What motivates a student to move from the United States to Australia to pursue a career in dentistry?  This is Next Gen, where we explore the diverse paths dental students take during their training.

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Caroline, a second-year dental student at the University of Sydney, to discuss the transition from international life to the Australian dental system. Following in her mother's footsteps at her alma mater, Caroline opens up about the unique challenges and "pinch me" moments of her early clinical years.

We explore the reality of shifting from simulation clinics with plastic teeth to treating real-life patients, and the unexpected nerves that come with that responsibility. Caroline shares candid insights on why "simple" skills like scaling turned out to be trickier than expected, the importance of a collaborative rather than competitive student culture, and her aspirations to take her skills to rural or public sectors after graduation.

From balancing the rigours of study with crocheting and her Cavoodle, Puddles, to dreaming of a trip to Antarctica, discover how this future dentist is keeping her cool while learning the ropes.

So grab your coffee (or an iced oat milk chai), settle in, and let’s brush up on the journey of an international dental student.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Remember that first time you drove alone on your red P plates? That mix of freedom and sheer terror? That's exactly how Haydyn Bathurst describes his first days treating patients without a tutor looking over his shoulder.

This is Fresh-Out Fridays, where we sit down with early-career dentists who share the unfiltered truth about navigating those early-career moments that dental school didn't quite prepare you for. In this episode, we're catching up with Dr Haydyn Bathurst as he opens up about choosing the public pathway, juggling contract reviews during final exams, and learning to communicate with patients who comment on his youthful appearance. We'll explore how COVID reshaped his clinical training, why difficult patients can become your most loyal, and the unexpected satisfaction he's found in dentures of all things.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on what it takes to find your feet in those crucial first years.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

What happens when four dental students start filming TikToks to make studying tooth morphology less boring - and accidentally become the most recognisable faces in Australian dental education? This is Next Gen, where we explore the diverse paths dental students take during their training.

In this episode, we're sitting down with Mustafa, Chris, Harish, and Troy - better known as Dropkick Dental - to hear how their viral social media presence has shaped their dental school experience and future careers.

From their rocky first meeting to accidentally creating dental TikTok content that resonates across continents, these four reveal the unexpected lessons learned from putting themselves online. We'll explore how they balance humour with professionalism, navigate criticism from qualified dentists, and use their platform to break down stereotypes about dental students. They share candid insights about the risks of being so visible, the networking opportunities that have opened doors, and how making mistakes online has actually prepared them to be better dentists.

From getting roasted in the comments to being recognised on campus, discover how these students are using social media to change perceptions of dental education - one viral video at a time.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on how to build a brand while building a career.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

What happens when a last-minute acceptance letter changes everything? When you have 24 hours to pack up your life in Canada and chase a dental school dream in Australia? This is Next Gen, where we explore the unique journeys of dental students as they prepare for practice.

In this episode, we're diving into the unexpected path of Austen Oviatt, a Canadian-born fourth-year dental student at the University of Sydney who went from biology to computer programming to extractions - and has already completed over 70 of them!

Austen opens up about the whirlwind decision to leave everything behind for dental school, the challenges of being an international student navigating visa requirements, and why age and life experience can be your greatest assets in patient care.

We'll explore how working at Campbelltown Hospital's intimate clinic setting has accelerated his hands-on learning, from routine extractions to full clearances and emergency cases.

From shadowing oral surgeons to witnessing procedures go wrong (and how experienced clinicians handle the pressure), Austen shares honest insights about building confidence, managing complications, and the reality that even seasoned professionals get nervous. We'll also discuss the unique challenges facing international graduates - from contract negotiations to the financial conversations that dental school never teaches you.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on what it takes to leap across continents for dentistry.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Dental school teaches you the technical skills, but what about the emotional reality of patient care? The weight of making decisions that affect someone's smile, their confidence, their daily life - and doing it all whilst you're still learning the ropes.
This is Next Gen, where we sit down with dental students preparing for the transition from textbooks to real-world practice. In this episode, we're exploring the human side of dentistry with Ahjeong Yoo, a fourth-year dental student at Sydney University and president of SUDA. Ahjeong opens up about her unique emotional connection to her patients' teeth, the challenge of saying "no" when you're a people-pleaser, and why she chose restoration over extraction - even when it's not always the easiest path.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Starting any new job comes with its challenges, but stepping into a dental practice as a fresh graduate brings a unique blend of excitement and terror. The impostor syndrome, and that nagging voice asking, “Am I really qualified to be doing this?”

