Saturday, October 30
1:45 – 2:15 p.m. CT
Patient Collaboration: The Art of Applying the Science
Gary M. DeWood, DDS, MS
Cave Creek, AZ

The ultimate collaboration is the one we forge with the patient. We trained and continue to train continuously in the science of exceptional restorative dentistry, the science of patient rehabilitation. The art lies in being invited to apply that science through collaboration with the patient. Bob Barkley observed, “A patient may be so conditioned by a lifetime of unsatisfactory dental experiences or incorrect thinking relative to dentistry that he has difficulty discovering his deepest concerns for dental health.” To practice the science of dental rehabilitation, we must become skilled in restoring the capacity of our patients for health, we must rehabilitate the way they think and help them see (and desire) their possible future. When art and science are thus blended, patients become more than collaborators, they become co-therapists in their dental rehabilitation. The art powers the science.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Recognize the patient who is ready for change with their dentistry.
• Facilitate rehabilitation of the patient as well as their dentition.
• Create collaborative solutions with patients.

Biography: Dr. Gary DeWood lives in Phoenix with his wife of 43 years, orthodontist Dr. Cheryl DeWood. He graduated in 1980, and in 2004 earned a Master of Science degree at The University of Toledo College of Medicine. He left full-time private practice in 2003 to serve as clinical director at The Pankey Institute, and in 2008 joined Frank Spear. He is a founding member of Spear Education and today serves as Executive Vice-President. He maintains a limited private practice on the Spear campus, teaching in workshops, online, study clubs, and Spear Practice Solutions.