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by Dr David Keir
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Hosted by Dr Michael (Mike) Shambira In this episode of the Formation series, Mike sits down with Dr Michael Frazis, Director of Education at Ripe Global, to explore the blind spots that shape early-career growth in dentistry. Drawing from years of teaching and mentoring clinicians, Michael Frazis shares insights on ambition, judgement, efficiency, and the common traps dentists fall into when trying to progress too quickly. The conversation focuses on developing calibration, building competence before speed, and understanding what truly compounds over the long term. This episode is about stepping back, thinking clearly, and approaching growth with intention rather than urgency. Connect with Mike and Dr Michael Frazis here If this episode resonated, share it with a colleague or friend who’s early in their journey.If there are specific guests or topics you’d like to see next, reach out via Instagram; we’re always looking to shape this series around what would be most valuable for listeners. Key moments Introduction to Early Career Blind Spots Setting Intentional Goals as a Dentist Overambition vs Underambition Risks Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword Avoiding Comparison and Staying Aligned Quantifying Goals and Tracking Progress Efficiency After Quality in Procedures Using Repetition and Feedback for Growth Clinical Photography and Documentation Long-Term Separation of Success Paths Giving Yourself Grace as a New Grad Removing Time Distortions for Success Dr Michael Frazis Thank you to our sponsors… The OrthoED institute <img decoding="async" width="2560" height="917" src="https://www.dentalheadstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ORTHOED_INSTITUTE_MASTER_LOGOwithpostioningline-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6212" style="aspect-ratio:2.7917655161858117;width:678px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.de
Hosted by Ahmed Issa Ahmed Issa sits down with Dr Rand Younes to explore the journey behind the title. From arriving in Australia as a young immigrant with little English, to becoming dux of her school, launching a mobile dental service at just 17, and building a career grounded in purpose, service, and impact. Together, they unpack the defining chapters that shaped her path: the challenges of dental school, training in rural New South Wales, the early clinical experiences that exposed the deeper inequities in healthcare, and the decision to pursue further training while stepping into practice ownership at a young age. More than a story of achievements which include Australia’s youngest dental clinic owner, a nominee/finalist for the Young Australian of the Year award and the youngest ever recipient of the global Top 100 Doctors award. This is a conversation about identity, sacrifice, and the conviction to build something that changes lives. A powerful listen for students, clinicians, and anyone striving to create a career that stands for more than success alone. Follow Dr Rand and Ahmed on Instagram @dr.randyounes @drahmedissa Key moments Early Life and Immigration Challenges Attraction to Dentistry and High School Success Dental School Struggles and Growth Launching Mobile Dental Clinic at 17 Overcoming Doubts and Balancing Responsibilities Post-Graduation and Opening Own Practice Finding Mentors and Key Qualities Advice for New Grads and Aesthetic Dentistry Patient Impact Stories and Responsibilities Awards, Future Goals, and Rapid Fire Dr Rand Younes Dr Rand Younes is a cosmetic dentist, practice owner, educator, and founder of ‘Pearly’. After migrating to Australia at 11 with little English, she went on to become dux of her school and rank second in the state for English.A graduate of Charles Sturt University, Dr Rand received a National First Prize from the Australian Endodontic Society for her research and is currently undertaking a Masters degree in Prosthodontics and Dentofacial Aesthetics. At just 17, she founded Impact Mobile Dental Services, now known as Pearly, a program delivering dental care and prevention into schools and rural communities. Since then, Pearly has reached more than 150,000 children and treated over 40,000, with a long-term vision to rea
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira and Ahmed Issa Stepping out of dental school and into a thriving practice can be entirely overwhelming, but itdoesn’t have to be. In this feature episode, we sit down with Dr. Sam Gidaro to explore the realities of clinical life, the pressures of practice ownership, and how to find the perfect mentor to accelerateyour growth. Dr. Sam shares his exact process for thorough patient assessments, navigating the complexities of full-arch implant therapy, and how new graduates can position themselves to get hired. You will learn the stark realities of overseas dental tourism, why managing patient expectations is actuallythe hardest part of dentistry, and how staying humble and hungry will fast-track your clinicalsuccess over the long term. Follow us on instagram @dr.samuelgidaro @thatdentistmike @drahmedissa Key moments Introduction and Mentorship Transitioning to Practice Ownership Putting the Patient First Assessing Patients for Full Arch Implants The Reality of Overseas Dental Tourism Understanding the True Cost of Dentistry Finding Your Niche and Obsession in Dentistry How to Stand Out and Get Hired as a New Grad Managing Patient Expectations Dr Samuel Gidaro Dr Sam Gidaro has been placing implants for over a decade and has developed a strong reputation for managing complex revision and rescue cases. He is known not only for his clinical standards, but also for his high personal and professional ethics, and his open, generous approach to mentorship and sharing knowledge with other clinicians. He’s a mentor to both Ahmed and Dr Mike that has been a wise sounding board for them as they navigate their dental careers.If you’re a student or early-career dentist who feels driven, self-aware, and sometimes internally heavy; this episode will resonate. Because the goal isn’t just to become skilled. It’s to become steady. The post Feature #100: Mastering Patient Care & Expectations with Dr Sam Gidaro appeared first on Dental Head Start.
