Project ConfiDents

Project ConfiDents
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Careers
  • Weekly

Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel survived dental school together and then took very different paths: one went from associateship to academia, the other into practice ownership. Now they’re comparing notes, trading stories, and unpacking their unfiltered thoughts about ambition, identity, and defining success on their own terms. Whether you’re a student mapping out your future, a new grad seeking advice on your next steps, or a seasoned dental professional rethinking what it means to lead, this podcast is your weekly dose of reflection, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.

  1. Oct 5

    How to Lose Your Job in 10 Days

    Want to lose your dental associate job in 10 days? Start by doing everything on this list. Inspired by How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, this episode of Project Confidents breaks down the habits that can quietly damage an associateship, from unrealistic expectations and constant schedule complaints to misunderstanding production, resisting feedback, ignoring the business side of dentistry, and treating every task like a financial transaction. Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel also explains what makes an associate genuinely valuable: being teachable, understanding your responsibilities, supporting the team, learning how the practice works, asking thoughtful questions, and giving yourself time to build speed, confidence, and clinical judgment. A successful associateship requires effort from both the associate and the practice, and the right relationship can become one of the most important stages of your dental career. Follow us on our socials!  Social Media Instagram: @Project ConfiDents YouTube: @Project ConfiDents Podcast Platforms Spotify: Project ConfiDents Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents Email: ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com #DentalAssociate #DentistLife #DentalCareer #DentalMentorship #ProjectConfidents

    How to Lose Your Job in 10 Days

  2. Sep 21

    We Were WRONG About Dentistry: Things We Believed as New Grads That We Don’t Believe Anymore

    What if some of the things you were absolutely certain about as a new dentist turned out to be completely wrong? Experience has a way of challenging the rules we once thought defined a successful dental career. Practice ownership is not the only path to success. A beautiful, technology-packed office does not automatically mean a thriving practice. Getting every patient to say yes is not the measure of great communication. And being able to perform every procedure yourself is not necessarily a sign of clinical confidence. Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel unpack the beliefs they carried out of dental school and how years of practicing dentistry changed their perspectives. They explore why success is less about checking predetermined boxes and more about building a career that aligns with the life you actually want. They also discuss career detours, changing definitions of success, respecting patient autonomy, knowing when to refer, and recognizing that professional growth sometimes means becoming more discerning rather than simply adding more skills. The biggest lesson is simple: there is no single formula for doing dentistry, your career, or your life correctly. Your definition of success is allowed to change as you do. Follow us on our socials!  Social Media Instagram: @Project ConfiDents YouTube: @Project ConfiDents Podcast Platforms Spotify: Project ConfiDents Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents Email: ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com #Dentistry #DentalPodcast #NewDentist #DentalCareer #DentistLife

    We Were WRONG About Dentistry: Things We Believed as New Grads That We Don’t Believe Anymore

  3. Sep 14

    Advice for D1s! How to Succeed in Dental School

    Dental school tests more than knowledge and thriving through it takes intentional habits, strong community and a willingness to embrace the struggle. Real learning cannot be outsourced to AI. While tools can summarize lectures and generate practice questions, the work of organizing information and recognizing patterns must be done actively because patient care is never multiple choice. Building social capital with classmates, upperclassmen and faculty provides shared knowledge, support and future professional connections, and asking for help early is a strength that keeps small challenges from growing. Staying curious about specialties through shadowing and honest conversations helps clarify genuine interest without pressure to decide right away, while protecting time for breaks, exploration and life outside the classroom sustains well being and creates the memories that last beyond graduation. All of this comes together in the five Cs of curiosity, consistency, connection, courage and community that shape growth across the four year journey and beyond. Follow us on our socials!  Social Media Instagram: @Project ConfiDents YouTube: @Project ConfiDents Podcast Platforms Spotify: Project ConfiDents Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents Email: ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com #DentalSchool #DentalStudent #Dentistry #DentalEducation #ProjectConfidents

    Advice for D1s! How to Succeed in Dental School

  4. Sep 7

    From Practice to Professor: The TRUTH About Life as Dental School Faculty

    Thinking a career in academic dentistry means a pay cut and a PhD requirement? The reality is very different. Dr. Diana Nguyen breaks down what happens after leaving private practice for a full time role in dental education. Compensation in academic dentistry including salary structure, benefits, faculty practice and supplemental income. Why published research and a PhD are not required to start as faculty. How clinical work balances with teaching, mentoring dental students and continuing education. And where real flexibility and fulfillment come from in a long term dentist career. Essential insight for any dentist or dental school graduate exploring dentistry beyond private practice and looking for practical career advice on becoming an educator. Follow us on our socials!  Social Media Instagram: @Project ConfiDents YouTube: @Project ConfiDents Podcast Platforms Spotify: Project ConfiDents Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents Email: ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com This episode of Project ConfiDents is proudly sponsored by SprintRay. If you're looking to elevate your digital dentistry workflow with innovative chairside solutions, be sure to check them out and learn more at: https://sprintray.com/ #AcademicDentistry #DentalEducation #DentistCareer #Dentistry #DentalSchool #CareerAdvice #BecomingADentist

