Frank M. Spear, DDS, MSD (born February 21, 1953) achieved a Masters of Science in Periodontal-Prosthodontics from The University of Washington Dental School and is the Founder and Director of Spear Education. He has been recognized by various academies for his contributions to esthetic and restorative dentistry. His personal passions involve collecting automobiles, motorcycles, and shooting artistic photography.
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Frank graduated with Honors with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He was accepted into the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where he attained his Doctor of Dental Surgery and graduated as Valedictorian in 1979. He was then accepted into the Perio-Prosthodontic Program at the University of Washington, where he received a Master of Science in Dentistry.
Dr. Spear began his career in dentistry in 1977 in private practice before working as a lab technician from 1981-1982. He then joined Fixed Prosthodontic Associates in Tacoma, where he practiced for twelve years. In 1995, Dr. Spear opened his own private practice in Seattle, specializing in comprehensive restorative and esthetic dentistry, where he continues to practice when he is not teaching or lecturing.
Dr. Spear co-founded Creating Restorative Excellence, a didactic and clinical education foundation. He became an affiliate professor in Graduate Prosthodontics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1984, and still teaches there today.
In 1994, Dr. Spear founded The Seattle Institute of Advanced Dental Education. SIADE, later renamed The Spear Institute, which teaches clinical and technical workshops for dentists, technicians and their staff. In 2008, The Spear Institute became Spear Education, and was expanded from the small Seattle campus to Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, a much larger venue in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Another element of Dr. Spear’s emphasis on education has been through a twenty-five year interdisciplinary alliance with orthodontist Dr. Vincent Kokich and periodontist Dr. David Mathews. The three have travelled the world together lecturing on interdisciplinary dentistry.
To date, Dr. Spear has presented more than 2,000 days of dental continuing education in North America, Europe and Asia.
Dr. Spear’s major contribution to dentistry has been in his influence on dentists to not only improve clinical skills, but also to enhance the quality of their lives and the enjoyment of their profession. He teaches dentistry students how to problem-solve, and how to treatment plan in a logical manner. He simplifies and de-mystifies complex issues in dentistry so that the dentist gains confidence and aptitude simultaneously, resulting in greater satisfaction in doing the dentistry.
Academy of Prosthodontists, American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (former President), American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, American College of Prosthodontists, American Dental Association, International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy
1993: Christensen Award for Excellence in Restorative Education, 1996: American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Achievement Award for Advancing the Science and Art of Cosmetic Dentistry in the United States, 1996: Schluger Award for Excellence in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, 2004: Academy of Esthetic Dentistry President’s Award (inaugural award), 2004: Pacific Lutheran University Distinguished Alumnus Award: 2009-2010 Townie Award Winner
Spear, FM., Kokich, V., Mathews, D. Interior Management of Anterior Dental Esthetics. The Journal of the American Dental Association 2006;137;160-169
Spear, FM., Kokich, V., Mathews, D. Inheriting the Unhappy Patient: An Interdisciplinary Case Report. Advanced Esthetic and Interdisciplinary Dentistry 2005;1(2):12-22
Spear, FM. The Role of Temporization in Interdisciplinary Periodontal and Orthodontic Treatment. Advanced Esthetic and Interdisciplinary Dentistry 2005;1(2):2-9
Spear, FM. Esthetic Correction of Anterior Dental Malalignment: Conventional versus Instant (Restorative) Orthodontics. Advanced Esthetic and Interdisciplinary Dentistry 2005;1(2):20-32
