The Pathfinder Study Club is based in Scotland and is run by Dr Elaine Halley.
Our format is quite unique because the philosophy of the study club is that we all learn together and from each other no matter our experience. We strive to make it a safe and trusting place to meet up, share problems and ideas and have the ability to be motivated and inspired by the world-class content and speakers that we have access to.
Our year begins in September 2024 and we meet monthly after that for our evening sessions plus we have 2 full-day events.
The sessions are hosted by Dr Elaine Halley and supported by Flora Couper. Our members also have access to the Seattle Study Club educational online programme.
Register my Interest
Click the link below to register your interest in the 24/25 programme!
Click here to Register
The title of our 2024/2025 Academic Season is 'A Symphony of Science'. Just like a symphony, this season will consist of four movements, or themes. The first movement, science of dentistry, will establish a narrative arc with a fast tempo that resembles the speed of the technological changes that impact the dentistry we practice every day. Our second movement, aesthetics and soft tissue health, will slow down and help us build this important foundation. In traditional symphonies, the third movement follows a more dance-like pace, which will be lock-step with patient communication—the dance of case acceptance. Finally, we will wrap things up with our fast and exhilarating finale of treatment planning and celebration.
Pathfinder Study Club Programme
We have monthly sessions most of which are in the evening and run from September 2024 to June 2025. These are hosted by Elaine Halley and supported by Flora Couper. We begin with a kick-off dinner and end with our end-of-year dinner. We also have two full-day events included in our programme this year. See below for details of our speakers and workshops.
Miguel Stanley, DDS
Slowing Down to Speed Up Your Practice
We kick start the 24/25 programme with Dr Miguel Stanley, the visionary founder of the global Slow Dentistry movement, as he unravels the transformative power of embracing a more deliberate approach in your dental practice. Discover how slowing down can paradoxically accelerate your practice’s success, enhance patient acceptance, and alleviate stress for everyone involved.
In a world that constantly demands speed, Dr Stanley will show you that true excellence is achieved through thoughtful, patient-centred care.
Our events are held at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in North Queensferry
September 4, 2024 | 6:30 PM | Slowing Down to Speed Up Your Practice Miguel Stanley, DDS
October 24, 2024 | 6:30 PM | Is it a Stick Up? Where We Are with Bonding Steve Bonsor, BDS
November 21, 2024 | 6:30 PM | Problem Solving Session Elaine Halley, BDS and Flora Couper, RDH
January 21, 2025 | 6:30 PM | Radiographic Pathology Demystified: Enhancing Diagnostic Skills Ashleigh Briody, DDS, MS
February 20, 2025 | 6:30 PM | Soft Tissues in the Aesthetic Zone – What’s Possible and When Should We Refer? Nikolas Vourakis, DDS, MSC
March 21, 2025 | 9:00 AM | All Day Session - Successful Patient Communication Elaine Halley, DBS, MSc, Samantha Ferrier, RDN, Flora Couper TCO, & Mark Bowden
April 10, 2025 | 6:30 PM | The Secrets to Successful Treatment Planning/Treatment in the Face of Periodontal & Endodontic Failure Alvaro Blasi, DDS, CDT
May 15, 2025 | 6:30 PM | An Introduction to Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Dentistry Sarah Hornsby, RDH, BS
June 12, 2025 | 6:30 PM | Recovering Lost Ground: Uncovering the Essentials Jonathan Esquivel, DDS
Steve Bonsor, BDS
Is it a Stick Up?
Where We Are with Bonding
This session will review how the various materials used in contemporary clinical dentistry may be attached to the dental hard tissues concentrating on clinical protocols.
Dr Elaine Halley and Flora Couper
Problem-Solving Session
An interactive problem-solving workshop that explores everyday clinical and non-clinical challenges that we face. The framework supports how to deconstruct a problem and consider solutions ecologically.
