Hosted by Ahmed Issa Ahmed Issa sits down with Dr Rand Younes to explore the journey behind the title. From arriving in Australia as a young immigrant with little English, to becoming dux of her school, launching a mobile dental service at just 17, and building a career grounded in purpose, service, and impact. Together, they unpack the defining chapters that shaped her path: the challenges of dental school, training in rural New South Wales, the early clinical experiences that exposed the deeper inequities in healthcare, and the decision to pursue further training while stepping into practice ownership at a young age. More than a story of achievements which include Australia’s youngest dental clinic owner, a nominee/finalist for the Young Australian of the Year award and the youngest ever recipient of the global Top 100 Doctors award. This is a conversation about identity, sacrifice, and the conviction to build something that changes lives. A powerful listen for students, clinicians, and anyone striving to create a career that stands for more than success alone. Follow Dr Rand and Ahmed on Instagram @dr.randyounes @drahmedissa Key moments (02:30) Early Life and Immigration Challenges (05:45) Attraction to Dentistry and High School Success (09:15) Dental School Struggles and Growth (13:00) Launching Mobile Dental Clinic at 17 (17:30) Overcoming Doubts and Balancing Responsibilities (22:00) Post-Graduation and Opening Own Practice (26:45) Finding Mentors and Key Qualities (31:20) Advice for New Grads and Aesthetic Dentistry (36:10) Patient Impact Stories and Responsibilities (40:00) Awards, Future Goals, and Rapid Fire Dr Rand Younes Dr Rand Younes is a cosmetic dentist, practice owner, educator, and founder of ‘Pearly’. After migrating to Australia at 11 with little English, she went on to become dux of her school and rank second in the state for English.A graduate of Charles Sturt University, Dr Rand received a National First Prize from the Australian Endodontic Society for her research and is currently undertaking a Masters degree in Prosthodontics and Dentofacial Aesthetics. At just 17, she founded Impact Mobile Dental Services, now known as Pearly, a program delivering dental care and prevention into schools and rural communities. Since then, Pearly has reached more than 150,000 children and treated over 40,000, with a long-term vision to reach one million children.Her achievements include Australia’s youngest dental clinic owner, a nominee/finalist for the Young Australian of the Year award and the youngest ever recipient of the global Top 100 Doctors award. Dr Rand continues to build her work around one clear purpose: changing lives through dentistry. A special thank you to our sponsors… The OrthoED Institute The OrthoED Institute is the leading orthodontic educator for general dentists. Founded by Specialist Orthodontist Dr Geoff Hall — with over 35 years of clinical experience — OrthoED has trained more than 1,500 dentists in orthodontics across Australia, New Zealand and internationally. Dr. Hall is widely respected for his structured approach to treatment planning and his ability to teach sound orthodontic principles in an understandable fashion OrthoED’s courses are comprehensive, evidence-based and focus on sound biomechanical principles — teaching the entire gamut of orthodontics whether it be braces and /or clear aligner therapy with hands-on learning, case reviews, mentoring and long-term support. With a reputation built on clinical excellence and hundreds of 5-star reviews, OrthoED is trusted by general dentists who want to confidently integrate orthodontics, expand their scope, and deliver exceptional patient outcomes Exclusive Offer for Dental Headstart Listeners Dental Headstart listeners can receive 5% off any OrthoED signature course. T&Cs: Valid until 30 June 2026. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Exclusions apply. To redeem, use a coupon code at checkout. dentalheadstart-pif (for pay in full) dentalheadstart-pp (for payment plan) Go to orthotraining.com.au A special mention… The Esesson Foundation The Esesson Foundation are running two events: their annual gala, and a clinical education weekend — and what makes this different is that every single presenter is donating their time. No egos, no fluff, just really good clinicians giving back. The goal is simple: raise money for healthcare access for vulnerable children. Last year alone, with around $300,000 raised, they delivered over $2.5 million worth of medical and dental care, treating more than 4,000 children who otherwise would’ve gone without. The CPD event alone raised $50,000 last year with 60 attendees — and this year, with more notice and more support, the aim is to double that. It’s one of those rare events where you get excellent clinical education and know every dollar of profit is going directly back into care. Nothing pretentious. Just good people, good dentistry, and a really meaningful cause. Check out the line up below… Enrol in the Clinical Education Weekend here Find out more and get tickets to the Annual Gala here The post Feature #101 – The journey behind the title with Dr Rand Younes appeared first on Dental Head Start.
