The Dental Head Start Podcast

Dr David Keir
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Aug 21, 2024 • 9min

Discoveries in Dental Focus #2 – Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) for Endodontic procedures

Welcome to the Discoveries in Dental focus series. This series highlights recent dental discoveries and saves you time having to read through numerous journal articles. Hosted by @dr.haydynbathurst In this episode I discuss the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), a calcium silicate-based cement used in endodontic procedures such as pulp capping and preventing pulpal exposure, even in cases of irreversible pulpitis. However, there are potential contradictions in using MTA, such as the need for an aseptic environment and the potential for pulp exposure, which may negate its effectiveness. The post Discoveries in Dental Focus #2 – Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) for Endodontic procedures appeared first on Dental Head Start.
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Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 4min

Feature #94 – Making the most of our Oral Health degree with Tabitha Acret

Hosted by Christina Potestas @christina_oralhealth Listen on all podcast players Hi Dental Head Start listeners, Christina here. This episode is a bit of a fangirling moment for me because I sit down with Tabitha Acret @tabitha_dental_hygienist_ , whose journey beyond Uni is quite inspirational. We talk about her initial work in both general and specialist practices, travelling around the world and presenting Guided Biofilm therapy to international audiences and all the serious life lessons in between that help us become better clinicians. Tabitha is about to complete her master’s degree in Advanced Periodontics at the University of London and is an academic at the Sydney University. Keep listening to hear her story and how she continues to  make the most out of her Oral Health Degree. Key moments 0:00:00 – Tabitha Acret’s journey into dentistry, starting from being obsessed with teeth as a child and her grandfather being a prosthodontist. 0:03:45 – Tabitha’s experience as a mature age student in the Bachelor of Oral Health degree, particularly struggling with the science subjects. 0:07:38 – The most challenging part of Tabitha’s university experience was statistics and math. 0:09:21 – Tabitha enjoyed embryology and clinical skills the most during her studies. 0:10:00 – Tabitha’s first job as a dental hygienist in a general practice, and the importance of finding a mentoring environment. 0:15:00 – The differences between working in a specialist periodontal practice versus a general practice. 0:23:35 – How a course in the US on guided biofilm therapy sparked Tabitha’s passion for periodontics. 0:29:49 – Tabitha’s involvement with EMS Dental in introducing airflow and guided biofilm therapy to Australia. 0:47:29 – Tabitha’s perspective on the benefits of having oral health therapists and hygienists working alongside dentists. 0:52:53 – Tabitha’s current projects, including finishing her Master’s degree, becoming Lego Serious Play certified, and her role as a permanent academic at the University of Sydney. 0:59:23 – Tabitha’s top tip for new graduates is to focus on building a strong clinical foundation in the first few years before diversifying. Tabitha Acret Tabitha Acret is a dedicated and passionate award-winning Dental Hygienist. She studied a Bachelor of Oral Health at Newcastle University, completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Health and is currently a Clinical Master student at the University of Central London Eastman Campus. Tabitha has become one of the most sought-after Hygienists and Educators in Australia and internationally with a fast-growing and loyal customer base of patients, dental professionals and media. Tabitha was previously the National Vice-President for the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia and has volunteered in many roles since graduation for the Association. She also has a passion for education with students, working as lecturer at Sydney University as well as a Clinical Educator for implant maintenance and non-surgical periodontal therapy.  Currently, she also works two days a week in private practice. Get in touch with Tabitha Email: tabithaacret@gmail.com  Instagram: @tabitha_dental_hygienist_ The post Feature #94 – Making the most of our Oral Health degree with Tabitha Acret appeared first on Dental Head Start.
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Jul 24, 2024 • 37min

