As promised – the 2nd episode in a week specifically for new graduates looking to map out their career.

After last week’s episode on making a Dental Portfolio, this time we are joined by Dr. Ajay Dhunna, a soaring young dentist who graduated in 2018. Join us as we uncover his journey from dental school to becoming an associate, and gain valuable insights on how to excel in your dental career.

Communication and collaboration are crucial aspects of dentistry, and Dr. Dhunna emphasises their significance. We look at the value of shadowing clinicians in different areas of dentistry, attending conferences, and networking events – discover how these interactions can sharpen your language and communication skills!

Work-life balance and well-being are essential for a successful dental career. Dr. Dhunna and Jaz discuss practical strategies for managing stress, taking breaks, and maintaining a healthy personal life.

Learn from his experiences and gain valuable tips on reflection, communication, dental photography, career development, and work-life balance.

Here are some resources we promised:

An Introduction to Dental Photography
Trinity Dental Courses

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

Highlights of the episode:

01:12 An introduction to Dr. Ajay Dhunna
06:46 Going from a newbie dentist to an associate
08:28 Reflection and the importance of clinical photos
09:10 Attending courses
12:09 Photography and setup
18:41 Communication
26:43 Planning your next career move
33:37 Being proactive and portfolio presentation
38:40 Maintaining your personal life and managing stress
42:50 Trinity Dental Courses

If you enjoyed this episode, you will love Not Your Average Young Dentist Journey

Did you know? You can get CPD from the Web App or Phone App and watch premium clinical videos, for less than a tax deductible Nando’s per month?

Are you a final year dental student or a recent graduate looking to kickstart your career as an associate dentist? In our latest episode we sat down with Dr. James Murray, a passionate foundation dentist who shares his recent insights and experiences on how to land a job as an associate dentist.

Dr. Murray understands the challenges that come with transitioning from dental school to real world practice. He discusses the importance of building a strong portfolio and reflecting on your work to overcome imposter syndrome – embrace the learning process, seek feedback, and use every situation as an opportunity for growth.

But what’s the best way to showcase your skills and make a lasting impression on potential employers? Dr. Murray reveals his secret weapon: an online portfolio accompanied by a thoughtful cover email. In this episode we also delve into tips for approaching dental practices that align with your values and interests.

Struggle with taking clinical photos? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Dr. Murray and Jaz provide helpful advice for improving your photography skills. So, if you’re ready to take the next step towards a fulfilling career, tune in to our podcast and unlock the secrets to securing your dream job!

Access premium clinical videos by Jaz and gain CPD for Podcast episodes via the Protrusive.app

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

Highlights of the episode:

03:14 Dr. James Murray
04:02 Dental school experience
06:22 Imposter syndrome
08:02 Curriculum vitae
09:09 Covering emails
11:01 Do the research
11:30 Portfolios
14:14 Having the right attitude
19:37 How to make your portfolio
20:45 Photography in dentistry
23:52 Photography tips and tricks
26:30 Resources for photography
27:56 Advice to new graduates
31:22 Just-in-time learning

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like Young Dentist Thrival Guide – First Few Years.

[Trigger warning: this episode discusses topics related to mental health, depression, self-harm, alcohol abuse, and suicide.]

Humans first, Dentists second. We will all have personal rough patches during our career – but how does this impact our work and our patients?

A Protruserati shares his experiences of a toxic marriage, self harm and alcohol dependence – I am so grateful he anonymously shared his valuable insights and lessons for dentists seeking to prioritise their mental well-being.

Throughout the episode we touch on coping strategies, emphasising the value of exercise and physical activity for mental well-being. We also explore the guest speaker’s path to recovery from alcohol abuse, including their positive experience with the Allen Carr course, which aimed to change their perception of alcohol. We delve into their experiences with counselling and highlight the importance of being in the right mindset for therapy to be effective. In addition to this we touch on the HeartMath technique, a powerful self-regulation approach that our guest found beneficial in managing emotions and achieving a sense of calm. Below you can find links to these resources, including the ConfiDental helpline – an accessible and confidential listening service designed specifically for dental professionals.

