Not quite happy or set with being a GDP? Have you just started as a GDP and want to streamline your learnings for a brighter future? Is an MSc the right plan of action for you? How important are mentors in all of this?

In this episode we discuss Dr Kiran Shakla’s journey from University to Australia to working as a Dentist at a Specialist Practice. She shares with us her top tips on how Dentists can make the most of their weekly schedules and reduce stress while dealing with different cases.

https://youtu.be/IiecXSpsJmc

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Key Takeaways:

Hard work and determination are key to success in dentistry.

Work-life balance is crucial for long-term satisfaction in dentistry.

The first ten years post-graduation are vital for career development.

General dentistry can be fulfilling without the need for specialization.

It's important to recognize when to refer patients to specialists.

Kiran emphasizes the value of personal growth and continuous learning..

Finding joy in everyday practice is essential for a sustainable career. Australia taught me valuable skills in private practice.

Private dentistry focuses more on patient care than money.

Communication is crucial for patient satisfaction.

Finding mentorship can be challenging but essential.

Shadowing experienced professionals enhances learning.

Balancing work and education requires sacrifices.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Highlight of this episode:

02:34 Introduction to Dr Kiran Shankla

06:18 Correlation between Uni and the Real World

07:29 Selling a Dream

10:13 Going Hard Early

12:43 Taking Work Home

14:55 General Dentistry

20:48 Kiran’s Journey 

24:23 What did the experience teach Kiran?

31:33 Mentoring

34:38 Work Schedule

37:38 Bone to pick with Master's

43:33 Orthodontic Position

48:53 Working with Nurses

54:33 Networking

56:33 Wrapping Up

Connect with Dr. Kiran on Instagram!

This is a non-clinical episode without CPD. For CPD or CE credits, visit the Protrusive Guidance app—hundreds of hours and mini-courses await!

If you liked this episode, check out: Stress in Dentistry 2024 – Life Changing Decisions – IC048

Click below for full episode transcript:

Teaser: They don't have the clinical skill, but they've seen so many people do it, they know what works and what doesn't. And if you get on with them and if they can teach you something, it's like going on a course and someone, I could have paid to go on a course for someone to teach me how to do that. Well, why would I, when my nurse has seen it done a hundred times and she's like, Kiran, this is how it's done. Come on, I'll help you.

Teaser:If anyone stops saying, I don't know which course to do. This is another course you can create. And you know, often, it's a secret. It can be free. Often it can be free because there's so many lovely people out there that are willing to say, you know what, if you want to shadow me 12 times in a year on this, like, once a month, I'm happy.

You don't have to pay me anything yet. Some people will charge and that's okay. That's worth it too. But if it's free, wow. And if even if it's charged, it's still worth it because to be able to shadow you learn so much.

Jaz's Introduction:Being a general dentist is the toughest gig in dentistry. You have to literally be good and know everything. In this episode I'm joined by Dr Kiran Shakla, a general dentist just like me, and we talk about her journey. I feel there's so much we can learn when we dissect an individual's journey. And Kiran's mindset is really quite special. It's really going to inspire anyone who's in the early stages of their career.

Or even if you're established in your career but you're not quite happy, you're not quite settled, you have that itchy foot like Kiran had, then this episode will be really helpful to you. You see, Kiran takes massive action.