The Dental Head Start Podcast Dr David Keir

In this episode, I chat with Mirna Yousif, an OHT who worked in supportive roles in the dental practice before graduating. She talks about how being exposed to different procedures and dentists gave her the confidence to continue her journey into working alongside Orthodontists and how OHTs can support dentists who are caring for orthodontic patients. 

All it takes is one conversation to start a movement or inspire a change. 



In this episode, we wind down with Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen and take a deep dive into aspects of our lives beyond just clinical dentistry. I think Dr Amanda is such a wonderful role model for younger dentists in terms of living to your greatest potential, chasing your passions and not worrying so much about what other people think.



We talk about all things from work-life balance (and does that even exist), managing self-doubt and imposter syndrome and standing your ground and knowing when to say no. We also discuss Dr Amanda’s role as current President for the Western Australia Women in Dentistry committee, what it means to her and their vision for the future.



So grab yourselves a cup of tea and wind down with us for this heart to heart chat.

In this episode, we get a glimpse into the world of dental school and dental students in 2024. Join Nathan from Griffith Uni, Emily from UQ, Jack from USYD and Ashton from UWA as they share what a day in the life is like at their uni's and give valuable advice for younger students. From the parties and fun to the grind and stresses of clinic, we unpack it all!



If you're a current dental student, we hope you can relate and find some encouragement from our conversation today. And if you've already graduated we hope this gives you a bit of a POV on what the next generation of dentists are up to.

Wow, we are well within the first semester this year and whatever part of our dental school journey we might be at, I think it would be pretty safe to say it's only going to get harder before it gets easier at this stage. My guest in today’s episode is someone who has amassed over 1500 followers on social media by sharing her life as an OHT student and you can tell she's a devoted one as she manages to share her oral health knowledge in such a way that would make the most anxious patient passionate about their smile. We caught up since wrapping up uni last year and talk about what we’re doing to thrive and survive another challenging year of school.

David and Tiffany sit down and uncover their similar experiences in their journeys to becoming the dentists they are today. Tiffany grew up in Taiwan and moved from New Zealand to pursue dental school in Australia and took a liking to the relaxed atmosphere that regional life gave just after graduating. After working for a few years, she took off on a hiking adventure in Nepal then learnt spanish while travelling Central and South America. Like David, she shares the incredible experience and growth that travelling has given her and urges listeners to not expect such opportunities to land in your lap.



Tiffany is about to finish her Perio postgraduate and talks about how she coped with the demands of clinicals and school all while becoming a new mother. Incredible huh? As if that wasn’t enough, Tiffany has recently created The Cusp Collective, a conference with a goal to inspire and empower women, reignite their curiosity and desire to learn, and create a community where women can openly discuss challenges and successes without judgement. Their very first event is coming in May 2024 and will be held in the Gold Coast; we are very excited about it all to say the least!

Welcome to What I Wish I Knew by Dental Head Start. This is a podcast where we learn from people that have been there, made the mistakes, learnt the lessons and have developed into the accomplished dental professionals they are today.



It’s your weekly mentoring session.



Hosted by Christina Potestas 



I wanted to dedicate this episode to all my peers and of course all dental students who will be reaching what I believe to be one of the biggest milestones of dental school and that is seeing your very first patient. In first year, It was something I always thought about, although an exciting thought it didn't come without doubt in myself.



I sat down with 2 very special people who I actually went to High school with, and who are now established dental clinicians practicing privately in Sydney. I remember them being such great, friendly personalities during highschool that I feel comfortable to turn to these two to ease my nerves of seeing my first patient and am delighted to share the chat we had with you all. 



You listening may be a 2nd year ready to see your very first patient, or maybe you’re someone who knows someone who is about to endeavour on this part of their journey, Or you may just be curious about what these 2 have to say. Whoever you are, I hope you enjoy listening to the chat just as much as I did having it.