This is Fresh-Out Fridays, where we sit down with early-career dentists who share the unfiltered truth about navigating those early-career moments that dental school didn’t quite prepare you for. In this episode, we’re diving deep with Dr Samantha Tang as she opens up about overcoming that initial awkwardness, building confidence with patients, and finding her groove in a busy practice. We’ll explore practical strategies for managing those “am I doing this right?” moments, and discover how what feels like your biggest weakness might actually become your greatest strength.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s brush up on what it takes to thrive as a new dentist.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

In this third and final instalment of The Dental Diaries, we delve into the crucial years following those initial career steps with early career dentists Anthony, Yasmin, and Sarah as they share their experiences of finding their professional stride.

Learn about the transformative power of mentorship—both receiving and providing it—and how these dentists have moved from focusing solely on their own growth to actively contributing to their profession and communities through advocacy, leadership roles, and community outreach. The episode offers candid insights into building resilience, maintaining work-life balance, and evolving from surviving those challenging early years to thriving as confident practitioners.

Whether you're facing the pressures of early-career practice, seeking strategies for sustainable professional growth, or looking to give back to the dental community, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration for building a fulfilling dental career.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

In this second instalment of The Dental Diaries, we explore the pivotal transition from dental student to practising dentist with early career dentists Anthony, Yasmin, and Sarah and learn more about their journey beyond graduation.

Discover how they secured their first positions, navigated those nerve-wracking initial days with patients, and developed the confidence essential for clinical practice. The episode also delves into the financial realities of starting a dental career and reveals how new graduates can contribute fresh perspectives to established practices.

Whether you're a dental student preparing for graduation, a recent graduate finding your footing, or an established dentist mentoring the next generation, this episode offers valuable insights into this transformative career stage.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Join us as we uncover the human stories behind the dental profession, beginning with Part One's intimate conversation with three recent graduates – a husband-and-wife team from the University of Sydney and a career-changer from Charles Sturt University – as they share their experiences navigating dental education and offer valuable tips for thriving in university.

"The Dental Diaries" offers an intimate look into the world of dentistry through the eyes of those who've recently lived it. This documentary-style podcast series features candid conversations with early-career dentists as they share their journeys from dental school to professional practice.

Each episode delves into the realities of pursuing a career in dentistry, exploring everything from the challenges of mastering complex procedures to the triumphs of treating their first patients. Our guests offer practical insights into dental education, share strategies for managing the demanding curriculum, and discuss the evolution from student to practising professional.

Produced by the Recent Graduate Committee of the Australian Dental Association NSW, this series serves as both a guide and inspiration for aspiring dentists, while offering the general public a deeper understanding of the dedication behind the profession. Whether you're considering dentistry as a career, currently in dental school, or simply curious about the path to becoming a dental professional, "The Dental Diaries" provides an authentic perspective on this challenging yet rewarding field.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.

Dr Zanab Malik, in a recent interview with ADA NSW's Claire Schifter, emphasized the significance of equipping graduates with the adequate knowledge and abilities required to cater to patients with special needs. Despite the desire of numerous clinicians to aid such patients, their exposure and experience may not be sufficient. To address this concern, Dr Malik is hosting a webinar titled "Special Needs Dentistry 101" as a part of the ADA NSW New Graduate Residency program. The webinar is scheduled to take place online on October 25th, 2023.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.