"If people don't value dental health, I don't care if it's free. They're not doing it." — Dr. Frank Spear

In this "Very Dental Classics" throwback episode Alan sits down with the legendary Dr. Frank Spear at the 2022 Spear Summit. Recorded in the quiet moments of the exhibit hall, the duo explores the evolution of the Summit from a small faculty gathering into a global "family reunion" for the dental community. Dr. Spear shares personal reflections on the state of dental education post-pandemic and his own journey as a "dental dad," but the heart of the discussion lies in the philosophy of patient communication.

Through the lens of storytelling, Frank breaks down the essential triad of patient care: balancing clinical needs with a patient's personal values and resources. From the poignant (and humorous) story of "setting patients free" to protect the team's "energy dollars," this episode serves as a timeless masterclass on how to build a practice that is as mentally fulfilling as it is clinically excellent.

The Spear Treatment Planning Triad

One of the most impactful segments of the discussion involves how Dr. Spear evaluates whether a patient is a good fit for comprehensive care. He suggests that success happens at the intersection of three specific factors:

Dental Needs: What you find during the clinical exam and radiographs.
Dental Values: How much the patient actually cares about their health and respects your expertise.
Patient Resources: The financial and time-related ability to follow through with treatment.

Some links from the show:

Spear Education

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Very Dental Classics: A Conversation with Dr. Frank Spear