Access premium clinical videos by Jaz and gain CPD for Podcast episodes via the Protrusive.app

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

Highlights of the episode:

04:22 Our guest’s story
12:32 HeartMath
14:59 Poker face
18:33 Going to work mentally unwell
21:00 Leaving toxic environments
27:38 Advice for those struggling
31:34 Reaching out

If you liked this episode, you should check out Toxic Work Cultures in Dentistry – Time for a Change?

How long do you spend at the end of the day writing notes? Are you always home late? I used to spend HOURS writing up notes after a long day in the clinic, but not anymore.

I have been on a journey to find tools that make record keeping easier, more efficient and higher quality.

The toughest sessions were TMD consultations where there was so much to take in that my poor nurse struggled to get everything down – that’s when I discovered Dental Audio Notes.

I brought on the founders, Dentist Ala and Engineer Adam – to discuss the audio recording (and transcription) as part of dental records.

Disclaimer: I have ZERO financial interest in DAN software. I just think it’s bloody brilliant.

Dental Audio Notes (DAN) is a service designed to revolutionise record-keeping in the dental industry. DAN offers secure audio recording and transcription of patient interactions, allowing dentists to master record-keeping effortlessly.

Here’s what makes DAN an invaluable tool for dentists:

1. Accurate documentation – DAN captures the entirety of the conversation. Dentists can later annotate the recordings, providing additional context and making the documentation even more robust

2. Time efficiency – writing notes can be burdensome, especially when dentists have a high patient volume. With DAN’s transcription feature, dentists can save valuable time by automatically generating accurate and comprehensive clinical notes

3. Security – DAN takes care of storage, security, and privacy. Dentists simply need to press the record button, and DAN handles the rest, maintaining the recordings in a secure and confidential manner

4. Easy access and sharing – With DAN, dentists have the option to refer back to recorded consultations whenever needed. This feature enhances communication and aids in treatment planning. Additionally, dentists can choose to share the recordings with patients, fostering transparency and patient engagement

For those interested in DAN, early registration before September 1st 2023 offers the opportunity to take advantage of the SUMMER2023 pricing. This includes a subscription of £30 per month for 30 hours of recording, with additional hours available at an affordable rate of £1 per hour. DAN offers a free trial period, allowing dentists to record up to 6 hours for free, providing ample opportunity to explore the features and evaluate the service’s suitability.

Dental Audio Notes Website

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

Highlights of the episode:

03:37 An Introduction to Ala Rozwadowska and Adam Marsh
10:34 The benefits of audio recording consultations
15:12 When to use dental audio notes
23:12 Elevating your communication skills
27:53 Gaining Consent
31:47 Dento-legal feedback
34:06 What will DAN be able to do in the future?
38:30 Free trial and prices
42:43 What Ala and Adam hope for users of DAN
44:13 Dental coaches and mentors
47:22 Microphones

If you enjoyed this, you will also love Consent Is Like An Onion – Are You Consenting Your Patients Correctly?

Stop waffling and start communicating effectively. Stop giving 75 different treatment options and RECOMMEND the ideal plan based on their goal (hint: ask more questions!). Become efficient with patient communication by switching to video letters using Loom.

In this episode, Prav Solanki talks about the trust built between the Dentists and their patients, and how that trust is the foundation for providing the best treatment plan for each patient. After this episode you will realise that sales is NOT a dirty word, and you will love his definition of it.

Check out the example Loom videos on Premium Clinical Videos section of the Protrusive App.

Download Protrusive App on iOS and Android and Claim your Verifiable CPD/CE by answering a few questions + You can get EARLY ACCESS to the episode + EXCLUSIVE content

Highlights of the episode:

Check out courses by Prav Solanki:

https://courses.iasortho.com/courses/gb/business-mindset-mastery

https://courses.iasortho.com/courses/gb/sales-and-communication-mastery-for-tcos

Check out Prav’s dental speaking profile

If you enjoyed this, you will also love Presenting Treatment Plans the Comprehensive Way

No need for violins – this episode was to share our behind-the-scenes story of creating an online occlusion course.

