Episodes

Hosted by Dr Michael (Mike) Shambira In this episode of the Formation series, Mike sits down with Dr Michael Frazis, Director of Education at Ripe Global, to explore the blind spots that shape early-career growth in dentistry. Drawing from years of teaching and mentoring clinicians, Michael Frazis shares insights on ambition, judgement, efficiency, and the common traps dentists fall into when trying to progress too quickly. The conversation focuses on developing calibration, building competenc...

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 dee...

Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira and Ahmed Issa Stepping out of dental school and into a thriving practice can be entirely overwhelming, but itdoesn’t have to be. In this feature episode, we sit down with Dr. Sam Gidaro to explore the realities of clinical life, the pressures of practice ownership, and how to find the perfect mentor to accelerateyour growth. Dr. Sam shares his exact process for thorough patient assessments, navigating the complexities of full-arch implant therapy, and how new gra...

Hosted by Ahmed Issa Real growth in dentistry is built in discomfort. In this feature episode of the Formation Series, Ahmed Issa sits down with Dr Waleed Arshad to explore confidence, mentorship, mindset and what it takes to grow into a well-rounded clinician. Not about shortcuts.About becoming who the profession demands of you. Connect with Ahmed and Dr Waleed on instagram @waleedarshadd @drahmedissa Key moments (00:00) Introduction and Path to Dentistry (02:49) Unlearning the Dental Schoo...

In this episode of the Formation series, Dr. Mike Shambira talks with Dr Matt Hedge, a cosmetic dentist on the Gold Coast, to unpack what it actually means to learn well in the early years of dentistry. They talk about staying teachable, building confidence without rushing it, and finding the balance between ambition and humility. Matt shares how surrounding yourself with the right people, seeking feedback, and taking a self-directed approach to growth can quietly compound over time. This isn’...

Hosted by Dr Erica Hwin When I see dentists producing amazing work in various specialties, the first thing I want to know is how they were able to build their skills to that point. Knowing the skills Dr. Maria Avis holds, I had the opportunity to unravel her dental journey. In this episode, Maria walks us through her experiences in dental school, and more importantly, how her graduate job positions set her up to become the comprehensive dentist she is now. Maria is a business owner of her priv...

Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira In early dentistry, ambition and responsibility collide. You want to move quickly.You want to grow. You want to do meaningful work. But you’re also responsible for real people, and that changes everything. In this Formation episode of The Unseen Curriculum, I sit down with Johan Weemaes and Greg Fine to unpack one of the most important tensions in early career dentistry: How do you progress rapidly… without becoming reckless? We discuss: What young dentists misu...

One of the most common findings when charting is a crack in a tooth, but determining the severity and the right treatment path can be a dilemma. In this episode, host Erica Hwin sits down with specialist prosthodontist Dr. Michael Mandikos to decode the complexities of cracked teeth, from initial diagnosis to the final restoration. You will learn the critical differences between benign craze lines and structural fractures, and why the biomechanics of old amalgam fillings often lead to these iss...

If you are doing everything right on paper but still feel unsettled or unsure of yourself, this episode is for you. We dive deep into the “hidden curriculum” of dentistry—the gap between your clinical skills and the heavy emotional weight of new responsibility. We explore why most of your doubt isn’t a lack of skill but a system calibration issue, and break down the three essential phases of career growth: Formation, Integration, and Excellence. In this episode, we unpack the critical differenc...

Hosted by Dr David Keir Dr. Julian Dantes joins Dr. David to discuss the honest journey from a rural “sink or swim” graduate to a successful practice owner on the Sunshine Coast. Unlike the curated perfection often seen on social media, Julian shares the raw reality of general dentistry, including his pivot from medicine and the irony of failing a university “people skills” test despite being a people-focused clinician. In this candid conversation, you will learn about the dangers of early con...

Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira What does it take to have two babies, work as a nurse, survive dental school, AND come out smiling? Dr. Rebecca Smith shows us that resilience isn’t about being tough – it’s about grace under pressure. In this powerful series finale, we dive deep into the real meaning of resilience with Dr. Rebecca Smith, who walked one of the most challenging journeys through dental school imaginable. From fertility struggles and miscarriage to clinical mishaps and balancing moth...

Ever felt paralysed by criticism? Dr. Andrew Cheng reveals how he transformed brutal feedback into rapid skill development and went from implants to high-level cosmetic dentistry in just a few years.In this first part of our three-part series, discover the mindset shifts and practical strategies that separate good dentists from great ones. What You’ll Learn: The Mindset Behind Rapid Growth: How to embrace constructive criticism without letting ego get in the way Why surrounding yourself with...

