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Core 1: Occlusion & Smile Design, where students dive into the fundamentals of functional occlusion. This comprehensive course is designed to elevate your practice to new heights, offering a seamless integration of foundational occlusal principles with cutting-edge digital workflows. Beyond mastering the intricacies of esthetic dentistry, Core 1 provides practical strategies to reduce insurance dependency, ensuring a robust bottom line. Join us in redefining the possibilities of dental excellence and business success, positioning yourself as a leader in your community. The first step on the journey toward becoming a Dawson Scholar starts with Core 1.
Core 1 in the first course of Dawson’s Core Curriculum. Over two days, you’ll learn the requirements for occlusal stability to improve your practice–from examination and records to treatment planning to practice management.
Added material in this occlusion-led course includes patient communication, case acceptance, converting to a fee-for-service model, and more.
These timeless principles remain the foundation of quality care dentistry. True long-term success, otherwise known as predictability, in restorative care is the merger of esthetic, functional, and phonetic parameters. The foundation of The Dawson Academy is rooted in a complete understanding of how the TM joints, muscles, proprioceptive input, lower anterior teeth, upper anterior teeth, lower posterior teeth, and upper posterior teeth are designed to function in harmony with one another.
Examples will be presented for both analog and digital workflows–with bonus content catered to implementation and business management. Students will understand how integrity and fulfillment are intertwined to create the most efficient and predictable outcomes and results. This course will give you an insight and understanding that will change not only how you practice and manage, but your enjoyment of practice as well.
Gain a deeper understanding of occlusal concepts that form the backbone of predictable and effective dentistry. From identifying bite issues to mastering smile design, this course sets the stage for comprehensive patient care.
Learn proven methods to evaluate and diagnose patients with a systematic approach. Core 1 equips you with tools to identify and address underlying dental problems, creating treatment plans with clarity and precision.
See the big picture by understanding your patients' needs—from occlusal issues to their entire masticatory system. Learn to identify and address biomechanical factors that lead to problems before they arise.
Nope! You can just take Core 1. If you’re ready to take the rest of the Core Curriculum, we’d suggest bundling all of those courses with our Mini-Residency Program.
While we do not have a dedicated special available for new grads, we’re happy to see what options are available to you to get started with Dawson. Book a call to connect with a Course Advisor.
Core 1 is a two-day lecture course and is the first course of our Core Curriculum. As you progress through the Core Curriculum, hands-on training will begin at Core 2: Examination & Records
Absolutely! We offer interest-free payment plans. Learn more here.
Students are responsible for securing their hotel accommodations, we always suggest booking your stay near the venue. Contact us if you need any suggestions on where to stay.
Core 1 at The Dawson Academy covers the requirements for occlusal stability over two days, focusing on examination, records, treatment planning, and practice management. It includes patient communication, case acceptance, and transitioning to a fee-for-service model. The course emphasizes the principles of esthetic, functional, and phonetic harmony in restorative care, with a comprehensive understanding of TM joints, muscles, teeth, and their interactions. Both analog and digital workflows are discussed, with added content on implementation and business management. The course aims to enhance practice efficiency, predictability, and overall enjoyment in the field of dentistry.
The Dawson Academy is a postgraduate educational and clinical research facility offering advanced dental continuing education. Our Core Curriculum focuses on the principles of Complete Dentistry, empowering dental professionals to predictably diagnose and treat complex cases.
Complete Dentistry is a philosophy that focuses on treating patients comprehensively, addressing functional, aesthetic, and structural issues for long-lasting results. The Core Curriculum teaches you how to apply this approach systematically.
Dawson’s Core Curriculum is made up of seven foundational courses designed to help you master Complete Dentistry. You can choose individual courses across various locations or opt for our Mini-Residency Program, which bundles these courses into a fast-tracked pathway to graduation. We also offer specialized tracks for lab technicians. Whatever your path, everyone begins with Core 1: Occlusion & Smile Design.
The curriculum includes lectures, hands-on workshops, case discussions, and patient demonstrations. Each course builds on the last, creating a comprehensive learning experience.
Dental professionals who have completed the Core Curriculum report the ability to:
Our faculty includes industry-leading dentists and experts who practice the principles of Complete Dentistry in their own successful practices. They bring real-world experience and a passion for sharing their knowledge to every course.
Dentists, specialists, and lab technicians who want to refine their clinical skills, improve patient care, and increase the profitability of their practice will benefit most from the Core Curriculum.
The time required depends on the individual’s preference and schedule. Courses can be taken one at a time at your own pace or completed in just over a year with our Mini-Residency Program, a fast track to mastering Complete Dentistry.
Absolutely! Our Team 360 Elective ensures that your entire team understands their role in supporting Complete Dentistry. We also offer a specialized course for dental assistants to provide them with the tools to effectively support your practice’s goals.
No specific prerequisites are required, but it is ideal for dental professionals seeking to expand their diagnostic and treatment planning capabilities.
Yes, electives are open to both graduates of the Core Curriculum and those who wish to take individual elective courses without completing the full program. Clinical electives cover topics from dentures to breathing disorders, while business courses, such as the Dental MBA in a Day, provide practical strategies to grow your practice. Explore electives here.
Yes! Our Complete Care Consulting program offers a personalized, hands-on approach to mastering practice management. You’ll work with a dedicated coach who will guide you and your entire team to business and clinical success.
Yes, graduates can always take additional electives, explore our online courses, or join a Study Club to continue learning, earning CE credits, and exchanging ideas with other alumni.
Graduates of our Core Curriculum can also purchase a Dawson Scholars Association Membership to join a supportive community of like-minded professionals.
Take the next step towards mastering occlusion and smile design — without the stress of upfront costs. Explore our financing and secure your spot in Core 1 today.
Please contact The Dawson Academy at 1.800.952.2178 for full details.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.
Leonard A. Hess, DDS is the Clinical Director at The Dawson Academy and joined the faculty in 2009. He owns Union County Center for Comprehensive Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, and practices full-time in addition to teaching continuing education courses. He is a member of the editorial board for Inside Dentistry and has had over 17 articles published in peer-reviewed journals. He is also a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, AACD, ADA, AES, and NCDS. Dr. Hess began teaching continuing education courses in 2005 on topics including occlusion, smile design, treatment planning, preparation design, and practice integration of Complete Care Dentistry. He’s taught full-day continuing education courses at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s national meeting, The Greater New York Dental Meeting, AACD National Meeting, Pacific Dental Conference, Ontario Dental Association meeting, and The Yankee Dental Conference. Dr. Hess has taught courses in Japan, Germany, Poland, China, and Canada.
