The Dental Head Start Podcast
The Dental Head Start podcast is made to help dental students become great dentists. You cant google the path to dental success, but you can learn from those already there. We interview dentists who have achieved what you’re striving for and get the story behind the struggles, the successes and the advice they want you to hear. Get the head start you need in your dental career.
The journey behind the specialist #4: Why Children’s Dentistry Is Nothing Like You Think with Professor Richard Widmer
Hosted by Ahmed Issa
In this episode from our Journey Behind the Specialist series, Professor Richard Widmer shares the experiences that shaped his career in pediatric dentistry—from an unexpected path into the specialty and the setbacks of dental school to helping build his career at Westmead.
He reflects on what it takes to earn a child’s trust, communicate in ways that fit their age and development, and make dental care feel safe and respectful. Drawing on stories from decades of caring for children—including those with complex needs—he also discusses the emotional demands...
ADSA mini series 2026: Ego, Empathy and Going All In on Digital Dentistry with Dr Sonny Lee
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
Recorded at the ADSA convention, where he presented on the future of dentistry, Perth dentist and digital dentistry educator Dr Sonny Lee talks candidly about feeling like an average student, the shock of patient communication in private practice, and a memorable chairside mistake. He explains why shifting the focus from himself to the patient changed everything, how going all in on digital dentistry reshaped the way he diagnoses and manages patients, and why ego is the version of himself he keeps working to let go of.
Key moments
[00:57...
ADSA mini series 2026: From hating dental school to 40 years in Orthodontics with Dr Derek Mahony
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
Recorded at the ADSA convention, specialist orthodontist Dr Derek Mahony is refreshingly honest: he hated dental school, missed out on medicine by one mark, and found general dentistry too much “drill, fill and bill”. His degree was sponsored by the Navy, so he had a job waiting when he graduated, and he kept his early clinical work simple while setting his sights on orthodontics.
The turning point came during six months of travel after graduation, when he met an orthodontist in Brazil treating children’s airways and development. That meetin...
ADSA 2026 Mini Series: Every case counts – Building a dental career with intent with Dr Alex Khominsky
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
Periodontist and General Dental Residency (gDR) co-founder Dr Alex Khominsky sits down with Dr Michael Shambira at the ADSA convention. He reflects on self doubt in dental school, his first year at the Alfred Hospital, a humbling start in private practice, and why specialists practise as though every case is on show. He also shares how a clear vision for your life, and a willingness to enjoy the process, can shape a rewarding career.
Key moments
[00:40] Welcome and introduction
[01:22] Dental school doubts and unknown unknowns
[02:26] The...
The Journey behind the specialist #3: From fear to mastery with Dr Omar Ikram
Hosted by Ahmed Issa
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.
This conversation goes beyond root canals. It unpacks the fear many dentists feel around endodontics, the pressure of treating patients in...
ADSA 2026 Mini Series: What actually separates an ambitious young dentist from a clinician who can be trusted with difficult cases? With Dr David Attia
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira and Ahmed Issa
In this ADSA Convention conversation, Ahmed Issa & Dr Mike Shambira sit down with Dr David Attia to explore the parts of clinical development that are much harder to see from the outside.
David reflects on repeatedly struggling in simulation lab as a student, the expectations young dentists place on themselves after graduation, and why attitude, preparation and the ability to accept feedback often matter more than appearing naturally talented.
They also discuss mentorship, case selection, clinical mistakes, complications, ambition and the maturity required to recognise when...
The Journey behind the specialist #2: The weight of knowing with Dr Joseph Ryan
Hosted by Ahmed Issa
Oral medicine is one of the least understood areas of dentistry, yet it often carries some of the greatest responsibility. Behind every diagnosis is uncertainty, complexity and the weight of making decisions that can profoundly change a patient’s life.
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.
Wh...
Feature #104: Uncomfortable Truths About Dentistry – Lessons From 46 Years in Practice with Dr Steven Rasner
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
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.
This episode goes beyond technical success to examine what makes a de...
Feature #103: The Final Year Nobody Talks About with Ahmed Issa on Becoming a Dentist
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
What does final-year dentistry actually feel like when graduation is close—but the responsibility of becoming a dentist is suddenly real? In this episode, Dr Michael Shambira turns the microphone towards Dental Headstart co-host and final-year dental student Ahmed Issa.
Ahmed reflects honestly on the highs and lows of dental school, how the experience has shaped him, and the excitement, pressure and uncertainty he feels about entering the profession.
This is more than an introduction to one of our hosts. It is a conversation about the transition ev...
Feature #102 -Your First Dental Job Can Make or Break You with Dr Michael Filosi
Hosted by Dr David Keir
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.
Michael shares the hard lessons from his own difficult start in dentistry, including bad early jobs, being fired, questioning the profession, and finding his way...
