Is it worth considering dental assisting before Dental Hygiene or Oral Health Therapy? On this episode, you’ll hear a firsthand account from Melinda Sefa and her journey from dental assisting to applying for, being accepted and completing a Bachelor of Oral Health.

We'll dive deep into Melinda’s experiences, the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the passion that fuels her journey. If you've ever wondered what it takes to transition from a supporting role to dental clinician this podcast is your backstage pass.

HIGHLIGHTS:

LINKS:

Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emmatalksteeth 

Emma’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmatalksteeth/featured 

What is it like teaching the next generation of oral health professionals? Our guest today is none other than the dynamic and knowledgeable Steph Chang, the Year 1 clinical coordinator of the Bachelor of Oral Health course at the University of Melbourne. Steph has great experience and dedication to shaping the next generation of oral health professionals.

We'll be uncovering the journey that led Steph to the world of university education,  and gaining insights into the evolving landscape of oral health education at the university level. 

So, whether you're a prospective student interested in pursuing a career in oral health, a fellow educator eager to learn from Steph’s expertise, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of oral health education, you won't want to miss this episode!

HIGHLIGHTS:

- What you need to do to transition to university lecturing, demonstrating or coordinating

- How do you know teaching is for you?

- What experience is favourable for teaching

LINKS:

Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emmatalksteeth 

Emma’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmatalksteeth/featured 

If you're an oral health therapist who dreams of becoming a dentist or simply someone curious about the transition, this podcast is here to guide and inspire you.

In this podcast we explore  her journey and leap of faith to studying dentistry. 

Join us as we dive deep into the motivations, discussing the pivotal moments that drove change, challenges that Hannah experienced.

Hannah will provide valuable advice, strategies, and resources for others who aspire to follow in her footsteps. We'll discuss topics such as academic requirements, and application advice so don't miss this episode if this piques your interest!

Thank you to Hismile for sponsoring this episode of the podcast.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Talk Dental to Me Podcast, we delve into the challenging topic of what to say when things don't go as planned in dentistry.

Join us as we explore the importance of effective communication and compassionate dialogue when addressing unexpected outcomes or errors.

Tune in for insights from specialist endodontist Dr Aovana Timmerman on navigating difficult conversations, fostering transparency, and building trust in the face of difficult circumstances.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Discover a step by step toolkit to discuss HOW to communicate difficult conversations with patients

2. Practical strategies and compassionate approaches to support patients whilst ensuring patient-centred care even in the most challenging circumstances

3. The importance of comprehensive informed consent

Links: 

Dr Aovana's Instagram

Emma's Instagram

Talk Dental to Me Podcast Instagram

Emma’s Youtube

The Hismile V34 colour corrector has been the elephant in the (dental industry) room for a while now, raising eyebrows and provoking conversations among professionals and the wider population. This innovative teeth whitening product claims to revolutionise the way we achieve brighter smiles, but it has certainly sparked debates about its efficacy and place in the industry.

On one side of the argument, its convenience and ease of use offers a time-efficient alternative to traditional teeth whitening methods and on the other side of the spectrum, critics argue the color corrector merely masks the issue rather than addressing the root cause of teeth discoloration. 

With both sides of the story, this episode allows for a balanced discussion that takes into account the existing science and the aim is to empower you, whether you’re a dental professional or not to make informed decisions about your oral care and teeth whitening choices.

Throughout this episode, we'll be delving deep into these controversies, examining the scientific evidence, and hearing from Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh who has had extensive experience working as a consultant for many oral care brands and who helped developed a range of clinical systems and technologies which are in global use, including saliva profiling for oral diseases, developed clinical protocols for the use of CPP-ACP nanomaterials. 

So, get ready for a thought-provoking episode and join us as we answer the question once and for all - does the V34 colour corrector have a place in the teeth whitening space?  

