Founded in January 2011 by Dr. Daron Praetzel, the Hot Springs Study Club is dedicated to advancing education and collaboration within the dental community. Under Dr. Praetzel’s leadership as founder and director, the club provides high-quality continuing education for local dentists, specialists, hygienists, and their teams.
SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT
Lead with Purpose. Grow with Strategy. Excel in Dentistry.
Dentistry is constantly evolving—demanding more from us as clinicians, leaders, and business owners. This year’s program is designed to move beyond the day-to-day and prepare us for what’s ahead. From strengthening leadership and teams, to refining business strategies, to mastering the latest clinical techniques, each session is a step toward shaping the future of our practices and our profession.
Together, we’ll explore how to lead with purpose, grow with strategy, and excel in dentistry—equipping ourselves and our teams to thrive in the years ahead.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
PRF: The Biologic Revolution in Dentistry and Facial Aesthetics
Daron Praetzel, DMD, FAACS, Col, USAFR
6:00pm
Dr. Daron Praetzel
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Dr. Daron Praetzel is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Gannon University. He attained his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Praetzel served for thirteen years as an active duty surgeon with the U.S. Air Force. He has received several military honors and deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Facial Trauma Surgeon. He currently holds the rank of Colonel while maintaining his active enrollment in the U.S. Air Force IMA Reserves. Dr. Praetzel holds double board certifications from both the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgeons (ABFCS).
Dr. Praetzel is the founder of the Faces Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides facial surgery to correct cosmetic and functional deformities for patients who otherwise would not be able to have surgery. Dr. Praetzel is the founder and director of the Hot Springs Study Club, providing continuing education courses for local dentists, dental specialist, hygienists and their staff. Dr. Praetzel is on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgeons (ABFCS) and the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Dental Practice (AADP). He is also a proud Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Arkansas State Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons(ASSOMS), Arkansas State Dental Association (ASDA), and the Garland County Dental Society.
Dr. Praetzel is the owner and developer of the Arkansas Center for Surgical Excellence (ACSE), a multi-specialty outpatient JCAHO accredited surgery center. ACSE is where Dr. Praetzel performs his facial cosmetic surgeries.
Dr. Praetzel is an international public speaker. He presents to large groups and organizations on facial surgery, team building, personal/life and military experiences. Dr. Praetzel has been asked to be a guest author on several publications. He serves as an expert surgical witness on medical legal/malpractice cases around the country.
Dr. Praetzel lives in Hot Springs, AR and is actively involved in the community and the development of Hot Springs’ future. He is an active athletic member of Spa City Crossfit, completed several marathons and triathlons, and the Music Director of Acapella Rising. Dr. Praetzel also enjoys maintaining his cow and horse farm, sport activities, and any event involving one of his three children.
Dr. Praetzel is honored to be able to share and provide his surgical experience with the Hot Springs and surrounding communities.
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Lecture, up to 3 hours
149 MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TOPICS
Drs. Evening Program: Dinner at 6:00pm
Location: Vault Building 3rd Floor (enter Bridge St)
723 Central Ave, Hot Springs
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Decoding Myofunctional Disorders: Causes & Effect
Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM, IBCLC
6:00pm
Joy Lantz
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Unintentional patient reactions, such as lip clenching or gagging, can pose challenges during dental procedures. Discover how myofunctional issues can be the reason for these involuntary behaviors. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) often originate from patient habits or conditions that manifest during infancy, potentially disrupting healthy function and persisting throughout a person's lifetime. These disorders can provoke reactions that complicate dental treatments, making routine dental appointments challenging and potentially leading to more severe health complications affecting breathing, sleep, and beyond.
Gain insights into how to identify these oral myofunctional disorders and understand their origins. Participants will learn how to perform thorough OMD screenings for patients across all age groups, encompassing both pediatric and adult populations. The curriculum features exploration of case studies, shedding light on the substantial benefits of early detection of these disorders and enabling preventative care and better management.
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Develop a comprehensive understanding of orofacial myofunctional disorders.
Learn a strategy for screening your existing patient base for these disorders.
Recognize common involuntary patient reactions such as gagging, lip clenching, or dental anxiety as potential signs of underlying myofunctional issues.
Distinguish between habit-based behaviors and functional disorders by understanding key oral and facial developmental milestones across the lifespan.
Apply case-based learning to connect clinical symptoms with root causes, enhancing your ability to co-manage care with airway-focused and interdisciplinary providers.
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With nearly 30 years of experience in the dental field, I’ve seen what’s possible when we intervene early—and what happens when we don’t. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to help both healthcare professionals and parents understand the vital role oral growth and development plays from day one.
As a Board Certified Orofacial Myologist, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and Registered Dental Hygienist, I specialize in helping practices and families navigate oral challenges before they become lifelong issues.
