In this episode, we’re speaking with someone who’s taken a bold and inspiring leap — from scaling teeth to scaling implant solutions.

Thomas Clark-Otton spent many years building career as an oral health therapist, building a strong foundation in patient care and preventative dentistry and now pivoted into navigating the cutting edge of surgical technology and digital workflows, working as an implant solutions specialist with Straumann Australia. 

In this episode, we’ll explore how he made that transition, what it's like working on the industry side of dentistry, and the skills that helped him bridge the clinical-to-corporate gap.

Whether you're curious about career pivots, passionate about implants, or just love a good story — you’re going to want to stick around.

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Follow Thomas on Instagram: @thomas.straumanngroup

For behind the scenes of non-clinical dental adventures (trade shows, conferences, working with dental brands), clinician advice, Bachelor of Oral Health information, VLOGS, follow Emma on Youtube !

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to take dentistry on the road? Imagine trading a traditional clinic for a fully equipped, high-tech dental bus—bringing care directly to the people who need it most. Well, in this episode, we’re diving into the world of mobile dentistry with someone who’s done just that!"

"In this episode, I’m sitting down with Yung Starling of Starling Mobile Dental care-  a dental clinician and entrepreneur who didn’t just think outside the box—they built a clinic on wheels! We’ll talk about what it takes to engineer a fully functional mobile dental unit, the challenges and rewards of treating patients on the go, and why this model might just be the future of accessible dental care."

"Whether you’re a dental professional curious about mobile practice, looking for inspiration, or just someone who loves hearing about innovative ways to deliver dentistry, this episode is for you!"

Resources & Links

⁠🔗 Reach out to Yung at Starling Mobile Dental Care

🔗 ⁠Join the 2025 Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠

📩 Got questions or feedback? Reach out at [email protected]

🔔 Subscribe & Follow

Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform and leave a review! ⭐

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In this episode, we dive into the world of health promotion and oral health therapy with Shelley Pham. As a Health Promotion Lead and Oral Health Therapist, she plays a crucial role in educating communities, advocating for better oral health policies, and providing hands-on care.

We explore:
✅ What a Health Promotion Officer does and why it matters
✅ The dual role of being an Oral Health Therapist and a Health Promotion Officer
✅ The impact of oral health education on public health
✅ Career pathways and advice for aspiring healthcare professionals

Resources & Links

🔗 Sign up to the Everyday Habits for Healthy Little Smiles newsletter
🔗 For any questions about DHSV programs, healthpromotion@dhsv.org.au
🔗 Join the 2025 Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership

📩 Got questions or feedback? Reach out at [email protected]

🔔 Subscribe & Follow
Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform and leave a review! ⭐

👉 Follow us on Instagram, for the latest information!

Are you interested in moving to Australia to study a Bachelor of Oral Health? This one is for you!!

In this episode, we explore the unique realities of studying a Bachelor of Oral Health as an international student in Australia from a recent graduate and practicing Oral Health Therapist Aayushma Rijal.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the challenges and opportunities international oral health students encounter in Australia.
• Gain actionable tips for managing tuition fees, living expenses, and navigating visa requirements.

• Discover ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance while studying and working in Australia.

Thank you to Byron Medical for powering this episode of the podcast! For a special gift with your ergoloupes, mentioned the podcast or Emma Cubis!! Learn more about the Admetec Ergoloupes here

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of life after dental school. From managing team communication to navigating different patient personalities and balancing work-life dynamics, we uncover the truths and challenges that new dental professionals face.

Join Emma as she shares her experiences of over a decade in the dental industry practical advice, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Human Element

2. The Business of Dentistry

3. Ethical Considerations

And more!

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast for more insights and tips about navigating the dental profession. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with your friends and colleagues. Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected] 

In this episode, we dive into the personal experience of an Australian Oral Health Therapist Li-Ming who applied and successfully received registration to work as dental professional in the UK. 

Li-Ming chats us through the admin, unexpected roadblocks, wait time, costs and everything in between while navigating the General Dental Council (GDC) application process

Key Topics Covered:

Guest Highlights:

Links and Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

The final episode in "How to Refer to a Specialist" series with Specialist Endodontist Dr Aovana Timmerman.

What You’ll Learn:

Speaker Bio: Dr Aovana Timmerman graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne in 2001. 

After completing her fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) in 2010, she continued with her specialist training in endodontics, obtaining a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Endodontics, also from the University of Melbourne.

Aovana has been involved in endodontic education since 2011. Currently, she is a clinical demonstrator for the Doctor of Dental Surgery Endodontic program at The University of Melbourne and examines dentists in the Membership (GDP) program for RACDS and Australian Dental Council. Above all, she is a lovely person and this is her second Talk Dental to Me episode so we are very lucky to have her end this series!

Aovana will walk you through the essential elements of an orthodontic referral and key stages of development to refer on.

In this episode with Specialist Orthodontist Dr Katie Xu, we’ll dive into the essential elements of crafting a top-notch referral, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening professional relationships. Whether you are a Dentist, Oral Health Therapist, Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist - these tips will help streamline your referral process.

What You’ll Learn:

Connect with Us:
Got questions, have a podcast idea or would like to be on the podcast yourself? Share them with us! Email us at [email protected] or connect on Instagram [@emma.cubis / @talkdental.tome

We are very lucky to have the incredible Dr Emilija Jensen on this episode and she will discuss the essential components of a stellar paeds referral and how to effectively communicate with specialist paediatric dentists

By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable steps to elevate your referral process and ensure your patients receive the best possible collaborative care.

Dr Emilija will walk you through the essential elements of a pediatric dental referral, including how to identify when to refer, what information to include, and how to prepare both the child and parents for a smooth transition to specialised care.

Episode Highlights:

Guest Bio: Dr Emilija Jensen is a Specialist Paediatric Dentist at the Dental Department of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and concurrent Bachelor of Dental Science awarded with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide in 2012. She then completed a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Paediatric Dentistry from the University of Adelaide in 2020. Emilija has commenced a PhD through ARCPOH, University of Adelaide in the area of cleft lip and palate.

Thank you to Byron Medical for powering the "How to Refer to Specialist Series" and this episode of the podcast.

My refractive ergoloupes from Byron Medical: https://www.byronmedical.com.au/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_qG5BhDTARIsAA0UHSJ16tbyCZGg6iLBJZwEqOEnAS8HMusBZ9WIeksJAObmjSwNx5lko4AaAkVBEALw_wcB

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical process of creating an effective referral to an oral medicine and oral pathology specialist with Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen.

Whether dealing with complex oral lesions, undiagnosed soft tissue abnormalities, or systemic conditions manifesting in the oral cavity, knowing how to craft a clear, comprehensive referral can significantly impact patient outcomes.

We’ll cover when and why to refer, the key components to include, and how to ensure smooth collaboration between general dentists and specialists.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Role of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology Specialists

2. When Should You Refer to an Oral Medicine/Pathology Specialist?

3. Key Elements of a Stellar Referral

4. Providing Adequate Supporting Documentation

5. Communicating Clearly with the Specialist

6. Preparing Your Patient for the Specialist Visit

7. Following Up Post-Referral

8. Common Pitfalls in the Referral Process