Hosted by Ahmed Issa Real growth in dentistry is built in discomfort. In this feature episode of the Formation Series, Ahmed Issa sits down with Dr Waleed Arshad to explore confidence, mentorship, mindset and what it takes to grow into a well-rounded clinician. Not about shortcuts.About becoming who the profession demands of you. Connect with Ahmed and Dr Waleed on instagram @waleedarshadd @drahmedissa Key moments Introduction and Path to Dentistry Unlearning the Dental School Echo Chamber Why Sales Experience Makes You a Better Dentist Overcoming Early Clinical Failures Challenging the 5-Year Implant Rule The Crucial Role of Mentorship Transitioning to Complex All-on-4 Procedures The Reality of Social Media Before-and-Afters Building Brand Equity as an Associate Solving the Flossing Problem with Glissy Final Advice: Become a Multifaceted Professional Dr Waleed Arshad Dr Waleed Arshad is a principal dentist at Bupa Newstead and Greenslopes, with a focus on advanced reconstructive and aesthetic dentistry. He is recognised for his commitment to clinical progression, digital integration, and delivering patient-centred care with precision and transparency. A Fellow of the Australasian Implant Academy, Dr Waleed has undertaken advanced training in augmentation and full arch implant reconstruction, complemented by mentorship with leading clinicians including Dr Ziv Simon. His philosophy is centres on clinical mastery becomes exponentially more powerful when paired when paired with paired with psychology, communication science and systems thinking Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode… The Orthoed Institute <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="367" src="https://www.dentalheadstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ORTHOED_INSTITUTE_MASTER_LOGOwithpostioningline-1024x367.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6212" srcset="https://www.dentalheadstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ORTHOED_INSTITUTE_MASTER_LOGOwithpostioningline-1024x367.jpg 1024w, https://www.dentalheadstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ORTHOED_INSTITUTE_MASTER_LOGOwithpostioni
In this episode of the Formation series, Dr. Mike Shambira talks with Dr Matt Hedge, a cosmetic dentist on the Gold Coast, to unpack what it actually means to learn well in the early years of dentistry. They talk about staying teachable, building confidence without rushing it, and finding the balance between ambition and humility. Matt shares how surrounding yourself with the right people, seeking feedback, and taking a self-directed approach to growth can quietly compound over time. This isn’t about learning faster. It’s about learning properly — and becoming the kind of dentist who continues to improve long after the early years.If you’re a student or new graduate trying to navigate the pressure to perform while still developing your skills, this episode will help steady your approach. Connect with Matt: @dr.matthedge Follow along: @thatdentistmike @dentalheadstart If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s early in their journey and trying to grow well.And if there are specific guests or conversations you’d like to see next, feel free to reach out — I’d love to hear what would be most valuable for you Key moments Intro and Dr. Matt Hedge’s Background The Reality of Being a New Grad Finding Mentorship and Using Social Media Dealing with Feedback and Perfectionism The Bingo Complication Game Knowing Your Limits and When to Refer Focusing on Cosmetic Dentistry Competition vs. Collaboration The Compound Effect of Continuing Education Dr Matt Hedge Dr Matt Hedge is the principal dentist at Helix Dental on the Gold Coast, where he focuses on high-quality cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He is known for his disciplined approach to continuous learning, commitment to clinical excellence, and strong emphasis on mentorship and collaboration.Matt has built a reputation for balancing ambition with humility, taking a self-directed approach to growth while surrounding himself with experienced clinicians. His philosophy centres on developing confidence through competence and building skills that compound over the long term. Thank you to our sponsors… The OrthoED Institute <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="367" src="https://www.dentalheadstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ORTHOED_INSTITUTE_MASTER_LOGOwithpostio
Hosted by Dr Erica Hwin When I see dentists producing amazing work in various specialties, the first thing I want to know is how they were able to build their skills to that point. Knowing the skills Dr. Maria Avis holds, I had the opportunity to unravel her dental journey. In this episode, Maria walks us through her experiences in dental school, and more importantly, how her graduate job positions set her up to become the comprehensive dentist she is now. Maria is a business owner of her private clinic, Akoya Dental, mother of two boys and two dogs. Listen to this special chat with Maria as this episode is jam packed with info. Key moments 2:25 – Maria spoke about earlier years and when dental school started 10:00 – Maria’s early career as a new graduate 22:41 – What keeps Maria going as a dentist 33:50 – Maria tells us what he favourite procedures are in dentistry 42:25 – What mistakes Maria sees young dentists making 51:18 – Final words of advice Maria has for the audience The post Most played episode series #7 – Becoming confident and competent with Dr Maria Avis appeared first on Dental Head Start.
