Sponsor: OrthoEd 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

Get The Podcast Straight to Your Player Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

August 27, 2026September 7, 2026Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Get The Podcast Straight to Your Player Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

July 4, 2026July 4, 2026Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Get The Podcast Straight to Your Player Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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 #6 – When ambition outpaces judgement with Dr Michael Frazis

May 11, 2026May 11, 2026Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Get The Podcast Straight to Your Player Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

May 1, 2026May 1, 2026Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Get The Podcast Straight to Your Player Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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.

The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #5 – The Multifaceted Clinician with Dr Waleed Arshad

April 10, 2026April 28, 2026Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Get The Podcast Straight to Your Player Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Get The Podcast Straight to Your Player Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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.

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

February 17, 2026March 25, 2026Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Get The Podcast Straight to Your Player Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

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.