This year’s programming is built around practical growth—clinically, operationally, and personally. Each session offers focused insight designed to strengthen your skills, streamline your systems, and support your team.
Clear, relevant, and applicable—Elevate is about making meaningful progress in every area of your practice.
September 9 & 10
6:00pm
MEETING LOCATIONS:
SEPTEMBER 9: Paloma Blanca
SEPTEMBER 10: The Club at Sonterra
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This course is designed to satisfy the Texas Dental Board requirement for continuing education in minimal enteral sedation (required every 2 years for level 1 minimal sedation permit holders). This course does not qualify a dentist to apply for a new minimal sedation permit. Individuals who complete the course will receive a certificate, which can be submitted to the TSBDE as documentation of continuing education in minimal sedation.
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Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:
Spectrum of sedation and the limits of enteral sedation
· Patient evaluation and appropriate patient selection with an emphasis on recognizing patients at high risk of complications
· Pharmacology of sedative agents including drug interactions and appropriate selection for patients with differing medical conditions
· Appropriate use, limitations of and interpretation of monitors
· Management of urgencies and emergencies especially as they pertain to minimal sedation
· Rules and Regulations of the TSBDE on the administration of minimal enteral sedation
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ERNEST B. LUCE, D.D.S., received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 1985. In June of 1986, he completed a one year General Practice Residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Upon completion of the residency, Dr. Luce joined the Department of General Dentistry at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Currently he is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Health Science Center, and he also maintains a part time private practice in general dentistry in San Antonio.
His teaching duties include didactic presentations as well as clinical supervision of graduate general dentistry residents. Dr. Luce served as Head of the Graduate Division of the Department of General Dentistry and Program Director for the General Practice Residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio from 1993 to 1999. He also served as the Department Chairman for the Department of Hospital Dentistry, University Hospital, in San Antonio during that same time period.
October 7
6:00pm
MEETING LOCATION:
Big'z Burger Joint UTSA
5539 UTSA Boulevard
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This dynamic keynote delivers a compelling blend of storytelling and practical strategies to strengthen leadership, resilience, planning, and decision-making under pressure.
Led by former SAS operator and Who Dares Wins star Colin MacLachlan, the session draws from high-stakes military missions to explore how elite teams lead through uncertainty and change.Through a mix of powerful insights and real-world lessons, participants will gain tools to navigate complex challenges, communicate with clarity, and lead with confidence in high-pressure environments. -
Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:
Apply principles of resilience and strategic planning to lead effectively through uncertainty and high-pressure situations.
Demonstrate improved communication and decision-making skills for managing risk and leading teams with clarity and confidence.
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Colin MacLachlan is a former SAS operator, renowned leadership expert, and star of the hit television series SAS: Who Dares Wins and Secrets of the SAS. With over 25 years of experience in military and security operations—including high-risk missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sierra Leone—Colin brings real-world insight into resilience, decision-making, and leading under pressure. He was the youngest soldier in two decades to join Britain’s elite Special Air Service (SAS) and has since parlayed his frontline experience into an engaging speaking career, captivating global audiences with lessons forged in the most extreme environments. Colin’s unique perspective, authenticity, and humor make him a sought-after speaker for those looking to lead with courage, clarity, and purpose.
November 11
6:00pm
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This evening’s session will combine the classic treatment planning format with a modern focus on automation. You’ll have the chance to sharpen your diagnostic and treatment planning skills through a thoughtfully selected case presentation. Together, we’ll explore not only the clinical decision-making process but also how automation can streamline systems and enhance patient care. Come ready to share your expertise, learn from your peers, and discover practical ways to elevate both the art and efficiency of treatment planning.
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Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:
Identify opportunities where automation can streamline diagnostics, treatment planning, and case presentation.
Elevate their diagnostic and treatment planning expertise through real-world case analysis.
Apply principles and concepts from the discussion into everyday clinical practice.
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After attending San Antonio's Health Careers High School and the University of Texas San Antonio as an undergrad student, Dr. Austin graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. UTHSCSA Dental School has been one of the top-ranked dental schools in the nation since 1993. There, Dr. Austin excelled and was voted president of his graduating class. He capped off a successful senior year by being awarded the Texas Dental Association Outstanding Senior Dental Student award.