    From Practice to Professor: The TRUTH About Life as Dental School Faculty

  5. Aug 10

    Should I Buy That? Investing In Technology Without Going Broke

    Are you investing in technology that actually improves your practice or are you buying expensive gadgets because everyone else seems to have them? Before signing your next financing agreement, these five questions could save you thousands of dollars and help you make smarter decisions for your patients and your future. In this episode, Dr. Amrita Patel and Dr. Diana Nguyen discuss how dentists can make smarter technology investments without falling for marketing hype or social media pressure. They explain why every purchase should solve a real problem in your practice, improve patient care, create meaningful time savings, provide value that patients actually appreciate, and remain financially manageable even during slower months. The conversation highlights practical examples of when technologies like intraoral scanners, digital radiography, AI, practice management software, CBCT, lasers, and milling machines make sense, and when it may be better to wait. They also share advice on evaluating return on investment, asking better questions during product demonstrations, learning from experienced colleagues instead of sales pitches, and prioritizing continuing education, communication skills, and clinical excellence over owning every new device. The biggest takeaway is that technology should support great dentistry, not replace sound clinical judgment, thoughtful financial decisions, or compassionate patient care. Follow us on our socials!  Social Media Instagram: @Project ConfiDents YouTube: @Project ConfiDents Podcast Platforms Spotify: Project ConfiDents Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents Email: ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com This episode of Project ConfiDents is proudly sponsored by SprintRay. If you're looking to elevate your digital dentistry workflow with innovative chairside solutions, be sure to check them out and learn more at: https://sprintray.com/ #Dentistry #DentalTechnology #DigitalDentistry #DentalPractice #DentistLife

    Should I Buy That? Investing In Technology Without Going Broke

  6. Jul 20

    What’s With All the Self-Loathing Dentists on Social Media?

    Is dental social media making dentistry look worse than it really is? In this episode, we explore why burnout content dominates our feeds, how algorithms amplify frustration, and why that can shape the way dentists, students, and even patients see the profession.  Dentistry is facing real challenges including burnout, staffing shortages, insurance frustrations, and changing workplace expectations. But does that mean the profession itself is broken? Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel dive into the difference between honestly discussing the difficult realities of dentistry and creating content that leaves people believing every dentist regrets their career. They discuss how social media rewards dramatic stories over balanced perspectives, why younger dentists may be especially vulnerable to these messages, and how patient trust can be affected when negativity becomes a creator's entire brand. The conversation also highlights the importance of setting expectations, remembering meaningful patient relationships, and finding ways to advocate for positive change without losing sight of why dentistry remains a deeply rewarding profession for so many. Follow us on our socials!  Social Media Instagram: @Project ConfiDents YouTube: @Project ConfiDents Podcast Platforms Spotify: Project ConfiDents Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents Email: ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com This episode of Project ConfiDents is proudly sponsored by SprintRay. If you're looking to elevate your digital dentistry workflow with innovative chairside solutions, be sure to check them out and learn more at: https://sprintray.com/ #Dentistry #DentalPodcast #DentalProfession #DentistLife #OralHealth

    What’s With All the Self-Loathing Dentists on Social Media?

  7. Jul 13

    Project ConfiDents Answered Dentists' Most Asked Questions (Ask Us Anything Episode)

    You asked and Project ConfiDents answered. In this special Ask Us Anything episode, we respond to real questions submitted by viewers from across the dental community with honest conversations, practical insights, and the experiences that have shaped our careers. Every question leads to a meaningful discussion that goes beyond quick answers. From navigating important career decisions to sharing personal perspectives on life in dentistry, this episode is all about helping you think through the questions that matter most. Whether you're a dental student, new graduate, associate, or practice owner, you'll find relatable conversations and thoughtful advice inspired by the people who make the Project ConfiDents community so special. Keep sending us your questions because your next one could be featured in a future Ask Us Anything episode. Follow us on our socials!  Social Media Instagram: @Project ConfiDents YouTube: @Project ConfiDents Podcast Platforms Spotify: Project ConfiDents Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents Email: ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com This episode of Project ConfiDents is proudly sponsored by SprintRay. If you're looking to elevate your digital dentistry workflow with innovative chairside solutions, be sure to check them out and learn more at: https://sprintray.com/ #ProjectConfiDents #Dentistry #Dentist #DentalPodcast #DentalEducation

    Project ConfiDents Answered Dentists' Most Asked Questions (Ask Us Anything Episode)

  8. Jun 23

    How to Respond to Dental Insurance Claim Denials

    Insurance denials do not always mean your treatment was wrong. In many cases, they happen because of missing documentation, administrative requirements, or missed follow up. In this episode, Dr. Amrita Patel and Dr. Diana Nguyen explains what to do when your practice discovers a backlog of denied insurance claims, how to identify which claims can still be recovered, and why understanding the real reason behind a denial can help you recover revenue instead of writing it off. You will also learn how to build stronger appeals with better documentation, avoid common credentialing mistakes that can lead to costly claim denials, and create systems that keep insurance follow up from falling through the cracks. Whether you are a dentist, office manager, or billing team member, this episode offers practical strategies to improve collections and protect your practice from preventable revenue loss. Hang out with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/ Email us your feedback: projectconfidents@gmail.com #Dentistry #DentalInsurance #DentalBilling #PracticeManagement #Dentist

    How to Respond to Dental Insurance Claim Denials
See All (32)

About

Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel survived dental school together and then took very different paths: one went from associateship to academia, the other into practice ownership. Now they’re comparing notes, trading stories, and unpacking their unfiltered thoughts about ambition, identity, and defining success on their own terms. Whether you’re a student mapping out your future, a new grad seeking advice on your next steps, or a seasoned dental professional rethinking what it means to lead, this podcast is your weekly dose of reflection, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.

Information

  • Creator
    Project ConfiDents
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Project ConfiDents
  • Show Website
    Project ConfiDents

You Might Also Like