Core Curriculum - Dentist

Core 3: Treatment Planning

This dental CE course provides a programmed approach to predictably diagnose and treatment plan both simple to extremely difficult cases. Utilizing the standardized records discussed in our dental courses Core 1 & Core 2, each dentist will discover how to visualize optimum dentistry from an esthetic, functional, biological and structural perspective. You will learn to apply the four treatment options: reshaping, repositioning, restoring and surgical correction, which are a critical component of step-by-step dental treatment planning checklists.

After sharing knowledge in these areas, our instructors walk through case studies showing you the correct option(s) for each patient. Once a specific, comprehensive treatment plan is decided upon, then the critical step of sequencing the treatment for efficiency and profitability will be determined and discussed. Since you cannot practice complete dentistry without a complete plan, our students learn how to segment large treatment plans enabling patients with financial issues to receive optimum treatment over time without compromising their oral health.

The focus of this continuing dental education program is to integrate a comprehensive dental treatment planning process into your practice. Recommendations based on best practices are discussed to help assist you with organizing your busy schedule and a creating a space for optimum treatment planning. How to present your treatment plan will also be discussed as well as many other aspects of procedures and materials.

Course Size: 20

Enroll Today
Jun. 19-21, 2025
East Hanover, NJ
$6,395.00
Sep. 04-06, 2025
Charlotte, NC
$6,895.00
Sep. 11-13, 2025
Denver, CO
$6,595.00
Sep. 18-20, 2025
East Hanover, NJ
$6,395.00
Sep. 25-27, 2025
Carrollton, TX
$6,395.00
Oct. 16-18, 2025
St. Petersburg, FL
$6,395.00
Event Price
Event Location
Event Capacity
Event Date Range
Master Treatment Planning with Confidence
Dawson-Academy-Treatment-Planning-NC-Sept-2023--147
Create Predictable, Profitable Treatment Plans

Master a step-by-step framework for diagnosing and planning cases with precision. Core 3 ensures you avoid costly mistakes by integrating function, esthetics, and biology into every decision.

Dawson-Academy-Treatment-Planning-NC-Sept-2023--29
Sequence Treatment for Efficiency and Case Acceptance

Learn how to structure complex treatment plans into manageable phases without compromising care. Gain the skills to present plans in a way that maximizes patient understanding, trust, and commitment.

Dawson-Academy-Treatment Planning-CO-Sept-2023--48
Visualize the Ideal Outcome Before You Begin

Use diagnostic photographs, mounted models, and critical checklists to design the best treatment approach. Core 3 trains you to see the full picture—esthetics, function, and longevity—before the first procedure starts.

the fundamentals of functional occlusion
Here's what you'll learn in three days
DAY 1
  • Learn the nuances of 2D treatment planning step by step
  • Understand how to apply this information into 3D treatment planning
  • Better understand occlusal planes and practice creating them hands on
  • Apply this knowledge to a hands-on case
DAY 2
  • Learn how to use the smile wizard treatment planning software
  • Practice treatment planning multi-interdisciplinary cases
  • Learn how to manage the provisional phase in cases
DAY 3
  • Learn tips and tricks to restore the worn dentition
  • More hands-on practice
  • Review taking perfect CR bites
s-blob-v1-IMAGE--YR4-qQZU5E
Taylor Ruby, DDS
This course breaks down the barrier/fear of treatment planning larger, complex cases. It simplifies your thinking and allows you to approach treatment planning in a clear, step-by-step process.
s-blob-v1-IMAGE-kYiJu1RWhYM
Patricia Bachmann, DDS
The Dawson Academy and Core 3 is a great place to take courses to unlock the mystery of occlusion, a subject most general dentists lack true knowledge of from dental school.
s-blob-v1-IMAGE-NZGo5whxybY
Guilherme Cabral, DDS, CDT
This course should be essential for every dentist that want to work with restorative dentistry and deliver biological and functional health for their patients.
s-blob-v1-IMAGE-zYdVkn7sRiI
Ben Smith, DDS
In order to understand complete dentistry, I would recommend this course. The amount of information left out of dental school is absolutely crazy. I'm so glad I took this curriculum.
Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Your Path to Complete Dentistry

Yes, the Core Curriculum is a progressive learning experience. You must complete Core 1 and Core 2 before moving on to Core 3.

Yes! You can take each Core course at any of our locations to fit your schedule and travel needs.

Yes, Core 3 is highly interactive and hands-on. You’ll complete all steps of the Treatment Plan Sequence, practice bi-lateral manipulation to refine your technique, and perform a wax-up exercise focusing on the mandibular anterior six teeth to build your restorative skills.

Absolutely! We offer interest-free payment plans. Learn more here.

No, students are responsible for securing their own accommodations. However, upon registration, we do provide a list of hotel recommendations.

In Core 3, you’ll learn a step-by-step process for treatment planning, from simple to complex cases, focusing on avoiding mistakes that happen during planning. You’ll explore ideal esthetics and function, use critical checklists, and learn the value of quality records. You’ll also learn to position teeth optimally for esthetics and function, use diagnostic photos with mounted models, and create efficient, profitable treatment sequences. Additionally, you’ll develop a segmented treatment plan for long-term care and refine your consultation process to connect with patients and boost case acceptance.

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:

  • Deliver predictable results.
  • Reduce stress from complicated cases.
  • Increase patient satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Build a more profitable and fulfilling practice.

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.

Select Your Location

Enroll Today
Jun. 19-21, 2025
East Hanover, NJ
$6,395.00
Sep. 04-06, 2025
Charlotte, NC
$6,895.00
Sep. 11-13, 2025
Denver, CO
$6,595.00
Sep. 18-20, 2025
East Hanover, NJ
$6,395.00
Sep. 25-27, 2025
Carrollton, TX
$6,395.00
Oct. 16-18, 2025
St. Petersburg, FL
$6,395.00
Event Price
Event Location
Event Capacity
Event Date Range

Invest in Your Future with Easy Course Financing

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.

Cancellation Policy:

For registrations paid in full at time of registering, requests to cancel or transfer registration in a Dawson Academy course, lecture, or event will be accommodated until 90 DAYS PRIOR to start date. Upon request a refund will be provided minus a $200.00 non-refundable deposit, or a one-time course, lecture, or event transfer, which remains valid for 12 months. Less than 90 days prior to course, no refunds or transfers will be issued.
 
*Students who finance tuition through the Lending Club financing program are subject to special terms and conditions.

Please contact The Dawson Academy at 1.800.952.2178 for full details.

The Dawson Academy is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. 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. The Dawson Academy designates this activity for 20 credit hours continuing education credits.

Scholar Study Club

For Dawson Scholars Graduates

The Dawson Academy is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

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.

Request More info

Pick your location