The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #11 – Designing a Career Before Designing Smiles with Dr Christian Coachman
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
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.
Get connected
Dr Christian Coachman @christiancoachman
Dr Michael Shambira @thatdentistmike
Key moments
[05:30] Dr. Christian Kochman Early Background
[10:15] Struggles in Dental School...
The Journey behind the specialist #1: The Dark Days Behind Oral Surgery with Dr Thao Truong
Hosted by Ahmed Issa
Behind every title is a journey most people never see.
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.
Dr Truong reflects on the realities of oral surgery training, the emotional weight of patient care an...
The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #10 – The Cost of Clinical Excellence with Dr Karl Batorski
Hosted by Ahmed Issa
Behind every great clinician is a journey of pressure, pain, sacrifice, and relentless refinement.
In this episode of the Formation Series, Ahmed Issa sits down with Dr Karl Batorski to unpack the darker side of growth. The sleepless nights, the pressure, the self-doubt, and the difficult seasons that often sit behind success in dentistry. This is a raw conversation about what it really takes to become a clinician patients trust and remember.
From the vision behind his CEREC to Success program to some of the more controversial conversations...
The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #9 – The reflection habit that separates good dentists from great ones with Dr Uday Sen
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
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 conversation explores how high-performing clinicians process failure, why difficult...
The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #8: Visibility without Distortion with Tye Bate
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
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.
If you’re navigating visibility while still building competence, this episode will help you approach social media as a tool — not a measuring stick.
Get connected:
@tye_bate
@230...
The Unseen curriculum: Formation Series #7 – High Standards Without Self-Punishment with Dr Sam Gidaro
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
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?
We explore the difference between high standards and self-criticism, why ambitious dentists often struggle to feel “good enough,” how early competence can mask internal pressure, and the role mentorship plays in calibrating expectations. We also discuss learning to grow without attaching identity to outcomes, and what healthy ambition actually looks like in the first few year...
The Unseen Curriculum: Formation series #6 – When ambition outpaces judgement with Dr Michael Frazis
Hosted by Dr Michael (Mike) Shambira
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.
Drawing from years of teaching and mentoring clinicians, Michael Frazis shares insights on ambition, judgement, efficiency, and the common traps dentists fall into when trying to progress too quickly. The conversation focuses on developing calibration, building competence before speed, and understanding what truly compounds over the long term.
This episode is about stepping back...
Feature #101 – The journey behind the title with Dr Rand Younes
Hosted by Ahmed Issa
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.
Together, they unpack the defining chapters that shaped her path: the challenges of dental school, training in rural New South Wales, the early clinical experiences that exposed the deeper inequities in healthcare, and the decision to pursue further training while stepping into...
Feature #100: Mastering Patient Care & Expectations with Dr Sam Gidaro
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira and Ahmed Issa
Stepping out of dental school and into a thriving practice can be entirely overwhelming, but itdoesn’t have to be. In this feature 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 accelerateyour growth.
Dr. Sam shares his exact process for thorough patient assessments, navigating the complexities of full-arch implant therapy, and how new graduates can position themselves to get hired. You will learn the stark realities of ov...
The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #5 – The Multifaceted Clinician with Dr Waleed Arshad
Hosted by Ahmed Issa
Real growth in dentistry is built in discomfort. In this feature episode of the Formation Series, Ahmed Issa sits down with Dr Waleed Arshad to explore confidence, mentorship, mindset and what it takes to grow into a well-rounded clinician. Not about shortcuts.About becoming who the profession demands of you.
Connect with Ahmed and Dr Waleed on instagram
@waleedarshadd
@drahmedissa
Key moments
(00:00) Introduction and Path to Dentistry
(02:49) Unlearning the Dental School Echo Chamber
(07:07) Why Sales Experience Makes You a Better Dentist<...
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 den...
Most played episode series #7 – Becoming confident and competent with Dr Maria Avis
Hosted by Dr Erica Hwin
When I see dentists producing amazing work in various specialties, the first thing I want to know is how they were able to build their skills to that point. Knowing the skills Dr. Maria Avis holds, I had the opportunity to unravel her dental journey.
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...
The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #2 – Rapid progress without being reckless with Drs Johan Weemaes and Greg Fine
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
In early dentistry, ambition and responsibility collide. You want to move quickly.You want to grow. You want to do meaningful work. But you’re also responsible for real people, and that changes everything.
In this Formation episode of The Unseen Curriculum, I sit down with Johan Weemaes and Greg Fine to unpack one of the most important tensions in early career dentistry: How do you progress rapidly… without becoming reckless?
We discuss:
What young dentists misunderstand about their early years
Why confidence follows stru...
Most played episode series #6 – The Cracked Tooth with Dr Michael Mandikos
One of the most common findings when charting is a crack in a tooth, but determining the severity and the right treatment path can be a dilemma. In this episode, host Erica Hwin sits down with specialist prosthodontist Dr. Michael Mandikos to decode the complexities of cracked teeth, from initial diagnosis to the final restoration.
