The landscape of postgraduate dental education is evolving, and Newbury is now at the forefront of this transformation. The Briars Study Collective represents the arrival of the internationally acclaimed Seattle Study Club model to England for the first time, offering local clinicians unprecedented access to world-class collaborative learning.
Founded in 1995 by Dr. Michael Cohen, the Seattle Study Club emerged from a simple yet powerful concept: that clinicians learn best through peer collaboration and real-world case discussion. What began as a small group of dedicated professionals in Seattle has evolved into a global phenomenon, with over 250 active clubs across 14 countries.
The model’s success lies in its departure from traditional lecture-based CPD. Instead, it creates an environment where experienced clinicians engage in meaningful dialogue, share challenging cases, and collectively develop solutions that can be immediately implemented in practice. This collaborative approach has consistently demonstrated superior learning outcomes and professional satisfaction compared to conventional educational formats.
The dental community in Berkshire and the Thames Valley has long recognised the limitations of traditional continuing education. Busy practitioners often struggle to find relevant, immediately applicable learning opportunities that fit their demanding schedules whilst providing genuine value to their clinical practice.
Our study club in Newbury addresses these challenges by offering a structured yet flexible approach to professional development. The programme recognises that today’s clinicians require more than theoretical knowledge – they need practical skills, peer support, and the confidence that comes from collaborative problem-solving.
What sets The Briars Study Collective apart is our unique combination of international expertise and local relevance. Members gain access to the extensive Seattle Study Club resources, including their renowned case-based learning materials, global lecture series, and the exclusive Seattle Study Journal. Simultaneously, they benefit from discussions tailored to the UK healthcare environment and the specific challenges facing contemporary British dental practice.
The programme operates from The Briars’ state-of-the-art facilities, providing an ideal environment for both technical workshops and intimate group discussions. Our advanced digital technology, including CBCT and iTero scanning capabilities, enables hands-on learning experiences that directly translate to enhanced patient care.
The 2025/6 programme theme, “Catalyst for Change,” reflects the rapid evolution occurring within dentistry. Monthly sessions address critical contemporary topics including advanced diagnostic techniques, digital workflow integration, aesthetic treatment planning, and practice management strategies designed to reduce clinical stress whilst improving outcomes.
Each session combines expert-led presentations with case-based discussions, ensuring that theoretical knowledge is immediately contextualised within real clinical scenarios. This approach enables participants to leave each meeting with actionable insights that can be implemented the following day.
The programme benefits from the expertise of Dr Nicola Murdoch and Dr Victoria Holden, both accomplished clinicians with extensive experience in postgraduate education. Their leadership ensures that sessions maintain clinical relevance whilst fostering the supportive, non-judgmental environment essential for meaningful professional growth. For more information, check out our dedicated page on our website – here you’ll find Dr Murdoch’s introductory video!
Membership is offered at £500 annually, payable in convenient instalments, making this premium educational experience accessible to committed professionals. This investment provides comprehensive access to monthly sessions, full CPD accreditation, digital resources, and the invaluable professional network that develops within the study club environment.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the importance of collaborative learning becomes increasingly apparent. The study club model recognises that clinical excellence emerges not from isolation but from the dynamic exchange of ideas between committed professionals.
The Briars Study Collective offers Newbury-based clinicians the opportunity to participate in this proven educational approach whilst building meaningful professional relationships within their local community. For practices seeking to elevate their clinical capabilities and professional satisfaction, membership represents a strategic investment in both individual and collective excellence.
The programme maintains deliberately small group sizes to ensure meaningful interaction and personalised attention. With the September launch approaching, interested clinicians are encouraged to secure their founding member status promptly.
The establishment of this study club in Newbury marks a significant milestone for the regional dental community. It represents not merely another educational option, but a fundamental shift towards collaborative excellence that will benefit both practitioners and their patients for years to come.
Ready to transform your approach to professional development? Join The Briars Study Collective and discover why the Seattle Study Club model has revolutionised postgraduate dental education worldwide. To register your interest, please click here!
Back to Blog