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Lecture, Up to 3 hours
Myofunctional Therapy; AGD Subject code: 180
Hygiene Evening Program: Dinner at 6:00pm
Location: Vault Building on the 3rd floor (enter Bridge St)
723 Central Ave, Hot Springs
Friday, January 30, 2026
A 50 Year Retrospective: My Failures & Lessons Learned
Bill Robbins, DDS, MA
7:30am
Dr .Bill Robbins
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It has been said that “success is a poor teacher.” In this presentation Dr. Robbins will show failures of his cases and lessons that he has learned in the past 50 years., including the decision to save or not save, difficulties in treating adult airway patients, the risks of restoring at an increased VDO, managing difficult dental patients, and the complexities of myofunctional therapy and childhood orofacial dysfunction. By openly discussing these failures, he will provide practical solutions and strategies that can help fellow practitioners navigate these complex situations more effectively.
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Gain practical strategies for overcoming clinical and behavioral failures that Dr Robbins has experienced during his 50 years of clinical practice.
Use the lessons that Dr Robbins learned to better navigate similar situations with more confidence and clarity.
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J. William Robbins, D.D.S., M.A., maintains a full-time private practice and is Clinical Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1973. He completed a rotating internship at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas and a 2-year General Practice Residency at the V.A. Hospital in San Diego, California. Dr. Robbins has published over 80 articles, abstracts, and chapters on a wide range of dental subjects and has lectured in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Middle East, China, and Africa. He coauthored a textbook, Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry -A Contemporary Approach, which is published by Quintessence, and is in its 4th edition. He recently co-authored a new textbook, Global Diagnosis -A New Vision of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, which is also published by Quintessence. He has won several awards including the Presidential Teaching Award at the University of Texas Health Science Center, the 2002 Texas Dentist of the Year Award, the 2003 Honorary Thaddeus V. Weclew Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, the 2010 Saul Schluger Award given by the Seattle Study Club, the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry 2015 President's Award, and the 2016 Academy of Operative Dentistry Award of Excellence. He is a diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry. He is past president of the American Board of General Dentistry, the Academy of Operative Dentistry, the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
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Lecture, up to 6 hours
Multi-disciplinary topics, AGD Subject code: 149
Drs. Day Program: Breakfast at 7:30am
Location: Vault Building 3rd Floor (enter Bridge St)
723 Central Ave, Hot Springs
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The 7S Framework: A Tool to Help Position Your Practice for its Best Future
Eric Rindler, DDS, PA
6:00pm
Dr. Eric Rindler
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There are endless tactics promoted to help practices succeed. However, just as different practices have different strengths, certain tactics are more beneficial than others. Practice owners are inspired and work to maintain a high level of clinical expertise, and have a great and efficient staff. Many practices even have a strong social media presence or marketing program, yet their practices are not growing at the clip they desire. Perhaps you are aware that the market is changing and you want to position yourself to not be threatened; rather, you desire to seize the opportunity that the evolving dental market is presenting. It all starts in your practice and understanding that your strategy for creating competitive advantage is key. After developing your strategy, the next step is ensuring that the systems within your practice reinforce this strategy. The 7S Framework interactive workshop will offer a new lens to view your practice and illuminate its current strengths, while identifying opportunities and areas for improvement and growth by taking a deep dive into the components and inter-relationships of what is commonly known as the 7S’s. The goal of the day is to leave you with specific tools and knowledge that will enhance the joy and profitability of your practice.
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Provide a framework for self-evaluation of your business/practice.
Help you understand the importance of differentiation and determine how you are setting your practice apart.
See how your differentiation permeates and is reinforced throughout your business.
Focus on a strategy to determine which specific tactics will benefit your practice
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Dr. Eric Rindler continues to keep life interesting! After 18 years of practicing Periodontics and playing a key leadership role in the one of the nation’s premier multi-specialty practices, Dr. Rindler lived up to his reputation of intellectual curiosity and made the commitment to return to the classroom to complete his MBA from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. Having completed the program Dr. Rindler is now sharing what he learned and specifically how it applies to Dentistry. Dr. Rindler continues in the private practice of periodontics and devotes equal time to his business ventures. He received his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas and a certificate in periodontics from the University of Missouri—Kansas City School of Dentistry. Dr. Rindler has held the position of clinical assistant professor at UTSHCSA in General Dentistry and guest instructor at the Kois Center in Seattle, Washington. He lectures on several topics in the field of Dentistry, Periodontics and Business Strategy. Dr. Rindler is a member of several organizations including the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
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Lecture, Up to 3 hours
Practice Management and Human Relations; AGD Subject code: 550
Drs. Evening Program: Dinner at 6:00pm
Location: Vault Building 3rd Floor (enter Bridge St)
723 Central Ave, Hot Springs
Friday, March 6, 2026
Comprehensive Prosthodontics
Bryan Harris, DMD
7:30am
Dr. Bryan Harris
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Dr. Bryan Harris brings clarity and practicality to the complex world of prosthodontics. His presentations focus on comprehensive treatment planning, from single restorations to full-arch rehabilitations, always with an emphasis on predictability, patient satisfaction, and long-term success. Dr. Harris’ engaging style makes high-level prosthodontics accessible for general practitioners, specialists, and their teams. Attendees leave with a deeper understanding of how to approach complex restorative cases with confidence, efficiency, and artistry.