Spear, FM, Kokich, V., Mathews, D. Interdisciplinary Management of a Patient with a Skeletal Deformity. Advanced Esthetic and Interdisciplinary Dentistry 2005;1(2)12-18
Spear, FM. Margin Placement for Anterior Esthetic Restorations. Advanced Esthetic and Interdisciplinary Dentistry 2005;1(2):4-9
Spear, FM. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning to Optimize the Periodontal Restorative Interrelationship. Advanced Esthetic and Interdisciplinary Dentistry 2005;1(1)6-11
Spear, FM. Forming an Interdisciplinary Team: A Key Element in Practicing with Confidence and Efficiency. The Journal of the American Dental Association 2005;136:1463-1464
Spear, FM. An Interview with Dr. Frank Spear. The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry 2005;21(1)18-25
Spear, FM. Esthetic Correction of Anterior Dental Malalignment: Conventional versus Instant (Restorative) Orthodontics. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry 2004;16:149-164
Spear, FM. The Esthetic Correction of Anterior Dental Mal-alignment Conventional vs. Instant (Restorative) Orthodontics. CDA Journal 2004;32(2):133-141
Spear, FM. Occlusion in the New Millennium: The Controversy Continues. Signature. 2001
Spear, FM. The Metal Free Practice: Myth? Reality? Desirable Goal? Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2001; 13 (1): 59-66
Spear, FM. High Cost of Clinical Failure. Dental Practice Finance. June 1999;7(5):56-60
Spear, FM. Restorative Considerations in Combined Orthodontic Implant Therapy. Orthodontic Applications of Osseointegrated Implants, ED. K Higuchi, Quintessence, Chapter 7, 2000
Kokich, V., Spear, FM., Kokich Jr. VO. Maximizing Anterior Esthetics: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Frontiers of Dental and Facial Esthetics 2001;38:1-18
Spear, FM. Periodontal Restorative Interrelationships. Clinical Periodontology 9th Edition, 2002
Spear, FM. The Esthetic Management of Dental Problems with Restorative Dentistry. Compendium. 1999; 20(10):912-918 Spear, FM. Construction and Use of a Surgical Guide for Anterior Periodontal Surgery. Contemporary Esthetic Dentistry 1999;3(4):12-24
Spear FM. When to Restore, When to Remove: The Single Debilitated Tooth. Compendium 1999;20(4):316-328
Spear FM. Maintenance of the Interdental Papilla Following Anterior Tooth Removal. Practical Periodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry 1999;11(1):21-28
Spear, FM. Implementing the Plan: The Economics of Restorative Dentistry. Seattle Study Club Journal. Spring 1998;2(2):29-37
Spear, FM. When to Restore and When to Remove. Seattle Study Club Journal. Fall 1998;2(4):33-40
Spear, FM. The Maxillary Central Incisal Edge: A Key to Esthetic and Functional Treatment Planning. Aurum Ceramic Dental Laboratories. December 1998;11(4):1-5
Spear FM. The Economics of Restorative Dentistry. Oral-Health of Canada. September 1998;42-45
Spear FM. The Economics of Restorative Dentistry. Dental Economics. February 1998;42-50
Spear, FM. Fundamental Occlusal Therapy Considerations. Science and Practice of Occlusion. C McNeill, Ed. Quintessence Publishing Co., Illinois, pp. 421–436, 1997
Spear, FM. Occlusal Considerations for Complex Restorative Therapy. Science and Practice of Occlusion. C McNeill, Ed. Quintessence Publishing Co., Illinois, pp. 437–456, 1997
Kokich, V., Spear, FM. Guidelines for Treating the Orthodontic-Restorative Patient. Seminars in Treating the Orthodontics Dentofacial Orthopedics. 1997;3:3-20
Kokich, V., Spear, F. Interdisciplinary Management of Single-Tooth Implants. Seminars in Treating the Orthodontics Dentofacial Orthopedics. 1997;3:45-72
Spear, FM. A Conceptual Basis for Full-Coverage Anterior Tooth Preparation. Contemporary Esthetic Dentistry 1997;3(3):1-6
Spear, FM. Aesthetics: Dentofacial Aesthetics Poses Puzzles Teamwork Can Solve. Dentistry Today. May 1997;4(8):34-37
Spear, FM. A Facial Approach to Aesthetic Dentistry. Dentistry Today. 1992;Volume 4,28-31.
Kois, J and Spear, FM. Periodontal Prosthesis: Creating Successful Restorations. The Journal of the American Dental Association. October 1992;10(123)
Spear, FM. The Effect of Topical Fluorides on the Surface of Autoglazed Porcelain. Italian Dental Journal 1992