The Dental Head Start Podcast 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 increase
Michael shares his personal journey from unstructured university life to finding purpose through discipline, revealing how witnessing a colleague’s dedication changed his approach forever.
Ready to transform your dental practice through the power of routine? Listen now and discover how small daily habits create remarkable long-term success.
Key moments
00:00 – Introduction and Meeting Dr. Patrick Lam
02:30 – Michael’s Journey with Routine and Structure
06:15 – Learning from Peers and Changing Habits
09:32 – Pat’s Dental School Experience and Morning Routine
13:18 – Finding Direction and Purpose in Dentistry
17:45 – Balancing Professional Goals with Personal Life
21:40 – Avoiding Burnout and Prioritizing Balance
25:17 – Transitioning from University to Private Practice
29:03 – Managing Expectations and Building Skills
32:45 – Dealing with Off Days and Maintaining Sanity
35:18 – Advice for Dental Students: Stay Hungry
38:20 – Balancing Perfectionism with Progress
40:35 – Final Thoughts on Routine and Consistency
Dr Patrick Lam
Dr Pat Lam graduated less than three years ago from the University of Sydney and has already established himself as one of the most exciting young dentists in Australia. Now working in cosmetic dentistry, he has developed advanced skills in full mouth rehabilitations, aesthetic cases, and reconstructions, while pursuing his true passion in dental surgery and implant dentistry. Alongside his clinical work, Pat is actively involved in teaching across various programs, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation. Highly respected among his peers, he is paving the way for young dentists who want to aim high and expand the scope of what’s possible early in their careers.
Thank you to our sponsors…
Dental Protection Limited
Dental Protection have proudly been supporting the Dental Head Start podcast since day one! The Dental Protection team understands the ever-changing challenges faced by dental professionals and we take our responsibility to members seriously. Our professional protection package helps you practise with confidence, safe in the knowledge that we are always by your side if things go wrong. With over 40 years protecting Australian dental professionals, we have the global stability and financial resilience to be by you
Dental Advice Network
This episode of the Dental Head Start Podcast is proudly supported by Dental Advice Network.
Whether you’re one year out or forty, we all have clinical questions—and it’s OK not to have all the answers. That’s exactly why the Dental Advice Network exists. With leading experts like Dr Omar Ikram (Endodontist), Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen (Oral Medicine Specialist), Dr Steven Parker (Dental Sedationist), Dr Manu Ayer (Specialist Anaesthetist), Professor Ian Myers (Restorative expert), Dr Kar Mun Chan (Specialist Paediatric Dentist) and Associate Professor Geraldine Moses (Dental Therapeutics and Pharmacology expert), it’s your go-to place for clinical advice, case support, and evidence-based insights.
From medication queries to red flags in oral pathology—or even just a second opinion—Dental Advice Network connects you to trusted voices in dentistry and medicine, including an in-house medical doctor. You’ll also get access to clinical webinars, CPD content, and curated updates to stay ahead in your practice.
It’s peace of mind, peer support, and education—all in one place.
And for Dental Head Start listeners, we’ve teamed up with Dental Advice Network to bring you an exclusive 10% discount when you subscribe. Just use the code HEADSTART10 at checkout. Plus—if you’re a first-year graduate, you already get a massive 50% off.
Check them out at dentaladvicenetwork.com.au, and t
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