You will learn the critical differences between benign craze lines and structural fractures, and why the biomechanics of old amalgam fillings often lead to these issues. Dr. Mandikos tackles the age-old debate of “chasing the crack,” offering practical advice on when to inte...
The Unseen Curriculum #6 – the cost of becoming a dentist with Dr Michael Shambira
If you are doing everything right on paper but still feel unsettled or unsure of yourself, this episode is for you. We dive deep into the “hidden curriculum” of dentistry—the gap between your clinical skills and the heavy emotional weight of new responsibility. We explore why most of your doubt isn’t a lack of skill but a system calibration issue, and break down the three essential phases of career growth: Formation, Integration, and Excellence.
In this episode, we unpack the critical difference between a situation being “unsafe” versus simply “unfamiliar” and how confusing the two leads to unneces...
Feature #99 – Mastering General Dentistry: From mistakes to mentorship with Dr Julian Dantes
Hosted by Dr David Keir
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.
In this candid conversation, you will learn about the dangers of early confidence in implant dentistry
and the specific steps Julian took to recov...
The Unseen Curriculum #5 – How to build mental resilience as a dental student with Dr Rebecca Smith
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
What does it take to have two babies, work as a nurse, survive dental school, AND come out smiling? Dr. Rebecca Smith shows us that resilience isn’t about being tough – it’s about grace under pressure.
In this powerful series finale, we dive deep into the real meaning of resilience with Dr. Rebecca Smith, who walked one of the most challenging journeys through dental school imaginable. From fertility struggles and miscarriage to clinical mishaps and balancing motherhood with study, Rebecca shares the raw truth about bouncing back when life gets o...
Most played episode series #5 – Upskilling & Critically Evaluating Yourself with Dr Andrew Cheng
Ever felt paralysed by criticism? Dr. Andrew Cheng reveals how he transformed brutal feedback into rapid skill development and went from implants to high-level cosmetic dentistry in just a few years.In this first part of our three-part series, discover the mindset shifts and practical strategies that separate good dentists from great ones.
What You’ll Learn:
The Mindset Behind Rapid Growth:
How to embrace constructive criticism without letting ego get in the way Why surrounding yourself with honest mentors is non-negotiable The power of vulnerability in learningActionable Strategies for Improvement:
Dr...Dental Business Head Start #4 – Inside the Legal Side of Practice Ownership with Dr Jesse Green
Hosted by Dr David Keir
Ever wondered what legal pitfalls could cost you thousands when buying a dental practice? Dr. David Keir and Dr. Jesse Green reveal the critical legal considerations every dentist needs to know before taking the plunge into practice ownership.
In this insightful episode, you’ll discover:
Which key advisors to engage early in your practice acquisition journey How to structure your lease agreements to protect your investment Critical contract elements that prevent costly HR nightmares Partnership agreement essentials that prevent expensive breakups Why getting the right legal advice upfront saves yo...Most played episode series #4 – The Complete Guide to Predictable Dental Bonding Protocols with Dr Bez Shokouhi
Discover the hidden secrets to perfect dental bonding that they never taught you in dental school! In this episode, Dr. Bez breaks down the critical steps that make the difference between successful restorations and frustrating failures.
Learn:
Why air abrasion is a game-changer for creating pristine bonding surfaces Essential soft tissue management techniques to prevent bleeding complications The proper etching, rinsing, and drying protocol most dentists rush through How to eliminate post-operative sensitivity once and for all Why rubber dam isolation is non-negotiable for predictable resultsWhether you’re bonding composites, crowns, or veneers, these fu...
The Unseen Curriculum #4 – The Mental Game Behind Clinical Confidence with Dr Aneet Gill
Hosted by Michael Shambira
Ever felt like you’re not good enough to be treating patients? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Unseen Curriculum, Michael Shambira sits down with Dr. Aneet Gill to unpack the mental challenges of being a new dental graduate.
Discover how to transform self-doubt into clinical confidence through:
Building resilience when facing challenging casesBreaking down complex procedures into manageable steps Creating effective support systems to combat professional loneliness Finding balance between pushing yourself and preventing burnout Knowing when to ask for help or refer patientsDr. Anee...
Feature 98# – Uni life: Beyond the grades with Michael Shambira
Hosted by Christina Potestas
Ever wondered what it takes to excel in dental school while overcoming life’s biggest challenges?
Join Christina as she sits down with Michael Shambira, winner of the 2025 Australian Dental Graduate Award, for an intimate conversation about resilience, sacrifice, and success.
