Dental school teaches you the technical skills, but what about the emotional reality of patient care? The weight of making decisions that affect someone's smile, their confidence, their daily life - and doing it all whilst you're still learning the ropes.
This is Next Gen, where we sit down with dental students preparing for the transition from textbooks to real-world practice. In this episode, we're exploring the human side of dentistry with Ahjeong Yoo, a fourth-year dental student at Sydney University and president of SUDA. Ahjeong opens up about her unique emotional connection to her patients' teeth, the challenge of saying "no" when you're a people-pleaser, and why she chose restoration over extraction - even when it's not always the easiest path.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Starting any new job comes with its challenges, but stepping into a dental practice as a fresh graduate brings a unique blend of excitement and terror. The impostor syndrome, and that nagging voice asking, “Am I really qualified to be doing this?”

This is Fresh-Out Fridays, where we sit down with early-career dentists who share the unfiltered truth about navigating those early-career moments that dental school didn’t quite prepare you for. In this episode, we’re diving deep with Dr Samantha Tang as she opens up about overcoming that initial awkwardness, building confidence with patients, and finding her groove in a busy practice. We’ll explore practical strategies for managing those “am I doing this right?” moments, and discover how what feels like your biggest weakness might actually become your greatest strength.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s brush up on what it takes to thrive as a new dentist.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

In this third and final instalment of The Dental Diaries, we delve into the crucial years following those initial career steps with early career dentists Anthony, Yasmin, and Sarah as they share their experiences of finding their professional stride.

Learn about the transformative power of mentorship—both receiving and providing it—and how these dentists have moved from focusing solely on their own growth to actively contributing to their profession and communities through advocacy, leadership roles, and community outreach. The episode offers candid insights into building resilience, maintaining work-life balance, and evolving from surviving those challenging early years to thriving as confident practitioners.

Whether you're facing the pressures of early-career practice, seeking strategies for sustainable professional growth, or looking to give back to the dental community, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration for building a fulfilling dental career.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

In this second instalment of The Dental Diaries, we explore the pivotal transition from dental student to practising dentist with early career dentists Anthony, Yasmin, and Sarah and learn more about their journey beyond graduation.

Discover how they secured their first positions, navigated those nerve-wracking initial days with patients, and developed the confidence essential for clinical practice. The episode also delves into the financial realities of starting a dental career and reveals how new graduates can contribute fresh perspectives to established practices.

Whether you're a dental student preparing for graduation, a recent graduate finding your footing, or an established dentist mentoring the next generation, this episode offers valuable insights into this transformative career stage.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Join us as we uncover the human stories behind the dental profession, beginning with Part One's intimate conversation with three recent graduates – a husband-and-wife team from the University of Sydney and a career-changer from Charles Sturt University – as they share their experiences navigating dental education and offer valuable tips for thriving in university.

"The Dental Diaries" offers an intimate look into the world of dentistry through the eyes of those who've recently lived it. This documentary-style podcast series features candid conversations with early-career dentists as they share their journeys from dental school to professional practice.

Each episode delves into the realities of pursuing a career in dentistry, exploring everything from the challenges of mastering complex procedures to the triumphs of treating their first patients. Our guests offer practical insights into dental education, share strategies for managing the demanding curriculum, and discuss the evolution from student to practising professional.

Produced by the Recent Graduate Committee of the Australian Dental Association NSW, this series serves as both a guide and inspiration for aspiring dentists, while offering the general public a deeper understanding of the dedication behind the profession. Whether you're considering dentistry as a career, currently in dental school, or simply curious about the path to becoming a dental professional, "The Dental Diaries" provides an authentic perspective on this challenging yet rewarding field.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Dr Zanab Malik, in a recent interview with ADA NSW's Claire Schifter, emphasized the significance of equipping graduates with the adequate knowledge and abilities required to cater to patients with special needs. Despite the desire of numerous clinicians to aid such patients, their exposure and experience may not be sufficient. To address this concern, Dr Malik is hosting a webinar titled "Special Needs Dentistry 101" as a part of the ADA NSW New Graduate Residency program. The webinar is scheduled to take place online on October 25th, 2023.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

In this episode, Kylie Robb from ADA NSW talks to Dr Ed Boulton, an experienced dentist, about how to establish a great working relationship with your dental assistant. Dr Boulton shares his tips and experience on how to achieve professional happiness through this collaboration. You'll learn about empowering your dental assistant to support you in an efficient appointment and tips on what to say during treatment to build trust and rapport with your patients and dental assistants. Additionally, Dr Boulton provides insights on how to give your assistant leadership during appointments and more.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Meet the latest Student Dental Association Presidents taking on student life and the leadership challenge. Rachel Brown from The University of Sydney and Jason Zhang from Charles Sturt University chat to ADA NSW's Marketing and Communications Manager Elise Ross. They talk about their unique experiences which have taught them the value of resilience and adaptability, continuous learning and communication. From unexpected career leaps to dental study surprises, maintaining balance and motivation to new technologies, hear Rachel and Jason’s views and aspirations for the future.
Membership to ADA NSW is free for all current dental students in NSW and the ACT. For more information visit our website at adansw.com.au or call our friendly membership team on 84369900.

Host: Elise Ross

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.