The chapter traces the speaker's journey from migrating to Australia to pursuing dental courses and transitioning to a Ph.D. program, focusing on their experience in orthodontics. It explores the importance of additional knowledge, hands-on experience, and building rapport with patients to excel in orthodontic practice. The speaker highlights the challenges and fulfillment of pursuing a career in dentistry, emphasizing perseverance, passion, and continuous learning over monetary gains.
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Welcome to the OHT pathways focus series by Dental Head Start. Listen to a limited series of interviews with OHTs that have taken the less traditional general practice pathway and used their scope to endeavour into a unique, different and fulfilling career.
Hosted by Christina Potestas
In this episode, I chat with Mirna Yousif, an OHT who worked in supportive roles in the dental practice before graduating. She talks about how being exposed to different procedures and dentists gave her the confidence to continue her journey into working alongside Orthodontists and how OHTs can support dentists who are caring for orthodontic patients.
NOTE: The discussions had in these series of interviews is only general advice and should not be considered an official outline of your scope upon graduating your Oral Health Therapy degree. Your university defines your scope of practice and should be your ultimate point of reference should you be unsure of what dentistry you are allowed to perform post graduation.
Key moments from the episode
[0:04:45] – Mirna’s university experience and journey to becoming a hygienist and therapist.
[0:06:23] – Mirna’s additional university study completed in orthodontics.
[0:11:50] – Mirna’s first day working after graduating.
[0:20:59] – The patient journey with shared care between an orthodontist and OHT.
[0:35:30] – Autonomy and problem solving in orthodontic treatment planning.
[0:46:40] – Advice for those interested in orthodontics.
Mirna Yousif
Mirna, originally from Iraq, migrated to Australia in 2007.
A passionate dental professional with experience in orthodontics, general dentistry, and hygiene, Mirna has thrived in various roles like Oral Health Therapist (OHT), practice manager, and clinical coordinator.
Her qualifications include:
Dental Assisting Cert III
Dental Assisting Cert IV Oral Health Promotion
Dental Assisting Cert IV Radiography
Cert II Business Administration
Extended Scope of Practice
Surgical Maxillary Expansion Training
Graduate Diploma in Clinical Orthodontics
Beyond clinical work, Mirna enjoys lecturing and sharing her experiences to empower new graduates. Outside of dentistry, she has a strong interest in business and enjoys learning new things in that field.
Mirna’s current focus is on self-development, aiming to become even more effective in both dentistry and lecturing over the next two years.
Get in touch with Mirna:
Instagram: @sydney_mobile_dentist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mirna.yousif.93
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