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira In early dentistry, ambition and responsibility collide. You want to move quickly.You want to grow. You want to do meaningful work. But you’re also responsible for real people, and that changes everything. In this Formation episode of The Unseen Curriculum, I sit down with Johan Weemaes and Greg Fine to unpack one of the most important tensions in early career dentistry: How do you progress rapidly… without becoming reckless? We discuss: What young dentists misunderstand about their early years Why confidence follows structure, not the other way around The difference between exposure and readiness What makes someone truly coachable How to hold high standards without turning them into self-punishment Why restraint is part of excellence This conversation isn’t about implants or complexity.It’s about formation; the invisible shaping that happens before mastery becomes visible. If you’re a student or early-career dentist feeling the pressure to accelerate, this episode will give you clarity on how to move forward responsibly and sustainably. Because the dentists who progress the most are not the fastest. They’re the most formed. Key Moments Early Career Strategies & Finding Avenue Dental Developing a Passion for Surgery The Tripod Effect for Rapid Growth Ambitious vs. Reckless: Finding Balance Emotional Resilience & Dealing with Failure Qualities of a Coachable Dentist Sponsor: Orthoed Aligner Essentials Launching the PGIA Implantology Diploma Advice for New Grads: Where to Start Defining Success & Looking Forward Dr John Weemaes Dr Johan Weemaes is a managing partner within the Avenue Dental group, principal dentist at Avenue Dental Maroochydore, and co-founder of the Post Graduate Implant Academy (PGIA).With extensive experience in implantology and full-arch rehabilitation, Johan has invested deeply in postgraduate education and systems-driven practice growth. He is passionate about leadership, structured progression, and developing clinicians in a safe, responsible manner.Beyond clinical skill, Johan places strong emphasis on personal development, mentorship, and creating frameworks that allow dentists to grow without sacrificing integrity or stability. Find him on instagram @drjohanweemaes @postgraduateimplantacademy Dr Greg Fine <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="534" height="772" src="https://www.dentalheadstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ima
One of the most common findings when charting is a crack in a tooth, but determining the severity and the right treatment path can be a dilemma. In this episode, host Erica Hwin sits down with specialist prosthodontist Dr. Michael Mandikos to decode the complexities of cracked teeth, from initial diagnosis to the final restoration. You will learn the critical differences between benign craze lines and structural fractures, and why the biomechanics of old amalgam fillings often lead to these issues. Dr. Mandikos tackles the age-old debate of “chasing the crack,” offering practical advice on when to intervene with bonded look composites versus when to move to full coverage. Plus, discover strategies for communicating these issues to patients without overwhelming them or over-treating. Key moments 00:54 Defining Cracks: Vertical vs. Partial 02:12 When to Intervene: Staining and Symptoms 03:31 Biomechanics: Why Amalgams Crack Teeth 04:22 Treatment Planning: Bond or Crown? 06:33 The Golden Rule: Don’t Chase the Crack 09:27 Common Mistakes and Patient Communication The post Most played episode series #6 – The Cracked Tooth with Dr Michael Mandikos appeared first on Dental Head Start.
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The Dental Head Start podcast is made to help dental students become great dentists. You cant google the path to dental success, but you can learn from those already there. We interview dentists who have achieved what you’re striving for and get the story behind the struggles, the successes and the advice they want you to hear. Get the head start you need in your dental career.
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