Feature #104: Uncomfortable Truths About Dentistry – Lessons From 46 Years in Practice with Dr Steven Rasner

What does it take to become the kind of dentist who is no longer afraid of dentistry—and still loves the profession decades later?
After 46 years in practice, Dr Steven Rasner has earned a perspective that cannot be learned from a textbook or weekend course. In this candid conversation, he shares the uncomfortable truths behind building clinical confidence, handling failure and complications, earning patient trust, presenting treatment, developing surgical courage and creating greater independence within your career.

The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #10 – The Cost of Clinical Excellence with Dr Karl Batorski

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The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #9 – The reflection habit that separates good dentists from great ones with Dr Uday Sen

In this episode, Michael sits down with Dr Uday Sen to explore one of the most underrated skills in dentistry: how to reflect properly after a case.
For many students and early-career dentists, reflection can become either vague, overly negative, or something rushed through after a difficult appointment. Uday shares a more practical and constructive approach: how to assess what went well, identify what could be improved, and turn clinical challenges into repeatable learning without spiralling into self-doubt.

The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #8: Visibility without Distortion with Tye Bate

In this episode, Dr Michael Shambira sits down with Tye Bate, the founder and dental marketing expert from 230media.dental to unpack the role of social media in modern dentistry. We explore identity, comparison, content pressure, and how to build an online presence without distorting who you are. This is not about growth hacks. It’s about clarity.

The Unseen curriculum: Formation Series #7 – High Standards Without Self-Punishment with Dr Sam Gidaro

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Sam Gidaro to unpack a tension many high-performing students and early-career dentists feel but rarely articulate: how do you pursue excellence without turning that pursuit inward?

The Unseen Curriculum: Formation series #6 – When ambition outpaces judgement with Dr Michael Frazis

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.

Feature #101 – The journey behind the title with Dr Rand Younes

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.

Feature #100: Mastering Patient Care & Expectations with Dr Sam Gidaro

Stepping out of dental school and into a thriving practice can be entirely overwhelming, but it
doesn’t have to be. In this 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 accelerate
your growth

The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #4 – Learning without ego with Dr Matt Hedge

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’t about learning faster. It’s about learning properly — and becoming the kind of dentist who continues to improve long after the early years.
If you’re a student or new graduate trying to navigate the pressure to perform while still developing your skills, this episode will help steady your approach.

Most played episode series #7 – Becoming confident and competent with Dr Maria Avis

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 private clinic, Akoya Dental, mother of two boys and two dogs. Listen to this special chat with Maria as this episode is jam packed with info