Hosted by Dr David Keir Ever wondered what legal pitfalls could cost you thousands when buying a dental practice? Dr. David Keir and Dr. Jesse Green reveal the critical legal considerations every dentist needs to know before taking the plunge into practice ownership. In this insightful episode, you’ll discover: Which key advisors to engage early in your practice acquisition journey How to structure your lease agreements to protect your investment Critical contract elements that prevent cost...

Discover the hidden secrets to perfect dental bonding that they never taught you in dental school! In this episode, Dr. Bez breaks down the critical steps that make the difference between successful restorations and frustrating failures. Learn: Why air abrasion is a game-changer for creating pristine bonding surfaces Essential soft tissue management techniques to prevent bleeding complications The proper etching, rinsing, and drying protocol most dentists rush through How to eliminate post-...

Hosted by Michael Shambira Ever felt like you’re not good enough to be treating patients? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Unseen Curriculum, Michael Shambira sits down with Dr. Aneet Gill to unpack the mental challenges of being a new dental graduate. Discover how to transform self-doubt into clinical confidence through: Building resilience when facing challenging casesBreaking down complex procedures into manageable steps Creating effective support systems to combat professional lo...

Hosted by Christina Potestas Ever wondered what it takes to excel in dental school while overcoming life’s biggest challenges? Join Christina as she sits down with Michael Shambira, winner of the 2025 Australian Dental Graduate Award, for an intimate conversation about resilience, sacrifice, and success. In this powerful episode, you’ll discover: How Michael’s journey from Zimbabwe to Australia shaped his determination to succeed The daily routines and mindset that helped him achieve academ...

Hosted by Dr David Keir Are you contemplating diving into practice ownership? Get ready to unlock the secrets of successful practice acquisition with our Dental Business Head Start series! Join Dr. David Keir and Dr. Jesse Green from the Savvy Dentist podcast as they unravel the mysteries of buying a dental practice. In this episode we explore the essential foundations for successful practice ownership, including: Clinical proficiency requirements before taking the plunge Financial benchmark...

Hosted by Dr David Keir Ever wondered what drives the most respected dentists to achieve excellence? Join us for an intimate conversation with Dr. Sahil Soni, the renowned DPR administrator and respected dental educator, as he shares his remarkable journey from struggling new graduate to clinical excellence. In this powerful episode, you’ll learn: How overcoming clinical anxiety in his early career shaped his commitment to excellence The pivotal moment that transformed his approach to dentis...

Hosted by Dr David Keir Ever wondered what your dental career will actually look like after graduation? The transition from dental school to private practice isn’t just a new job – it’s entering an entirely different world of dentistry that your education barely prepares you for. In this episode: Learn the real differences between university clinics and private practice environments Discover how to navigate your first few weeks as a new graduate Understand realistic productivity expectation...

Hosted by Michael Shambira Ever wondered how top cosmetic dentists achieve excellence? It’s not just talent – it’s routine. In this eye-opening episode of The Unseen Curriculum, host Michael Shambira sits down with Dr. Patrick Lam, a renowned cosmetic dentist whose disciplined approach transformed his career. In this value-packed conversation, you’ll discover: How consistent daily habits create extraordinary results Why “organized chaos” isn’t enough for professional excellence The transfor...

Ready to take the leap into dental practice ownership? This episode of the Dental Business Head Start focus series dives deep into what it takes to be truly prepared for this major career milestone Dr. David Keir and Dr. Jesse Green from the Savvy Dentist podcast explore the essential foundations for successful practice ownership, including: Clinical proficiency requirements before taking the plunge Financial benchmarks to understand before purchasing Business knowledge essentials every new ...

Hosted by Dr David Keir Ever placed a filling only to discover a weak contact point or frustrating overhang? The secret to restorations that truly last lies in one critical skill: mastering your matrix technique. In this episode, Dr. David Keir shares practical wisdom on selecting and placing matrices for perfect restorations every time. You’ll discover: Which matrix systems work best for specific clinical situations How to achieve firm contacts and prevent overhangs Simple techniques to e...

Imagine walking into your child’s room to find a stranger choking your child. Fear, panic and an immediate response would be instant, of course with a heroic end and a safe child. However, it is common to let our children snore, effectively choking, each night without investigation or treatment. As dentists we are the gateway to the mouth. We see our patients regularly, we monitor their development and we should know the signs of sleep disordered breathing. And when we do, we can make a change ...

Hosted by Michael Shambira Ever wondered if you’re “too quiet” to be an effective leader? Dr. Zoe Watson reveals how her gentle approach to leadership created more impact than the loudest voices in the room. In this conversation, you’ll discover: How being a good listener can be your greatest leadership superpower Why asking questions instead of making statements creates better outcomes The unique challenges women face in dentistry leadership positions Practical strategies for overcoming i...