5 Ways the Seattle Study Club® Benefits Our NJ Practice and Patients

What does an NJ orthodontist stand to gain from being in something called the Seattle Study Club®? Quite a bit!

It’s indeed based in the Seattle area, but the Seattle Study Club’s reach is much wider, with more than 250 affiliated study clubs around the world bringing together dental professionals of all disciplines to create an international network. Cuozzo Orthodontics is proud to participate in the Jersey Coast Dental Forum, where we help bridge the gap between dentists and orthodontists to ensure the best all-around care for patients. Our monthly meetups are beneficial in many ways, including:

Education
The Seattle Study Club describes its groups as “universities without walls,” alluding to its focus on continuing education. The three fundamental principles of the study clubs—seeing the big picture, participating rather than simply observing, and learning in a supportive environment—all tie back to education. In this field, there’s always something new to learn, especially when speaking with individuals specializing in different areas of dentistry. As part of the Seattle Study Club, the Jersey Coast Dental Forum provides an excellent opportunity for us to hear how new technologies and methodologies are evolving dental care today.

Collaboration
Discussing industry challenges is one thing. Solving them is another. The Seattle Study Club provides a platform for both.

“We see it as a team approach,” says Dr. James Burden of New Paradigm Dentistry in Millstone Township, NJ. “The Seattle Study Club facilitates interdisciplinary work and establishes communication between dentists like myself and other specialists like Dr. Cuozzo.”

Dr. Burden added that the group frequently discusses specific, complex cases to brainstorm potential solutions. Meanwhile, the Seattle Study Club gives groups like the Jersey Coast Dental Forum the tools to help members strengthen their practices, enhance relationships with peers, and make a positive impact on the broader dental community.

Referral Network
Dr. Burden met Dr. Cuozzo through the Seattle Study Club and the two have been referring patients to each other ever since. When looking for dental or orthodontic care, finding the right specialist can be a barrier for many patients. A referral can help provide peace of mind simply in knowing that one professional is recommending another. Dr. Burden explains:

“Patients will call the office of Dr. Cuozzo. They'll make an appointment with his office and be screened for their orthodontic needs, and then treatment will be provided by Dr. Cuozzo and his team. But during the whole process, there's a working relationship that I have with Dr. Cuozzo regarding what I might need on the restorative side of things, what he may need on the orthodontic side of things.

When the patient is under the care of Dr. Cuozzo, I kind of entrust them to do what they do. I don't need to be micromanaging their care. When the patient has completed treatment, we'll get a beautiful letter from [Cuozzo] saying that the patient has completed their care. They'll come back to our office for the remaining restorative dental care or preventative care that we provide for them, and they will see Dr. Cuozzo as needed for maintenance and follow-up and retainers and things like that.”

We deeply value our relationships with leading NJ dentists like Dr. Burden because those relationships enable us to bring more smiles to patients throughout NJ, together.

Research
The learning and collaboration that take place between Seattle Study Club members are on full display in the organization’s highly respected publication, the Seattle Study Club Journal. Dr. Cuozzo has been published in the Journal several times, most recently as a treating clinician in a case study titled, “Orthodontic Extrusion Prior to the Placement of Adjacent Implants for a More Esthetically Pleasing Smile.” Having a hand in new research allows us to continuously push our boundaries and solidify new knowledge for the entire industry to use.

Patient Success
As much as the Seattle Study Club benefits us, it’s really all about applying the learnings and inspiration from each meetup to deliver the best results possible for our patients. Dr. Cuozzo dedicates much of his spare time to education, including serving as a clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

“When there’s a need for orthodontic care, I refer patients to Dr. Cuozzo because we found over the years that his experience is all about the experience,” Dr. Burden said. “He and his staff provide the highest quality care.”

 See the full testimonial from Dr. Burden here and contact us today for a complimentary orthodontic consultation.