Ashleigh Briody, DDS, MS
Radiographic Pathology Demystified
In this engaging two-hour session, we will unravel the complexities of radiographic images and empower you with the knowledge and confidence to interpret them effectively.
Nikolas Vourakis, DDS, MSC
Soft Tissues in the Aesthetic Zone – what’s possible and when should we refer?
Join us for an enlightening session with Dr Nikolas Vourakis, where we delve into the possibilities of soft tissue grafting in dental practice.
This course is designed to equip general dentists with the knowledge to understand and communicate the benefits and
procedures of soft tissue grafting for treating gingival recession and preparing sites for dental implants in the aesthetic zone. Gain insights into the latest techniques and advancements in grafting, enabling you to make informed referrals and educate your patients on their treatment options.
Alvaro Blasi, DDS, CDT
The Secrets to Successful Treatment Planning/Treatment in the Face of Periodontal & Endodontic Failure
Patients who have undergone extensive dental procedures in the past, especially those with multiple endodontically treated teeth and periapical lesions, present a significant treatment planning challenge. This is particularly conspicuous when adhering to the SSC philosophy, which prioritizes the preservation of natural teeth over immediate extraction and dental implant placement.
In this challenging treatment planning session, attendees will be empowered to enhance their decision-making skills and to exercise clearer clinical judgement in confronting “save or extract” dilemmas.
Sarah Hornsby, RDH, BS
An Introduction to Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Dentistry
Exploring the field of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and its connection to dentistry, TMD, sleep and airway health. Topics:
- Identification of OMD
- The importance of the multidisciplinary team in treating OMDs
- Health consequences of mouth breathing and poor oral posture
- Craniofacial and dental development in children
- Ankyloglossia in dentistry and overall health
- OMDs and sleep-disordered breathing intersect
- TMJ health and function
- Orthodontic and periodontal health.
Full Day Event
'Successful Patient Communication - Winning Body Language: Read and Lead with Your Nonverbal Communication'
Delivered by Dr Elaine Halley, Sam Ferrier TCO, Flora Couper RDH & supported by Mark Bowden (world-renowned body language expert)
This interactive program will improve your confidence with patient communication which will enhance your overall level of patient care and allow you to discuss comprehensive treatment options with confidence.
Topics covered will include body language with additional material from Keynote speaker Mark Bowden – ‘Read and Lead with your Non-Verbal Communication”. Imagine having the power to understand people on a deeper level without them uttering a single word – a skill that could benefit you in all aspects of life. Envision being perceived as trustworthy, credible, and an exceptional individual solely through your behavior and body language.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of influence and persuasion, and your nonverbal cues play a pivotal role in how others perceive you, just as you assess them.
In this captivating and dynamic session, acclaimed communication expert Mark Bowden shares his top techniques for deciphering others’ thoughts and emotions through their body language. Equally important, you will learn to convey your own messages more effectively, positioning yourself as a leader and authority in your field, and motivating others through your nonverbal communication.
Interactive and enlightening, this program fosters profound discussions and draws out best practices from you and your peers. Delve into the daily challenges of your profession through the lens and insights of one of the world’s foremost authorities in human behavior, body language, and communication.
Here's what our members have to say...
"The Pathfinder Study Club is excellent at inspiring a whole-person approach to dentistry. I feel motivated, inspired and it is fun"
Dr Olvia Arther
"The Pathfinder Study Club is ideally located and timed. Having regular evenings planned across the year was great. I would highly recommend and I am looking forward to attending next year"
Dr Lee Mcmenamin
Pathfinder Study Club 24/25 Membership
The Pathfinder membership is £1245 for the year and £995 for returning members.
This includes access to all the workshops and events as well as access to the Seattle Study Club member's site and our WhatsApp group
Get In Touch!
If you have any questions about the study club please contact Caroline or Flo at [email protected]
Can I just book for one or two sessions?
I'm not highly experienced is the study club any good for me?
When is the payment required?
Where are the events held?
