Frequently Asked Questions

Course Information   Accommodations   Seminars   Hands-On Classes   Masters Library   Pete's Book

Admissions and Registration

Q. How can I register?

A. There are several options listed here:

  • One the phone with a Visa/Mastercard or American Express
  • On line with your credit card or PayPal.
  • Or print off the registration form and mail in with your check.

Q. Do I have to pay in full for my courses now?

A. We require that it be paid in full 30 days prior for lecture courses, and 60 days prior for hands-on courses. You may choose one of our optional payment plans. There is no fee connected with these plans. The only requirement is it must be paid in full prior to the course date.

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Course Information

Q. What are the hours of the classes?

A. This will vary with each course. Check the course schedules included with the course pages on this website. Generally it is as follows:

  • Registration 1st day: 7:30 – 8:30
  • Thursday & Friday: 8:30 – 5:00
  • Saturday : 8:30 – 1:00

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Accommodations

Q. How far is the hotel from the airport?

A. The airport is 30 to 45 minutes away for courses held in St. Petersburg.

Q. What are the hotel rates?

A. We do reserve a block of rooms at a reduced rate for each class. These rates do vary depending on the time of year and which class you are attending. Please call us for details.

Q. What Airport should I fly into?

A. Tampa International or St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport.

Q. How far is the airport from the hotel/center?

A. 45 minutes.

Q. What is the best way to get from the airport to the hotel?

A. The Tradewinds Resort has a shuttle service, or you can use the airport Super Shuttle or a cab.

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Seminars

Q. Which course should I take first?

A. Functional Occlusion - From TMJ to Smile Design.

Q. Is there a certain order I should take the classes?

A. Our core curriculum lecture courses are interchangeable. The best way to determine where you should go first is to ask where your comfort level is with Occlusion and the TMJ. If you are new to the concepts of functional occlusion, then Seminar One (Functional Occlusion from TMJ to Smile Design) will give you a great infusion of knowledge. In Seminar Two (Achieving Predictable Esthetic Results) we build on the information learned in Seminar One and apply the basics of occlusion to esthetic dentistry.

The Hands-On courses in our core curriculum (4 total) should be taken in the following order:

First (2) Hands-On courses (enroll after at attending least one seminar):
Comprehensive Examination and Records
& Treatment Planning Functional Esthetic Excellence

Next steps - enroll after completing the first (2) hands-on courses:
The Art & Science of Equilibration & Restoring Anterior Teeth

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Hands-On

Q. Do you have to take the Hands-On classes?

A. The hands-on classes are not required, but will help you put into practice what you have learned in the lecture courses.

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The Masters Library Series

Q. How long will it take for me to receive my order?

A. Orders are shipped UPS ground from St. Petersburg, FL. We fill the order within two business days of receipt.

Q. Do you have anything that will help me prepare for the course?

A. Please call for more information on materials for individual courses and materials.

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Dr. Dawson's book 'Functional Occlusion from TMJ to Smile Design'

Q. Do I need this book for any of your classes?

A. No, but you will be more prepared for all our classes, and it will be a great reference book for years to come.

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The Dawson Academy Course Tracks

Dentists finishing the Dawson Academy core curriculum will have a complete understanding of the optimum oral health and dysfunction of each part of the gnathostomatic system as well as the supporting structures.

Additionally, students will have a profound understanding of contemporary esthetic procedures providing their patients with beautiful, functionally correct dentistry. Treatment decisions will be based upon a standardized comprehensive examination. Through a programmed approach to treatment planning, graduates of the core curriculum will know when reshaping, repositioning, restorative and/or orthognathic surgery is the correct option.

Core Curriculum Lecture Courses

Functional Occlusion – From TMJ to Smile Design
Achieving Predictable Esthetic Results
Advanced Problem Solving

Core Curriculum Hands-On Courses for the Dentist

Comprehensive Examination and Records
Treatment Planning Functional Esthetic Excellence
The Art & Science of Equilibration
Restoring Anterior Teeth

Core Curriculum Hands-On Courses for Technicians

Occlusion and Function for Lab Technicians