Dr. Michael Cohen had a vision many years ago: A "University without Walls" — a place where all who enter with conviction come away with both the knowledge and hands-on experience essential to the delivery of quality dentistry. To date, he has more than surpassed his goal of an advanced educational organization of clinicians dedicated to raising the level at which they practice. Through each affiliate, we grow and develop into clubs that are committed to education and knowledge. We have achieved this through the help of Seattle Study Club and their compendium of exceptional speakers both clinical and others. It is through the interaction of these great lecturers, that we get a close up and intimate sharing of state-of-the-art knowledge and treatment planning for our patients and our practices. It is through the interaction of our directors (at Symposiums) that we get constant motivation and determination to not only succeed in our practices but excel in our wisdom. The Seattle Study Club is relentless in its search of newer and better ways of doing things. Their sponsorships have allowed us to reap the benefits of increased product information in all aspects of dentistry and allowed us to be on the cutting edge of growth and knowledge in our industry. It is with the Seattle Study Club that we are poised to meet the challenges and demands of dentistry in the next century and look forward to the relationships we encounter along our path. The concept of the Seattle Study Club Network evolved from Dr. Cohen’s "Blue Heron Study Club" and was the result of other local study clubs wanting to integrate Michael’s success into their own study clubs.

The CDF is now in our 11th year and still evolving in order to meet the needs of our present and future members, but our focus and philosophy will remain true and steady to continually be students who seek knowledge, but to also be teachers and impart what we learn to others. Now it’s time to move up another notch. It is time to truly start practicing what we have been preaching and preparing for these past 10 years. We developed our thrust in each other and have shared many different ideas with each other. We have brought together a mixture of individuals who can now work intermeshed and formulate complex treatment planning cases together. We have learned each individual has a specific function within the team and their contribution is not just random, but rather a coordinated and deliberate participation of all the individuals within the team to bring about success. In keeping with the notion, our CDF board members (Mark B., Doug, Ed, Thom, Franz and I) are going to function this year as your "go to" members. We will be setting the standards for everyone to follow. We have acquired through the years in CDF, certain knowledge that has afforded us the ability to be good leaders in particular areas of expertise.  

Mark B. has a knack for photography. Not only is it his passion as a pasttime, but a carry-over to his dentistry. –

Doug has a wonderful understanding of case presentations—thanks to his arduous labors on Kois software.

Ed and Franz have Power Point and Photoshop down to a science with the ease and understanding to help anyone with case set-ups.

Thom can answer and argue any product or lab procedure anyone could have questions about.

And I can treatment plan (funny how there’s always severe perio!) and love doing it!