Frank Spear, DDS, MSD

As the founder and director of the Spear Institute for Advanced Dental Education, Dr. Spear continues to be recognized as one of the premier educators in esthetic and restorative dentistry in the world today.

He received his DDS degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1979 and a MSD in Periodontal Prosthodontics in 1982, also from the University of Washington. Dr. Spear is an Affiliate Professor in the graduate prosthodontics program at the University of Washington and maintains a private practice in Seattle, limited to esthetics and fixed prosthodontics.

Among the many honors Dr. Spear has received, the most recent includes the Christensen Award for Excellence in Restorative Education from the Chicago Dental Society in 1993. In 1995, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry presented him with a special recognition award for having advanced the art and science of cosmetic dentistry in the United States. In December 1996, Dr. Spear became the third recipient, after Dr. Morton Amsterdam and Dr. Walter Cohen, to receive the Saul Schluger Memorial Award for Excellence in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning from the Seattle Study Clubs. In 2003, together, he and Dr. Vince Kokich received the first ever President’s Award from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry for Excellence in Dental Education. Dr. Spear was named The Distinguished Alumnus of the Year of 2004 from his undergraduate college, Pacific Lutheran University, for his contributions to dental education.

Dr. Spear’s memberships include the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, the American College of Prosthodontics, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. Dr. Spear is a past President of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.