Popular Study Club Modules to Guide Interdisciplinary Cases

Sure, collaborating with like-minded peers is an effective way to learn. But do you and members of your interdisciplinary team have the resources to bolster your lessons?

As part of the small-group dynamic of Spear Study Club, specialists, general practitioners and other interdisciplinary team members explore multimedia modules that reinforce how to shape more productive referral relationships. 

Read our list of these popular study club modules to explore the real-world cases that you and members of your referral network could use to support purposeful meetings in your town. Leading a club helps you encourage stronger interdisciplinary teamwork in your community, which benefits everyone – namely your patients.

No. 1

Root Fractures – An Interdisciplinary Approach

In this module, endodontist Dr. Lou Berman discusses the various clinical and radiographic presentations of root fractures, how the diagnosis is made, the prognosis assessment of teeth having or suspected of having root fractures, and how the root fractures can be managed.

No. 2

Liz – Managing Implant Patients Who Have Gone Through Craniofacial Growth

This module addresses a common problem with implant patients, particularly with single-tooth implants. You’ll examine the implications of aging changes, or residual growth, on patients who have undergone implant therapy and consider traditional criteria to ascertain when the patient is done growing.

No. 3

Taking an Interdisciplinary Approach to Dental Traumatology

Dr. Berman, a frequent Spear specialist instructor and Fellow of the American College of Dentists, explains proper assessment of dental trauma and how it is essential to successful treatment planning. In this module, you’ll learn how to diagnose and treat horizontal root fractures, in addition to specific approaches to avulsions and traumatic dental injuries.

No. 4

Functional Treatment Planning

Occlusion is one of the most complex clinical challenges to understand, diagnose and treat. New and seasoned dentists alike will benefit from Dr. Frank Spear’s insight into the most common functional issues and wear patterns resulting from poor occlusion. With this module, your study club will gain confidence in evaluating and treating complex cases and ensure greater functional outcomes for patients.

No. 5

Fred – Treating the Terminal Dentition with Bi-Maxillary Implant Supported Fixed Solutions

In this module, Dr. Ricardo Mitrani discusses the interdisciplinary management of terminal dentition leading to a fixed implant-supported solution for both the mandibular and maxillary arches. You’ll review how to diagnose the etiology, perform a clinical assessment, put forward treatment options and determine an ideal sequence of therapy.

No. 6

Jane – 30 Years of Iatrogenic Care

Follow the case of a patient who has suffered through remakes, endodontic treatment and failure, tooth loss and root resorption. This module addresses Jane’s unique case history and leads your study club through the interdisciplinary treatment planning options, illustrating etiologies and alternatives to generate more consistently predictable results.

No. 7

Simmie – Hybrid Framework Supported on Tilted Implants

In this module, you’ll follow the case of a 78-year-old woman who is resigned to lose her teeth but wants to find a way to be comfortable, keep her mouth clean and eat normally. This case discusses options for treating the terminal dentition and options for guided surgery.

No. 8

Treatment Planning and Phasing a Comprehensive Case

Dr. Greggory Kinzer lays out two different case examples to demonstrate methods for phasing comprehensive treatment in a way that is financially manageable for the patient. In this module, he introduces a four-step approach to treatment phasing and explains the importance of establishing esthetic and functional outcomes for a case before deciding “how” to get there.

No. 9

Luis – Comparison Between Restoring Poorly Placed Implants and a Carefully Planned and Well-Placed Implant

This module highlights the classic example of a patient coming in for one procedure but ultimately needing more comprehensive treatment, which sheds light on an important question: how do outcomes differ when you’re restoring poorly placed implants versus working with well-placed implants?

No. 10

Interdisciplinary Treatment of Dental Erosion

While clinicians typically consider dental caries and periodontal disease as the two most common endemic oral conditions, dental erosion cannot be overlooked. Its prevalence is staggering and truly represents an emerging dental health problem. This module addresses treatment planning for intrinsic erosion and how to discuss the complex issue with patients.

To learn more about Spear Study Club and how you can become a leader, contact your Spear advisor or visit https://www.speareducation.com/study-club/lead-a-club.