--- title: "Dental Study Clubs: What They Are, How to Join or Start One" description: "Dental study clubs explained: what they are, the main types, what to ask before you join, and how to start one, with details from each group's own pages." url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-study-clubs publisher: Copeland Consulting Services email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact --- # Dental study clubs: what they are, how to join one and how to start one A dental study club is a group of dental professionals who meet regularly to discuss real cases and learn together. Some are run by national education networks, some are organized locally by alumni of a course, and some are informal. Credit for fellowship or mastership requires an approved provider. GuideUpdated October 26, 20269 min read 1. 1 ## Peer case review Spear describes its clubs as local groups that meet regularly to collaborate on real-world cases. 2. 2 ## Several formats Some clubs follow a network's curriculum, some are self-organized by alumni, and some are informal. 3. 3 ## Credit has rules AGD says only hours from PACE or ADA CERP approved organizations count toward its Fellowship and Mastership awards. 4. 4 ## Starting one Spear, Seattle Study Club and the Kois Center each publish their own process for leading or starting a club. Dentists often work with few chances to talk through a hard case with a peer. A study club is one way to fix that. This guide explains what a study club is, the main kinds, what to ask before joining, and how groups describe the steps to start one. Every organization is described only from its own public pages, as opened in October 2026. ## What is a dental study club? A dental study club is a group of dental professionals who meet on a regular schedule to learn together, usually by discussing real cases. The details differ by group. Some follow a set curriculum. Others are informal and set their own topics. Spear Education gives a clear example of the structured form. It describes a Spear Study Club as “a local group of dental professionals who meet regularly to collaborate on real-world cases, follow a faculty-designed curriculum, and grow together in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.” It contrasts that with informal clubs, saying its clubs add structured, faculty-designed meeting content, integrated CE opportunities, a digital platform and leadership resources. Seattle Study Club describes a similar idea. Its About page says it combines “hands-on learning, case study discussions, and access to world-renowned speakers.” It says the organization was founded in 1992 and has grown into a global network. Its home page says it has 250+ study clubs nationwide. The word [study club](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/study-club) therefore covers a wide range, from a handful of local colleagues to a branded national network. The shared features are regular meetings, peer discussion and a focus on practice problems. ## What are the main types of dental study clubs? Most clubs fall into three groups: network-run clubs, alumni-organized groups and independent local groups. The first two have published rules. The third has no central source, so the rules are whatever the members agree on. Type How it is organized Example from the group’s own page Network-run club A national education company sets the curriculum and supports local leaders Spear Study Clubs follow a faculty-designed curriculum Network-run club with a club director A network approves local clubs and directors Seattle Study Club accepts applications to start a club and to take a club director role Alumni-organized group Graduates of a teaching center organize a local group Kois Study Groups are “self-organized by local Alumni” Independent local group Colleagues set their own rules, topics and schedule No central rules; set by the members Spear also says its clubs welcome mixed groups. Its page states that “specialists, general and restorative dentists, and lab technicians are welcome.” Mixed groups can help a general dentist see how a case looks from a specialist’s side. They can also help a specialist see how referrals land in a general practice. The Kois Center page adds a limit that matters. It says its support materials for study groups need completion of listed Kois courses. Some groups may be open to anyone, and some may tie parts of the program to course history. Read the entry rules before you apply. ## What do study clubs offer? A study club offers regular peer review of cases, a place to compare methods, and in some programs a path to continuing education credit. Each group describes its own benefits, and none of these claims is independently measured. - **Peer feedback.** Spear says “most dentists spend their days making high-stakes decisions without another clinician to consult,” and presents its clubs as a way to close that gap. - **Case collaboration.** Seattle Study Club’s home page quotes a club director who wanted dentists to “talk to each other, make contact with other specialists, and not be afraid to say ‘I don’t know how to do this.’” That is one director’s stated aim, not a measured result. - **Referral relationships.** Spear says its clubs “strengthen your referral network.” This is the company’s description. - **Leadership skills.** Spear says it supports club leaders as they build leadership skills and run effective meetings. - **Continuing education.** Spear says its meetings are “part of the larger Spear learning ecosystem, so you can earn CE credits.” See the credit section below. Treat these as the organizers’ descriptions. Before joining, ask for a sample agenda, the member mix and the list of meeting dates. Those details tell you more than a brochure does. For background on continuing education as a whole, read the [continuing education guide](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-continuing-education) and the glossary entry on [continuing education](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/continuing-education). ## How do study clubs relate to CE credit? Study club meetings count toward continuing education only when the organization that gives the credit is approved. AGD says this directly. Its awards page states: “Only hours earned from AGD PACE- or ADA CERP-approved organizations can be applied to the award CE requirements.” [PACE](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/pace) is the AGD Program Approval for Continuing Education. AGD’s page says the program “approves continuing dental education (CDE) organizations, not speakers or course content.” It also separates local from national approval. Local approval fits an organization that “draws participants from a single state or province and only offers in-person courses that do not award CE for the completion of homework assignments.” Seattle Study Club’s About page shows the practical side. A staff member’s role description says her primary focus is “assisting clubs with AGD PACE applications.” That tells you some networks help local clubs seek approval. An independent group can ask the same question of any CE provider it works with. Use these checks: 1. Ask who the approved provider is for the club’s CE. 2. Ask how credit is documented and who reports it. 3. Check your state board’s current rules for the hours you need. For Missouri, see [Missouri dental CE requirements](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/missouri-dental-ce-requirements). 