This year has been the most challenging for me and Mahmoud Ibrahim as we worked hard to make OBAB the most tangible, real-world, and comprehensive occlusion training on the planet. We faced many struggles, hardships, and sacrifices along the way.

I want to thank you all for your support, your help and your feedback. You have been a great help in this journey and I am so grateful that we were able to accomplish it with your blessings.

In this episode, me and Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim were invited to the Dental Innovator Podcast to talk about the journey, challenges and sacrifices we made while working on OBAB. This episode will also inspire you regardless of your own situation. Whether you are starting a practice, buying a practice or starting a business within or outside of dentistry, this episode will give you inspiration and a perspective.

OBAB One-Time Pre-Launch Deal is now SOLD OUT – thanks for all your support!

Highlight of this episode:

If you liked this episode, you will love How to Win at Life and Succeed in Dentistry – Emotional Intelligence

Dr. Karl Walker-Finch shares his journey of pain to passion as he reveals the secrets to finding YOUR passion in Dentistry.

We started by discussing our crippling imposter syndrome as we left public Dentistry to practice privately. Along that theme we highlight the importance of taking control of your own destiny.

Karl’s new book, ‘In The Loupe‘ raises money for Confidental (emotional first aid for Dentists) and is a powerful book for Dentists that wish to practise without fear and establish the right work-life balance.

Download Protrusive App on iOS and Android and Claim your Verifiable CPD/CE by answering a few questions + You can get EARLY ACCESS to the episode + EXCLUSIVE content

“We do not need thousands of specialists in full mouth rehabilitation” – Dr. Karl Walker-Finch

Highlights of this episode:

You can now grab a copy of In The Loupe: The Secrets to Finding a Passion in Dentistry by Dr. Karl Walker-Finch!

If you enjoyed this episode, you will love Passion and Values in Dentistry with Dr. Dhru Shah

‘Doing’ Social Media is HARD work!’ Do you find it difficult to make time for this?

Do you worry about professionalism and ethics on social media? How about the blurred boundaries between professional and personal life?

Dentistry is no exception to the trend of using social media in today’s culture. Dentists are using social media to connect with their patients and create new opportunities for patient education. However, dentists face ethical challenges such as how to best communicate with patients online, and what is the best level of consent to get from patients when we post their photos and videos?

In this episode, Dr. Alessandro Devigus also suggests how to use social media as a business tool and how to keep your personal life and professional life separate.

Download Protrusive App on iOS and Android and Claim your Verifiable CPD/CE by answering a few questions + You can get EARLY ACCESS to the episode + EXCLUSIVE content

“React and interact with your audience how they WANT you to see” – Dr. Alessandro Devigus

Highlights of this episode:

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Personal Branding for Dentists, Logos, and Websites with Shaz Memon

Hygienists working without nurses and feeling like scaling machines – it’s about time we covered this elephant in the dental surgery. I brought on my dear friends and exceptional hygienists Morgan Williams and Louise Brake – they have faced career struggles in the past in the quest to finding the right environment and have so much to share with us.

The biggest takeaway of this episode will be to consider ‘leading from the bottom’ – if you are feeling stuck and don’t just wait around for good luck (I’m such a poet!) – take action. You’ll be inspired by some of the ideas from our discussion!

Highlights of this episode:

Check out Morgan and Lou’s Instagram, Dynamic Dental Duo!

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like another episode with Laura Bailey: Why You Need to Take Massive Action for Success in Dentistry

I think self development and emotional intelligence is foundational to our relationships with others. It’s how we interact with our patients, significant others, children and family members. Investing in your personal development makes you a better communicator. That’s why you should listen to Dr. Agi Keramidas in this episode!

We discussed how to begin your self-development journey and what are the important areas for dentists to focus on. We hope you’ll apply just ONE THING whether it’s a book title that we recommend or implement one tip to better yourself or your interactions.

Highlights of the episode:

Check out these books recommended by Dr. Agi Keramidas

Check out Dr. Agi Keramidas’ podcast: Personal Development Mastery for more personal development episodes

If you loved this episode, you will like 12 Rules for Dentistry