In this powerful episode, you’ll discover:
How Michael’s journey from Zimbabwe to Australia shaped his determination to succeed The daily routines and mindset that helped him achieve academic excellence Practical strategies for balancing personal life with the demands of dental education Why making mistakes is essent...Dental Business Head Start #3 – What to look for when buyinh your first dental practice with Dr Jesse Green
Hosted by Dr David Keir
Are you contemplating diving into practice ownership? Get ready to unlock the secrets of successful practice acquisition with our Dental Business Head Start series! Join Dr. David Keir and Dr. Jesse Green from the Savvy Dentist podcast as they unravel the mysteries of buying a dental practice.
In this episode we explore the essential foundations for successful practice ownership, including:
Clinical proficiency requirements before taking the plunge Financial benchmarks to understand before purchasing Business knowledge essentials every new owner needs Personal and emotional readiness factors to consider Building your...Most played episode series #3 – Perspective and the Importance of Life Outside of Dentistry with Dr Sahil Soni
Hosted by Dr David Keir
Ever wondered what drives the most respected dentists to achieve excellence? Join us for an intimate conversation with Dr. Sahil Soni, the renowned DPR administrator and respected dental educator, as he shares his remarkable journey from struggling new graduate to clinical excellence.
In this powerful episode, you’ll learn:
How overcoming clinical anxiety in his early career shaped his commitment to excellence The pivotal moment that transformed his approach to dentistry Why photography is the secret tool that elevated his clinical skills His candid advice for new graduates feeling ov...Dental Mentoring Series #7 – A Day In The Life Of A Graduate
Hosted by Dr David Keir
Ever wondered what your dental career will actually look like after graduation? The transition from dental school to private practice isn’t just a new job – it’s entering an entirely different world of dentistry that your education barely prepares you for.
In this episode:
Learn the real differences between university clinics and private practice environments Discover how to navigate your first few weeks as a new graduate Understand realistic productivity expectations and how to build your patient book Get practical advice on time management and appointment scheduling Find out ho...The Unseen Curriculum #3 – How Dental Routines Build Exceptional Careers with Dr Patrick Lam
Hosted by Michael Shambira
Ever wondered how top cosmetic dentists achieve excellence? It’s not just talent – it’s routine. In this eye-opening episode of The Unseen Curriculum, host Michael Shambira sits down with Dr. Patrick Lam, a renowned cosmetic dentist whose disciplined approach transformed his career.
In this value-packed conversation, you’ll discover:
How consistent daily habits create extraordinary results Why “organized chaos” isn’t enough for professional excellence The transformative power of surrounding yourself with disciplined peers Practical strategies for adapting your routine as challenges increaseMichael shares his personal journey from unstructu...
Dental Business Head Start #2 – How to Know When You’re Ready for Dental Practice Ownership with Dr Jesse Green
Ready to take the leap into dental practice ownership? This episode of the Dental Business Head Start focus series dives deep into what it takes to be truly prepared for this major career milestone
Dr. David Keir and Dr. Jesse Green from the Savvy Dentist podcast explore the essential foundations for successful practice ownership, including:
Clinical proficiency requirements before taking the plunge Financial benchmarks to understand before purchasing Business knowledge essentials every new owner needs Personal and emotional readiness factors to consider Building your support network of mentors and advisorsWhether you’re a new gr...
Dental Mentoring Series #6 – Beyond Basic Matrices: Elevating Your Restorative Game
Hosted by Dr David Keir
Ever placed a filling only to discover a weak contact point or frustrating overhang? The secret to restorations that truly last lies in one critical skill: mastering your matrix technique.
In this episode, Dr. David Keir shares practical wisdom on selecting and placing matrices for perfect restorations every time.
You’ll discover:
Which matrix systems work best for specific clinical situations How to achieve firm contacts and prevent overhangs Simple techniques to ensure proper gingival seals The game-changing “saddle matrix” for challenging distal restorations When to consider pre-we...Most played episode series #2 – Airway, Snoring and Sleep Apnoea with Dr David McIntosh
Imagine walking into your child’s room to find a stranger choking your child. Fear, panic and an immediate response would be instant, of course with a heroic end and a safe child. However, it is common to let our children snore, effectively choking, each night without investigation or treatment.
As dentists we are the gateway to the mouth. We see our patients regularly, we monitor their development and we should know the signs of sleep disordered breathing. And when we do, we can make a change in our patients lives.
This episode we have th...
The Unseen Curriculum series #2: How to Lead When You Don’t Feel “Loud Enough” with Dr Zoe Watson
Hosted by Michael Shambira
Ever wondered if you’re “too quiet” to be an effective leader? Dr. Zoe Watson reveals how her gentle approach to leadership created more impact than the loudest voices in the room.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
How being a good listener can be your greatest leadership superpower Why asking questions instead of making statements creates better outcomes The unique challenges women face in dentistry leadership positions Practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome as a new graduateDr Watson shares her journey from shy student to respected dental leader, p...
