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.

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.

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. 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.”

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.

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.

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. McKee has maintained a private practice in Downers Grove, Illinois, since 1984 and has experience treating a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society.

He has lectured both nationally and internationally for more than 25 years, directs several study clubs and serves as an instructor in Spear’s Demystifying Occlusion seminar.

Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984.

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. After spending 3 years in oral surgery residency in London and a further year practicing restorative dentistry in London’s Harley Street Medical District, he relocated to Cornwall in the extreme southwest of England. Jason practices at Revitalise Dental Centre, Cornwall, UK where his main focus is microscope enhanced adhesive dentistry.

His specific interest is direct composite resin artistry and minimally invasive all ceramic restorations, and he has presented to dentists locally, nationally and internationally (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe) on this topic. He is a Post-Graduate Clinical Lecturer in both the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly and Plymouth Foundation Dental Practitioners Schemes.

He has given 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. He is a UK “Opinion Leader” for Cosmedent , A European“Key Opinion Leader” for Kulzer and is a member of the European Restorative Advisory Board for GC Europe. Jason is Resident Faculty at The Centre for Esthetic Excellence, Chicago,USA. He is an Accredited International Trainer for Carl Zeiss Dental Academy.

Jason has achieved Diplomat Status in Restorative Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons (England). He is on the Editorial Board of The Russian Journal of Esthetic Dentistry and 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)

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.

Dr. Mendelson is a Spear Resident Faculty member and Spear’s Executive Vice President of Practice Growth. He is responsible for coaching Spear Study Club leaders and Masters Program Members, directs the Spear Faculty Club, and is also the host of the Spear Annual Summit.

Prior to joining Spear, Dr. Mendelson spent several years as the director of education at Americus Dental Lab in Clearwater, Fla. This was followed by positions with VITA in North America as their director of professional development and clinical business director.

Dr. Mendelson earned his D.D.S. from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland, and maintained a private restorative general practice for almost 10 years before ceasing practice due to chronic pain issues in his hand. Dr. Mendelson 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.

In 2017, he completed a 300+ hour program to earn his certification as a Certified Professional Coach to better serve our Study Club leaders and Masters Program Members. In 2019, Dr. Mendelson then earned a certification in Positive Psychology/Happiness Studies from Dr. Tal Ben Shahar who is one of the leading authorities in this area.

Dr. Mitrani has authored many scientific articles and chapters in textbooks on implant prosthodontics and esthetic dentistry. He has given more than 500 lectures in 30 countries, maintains a private practice in Mexico City limited to prosthodontics and implants, serves as an instructor in Spear Seminars, frequently contributes to Spear Digest, and develops numerous lessons for Spear Online.

A member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the International College of Dentistry, Dr. Mitrani also serves on the editorial boards of numerous peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry and the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry. He holds academic affiliation at the National University of Mexico and serves as affiliate associate professor at the University of Washington.

Dr. Mitrani received his D.D.S. degree from the UNITEC University of Mexico City. He then obtained a certificate in prosthodontics and M.S.D. in dentistry from the University of Washington, where he served as the graduate prosthodontics program’s assistant director in 2001.

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.

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. 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. Benting has developed content for Spear Digest and for several Spear Study Club modules. He developed, and continues to present, the Restoring the Edentulous Arch workshop with fellow Resident Faculty member Dr. Darin Dichter.

Dr. Benting maintains a prosthodontic referral practice in Phoenix. He is a past president of the Arizona section of the American College of Prosthodontists and currently serves on the ACP Board of Directors. He served as an adjunct faculty member in the prosthodontic clinic at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health and at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

Dr. Benting earned a B.S. from University of South Dakota in 1994, D.D.S. from University of Minnesota in 1999 and certificate in prosthodontics with a Master of Science in 2002, also from Minnesota. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a fellow of the ACP.

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.

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.