Dr. Austin is a member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club, which is a network of professional dental study groups dedicated to ideal comprehensive dental care. Dr. Austin's other professional memberships include the Academy of General Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Rotary Club of San Antonio.
Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management. He has a monthly column and weekly e-newsletter in Dental Economics, the most-read dental magazine in the world. In the past, Dr. Austin has served as a faculty member in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at UTHSCSA Dental School. In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year. In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year, the most prestigious award it gives for dentists who have graduated in the previous 7 years.
Dr. Austin has also earned a Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. To be named a Fellow in the Academy, one must pass an exhaustive written examination and complete over 500 hours of continuing education. To be named a Master, another 1200 hours of continuing education must be completed. Less than 2% of the general dentists in the United States have achieved Master status. In 2014, Dr. Austin was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care. Since 2014, Dr. Austin has been named a Super Dentist in Texas Monthly Magazine.
Dr. Austin is proud of his accomplishments, but his true joy is seeing patients lead healthier, happier lives after leaving his office. He looks forward to meeting you and bringing your smile to its fullest potential!
December TBA
6:00pm
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This evening’s program features an Endodontics Update presented by Dr. Rick Schwartz, a well-known and member of our club. Rick will share the latest updates, techniques, and practical insights in endodontics to support your clinical practice.
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Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:
Review current concepts and updates in endodontic diagnosis and treatment.
Recognize advances in technology and techniques that improve clinical outcomes.
Apply evidence-based approaches to common endodontic challenges.
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Dr. Richard Schwartz graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1977. He spent 19 years as a restorative dentist before pursuing post-graduate training in endodontics. Early in his career, Dr. Schwartz completed a two-year general dentistry residency while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Following that, he balanced private practice, teaching, and dental materials research before entering endodontic training in 1996.
Dr. Schwartz has authored over 100 articles and abstracts in scientific journals and has been a cover author for three editions of “Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry” by Quintessence Publishing Co. He is also the first author of “Best Practices in Endodontics” and a cover author of “Advanced Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Endodontics.” His expertise has taken him around the globe, having lectured extensively across the U.S. and in 21 other countries.
In addition to his clinical and academic contributions, Dr. Schwartz has lectured 13 times at the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) national meeting. He was a founding member of the International Association of Endodontics (IAE) and served as its first secretary/treasurer. Dr. Schwartz is also a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the International Association of Dental Specialists (iADS), where he sits on the board. Dr. Schwartz and his wife Jeannette are shown with their grandchildren.
January 16
8am-1pm
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Seattle Study Club COO, Greg Tice, will lead an exploration into seven concepts we can use to put our growth and change on autopilot. We’ve all been to wonderful practice management lectures—probably more than our fair share. Yet when we go back to the office on Monday, life gets in the way and all the great ideas we gleaned from the lecture fly right out the window. We need to focus on creating a change in behavior and proficiency, not on education. We learn many things, yet we assimilate and use very few of them. We’ll talk about filtering out unnecessary information so the important stuff gets through, creating an ongoing growth mindset, and how to navigate all of this when current beliefs clash with new evidence and ideas. The session closes with an opportunity to put these concepts into practice and learn from each other in an interactive workshop.
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Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:
Understand and apply the basic elements of creating an ongoing growth mindset.
Understand and take advantage of the principles behind interactive education.
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Greg Tice has presented more than 400 programs built around the cognitive principles affecting how we learn, how we grow and how we effectively use goal setting.
For the last 30 years, Greg has been the with the Seattle Study Club, a global educational organization focused on providing customized curricula to dentists around the world. Currently the organization’s COO, he has developed dozens of educational programs, coached hundreds of clinicians on educational implementation, and refocused thousands of participants on real growth and behavior change.
A 1990 graduate from the University of Notre Dame, Greg is married with three boys including twins, is an avid cyclist and enjoys adventure sports.
February 11
6:00pm
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This evening brings together the classic treatment planning format with the fresh perspectives of our younger dentists. Through a carefully chosen case, you’ll sharpen your diagnostic and planning skills, exchange insights with peers, and explore practical ways to elevate both the art and efficiency of treatment planning.
