Study Clubs

For dental professionals in Philadelphia, the path to better patient outcomes rarely runs through isolated learning. The most effective clinicians build relationships with peers who challenge their thinking, help them work through complex cases, and stay connected to the latest clinical approaches. Our study clubs at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants provide exactly that: structured, collaborative environments where referring dentists and specialists grow together in a way directly benefits the patients they serve.

Dr. Jay Laudenbach, a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology with over 40 years of experience serving the Philadelphia dental community, founded two distinct study clubs to serve different stages of a dental professional’s growth. Our periodontics practice welcomes referring doctors who want to deepen their clinical knowledge, strengthen their referral relationships, and provide more comprehensive care to their patients.

Our Two Philadelphia Study Clubs

We currently offer two separate study clubs, each with a distinct focus and format. Both are designed for small groups of like-minded Philadelphia-area dental professionals who are committed to ongoing learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Together they represent our commitment to building a stronger dental community throughout Philadelphia and the Main Line:

• Center City Study Club: founded in 2007, this club promotes networking, camaraderie, and the free exchange of ideas among dental professionals in Philadelphia — events feature expert presentations on a range of clinical topics, with 3 AGD PACE-approved CE credits per session, and a portion of each registration fee supports Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center
• Spear Study Club: founded in 2013 as the first Spear Study Club in Center City Philadelphia, this club uses a faculty-designed, case-based curriculum to help clinicians diagnose and recommend comprehensive care — small groups of 8 to 12 members meet approximately eight times per year for guided interdisciplinary discussion, with optional workshops at the Spear campus in Scottsdale, Arizona

Both clubs are selective by design. The small group format is not incidental — it is what makes these sessions genuinely productive rather than passive.

Why Collaborative Learning Matters in Dentistry

Dentists regularly make high-stakes decisions in isolation, often without a colleague to consult on a challenging case. Study clubs address this directly. When a general practitioner, a periodontist, and a restorative dentist sit in the same room discussing the same patient scenario, everyone leaves with a sharper perspective than they came in with. Over time, that shared language and mutual trust translates into better referral relationships and more coordinated patient care.

For referring doctors in the Philadelphia area, our study clubs offer a direct connection to Dr. Laudenbach’s periodontal perspective, particularly around periodontal disease treatment, gum grafting, and implant readiness. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists are dentistry’s specialists in gum disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment — with three additional years of training beyond dental school. Having direct access to that depth of knowledge in a small group setting is one of the most practical advantages our clubs offer.

How to Register

Participation in both clubs is by registration only. For the Center City Study Club, advance registration two weeks prior is required. For the Spear Study Club, contact our office directly to inquire about current availability and upcoming group formation.

To register or learn more, contact our Professional Relations Coordinator at prc@laudenbach.com or call (215) 985-4337. Our practice serves referring doctors throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding communities, including Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Newtown Square, Cherry Hill, and the broader Main Line area. Reach us through our contact page to discuss which club is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Study Clubs