Recently, I was asked by a new grad how I find fulfilment in what I do, and how to explore avenues beyond just clinical dentistry. Because in uni, we’re surrounded by so many opportunities to get involved, but once we graduate, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of working in our 3×3 room - clocking in, clocking out, rinse and repeat - and wondering, “Is this it?” So for this episode, it felt only right to bring on someone I’ve always admired for never limiting herself to just clinical dentistry, and for truly demonstrating the breadth of non-linear opportunities available to us. Enter, Dr Cathleen Dong. From podcasting and content creation to building websites, working as a loupes rep, being a clinical tutor, founding her own scrubs company, and now serving as Vice President of the ADA NSW, Cathleen is an incredible example of what’s possible when you stay curious and open. In this conversation, we reflect on what each of these pursuits has taught her and how those lessons have translated back into her clinical practice. We also talk about the realities of feeling isolated after graduation, her experience navigating a back injury that took her out of clinical work for four months and the perspective it gave her, as well as her time working across both public and private systems. We explore what leadership really means, and how we can all get involved to be the change we want to see in our industry. This episode is a reminder that dentistry doesn’t have to be restrictive - it can be expansive, creative, and deeply fulfilling. So be open to trying, to playing, to putting your hand up and giving things a go! You never know what you might learn and where it will take you. ____________________________________ F O L L O W @thegraduatedentist Host: @dr.ericahwin Guest: @drcathleendong ____________________________________ D I S C O R D Join The Graduate Dentist Community Discord Server This is a forum dedicated to our graduate community for us to debrief episodes, discuss daily dental scenarios and bounce ideas off one another. This is our safe space where silly questions are our favourite questions, where we can celebrate each other's wins, resonate with one another's struggles and laugh together over our silly mistakes. Come join the family! ____________________________________ P A R T N E R S JS Medical & Dental Finance The JS Medical & Dental finance team specialises in both residential and commercial lending tailored for medical and dental professionals. They are a completely independent broker, working for you not the bank, and are dedicated to finding the best options for you unique situation. Whether you're looking to buy a house, a car, a practice or to pay off that year long CPD course, JSMDF offer comprehensive advice to suit your short and long term plans. Sherrin Partners Financial Advisers Sherrin Partners specialise in financial planning for healthcare professionals, so they understand the unique challenges in our industry and know how to help us grow, manage and protect our wealth. That way, we can focus on doing what we do best - looking after our patients - while they help secure our financial future and protect our greatest asset: ourselves. Dental Protection Limited Whether it be patient complaints, regulatory issues or disciplinary proceedings. Dental Protection has you covered. Their expert team understands the demands of clinical practice and offer colleague-to-colleague support and advice, including a 24/7 emergency helpline. With an abundance of risk management resources from podcasts and webinars, to magazines and CPD courses, Dental Protection has your back through any unwanted scenario. ___________________________________ C O N T A C T Email: erica@thegraduatedentist.com
