REFINE YOUR PRECISION. ELEVATE YOUR ADJUSTING
The Fundamentals 1 Seminar is the first course in the Fundamentals Seminar Series and serves as the critical foundation of the Advanced Orthogonal technique. This seminar equips you with the tools to confidently communicate with patients, conduct a focused examination, and precisely locate the cause of their problems through precision X-ray positioning.
Whether you're new to upper cervical care or looking to sharpen your foundational skills, Fundamentals 1 delivers the knowledge and hands-on practice you need to begin your Advanced Orthogonal journey with confidence.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
UPPER CERVICAL FOUNDATIONS
- Introduction to Advanced Orthogonal
- Basic anatomy of the upper cervical structures
- Basics of cervical biomechanics
- Introduction to upper cervical neurology
PATIENT COMMUNICATION AND EXAMINATION
- Communication skills to connect with and educate patients
- Examination flow to guide the patient to the cause of the problem
- The Pierce Maneuver
- Scanning palpation of the upper cervical soft tissues
- The Supine Leg Length Analysis
PRECISION X-RAY POSITIONING
- Understanding the purpose of the four Advanced Orthogonal views
- Measuring the Atlas Sagittal Plane Line and the Axial Angle—and understanding why they are taken
- Placement protocols and rules for precision X-ray positioning
- Hands-on X-ray positioning practice
- Troubleshooting the overweight patient for the Horizontal View
- Troubleshooting antalgic patient postures
Who Should Attend?
- Doctors new to upper cervical chiropractic
- Practitioners beginning their Advanced Orthogonal training
- Students seeking a strong foundation in precision-based care
What's Next?
Fundamentals 1 is the first step in the Fundamentals Seminar Series. After completing this course, continue your training with:
- Fundamentals 2: Precision Analysis — X-ray analysis, 3-dimensional interpretation, and vector calculations
- Fundamentals 3: The Advanced Orthogonal Correction — Table placement, instrument alignment, and delivering the adjustment
Completing the full Fundamentals Series (1–3) is one of the training pathways to Level 1 Certification as a Certified Advanced Orthogonist. For detailed certification requirements, see our Certification page.
TRAINING LOCATION
Asbury Family Chiropractic — Davenport, IA
Hosted by Dr. Greg Crowley, a certified Atlas Orthogonist for years who is now deeply involved with the Advanced Orthogonal Institute. Located near Palmer College of Chiropractic, this training site was selected to make Advanced Orthogonal education more accessible to Palmer students. Whether you're a student or a practicing doctor in the region, this is an opportunity to train close to home.
AGENDA
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026
| TIME | TOPIC |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00-9:30 AM | Intro/ UC History |
| 9:30-10:30 AM | UC Rationale/ Cartesian Coordinate System |
| 10:30-11:30 AM | UC Anatomy |
| 11:30-12:30 PM | UC Neurology |
| 12:30-2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:00-3:00 PM | Examination & Pierce Maneuver |
| 3:00-5:00 PM | Xray Positioning Basics |
| 5:00-6:30 PM | Practical/ Student Xray |
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026
| TIME | TOPIC |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 AM | Breakfast & Review Quiz/ Discussion |
| 9:00-9:30 AM | Analyzing the Frontal Xray (Lecture) |
| 9:30-10:00 AM | Analyzing the Horizontal Xray (Lecture) |
| 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Analyzing the Axial Xray (Lecture) |
| 10:30-11:00 AM | Dimensional Transpositioning |
| 11:00-12:00PM | Genetic Aberrancy |
| 12:00-12:30PM | Final Vectors/ Putting it All Together |
| 1:00PM | End |
INSTRUCTORS
Our speaker lineup features leaders, innovators, and top contributors to the upper cervical field—both within chiropractic and from allied disciplines. Together, they bring forward groundbreaking insights, advanced clinical strategies, and fresh perspectives that will challenge, inspire, and equip you to elevate your practice.
Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP
Executive Director of the Advanced Orthogonal Institute, national speaker, and leader in the Upper Cervical field in brain health and optimization. Dr. Slininger is helping Upper Cervical Care pierce into untapped markets for global impact.
Dr. Jeff Fowler DC, BCAO
Board of directors of the Advanced Orthogonal Institute and Senior technique instructor. Dr. Fowler brings a wealth of knowledge in both patient care and precision.
Dr. Nick Schar
Board of Directors of the Advanced Orthogonal Institute and Senior Techniue Instructor. Dr. Schar has spearheaded CBCT integration into the Advanced Orthogonal technique and trained many of the next generation of Advanced Orthogonists.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
This Institute has applied for Continuing Education credit for this seminar through Sherman College of Chiropractic. The list of state approvals is currently in process and will be updated as each state verifies its approval. Submission of your CE credits is included with your registration.
STUDENT & FACULTY SPECIAL
We deeply value the commitment students make to pursue advanced training in upper cervical chiropractic. We know the sacrifices you make to attend events like this, and we recognize the enormous value of early exposure to precision-based care. The earlier you begin training in Advanced Orthogonal, the longer you have to refine your skills and the more prepared you'll be when it's time to launch your career. To show our support, we're offering students half off registration.
We also support the faculty who guide and mentor students on campus. By partnering with chiropractic colleges and inviting faculty to train with us at no charge, we help ensure that students have knowledgeable support as they continue developing their skills after the seminar.
MEMBERS DISCOUNT
Membership at the Advanced Orthogonal Institute unlocks immediate value for only $997/year—a small investment that pays off big. Your membership includes full registration for the Annual Conference, priority CE credit submissions, voting rights, eligibility for board service, a listing in our doctor directory for patient visibility, and substantial discounts on all AOI training events. Members receive $200 off seminar registration.
Become a member today and step into ownership of your training, your network, and the future of Advanced Orthogonal care.
REGISTRATION
The Fundamentals Seminars registration is handled through Eventbrite for your convenience. If you are not an AOI member, please select DC Registration. Students should select Student Registration.. As always, full-time chiropractic college faculty may register free of charge.
Secure your registration today and be part of the most robust Advanced Orthogonal event of the year.