Dr. Frank Spear: The Visionary Architect of Modern Restorative Dentistry
In the world of high-end restorative and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Frank Spear stands as a transformative figure who bridged the gap between basic dental repair and comprehensive facial art. As of 2026, he continues to be the primary guiding force behind Spear Education, a global leader in clinical training based in Scottsdale, Arizona. His career has been defined by a single, powerful conviction: that a beautiful smile is only successful if it functions in perfect harmony with the rest of the human face.
The Revolution of Facially Generated Treatment Planning
Dr. Spear’s most enduring contribution to the profession is the Facially Generated Treatment Planning (FGTP) protocol. Before this methodology became standard, dentists often focused strictly on the teeth—fixing a single crown or bridge without considering how the restoration affected the patient’s overall appearance.
Dr. Spear flipped this model on its head. His “outside-in” approach mandates that a dentist first evaluate the patient’s facial proportions, lip line, and speech patterns. By determining where the teeth should be to create the most aesthetic facial profile, the dentist can then work backward to address the gums, the bone structure, and finally the teeth themselves. This ensures that the final result is not only beautiful but biologically stable and functionally sound.
Spear Education: A Global Campus
In 2007, Dr. Spear co-founded Spear Education, which has since grown into the world’s premier destination for advanced dental training. In 2026, the Spear ecosystem includes thousands of “Spear Study Clubs” worldwide, where dentists meet monthly to discuss complex cases using his principles. His annual Spear Summit, held in March 2026, remains the most anticipated event in the restorative community, bringing together thousands of specialists to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence and digital workflows in modern practice.
The Interdisciplinary Approach
Dr. Spear is also a fierce advocate for Interdisciplinary Dentistry. He believes that the best patient care occurs when daniels dentist restorative dentists, orthodontists, and periodontists work as a unified team. By teaching dentists how to communicate across specialties, he has made it possible for patients with severe dental trauma or congenital defects to receive life-changing reconstructions that were once considered impossible.
A Legacy of Excellence
Operating from his specialized practice in Seattle and his faculty position at the University of Washington, Dr. Spear remains a “dentist’s dentist.” He has received numerous accolades, including the Christensen Award for Excellence in Restorative Education, yet his greatest legacy is the millions of patients who have benefited from the “Spear Philosophy.”
By treating the mouth as a vital component of the face rather than an isolated set of parts, Dr. Frank Spear has elevated dentistry from a mechanical trade to a sophisticated medical discipline, ensuring that aesthetics and function are forever linked.