HIGHLIGHTS:

Articles mentioned in episode:

Patents and patent applications that explain the V34 science:

US 6030222 https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/f9/e6/09/f3748490ad2d66/US6030222.pdf 

US2006/0104922 https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/8e/ce/06/99e2b625296ea4/US20060104922A1.pdf 

Research papers

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571208000420 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571208000444

Links: 

Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emmatalksteeth 

Emma’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmatalksteeth/featured 

Thank you to Hismile for powering this episode Talk Dental to Me Podcast!

Did you know that periodontal disease is highly prevalent in nursing homes? With mild–moderate loss of periodontal attachment common. The care required for the aging population is ever increasing and the need is astronomical. The trajectory for oral care needs is through the roof and they need YOU.

There is an important role for dental professionals to play in the oral health of nursing home residents, both in the education of carers to assist with the provision of daily oral hygiene care, and in regular professional cleaning.

In this episode, Emma is talking with Jacqui Biggar, who is a clinical educator at the University of Sydney, the National Continuing education officer at the DHAA and also the founder of Senior Dental Care who provides a fully mobile dental care service to aged care communities. 

Learn the very important role today’s dental professionals will be taking on as we tackle the hurdles of aging health. And tune in as we discuss topics like the type of treatment Jacqui provides, what is needed from dental professionals in this space, just how important oral care is for our elderly communities and how you can start your own mobile dental business. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

Do you know that how we breathe affects our quality of life? In this episode, we explore the critical connection between oral health and the airway, uncovering how they intertwine to impact overall well-being and as dental professionals, the critical role in identifying these issues in the patients we see. From sleep apnea and breathing disorders in children, impacts of mouth breathing and orofacial myology-  we’re really only just skimming the surface into the multifaceted world of airway-focused dentistry.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner, a dental student, or simply someone interested in learning more about the airway-dental connection, this podcast is for you.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Books mentioned: Breathe - James Nestor

Why we sleep - Matthew Walker 

LINKS:

Dr Mark Levi: https://www.instagram.com/drmarklevi/?hl=en

Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emmatalksteeth 

Emma’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmatalksteeth/featured 

There’s no “one size fits all” roadmap when it comes to working in dentistry, but the one thing that every dental professional has in common is the intrinsic want to work for a healthy workplace. 

In this episode, Emma chats with Dr Jennifer Bhuta a general dentist, who will share her experiences searching for jobs and her advice for any dental professional who is currently looking or for when that time comes.

From too good to be true job descriptions, employers not fulfilling promises placed in job ads and micromanaging leads, between both Emma and Jen, they have seen it all.

Tune in as they discuss their experiences with job application processes over the years, the workplace dealbreakers they now have and also reasons why they have moved on from previous positions that you may relate to!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Thank you to Hismile for supporting the Talk Dental to Me Podcast.

Links: 

Marie: https://www.instagram.com/the_french_hygienist/?hl=en

Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emmatalksteeth 

Emma’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmatalksteeth/featured 

What can you expect during the Bachelor of Oral Health? What is it really like? Studying can be overwhelming (dental school is definitely not an exception) and then searching for a job as a new graduate can be equally daunting. But don’t worry, today’s special guest has the keys to help you overcome studying obstacles and some great advice especially for students and new graduates, so listen up!

On this week’s episode, 2022 University of Melbourne graduate Manar Moubarak shares her tips and tricks (that her examiners LOVED, FYI!) that led her to successfully completing a Bachelor of Oral Health and landing a job just weeks after graduating. Plus, we’re unpacking Manar’s best study tips and interview advice as well as keeping it real and discussing both of our struggles during university.

If you’re finding yourself struggling during school, comparing yourself to others in your course, this is exactly the episode you need to get clear on how to change up or implement new study habits and start showing up as your most confident (to be) future Oral Health Therapist. 

Highlights:

Thank you to Hismile for powering this episode!

Follow:

Mentioned in this episode:

Hismile's PAP+ teeth whitening toothpaste - new formulation, more product and more affordable, improved taste (win!)