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Actual Learning objectives TBA
Audiences can expect him to cover:
Diagnosis & Planning: How to evaluate cases holistically, balancing function, esthetics, and biology.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Where prosthodontics integrates with periodontics, orthodontics, and surgery for optimal results.
Treatment Options: From traditional fixed and removable prosthodontics to implant-based solutions.
Materials & Technology: How advances in ceramics, digital workflows, and guided surgery are changing treatment delivery.
Patient Communication: Framing complex care in a way that increases case acceptance and trust.
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Dr. Bryan Harris is a Certified Prosthodontist with additional training to treat the most difficult and complex dental conditions. Patients are often referred from other dentists who recognize his unique ability to intervene in situations currently impacting people’s quality of life.
He has intentionally invested in technology and an onsite lab recognizing the benefit to patients of this per his early career experience as a Lab Technician. Since then He continued his education in dentistry at the University of Louisville with his DMD certificate in 2004 and the University of Texas, Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2007 with his Advanced Certificate in Prosthodontics.
Dr. Harris is a national lecturer on the topics of dental implants and restorative dentistry. Before becoming the owner of our practice in 2018, he ran the Dental Implant Clinic at the University of Louisville from 2007 to 2017.
Outside the office, Dr. Harris values time with his wife and sons, involvement at Southeast Christian Church, serving on the board of the Mpower Approach Ministries organization, mountain biking and being a “die-hard” Cincinnati Bengals fan!
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Lecture, up to 6 hours
Fixed Prosthodontics; AGD Subject code: 610
Drs. Day Program: Breakfast at 7:30am
Location: Vault Building 3rd Floor (enter Bridge St)
723 Central Ave, Hot Springs
Friday, April 24, 2026
Posterior Resin Composite Restorations and Bulk Fill—Make it Easy for Yourself
Marcos Vargas, BDB, DDS, MS
7:30am
Dr. Marcos Vargas
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Taking too long? Not getting proximal contacts? Bad contours? Not getting gingival seal? Difficulty dealing with deep restorations? If you answered yes to any of the questions, this presentation is for you. Get the knowledge to recognize what matrices, wedges and rings to use. Get the knowledge to deal with deep as well as extensive preparations. Get the knowledge to speed procedures for maximize efficiency, predictability and profitability.
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Understand bulk-fill resin composites and how to use them.
Learn cavity preparation to facilitate placement and prevent white lines.
Deal with deep and extensive caries lesions.
Contour and polish posterior resin composites.
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Dr Vargas received his DDS from Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru in 1985. He attended a 2-year AEGD program with emphasis on restorative dentistry at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York. He received a certificate in operative dentistry and master of science degree from the University of Iowa in 1994. Currently, Dr Vargas is a professor in the Department of Family Dentistry at the University of Iowa. He teaches undergraduate and graduate students and has published extensively in the areas of dental materials, adhesion, resin composites, and ceramics. He participates extensively in continuing education, nationally and internationally with many hands-on seminars with resin composites. Dr Vargas maintains a private practice limited to restorative dentistry with emphasis in esthetic dentistry.
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Lecture, up to 6 hours
Operative (Restorative) Dentistry; AGD Subject code: 250
Drs. Day Program: Breakfast at 7:30am
Location: Vault Building 3rd Floor (enter Bridge St)
723 Central Ave, Hot Springs
Meet the Hot Springs Study Club Team
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Dr Daron C. Praetzel DMD, FAACS, Col, USAFR
STUDY CLUB DIRECTOR / FOUNDER
Dr. Daron Praetzel, founder and director of the Hot Springs Study Club, is a double board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and seasoned international speaker. With a passion for education and community, he brings world-class continuing education to local dentists, specialists, hygienists, and their teams—advancing clinical excellence while strengthening the dental community in Hot Springs and beyond.
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Linda Melancon
STUDY CLUB COORDINATOR
Linda Melancon, office manager of Arkansas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and coordinator of the Hot Springs Study Club, is the heart behind the scenes. With her organization, attention to detail, and genuine care for people, she ensures every event is seamless and every member feels supported. Linda’s dedication helps create the welcoming, polished experience that defines the Study Club.
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Dr. Aaron Baldwin, DMD, MD
STUDY CLUB CONSULTANT
Dr. Aaron Baldwin, a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon and Hot Springs native, brings both clinical expertise and leadership to study club. As president of the Arkansas State Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and a national delegate to AAOMS, he helps connect local clinicians with the latest standards, education, and advocacy in dentistry.
QUESTIONS?
Your questions matter. Use the form to send us what’s on your mind—whether it’s about the program, logistics, or anything else. We’ll make sure you get the answers you need.