Dental Networking Club: Welcome to the Gold Standard in Dental Education

Seattle Study Club stands as the nation's top dental education network, empowering dental professionals to connect, learn, and achieve clinical excellence in a collaborative community.

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Discover a University Without Walls

In dental school, you had a roadmap...

Professors to guide you, peers to learn with, and a clear path forward. But private practice? That's where the real learning begins. Every day brings new challenges: complex cases that keep you up at night, staff dynamics that test your leadership, and technological advances that transform how you work. You're growing, adapting, and sometimes wondering if others face the same hurdles.

Enter Seattle Study Club - where the classroom has no walls and learning knows no limits.

We've created something different: a community where dental professionals can be both teachers and students, where world-class education meets real-world application, and where every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth. Here, you'll find the support system you need to tackle any challenge through dentist networking, the expertise to elevate your skills, and the colleagues who become trusted friends.

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The Pursuit of Excellence Never Ends

The martlet in our logo tells a powerful story. This mythical bird, depicted without feet, symbolizes perpetual flight and constant motion. Like our community, it represents the continuous journey of learning, growing, and pushing boundaries in dentistry.

30+ Years of World-Class Dental Education

Founded in 1992 by Dr. Michael Cohen, Seattle Study Club has grown from a single local group to a global network of dental professionals. Our unique approach combines hands-on learning, case study discussions, and access to world-renowned speakers, creating a dynamic environment where members can enhance their skills and expand their professional dental network.

Discover the Difference

“Nobody really can do some of these difficult cases by themselves. We have different people that are experts in certain fields that can collaborate with each other and complete these cases."

Dr. Fred Sakamoto
Seattle Study Club Director

“You get to meet other clinicians who are top-notch at some of the newer techniques, and so it pushes me to stay up-to-date."

Dr. R. Douglas Campbell
Seattle Study Club Member

“We wanted to start a club where dentists could talk to each other, make contact with other specialists, and not be afraid to say 'I don't know how to do this.'"

Dr. Tim Smith
Seattle Study Club Director

Meet the Team

Get to know passionate individuals behind Seattle Study Club.

Clinical Directors

Dr David Winkler

David (known to his friends as Winklefoot and is a quintessential dental nerd and geek) is Chief Clinical Officer at Seattle Study Club, where he helps shape the organization’s clinical direction and leads the development of its education. Drawing on more than four decades of experience, he works closely with educators and clinicians to ensure SSC programs remain relevant, progressive and firmly grounded in ethical, patient-centered care.

David received his DDS from the Royal Dental College of Copenhagen in 1983, having previously worked as a dental technician for three years. Throughout his career, he has helped develop techniques, materials and educational programs that promote ethical esthetic dentistry among clinicians around the world.

He co-founded the Scandinavian Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry and the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry. He is also a Life Member and Past President of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, as well as having presided over the other three organizations.  Through these organizations and his wider work, David has helped organize numerous international conferences and has contributed extensively to the advancement of esthetic and restorative dentistry.

David serves on the board of the International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry and continues to develop and maintain his relationships with colleagues, academics and researchers.

He was formerly the principal owner of a private family practice in Windsor, UK, with an emphasis on preventive, general and esthetic restorative dentistry. In 2020, he returned to Denmark to be closer to his children and grandchildren.  He has also established a charitable emergency dental care service with the Danish Red Cross.

Gary, SSC’s CEO and a friend of David’s for more than two decades, decided that retirement spent watching Netflix simply wouldn’t do and persuaded David to join Seattle Study Club instead. David now looks forward to working alongside SSC’s directors, members and fantastic team of colleagues.

SSC Staff

Kristi Daoura
AGD Administrator

Kristi has been behind the scenes of Seattle Study Club since its inception. Her passion for fostering relationships is key to her contributions to the organization. Her primary focus is assisting clubs with AGD PACE applications. Additionally, she supports daily operations and jumps in as needed for special projects.

