Mentorship Archives - Dental Head Start

The Journey behind the specialist #3: From fear to mastery with Dr Omar Ikram

October 8, 2026October 8, 2026Leave a Comment

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In this Specialist Series episode, Ahmed sits down with Dr Omar Ikram to explore the journey behind becoming a specialist endodontist, educator and innovator. From his early years in New Zealand to his time training at King’s College London. Dr Omar reflects on the moments that shaped his clinical confidence, his decision to specialise and the challenges that come with mastering one of the most technically demanding areas of dentistry.

The Journey behind the specialist #2: The weight of knowing with Dr Joseph Ryan

September 4, 2026September 7, 2026Leave a Comment

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In this Specialist Series episode, Ahmed sits down with Dr Joseph Ryan to explore the journey behind becoming an oral medicine specialist. Together they discuss the challenges of training, the emotional burden of managing chronic disease, navigating uncertainty and the habits that separate good clinicians from exceptional ones.

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

August 27, 2026September 7, 2026Leave a Comment

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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.

Feature #102 -Your First Dental Job Can Make or Break You with Dr Michael Filosi

July 29, 2026July 29, 2026Leave a Comment

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Your first job in dentistry can shape your confidence, clinical growth, and even whether you stay in the profession. In this episode of the Dental Head Start Podcast, David sits down with Dr. Michael Filosi, a dentist and former practice owner who grew a clinic from 2 chairs to 10, mentored many new graduates, and sold his practice after building a highly structured, high-performing team culture.

The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #11 – Designing a Career Before Designing Smiles with Dr Christian Coachman

July 9, 2026July 28, 2026Leave a Comment

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In this episode, Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design, opens up about the long road from dental technician to influential educator.
Discover how humble confidence helped him navigate doubt, poor communication pitfalls in dentistry and the mindset shifts that turn uncertainty into lasting success. Learn practical lessons on mentorship, self-accountability, and building resilience for early career dentists.

The Journey behind the specialist #1: The Dark Days Behind Oral Surgery with Dr Thao Truong

July 4, 2026July 4, 2026Leave a Comment

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In this first episode of Ahmed’s specialist journey series, he sits down with Specialist Oral Surgeon Dr Thao Truong to unpack the pressure, sacrifice and self-doubt behind operating at the highest level of dentistry. From hospital training and specialist exams to carrying responsibility in high-stakes surgical environments, this conversation explores the dark days that shape clinicians long before confidence arrives.

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

June 26, 2026June 26, 2026Leave a Comment

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

June 18, 2026June 22, 2026Leave a Comment

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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 #7 – High Standards Without Self-Punishment with Dr Sam Gidaro

May 25, 2026July 9, 2026Leave a Comment

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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

May 11, 2026May 11, 2026Leave a Comment

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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.