active member of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Dr Van Dooren lectures nationally and internationally mainly on esthetics, implants, and esthetic periodontal surgery.

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.