TIP #144 – Restorative Workflow in Endodontics with Dr Harry Mohan

Welcome to What I Wish I Knew by Dental Head Start. This is a podcast where we learn from people that have been there, made the mistakes, learnt the lessons and have developed into the accomplished dental professionals they are today. It’s your weekly mentoring session. Hosted by Hieu Dong During endo simulation clinic we’re taught how to drill the ideal access cavity, instrument and irrigate till all those nasty bugs are gone and beautifully obturate the canals till everything is sealed. But what happens in between appointments in real life? In this episode, Dr Harry Mohan, a specialist endodontist breaks down how to protect the tooth in between each appointment and gives some practical tips on how to and why to place interim/temporary restorations. Dr Mohan breaks down the restorative workflow in endo from completely stripping down the tooth and protecting that coronal seal till a definitive restoration can be placed. Dr Mohan is also running a not-for-profit Dental CPD event where 100% of the profit goes to vulnerable populations in Asia. Check out the exciting lineup of speakers below and purchase your tickets soon as the event is under one month away on Saturday the 17th of August, 2024. Find out more details and purchase tickets here: www.trybooking.com/CRCZX P.S. there is a significant discount for current students and new graduates! Dr Harry Mohan Dr Harry Mohan completed his Bachelor of Dental Science at the University of Melbourne in 2008, before commencing work as a Dental Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force. In 2015, he completed the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry specialising in Endodontics at the University of Melbourne and has special interests in dental trauma and helping patients with dental fear and anxiety. Harry is a lecturer at The University of Sydney, an honorary Clinical Tutor at the University of Melbourne and a regular CPD presenter across Australia. He maintains a specialist referral-based Endodontic practice in Southwest Sydney and runs an annual not-for-profit CPD fundraiser, Dental Aid, which raises money to address poverty in Asia.  The post TIP #144 – Restorative Workflow in Endodontics with Dr Harry Mohan appeared first on Dental Head Start.
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Jul 11, 2024 • 38min

Tip #143 – Protecting our career through posture with Stephanie Botts

Hosted by Christina Potestas @christina_oralhealth I bring to you in this episode a great chat I had with Stephanie Botts @steph.polishedposture – For those unlucky ones that have yet to come across her online, Stephanie is a registered dental hygienist and specialist in office ergonomics sharing some really important advice around our posture and wellbeing as dental professionals. Based in Denver, Colorado, Stephanie has gained over 40 thousand followers on social media and continues to spread her message via virtual assessments and her new podcast Straight up with Steph. We spoke about how dental school is an effective time to start establishing good posture habits to make a huge impact in preventing pain and avoiding long-term health issues. She shared so many good bite sized tips that are easily digestible to start implementing today and emphasises its never too late. Stephanie says “this is the only body we’ve got” so I hope this episode helps you on your way to protecting your career through posture.  Key moments 0:00 – 3:30 – Stephanie’s journey into dentistry and her interest in ergonomics 3:30 – 9:00 – The importance of establishing good posture habits early in dental school 9:00 – 12:30 Common posture mistakes made by dental students and professionals, such as poor patient positioning and lack of indirect vision 12:30 – 15:00 Ideal neutral posture for the head, arms, and shoulders 15:00 – 18:00 Ergonomic loops as a tool to improve neutral head position 18:00 – 21:30 Exercises and micro breaks to strengthen muscles and prevent fatigue 21:30 – 26:00 Preventing and addressing dental injuries through ergonomics 26:00 – 30:00 Ergonomic equipment and tools that dental practices should provide, and what clinicians can invest in themselves 30:00 – 32:00 The cervical cushion as a tool to improve patient comfort and positioning 32:00 – 37:00 Resources and certification options for learning more about dental ergonomics Stephanie Botts Stephanie has been a clinical dental hygienist for 15 years, and currently practices in Denver, Colorado. She is passionate about her role in her patients’ health and well-being.  Like many dental professionals, Stephanie has noticed increasing pain over the years due to the repetitive motions under a static position that the practice of dental hygiene requires. She began to ask herself, “What will my body feel like 10 years from now? Or 20? Will I be able to enjoy my retirement or will I be in chronic pain due to my career?”These questions motivated her to learn about proper ergonomics and different equipment choices that can allow for pain free practice.  Stephanie now helps others in her field with customized ergonomic assessments and coaching. She knows the realities of daily practice in a dental office, the unique challenges we face, and can help you not only improve the quality of your practice, but the quality of your life. Instagram @steph.polishedposture Podcast: Straight up with Steph 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 your side for a lifetime of support, even in the most uncertain times. Dental Protection membership is free for students and new graduates and includes access to professional indemnity, support and advice when you need it, free CPD and a whole lot more.  Join today at https://www.dentalprotection.org/australia/join The post Tip #143 – Protecting our career through posture with Stephanie Botts appeared first on Dental Head Start.
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Jul 4, 2024 • 17min

