I attend Study Clubs about three times per month. These occur after work at an office of one of our members. The purpose of our study clubs that are run using a "Spear" Model is to have presentations that are interactive that encourage our members to ask questions and share their related experiences. Our members understand that its best tnot to be critical of other attendees but they are free to politely disagree and explain why.
The purpose our clubs is to help improve the skills and knowledge of our attendees. This should help them become more effective and better able to achieve more predictable dental outcomes. Since all dentists occasionally experience non ideal outcomes, it is important for us to analyze why they happen and how to avoid them in the future.
I have been participating in Spear study Clubs for more than 13 years and it has helped me become a better dentist. Currently I lead my own club 10 times a year and am an assistant leader in two other Spear Clubs in Manhattan. We encourage our members to invite colleagues as their guests and it really gratifying seeing a light bulb turn on in many of our guest attendees. Many are caught up in the day to day activities involved with seeing their patients but are missing the kind of back and forth discussions that occur in a good study club setting.
While most enjoy the club experience, not every guest joins us on a yearly basis since this involves an investment of their time and money. Joining a club requires a certain amount of commitment. Spear bills members a monthly fee to have access to their online educational videos and participation in a study club. Currently members are required to pay a monthly fee of $270 for a 10 months in order to be a Spear Study Club member.
While some younger dentists may balk at making this financial commitment, I believe in the long run this is a very good investment in themselves. At the very least , after participating for a period of time they will be better able to explain procedures and rational behind the treatment plans they may recommend to their patients. Also speaking with other skilled dentists tends to help them understand the different options that they may present to their patients as well as being more successful in gaining acceptance of their treatment plans.
About the author: Lawrence Spindel is a Dentist in New York City, who maintains a dental practice in midtown Manhattan. For more articles by him please visit his Ask Dr Spindel Blog
I found your article on the importance of attending study clubs quite insightful. Your emphasis on the value of continuous learning, networking, and sharing experiences with peers in the dental profession is spot-on. It's evident that such clubs can be a great resource for dentists to stay updated and enhance their skills. Thanks for sharing this perspective!
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