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There are a few people in your career who really leave an impact. Your first clinical mentor, your first employer, your close classmates. One of the most impactful for a generation of dentists at The University of Sydney is Dr Susie Dracopoulos – affectionately referred to as Dr D.
Dr D was the welcoming face at my first dentistry lecture. She led our preclinical training and was the year coordinator in those formative years. And while dentistry can be a stressful degree with stories that make some of us sweat years later, Dr D was a consistent support and a passionate teacher.
It goes without saying this one is nostalgic for me. But past that it is a window into teaching and the paths your career can take outside of clinical practice. Dr Dracopoulos is now the Scientific Affairs and Education Manager for the ANZ division of 3M Oral Care. A fascinating role and window into one of the many paths a career can take.
A wide ranging discussion with someone many of us know and trust, enjoy!
Timestamps
- 12:27 – Dr. Dracopoulos discusses the pros and cons of working in public early on, and why she had a positive experience.
- 19:24 – Tips on finding mentors and what to look for when conducting your search.
- 35:15 – Susie’s thoughts on practice ownership, teaching at uSyd, and her own preferences of career path.
- 46:15 – Susie shares some light-hearted, funny storied with David about her times tutoring students in the clinics.
- 1:03:18 – Dr. Dracopoulos discusses different pathways for dentists that are outside of the norm.
If you’re a dental student or graduate, here are 4 ways I can help you transition to private practice.
- Download the 10 Tips to Successfully Transition to Private Practice – This is a culmination of the things i’ve learnt over the years that I think are worth considering for all grads. I’ve included reference links throughout.
- Check Out The 4Sight Dental On Demand Webinar – We cover commmunication, getting a job and excelling in that job with Dr Omid Azami, Dr Jesse Green and myself!
- Find the CPD you need on CPD Junkie – Australia’s most comprehensive CPD Database, exclusive discounts and content.
- Clarify your goals, vision and lessons with the 4Sight Dental Journal – In fact you can get this and the webinar for 50% off! Use the code ‘DHS2020’
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My crown prep workflow is modelled on Lincoln’s video from the academy 3 years ago! This will change your practicing career.
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CPD Junkie

How do you find CPD? It is such a difficult task, with courses listed here and there but you never know you’ve seen them all.
Until Now.
www.cpdjunkie.com.au has been created to provide all Dental CPD in the one place. Search by keyword, date, discipline, location, speaker or organiser – however you want to find it, you can.
As a bonus for joining the site, you can get our Free e-book ” How to get the most out of CPD” AND get the Free photography cheat sheet created by Szabi Hant!
The Dental Head Start Podcast is for students and new graduates. We interview successful dentists and specialists to uncover the tips, tricks and advice to help you transition from dental school to private practice successfully.
If you like this content then I ask just one thing of you; share this with a friend who will benefit from this and help us help more students and new grads!