Hosted by Michael Shambira

Ever wondered how others make dental school look easy while you’re struggling to stay afloat? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode of the Dental Head Start Podcast, final-year student Michael Shambira and Dr. Ricky Wasef dive into the hidden aspects of dental education that no one teaches but everyone experiences.

Learn how to:

This candid conversation reveals that dental school tests more than just your clinical skills – it challenges your identity. Through burnout, failures, and self-doubt, Michael and Ricky share how authenticity and vulnerability become your greatest strengths.

Whether you’re feeling exhausted, ambitious, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical wisdom for your dental journey from those who’ve walked the path.

Ready to discover the unseen curriculum? Listen now and join the conversation by sharing your own dental school experiences in the comments below!

Key Moments

00:00 – Introduction to the Unseen Curriculum

02:30 – Meet Dr. Ricky Wasef

05:15 – Transitioning from High School to University

08:23 – Finding Identity Through Change

11:47 – Building Resilience in Dental School

15:30 – Overcoming Comparison with Peers

19:48 – The Power of Vulnerability and Connection

23:40 – Communication as a Clinical Strength

27:13 – Building Patient Trust and Rapport

30:45 – Effective Patient Communication Strategies

34:22 – Managing Personal Expectations

38:10 – Developing Clinical Skills Methodically

41:05 – Three Do’s of Dental School

44:18 – Three Don’ts for Dental Students

47:30 – Finding Self-Acceptance and Respect

50:35 – Final Reflections and Closing Thought

Dr Ricky Wasef is a recent dental graduate who’s experienced the reality of transitioning from university to the workforce — complete with its highs, lows, and unexpected lessons. He took the big change early, moving to Orange for his University studies at CSU where he began with Clinical Sciences, before gaining entry into Dentistry. Sitting comfortably in the middle of his cohort during dental school, Ricky didn’t chase awards or titles, but built his reputation on being reliable, approachable, and committed to his patients. In the six months since graduating, he has navigated both wins and challenges in his early career, offering a candid perspective on adapting to clinical life, finding balance, and learning what really matters beyond the marks. He is currently working as a Dental Officer in Wollongong, where he spends his days off with friends, at the gym and playing golf.

Dental Protection have proudly been supporting the Dental Head Start podcast since day one! The Dental Protection team understands the ever-changing challenges faced by dental professionals and we take our responsibility to members seriously. Our professional protection package helps you practise with confidence, safe in the knowledge that we are always by your side if things go wrong. With over 40 years protecting Australian dental professionals, we have the global stability and financial resilience to be by you

This episode of the Dental Head Start Podcast is proudly supported by Dental Advice Network.

Whether you’re one year out or forty, we all have clinical questions—and it’s OK not to have all the answers. That’s exactly why the Dental Advice Network exists. With leading experts like Dr Omar Ikram (Endodontist), Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen (Oral Medicine Specialist), Dr Steven Parker (Dental Sedationist), Dr Manu Ayer (Specialist Anaesthetist), Professor Ian Myers (Restorative expert), Dr Kar Mun Chan (Specialist Paediatric Dentist) and Associate Professor Geraldine Moses (Dental Therapeutics and Pharmacology expert), it’s your go-to place for clinical advice, case support, and evidence-based insights.

From medication queries to red flags in oral pathology—or even just a second opinion—Dental Advice Network connects you to trusted voices in dentistry and medicine, including an in-house medical doctor. You’ll also get access to clinical webinars, CPD content, and curated updates to stay ahead in your practice.

It’s peace of mind, peer support, and education—all in one place.

 And for Dental Head Start listeners, we’ve teamed up with Dental Advice Network to bring you an exclusive 10% discount when you subscribe. Just use the code HEADSTART10 at checkout. Plus—if you’re a first-year graduate, you already get a massive 50% off.

Check them out at den

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