dental 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.

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 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 #5 – The Multifaceted Clinician with Dr Waleed Arshad

April 10, 2026April 28, 2026Leave a Comment

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In this episode, Ahmed Issa and Dr. Waleed break down why dental school only teaches you the bare minimum to
succeed. Dr Waleed shares invaluable insights on integrating sales psychology to ethically simplify
treatment plans, exposes the messy reality behind perfect social media before-and-after cases, and
explains why becoming a multifaceted professional is the true key to standing out against corporate
competition.

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

March 25, 2026May 25, 2026Leave a Comment

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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.

The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #2 – Rapid progress without being reckless with Drs Johan Weemaes and Greg Fine

March 10, 2026March 25, 2026Leave a Comment

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Join Dr. Johan and Dr. Greg as they sit down with Mike to discuss the delicate balance between
ambition and safety in a young dentist’s career. From their early days in private practice to
launching their own implantology diploma, they share the roadmap for rapid progression without
crossing the line into recklessness.

Feature #99 – Mastering General Dentistry: From mistakes to mentorship with Dr Julian Dantes

February 17, 2026March 25, 2026Leave a Comment

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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.