A Familiar Leader Returns to The Pankey Institute
The Pankey Institute is pleased to welcome back Dr. Gary DeWood, who is rejoining the faculty as Director of Essentials. His return marks a meaningful moment for an institute known for raising the bar in hands-on dental education and day-to-day clinical skill. For many in the Pankey community, it feels less like a change and more like a trusted teacher stepping back to the front of the room.
Experience That Lifts the Classroom
Dr. Lee Ann Brady, Executive Director and Director of Education, shared her excitement: "Gary's extensive knowledge in dentistry, paired with his exceptional teaching skills, makes him an invaluable asset to our community. We are excited to welcome him back, as we believe his influence will greatly enhance our educational offerings and experiences for dental professionals." Her point lands simply—when a seasoned educator leads, the learning gets sharper, more practical, and easier to use the next morning in the operatory.
Essentials Curriculum: A Foundation That Works
The Essentials program is Pankey’s four-course core, the throughline of its training. Dentists who complete this comprehensive sequence develop the ability to assess, diagnose, plan, and deliver restorative care with confidence—whether the case is straightforward or complex. It’s a curriculum built to connect thinking to doing: sound examination, thoughtful treatment planning, and predictable execution that respects both the dentistry and the person in the chair.
Dr. DeWood’s Perspective
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. DeWood remarked, "In many respects, I never truly left The Pankey Institute. The opportunity to rejoin this dedicated team is an unexpected and welcomed chance for me. I am eager to express my gratitude to the Pankey family for their ongoing support over the years. I look forward to reuniting with colleagues and friends I've met during my long career here."
About Dr. Gary M. DeWood
Dr. DeWood earned his D.D.S. from Case Western Reserve University in 1980, then deepened his clinical expertise through the Facial Pain Center Curriculum at the University of Florida from 1992 to 1995. He went on to complete a Master of Science degree at The University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2004. With this foundation, he ran a full-time private practice in Pemberville, Ohio, until 2004, where he refined the skills and judgment that now inform his teaching.
In 2008, he co-founded Spear Education, a continuing education organization in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over the years, he has served as an Associate Professor at several institutions and remains an active educator—teaching workshops at The Pankey Institute and lecturing at professional gatherings around the world. The common thread is clear: he brings real clinical experience to the podium and keeps the material practical.
Current Practice and Contributions
Alongside his teaching, Dr. DeWood maintains a private practice at Desert Sun Smiles in Glendale, Arizona. Staying active in clinical care helps him ground his workshops and lectures in the realities of everyday dentistry. Through courses, hands-on sessions, and presentations, he continues to support dentists who want to elevate their skills and deliver consistent results for their patients.
The Pankey Institute: A Community for Dental Excellence
The Pankey Institute is recognized worldwide for advanced dental continuing education that emphasizes doing, not just discussing. More than 30,000 dental professionals from 44 countries have trained with Pankey, taking what they learn back to their practices and turning it into better care for millions of patients. The impact shows up in small, steady ways—clearer diagnoses, cleaner margins, calmer teams.
Beyond coursework, the institute fosters a thoughtful philosophy about practice and personal well-being. That blend—clinical rigor with a human touch—continues to draw dentists who want their work to be both technically excellent and personally sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role will Dr. Gary DeWood play at The Pankey Institute?
He will serve as the Director of Essentials, leading the four-course core curriculum and working with faculty to strengthen how the material is taught and applied in daily practice.
What exactly is the Essentials curriculum?
Essentials is a four-course sequence that builds core competencies: thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, thoughtful treatment planning, and confident delivery of restorative dentistry across simple and complex cases.
What is Dr. DeWood’s educational background?
He earned his D.D.S. from Case Western Reserve University in 1980, completed the Facial Pain Center Curriculum at the University of Florida from 1992 to 1995, and received an M.S. from The University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2004.
Where does Dr. DeWood currently practice?
He maintains a private practice at Desert Sun Smiles in Glendale, Arizona, alongside his ongoing teaching and lecturing.
How has The Pankey Institute influenced dental education?
The institute has trained over 30,000 professionals from 44 countries, emphasizing practical, effective learning that supports better patient care and a sustainable approach to practicing dentistry.