Jane Davis
Operations Manager

Database wrangler, logistics guru, and office utility player, Jane has 30 years helping to keep the gears turning at SSC. From managing data to supporting teams and troubleshooting chaos, she's done it all. Always ready to lend a hand, implement a fix, or pour a fresh pot of coffee, Jane is an active team member helping to make things happen behind the scenes.

Ali DeYoung
Partner Liason

Ali has been part of the Seattle Study Club team for more than three years, moving from Partner Liaison into her current role as Partner Program Coordinator. She supports the day-to-day delivery of our key partner programmes, managing communications, coordinating invoices and keeping all the important details moving in the right direction.

Organised, detail focused and always ready to take on a new challenge, Ali brings plenty of energy and a quick wit to the team. Outside of work, she is happiest spending time with her son, Roman, and enjoying plenty of family time.

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Gary Dickenson
Chief Executive Officer

Gary joined Seattle Study Club as Chief Executive Officer after more than a decade of leadership in the dental industry. Originally from North Yorkshire, England, his career began far from dentistry, working as a staff nurse in a South Yorkshire hospital. There, he developed a lifelong philosophy of caring for people first, a value that continues to shape his leadership today.

His journey has taken him across the globe, including relocating his family to New Zealand, and has given him a unique understanding of both patient and practice needs. At SSC, Gary brings that people centered approach to everything he does, ensuring directors, members, and partners feel part of a true community.

Outside of work, Gary is rarely still. He enjoys traveling, exploring new places with his family, and finding adventure wherever life takes him. And no matter where he is in the world, he’s always happy with a cheeseburger and a beer, a reminder that the simple things are often the best.

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Angelina DiMauro
New Club Sherpa

Angelina brings a lifelong connection to dentistry and a strong belief in the value of education to her work. Raised in a dental family, she’s held nearly every role in a practice including assistant, front office, office manager, and hygienist, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the needs of directors, coordinators, and members alike.

Before becoming a Sherpa, Angelina served as a Club Coordinator, managing club operations, marketing, and member engagement. That first-hand experience fuels her ability to support clubs with empathy, creativity, and practical solutions. She’s passionate about delivering excellent clinical education that, in turn, positively impacts the lives of patients and communities.

Outside of work, Angelina enjoys yoga, traveling, and watching movies with her family and rescue dog Daisy.

Diana Escutia
Project Manager

Diana has been part of the Seattle Study Club team for six years at the helm of hosting webinars and leading assorted educational initiatives. Lately, she’s been spearheading a business platform transition—because who doesn’t love a good challenge in streamlining processes? You’ve probably spotted her at one of our annual meetings, where she’s been known to juggle work, laughter, and the occasional tech glitch like a pro. Meeting SSC’s amazing people in person is her favorite perk!

Tom Gamertsfelder
Creative Instigator

Design guru, explorer of whitespace, and makes a killer Limoncello, Tom is an award-winning, Innovative, and deadline-driven creative with 30+ years of experience designing global brands for startups and established companies. Always ready to jump in feet first with any creative at SSC, he is prepared to transform ideas into compelling visual narratives. But beware, Tom brakes at all flea markets and will test you with movie quotes.

Desmond Harvey
Director of Technology and Operations

As Director of Technology and Operations at Seattle Study Club, Desmond brings a mix of technical know-how, creative problem-solving, and a passion for making things work better. From developing new systems and improving everyday processes to tackling the occasional technical mystery, he enjoys finding ways to make life easier for both the SSC team and its members. Always looking for opportunities to simplify, automate, and innovate, Desmond helps keep things running smoothly while moving SSC forward.

Outside of work, Desmond can usually be found on the tennis court, whether practicing his game or competing in tournaments. When he's not chasing tennis balls, he enjoys running, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and exploring great food. He's always up for a little friendly competition or a good meal.

Erin Howlett
Sherpa

With 30 years of experience in interdisciplinary care as a clinician, educator, and event planner, Erin now serves as Director of New Business/Clubs, guiding study clubs from concept to launch. Her unique background in film and theater enriches her approach to building successful clubs, helping directors create engaging academic seasons and foster collaborative communities. Now in her sixth year with Seattle Study Club, she combines her healthcare expertise with creative storytelling to bring fresh energy to club development and intentional programming.

