Brace Yourself

By Australian Dental Student's AllianceEducation

Brace Yourself episodes

June 22, 2025 The Missing Link Between GORD and Intraoral Health: Obesity and Bariatic Surgery
Think GORD is just about heartburn? Think again.
In this episode, we dive into the overlooked connection between gastro-oesophageal reflux, obesity, and intraoral disease.
Join Dania Jaber as she unpacks how systemic reflux impacts enamel, salivary function, and periodontal health—and why bariatric surgery might be the most underrated dental intervention. Backed by science, driven by curiosity, and designed to help you see the bigger picture in patient care.
All references and clinical highlights from this episode are available in our Podcast Digest - check it out via the temporary Google Drive - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY
6 min
June 02, 2025 The Human Side Of Dentistry: Mastering Patient Communication
Clinical skill gets you through the door — but communication is what keeps it open.
In this episode, we unpack why effective patient communication is just as critical as your hand skills.
From building trust to reducing anxiety and improving treatment outcomes, we explore evidence-based strategies and the 5 Cs of communication that every dental student should master.
Learn how analogies, visual aids, and empathy turn jargon into understanding and patients into partners. Whether you're in your first year or final clinic block, this episode will help you speak human, not just dental.
All information and articles referenced in this episode can be found in the Podcast Digest through our temporary Google Drive folder. It'll be available on the ADSA website soon - stay tuned!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY

13 min
May 04, 2025The Cost of Crafting Smiles: Skin Conditions in Dental School
From acrylic allergies to chronic dermatitis, this episode unpacks a hidden health issue affecting dental students across Australia. Why are our hands—our most valuable tools—at risk?Host Dania Jaber explores the science behind occupational skin disease in prosthodontics, shares real student testimonies, and offers solutions you can implement today.
🔬 Featuring:
The difference between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis
MMA, HEMA, and why gloves aren’t enough
What students wish they’d known sooner
Practical steps to protect your skin (and your career)

📚Download the accompanying podcast digest via this google drive link - ⁠https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY⁠

🧴 It’s honest, evidence-based, and built for dental students, technicians, and educators who care about more than just clinical outcomes — who care about each other.
📢 Share this with your cohort — and don’t forget to brace yourself because dentistry is evolving.
7 min
April 12, 2025 The Shift In Endo: Rethinking Pulpitis Diagnosis and Treatment
This is the very first Bite-Sized episode of the Brace Yourself Podcast — and the official launch of our Podcast Digest series. Each digest is designed to give you more than just a quick listen: it’s a structured, evidence-based resource you can save, share, and refer back to.
Is irreversible pulpitis really... irreversible? In this episode, we unpack the shift toward Vital Pulp Therapy (VPT) and why it’s challenging traditional endo thinking. From diagnostic grey zones to the power of pulpotomy, learn how preserving pulp vitality is changing the game — with clinical insights that every student should know.
Everything you’ll hear — and read in the digest — is backed by peer-reviewed literature and triple-checked by dentists and specialists to ensure quality and accuracy.
It’s clinical, current, and made for students who want to stay sharp.
For now, you can access and download the Podcast Digest through our temporary Google Drive folder . It’ll be available on the ADSA website soon — stay tuned!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY?usp=sharing
7 min
February 07, 2025 S5 E5 All things Rural Dentistry with Dr Tran!
"In this episode of "Brace Yourself", host Carol Lam, chats with the brilliant Dr. Margaret Tran from Goulburn Valley Dental Group in rural Victoria. Dr. Tran takes us on her journey into rural dentistry, busts some myths, and shares the quirks of practicing in the countryside. From emergency cases to tech-savvy solutions, this episode is packed with tips and stories perfect for anyone curious about the rewarding world of rural dental care."
26 min
August 07, 2024 S5 E4 Specialising 101: Paediatric Dentistry
Get ready for an exciting episode with Dr. Gabrielle Smart, an esteemed paediatric dentist from Hills & Country Paediatric Dentistry, hosted by ADSA’s Treasurer Carol Lam.
Episode highlights:
- Why Paediatric Dentistry?
- Day in the Life
- Scope of Practice
- General Anaesthesia Insights
- Importance of Early Dental Care
- CDBS
- Effective Communication & Collaborate Care
- Future of Paediatric Dentistry
- Advice for Aspiring Paediatric Dentists"
41 min
July 17, 2024 S5E3 Part 2: Specialising 101: Dr Alex Khominsky on Choosing Periodontics
Join us once again as Martina and Andrea continue their conversation with Dr Alex Khominksy. This time as they delve further into periodontics they discuss clinical aspects from, treatment planning, integrating photography and its power, and ways to communicate to patients. Finally listen to the end to find out more about the General Dental Residency (gDR) and how students and new graduate dentists can get involved!
For more information regarding gDR and exciting cases follow Dr Alex @drkhominsky.perio and @generaldentalresidency
28 min
July 07, 2024 S5E3 Part 1: Specialising 101: Dr. Alex Khominsky on Choosing Periodontics and Specialty Training
Join us in this episode as we chat with Dr. Alex Khominsky, a specialist in Periodontics. Dr. Khominsky shares his inspiring journey to specialty training, detailing the challenges and rewards of becoming a periodontist. Dive into the intricacies of his training, his work in private practice, and his unique experiences as a new graduate in the dental unit at the Alfred Hospital. Get ready for an enlightening discussion that offers a deep look into the world of periodontics and the path to mastering gum health! Stay tuned for Part 2 where we'll touch on some specific perio related discussions as well as exploring his work through gDR!
50 min
May 05, 2024 S5 E2 Digital Smiles: Dr. Sonny Lee's Blend of Art, Science, and Innovation in Dentistry
Join us in this enlightening episode of 'Brace Yourself,' where we sit down with Dr. Sonny Lee, a pioneer in digital dentistry. Explore how he merges advanced technology with traditional practices to redefine dental care. From the benefits of 3D printing and milling technologies to the innovative uses of ozone therapy and microscopy in patient care, Dr. Lee shares his insights into the transformative world of digital dentistry. For educational opportunities and to delve into the digital dentistry further, visit Dr. Lee’s Beginners Digital Dentistry Masterclass - https://digitaldentistryacademy.com.au/ at Leeming Dental - Leemingdental.com.au. Don't miss this journey into the future of dentistry, tailored for professionals and students alike.

36 min
April 14, 2024 S5E1 Part 2: The Graduate Experience: Bridging the gap between student to dentist
The highly anticipated Part 2 with Dr Erica Hwin from The Graduate Dentist!
Join Martina and Andrea, once again, as they continue their conversation with Dr Erica - this time, with a focus on the job hunting side of things!
In this episode, Dr Erica shares her number 1 piece of advice for final year students preparing to graduate and enter the workforce; the benefits and importance of shadowing as a way to find the perfect job for you and a few of the thoughts that are often overlooked by students as they decide which job offer is best for them
For more tips and advice, make sure to follow Dr Erica @thegraduatedentist!
35 min