4. If you plan to pursue AGD awards, read the [AGD fellowship and mastership guide](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/agd-fellowship-and-mastership) and confirm that the hours count. 5. Keep your own record of every meeting, topic and hour. Credit rules change. Treat the club’s statement as a starting point and confirm with the board or the awarding body. Terms such as [CE credit](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ce-credit) and [Academy of General Dentistry](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/academy-of-general-dentistry) are explained in the glossary. ## How do you join a dental study club? Join by contacting the organizer through the group’s own page, then confirming fit and cost. The steps below are a general checklist. The details of each program come from its own site. 1. **Find clubs near you.** Seattle Study Club offers a club locator on its home page. Kois Study Groups list location, meeting frequency, whether the group is accepting new members, and a contact person. Spear says members can “join an existing club near you.” 2. **Check the entry rule.** Spear says that “as a Spear Practice member, you can join an existing club near you or start a new one.” Kois limits its group support materials to people who completed listed Kois courses. Ask each organizer what membership needs. 3. **Ask to attend as a guest.** Some groups may allow it. The pages reviewed here do not say, so ask. 4. **Review the cost.** The pages reviewed for this guide did not give one price for all clubs. Ask for current dues, extra fees, and any required membership in the sponsoring organization. 5. **Compare time.** Count meeting dates, travel and the hours away from your practice, and decide what the club needs from you between meetings. A local dental society or your state association may also know of groups in your area. See [what organized dentistry is](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/what-is-organized-dentistry) for how those societies work. Question to ask Why it matters Who is in the group (general dentists, specialists, lab, team)? Shapes the cases and the advice you get How often does it meet, and for how long? Sets the time cost Is there a set curriculum, or do members choose topics? Sets the level of structure Who provides CE credit, and is that provider approved? Decides whether hours count What are the dues and other fees? Sets the total cost Who leads, and how is the leader chosen? Shapes how the meetings run ## How do you start a dental study club? You can start an independent club on your own, or apply to lead a club in a network. Each network publishes its own route, and you should read the current version on its page. **Network routes, from each group’s own page:** - **Spear.** The Spear page offers a “Lead a Club” option. It says Spear supports “club leaders as they build leadership skills and run effective meetings.” It says specialists, general and restorative dentists, and lab technicians are welcome to start or join, and that a Spear Practice member can start a new club “with full support from Spear.” - **Seattle Study Club.** The home page has “Apply to Start a Club” and “Apply for Club Director Role” options. The page does not list the full approval steps, so contact the organization for them. - **Kois Center.** The Kois page says to “view the guidelines to organize an official Kois Study Group.” Its form asks for the group name, location, how often it will meet, whether it is accepting new members, and a contact person. **If you start an independent group,** these are decisions to settle early. They are common planning questions, not sourced requirements. 1. **Purpose.** Pick a clear aim, such as case review, a technique, or practice management. 2. **Members.** Decide the size, who may join and how new members are added. 3. **Schedule.** Set a regular day, a location and a meeting length. 4. **Format.** Choose between case presentations, a reading list, a guest speaker, or a mix. 5. **Ground rules.** Agree on respect, confidentiality and how patient information is handled. Remove patient identifiers from any case shared outside the practice, and follow the privacy rules that apply to you. See [HIPAA for dental offices](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/hipaa-for-dental-offices). 6. **CE credit.** If you want to offer credit, ask an approved provider whether they can sponsor the meetings. AGD’s PACE page says the program approves organizations, so a single club does not receive approval by choosing a topic. 7. **Leadership.** Name a leader and a back-up. Rotate duties so the club does not depend on one person. 8. **Review.** After three or four meetings, ask members what is working and change the plan. A study club is also a place to build [mentorship](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/mentorship) and [case presentation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/case-presentation) skills. Those are the same skills teams use in daily practice. ## What should you watch for before committing? Look past the marketing and ask for specifics. Several of the pages reviewed here use strong promotional language, such as claims about prestige or results. Those are the organizations’ own words and have not been checked by this guide. - **Outcome claims.** A network may say members grow their practices. Ask for the basis, and note whether it is a measured result or a testimonial. - **Product ties.** Ask whether the club is linked to a company that sells materials or equipment, and whether the content is tied to a product. AGD’s PACE page says participants may not be obligated “to utilize a volume of any products and/or services” as a condition of certification offered through an approved provider. - **Fit.** A club for restorative case work will not help much if you want practice management topics. - **Time and cost.** Add up fees, travel and time away from the chair. - **Participation.