When she's not supporting study clubs, Erin recharges on her yoga mat, travels with her husband and cheers on their three children: the oldest the “AI maven” and twins in their freshman year of college.

Molly Owen
Digital Marketing Specialist
Cynthia Reyes

Cynthia Reyes, Sherpa Club Coach at Seattle Study Club, is committed to helping dental directors and specialists reach their goals with clarity, organization, and a personal touch. Known for her detail-oriented approach and warm support, Cynthia thrives on creating smooth, efficient systems that make study clubs run seamlessly — and members feel truly supported.

Armed with a Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Family Dynamics and Wellness, Cynthia combines insight, structure, and genuine care to help clubs grow and succeed. With a background in counseling and a passion for fostering meaningful connections, she blends behavioral insights with practical strategies to make every interaction impactful. Whether she’s answering questions, coordinating resources, or helping leaders turn challenges into opportunities, she approaches every task with dedication and a love for the details that matter most.

When she’s not helping study clubs thrive, you’ll likely find her dreaming up her next cruise adventure, curled up with a good book, or enjoying time with family and friends.

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Natasha Rodriguez
Education Manager

Natasha is the Director of Partnerships at Seattle Study Club, where she focuses on building meaningful relationships, developing strategic partnerships, and connecting industry leaders with the SSC community. With a background as a licensed dental hygienist, she brings a unique perspective and a passion for helping the dental industry grow through collaboration.

Outside of work, Natasha is a self-proclaimed crazy plant lady, avid gardener, and sourdough baker. When she's not collecting another plant or preserving the fruits of her labor, you'll find her camping, enjoying the outdoors, and making memories with her husband, two kids, and their dogs. She believes life is best with a little adventure, lots of laughter, and a healthy dose of dance parties in the kitchen.

Kirsty Thornton
VP of Operations

As Vice President of Operations at Seattle Study Club, Kirsty brings over 15 years of experience in operations management within the dental industry. Based in England, she has a passion for bringing people, ideas and processes together, keeping everything moving in the right direction. With a natural ability to juggle multiple priorities, a sharp eye for detail and a practical approach to problem-solving, she enjoys finding ways to make things work better, always with a sense of humour and a smile along the way.

Outside of work, Kirsty's world revolves around her husband and three children. She loves cooking, discovering live music and turning a good gig into an excuse for a road trip. Happiest when surrounded by family, good food and plenty of laughter, Kirsty believes there's always room for a little fun, whatever the day brings.

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Greg Tice
Chief Operating Officer

Greg has led Seattle Study Club's growth and innovation for the past 30 years, serving as its Chief Operating Officer. His impact on dental education runs deep – from creating and presenting more than 400 programs to mentoring hundreds of clinicians on how to become better educators themselves. Through his guidance, thousands of dental professionals have transformed their practices and achieved meaningful personal growth.

A Notre Dame graduate from the class of 1990, Greg brings boundless energy to both his professional and personal life. Outside the office, you'll find him cycling, chasing adventure sports, or enjoying time with his wife and three sons (including a set of twins). His genuine connection to the Study Club community shines through in moments big and small – like when concerned members flooded him with over 50 wellness checks after Notre Dame's tough loss to Northern Illinois.

Michelle Watkins
VP of Events and Education

Lightening fast, razor sharp and with a natural flair for words, Michelle leads our Education and Events team with passion and grace. A master collaborator, Michelle works effortlessly to ensure our education is built to the highest standard while simultaneously crafting events worthy of our 30 year reputation. If Michelle is not in a meeting, checking out a new venue or sharing her latest moment of inspiration with the team, you’ll find her at home in Idaho, where her heart is, with her husband and boys. Fly fishing, hiking or travelling, Michelle always has a good story to share, a friendly ear to listen and a cracking sense of humor.

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