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Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:
Elevate their diagnostic and treatment planning expertise through real-world case analysis.
Apply principles and concepts from the discussion into everyday clinical practice.
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J. William Robbins, D.D.S., M.A., maintains a full-time private practice and is Clinical Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1973. He completed a rotating internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas and a 2-year General Practice Residency at the V.A. Hospital in San Diego, California. Dr. Robbins has published over 80 articles, abstracts, and chapters on a wide range of dental subjects and has lectured in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Middle East, China, and Africa. He coauthored a textbook, Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry -A Contemporary Approach, which is published by Quintessence, and is in its 4th edition. He recently co-authored a new textbook, Global Diagnosis -A New Vision of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, which is also published by Quintessence. He has won several awards including the Presidential Teaching Award at the University of Texas Health Science Center, the 2002 Texas Dentist of the Year Award, the 2003 Honorary Thaddeus V. Weclew Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, the 2010 Saul Schluger Award given by the Seattle Study Club, the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry 2015 President's Award, and the 2016 Academy of Operative Dentistry Award of Excellence. He is a diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry. He is past president of the American Board of General Dentistry, the Academy of Operative Dentistry, the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
March 27
8am-1pm
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This program equips dental professionals with practical tools to recognize, differentiate, and manage a wide range of oral conditions. Through lecture, case examples, and radiographic review, participants will build confidence in diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
Topics include:
Ulcers and Inflammatory Conditions – Common ulcerated lesions, autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases, how to distinguish look-alike conditions, and when to refer.
Preneoplastic and Cancerous Lesions – Key elements of oral cancer screening with side-by-side comparisons and tips for identifying lesions that require biopsy.
Radiographic Pathology – Radiographic terminology, interpretation of radiolucent, radiopaque, and mixed lesions, and criteria for referral.
Lumps and Bumps – Assessment of common oral cavity enlargements, both benign and malignant, with emphasis on biopsy decisions.
Interesting Clinical Cases – Case-based discussions highlighting diagnostic reasoning and management in real-world practice.
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Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:
Recognize oral diseases and when biopsy is indicated.
• Understand management of common oral diseases.
• Identify when a lesion or condition can be monitored and when it is necessary to refer
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Dr. Ashleigh Briody is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She earned her DDS from LSU School
of Dentistry in New Orleans and completed her residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
at The Ohio State University where she earned a certificate and master’s degree. She is a
Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and a Diplomate of
the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Dr. Briody currently practices oral
pathology in a private practice, Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians, in Westerville, Ohio. The
scope of her practice includes seeing patients clinically, diagnosing and managing oral
disease, performing biopsies, CO2 laser ablation, and reading the tissue microscopically.
Their practice accepts specimens from outside contributors including dentists, oral
surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, ENTs, dermatologists, and others. When not in
clinic, she enjoys lecturing about oral pathology all over the United States and spending
time with her husband and three daughters.
April 24
8am-1pm
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Known for his dynamic teaching style and deep expertise, Dr. Janakievski brings practical insight and clinical excellence to every audience he engages.
This is a program you won’t want to miss—whether you’re looking to sharpen your surgical skills, refresh your approach to perio, or simply learn from one of the very best in the field.
Program details coming soon—stay tuned!
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COMING SOON
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Dr. Janakievski is an affiliate assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Washington. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. He is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, serves as a reviewer for several dental journals and has published on the topics of dental implants and tooth autotransplantation.
Dr. Janakievski received his D.D.S. from the University of Toronto, which he followed with a general practice residency. After several years in general practice, he completed his post-graduate training at the University of Washington, where he earned a certificate in periodontology with an M.S.D. degree and a fellowship in prosthodontics. He maintains a private practice in Tacoma, Washington.
MAY 21
Evening wrap-up plans are in the works… more info coming soon!
QUESTIONS?
Your questions matter. Use the form to send us what’s on your mind—whether it’s about the program, logistics, or anything else. We’ll make sure you get the answers you need.
Dr. Bill Robbins / Co-Director
Julissa Dillon / Coordinator
Dr. Josh Austin / Co-Director
Dr. Eric Rindler / Director