** A club works when members prepare and take part. A passive club gives less. ## Next step Read the [continuing education guide](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-continuing-education) for how study clubs sit alongside courses and meetings, and visit the [education page](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/education). [Contact Dr. Copeland about study clubs](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=study-club). Dr. Jon Copeland, DDS, is a general dentist in Wildwood, Missouri. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a dental study club? A dental study club is a group of dental professionals who meet on a regular schedule to review cases and learn from each other. Spear describes its version as a local group that meets regularly to collaborate on real-world cases and follows a faculty-designed curriculum. Other clubs run without a set curriculum. ### How do I join a dental study club? Start with the organizer's own page. Spear says a Spear Practice member can join an existing club near them. Seattle Study Club offers a club locator and a membership application. Kois Study Groups list locations, meeting frequency and whether they accept new members. Contact the club contact directly. ### How do I start a dental study club? You can start an independent group or apply through a network. Spear invites members to lead a club. Seattle Study Club accepts applications to start a club. The Kois Center publishes guidelines to organize an official study group. Compare each program's requirements, support and costs before you commit. ### Do study clubs give continuing education credit? Some do, but only when the provider is approved. AGD says only hours earned from AGD PACE or ADA CERP approved organizations can count toward its award requirements. Ask any club who the approved provider is and how credit is reported before you rely on it. ### Can a general dentist join a study club with specialists? Often yes. Spear says specialists, general and restorative dentists, and lab technicians are welcome in its clubs. Other groups set their own rules, so ask the club contact who the members are and how often they meet. ### How much does a study club cost? Costs vary by program, and the pages reviewed for this guide did not state a single price that applies to all clubs. Ask each club for current dues, any required membership in the sponsoring organization, meeting fees and travel costs. Compare the total with the hours and the value you expect. ## Terms on this page - [Academy of General Dentistry](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/academy-of-general-dentistry) - [Continuing education](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/continuing-education) - [Organized dentistry](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/organized-dentistry) - [Case presentation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/case-presentation) - [Fellowship (AGD)](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/fellowship-agd) - [Mastership (AGD)](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/mastership-agd) - [Spear Study Club](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/spear-study-club) - [Leadership](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/leadership) - [Mentorship](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/mentorship) - [CE credit](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ce-credit) ## Sources 1. [Spear Education: Dental Study Clubs](https://www.speareducation.com/study-club) 2. [Seattle Study Club: About Seattle Study Club](https://www.seattlestudyclub.com/about) 3. [Seattle Study Club: Home](https://www.seattlestudyclub.com/) 4. [Kois Center: Kois Study Groups](https://www.koiscenter.com/members-alumni/kois-study-groups/) 5. [AGD: Awards and Recognition (FAGD, MAGD, LLSR)](https://www.agd.org/education/awards-recognition/agd-awards-and-recognition) 6. [AGD: PACE Program Information](https://www.agd.org/education/awards-recognition/pace-program-information) Written by Copeland Consulting Services and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Rules, data and guidance change, so check the linked page before you act on it. ## Keep reading - [Dental continuing education: Missouri rules, AGD awards, study clubs and CE formatsMissouri dentists must complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 40 hours tied directly to patient treatment, health and safety. Hours are reported through CE Broker. Beyond the license rule, the AGD sets separate award goals: 500 approved hours for Fellowship and 1,100 for Mastership.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-continuing-education) - [AGD Fellowship and Mastership: requirements, hours and the path between themAGD Fellowship (FAGD) needs three continuous years of AGD membership, 500 approved CE hours, a passed exam and a convocation visit. Mastership (MAGD) needs Fellowship plus 1,100 total approved hours, 400 of them hands-on. Both require an application by December 31. Details come from AGD pages checked in October 2026.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/agd-fellowship-and-mastership) - [What is organized dentistry? How the ADA and MDA workOrganized dentistry is the system of dental societies that represents dentists. In the tripartite model, a dentist joins a local component society, a state society and the American Dental Association. The ADA's House of Delegates is its legislative body, and its Board of Trustees is its managing body.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/what-is-organized-dentistry) - [HIPAA for dental offices: a plain checklist for ownersHIPAA has three rules most dental offices must know: the Privacy Rule, the Security Rule and the Breach Notification Rule. The Security Rule asks for administrative, physical and technical safeguards for electronic patient information. After a breach, notice goes to patients and HHS, and sometimes the media. Ask a qualified adviser about your office.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/hipaa-for-dental-offices) - [Missouri dental CE requirements and CE broker explainedMissouri law requires a dentist to show 50 hours of continuing education from the two years before renewal. The Missouri Dental Board now uses CE Broker as its official CE system, and licensees report CE there before the license expires or during renewal. A basic account costs nothing.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/blog/missouri-dental-ce-requirements) - [Dental practice ownership: buying, starting, valuing, selling, associates and DSOsDentists reach ownership by starting a practice, buying one, buying in as a partner, or working as an associate or for a DSO first. ADA data show 73 percent of dentists owned a practice in 2023, down from 85 percent in 2005. Each path needs an attorney, a CPA and often a lender or broker.](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/guides/dental-practice-ownership) ## Talk with Dr. Copeland [Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)