Spear Education has announced the formal launch of its new Foundations membership program, according to a July 16, 2025, press release from the company. Designed specifically for dentists in their first 5 years of practice, Foundations is a self-paced training and support program that aims to close the readiness gap that many new dentists face when transitioning from dental school to real-world practice.
Thousands of dentists graduate each year, and many become overwhelmed by the move into patient care. The demands and pressures of actual practice, such as the difficulties of adapting and working with more experienced peers, the handling of complex procedures, and having tough treatment conversations, catch them off guard because they haven’t yet developed those skills. With the Foundations membership, doctors can build those skills with clarity and confidence while being supported by a community that understands what it’s like to be a new dentist just starting out.
“We created Foundations because far too many new dentists are left to navigate the early years alone,” says Dan Butterman, DDS, chief dental officer at Spear Education. “This membership is about meeting them where they are with education that's immediately relevant, accessible, and grounded in clinical reality. We want them to feel less overwhelmed and more equipped—clinically, emotionally, and professionally.”
Among other benefits, the membership provides curated clinical pathways selected from Spear's premium continuing education content library, exclusive access to a peer discussion forum and faculty-led events, and discounted options to join Study Clubs and attend a hands-on Foundations campus seminar. All of the elements of the program are intended to help dentists build a stronger foundation and to do it in a way that fits their own schedule and pace.
For practice owners and senior clinicians, the Foundations program can serve as a resource to invest in team growth, satisfaction, and clinical success. These professionals are often overburdened by the amount of training and mentorship that new associates require to prepare them to deliver high-quality patient care. By providing new clinicians with trusted sources for formal training, mentorship, and encouragement, Foundations can ease their burden.
“The confidence and support that new dentists get from Foundations can make all the difference in every aspect of a practice,” says Matthew Coggin, chief executive officer of Spear. “Dentists quickly build out the necessary skill sets required during the leap from dental school to the clinic, setting the course for strong early careers, productive teamwork, and better care.”
For more information or to enroll and gain immediate access to the full suite of Foundations benefits, visit the Foundations membership site.