TIP #142 [RE-RUN] – Dreaming big for life after graduation with Dr Kaejenn Tchia

Rerun Series: Find your support network on social media. Picked by Christina Potestas This series of re-run episodes is a curated selection of interviews to help listeners cut through the noise of social media and start finding their support network of dentists who are actively sharing their expertise and life online. These interviews reveal more about the real person behind the Instagram profile – I hope that it opens doors to a network of potential mentors and starts what may be a guiding and inspiring relationship beyond graduation.  In this episode, I am throwing back to the very insightful chat between Dr Erica Hwin and @thelimitlessdentist , Dr. Kaejenn Tchia about how to stay motivated and find fulfillment in your dental career. Dr. Tchia shares tips for maintaining good mental health as a student and advice for envisioning the type of dentist you want to become in the future. He emphasizes dreaming big and learning from other dentists as ways to prevent feeling lost after graduation. I follow The Limitless Dentist on Instagram and somehow Kaejenn’s words of wisdom and guidance always appear when I need them the most. Enjoy this rerun and make sure to follow The Limitless Dentist online. Key moments 0:02:06 – Tips for dental students to stay motivated and find fulfillment in their dental careers, including: Recognizing and avoiding perfectionism Setting realistic expectations Maintaining a balanced lifestyle with both study and social activities Finding purpose and your “why” for becoming a dentist 0:08:01 – The uncertainty and lack of a clear path after graduating from dental school, compared to the structured curriculum of dental school. 0:10:15 – The importance of dreaming big and having a clear vision for a fulfilling dental career after graduation, to avoid feeling lost. 0:13:24 – Practical steps for dental students to figure out their dream and career path, such as: Following and learning from inspiring dentists on social media Shadowing specialists to gain insight into different areas of dentistry Giving yourself grace to change plans and explore different options Dr Kaejenn Tchia A born and bred Territorian, Dr Kaejenn Tchia knew he wanted to be a dentist since high school. Dr Tchia went on to earn his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University in Cairns, Queensland. He served as president for a two-year tenure from 2016 to 2017 for the James Cook University Dental Student Association (JCUDSA Inc.) as well as national Rural Officer for the Australian Dental Student Association (ADSA) in 2016. Since moving back to Darwin, Dr Tchia has become Treasurer of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) NT Branch Inc. In his spare time, Dr Tchia enjoys travelling and trying new food spots with friends and family. He is also interested in business and entrepreneurship and also launched a motivational coaching company, The Limitless Dentist, aiming to break the mental health stigma in his profession and help his colleagues eliminate burnout and master their mindset. Instagram: @thelimitlessdentist Website: thelimitlessdentist.com.au 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 your side for a lifetime of support, even in the most uncertain times. Dental Protection membership is free for students and new graduates and includes access to professional indemnity, support and advice when you need it, free CPD and a whole lot more.  Join today at https://www.dentalprotection.org/australia/join The post TIP #142 [RE-RUN] – Dreaming big for life after graduation with Dr Kaejenn Tchia appeared first on Dental Head Start.
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Jun 28, 2024 • 11min

Discoveries in Dental Focus #1 – Digital Dentures

Explore the concept of digital dentures, 3D printed dentures, and CADCAM dentures. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of digital dentures compared to traditional ones. Emphasize the need for more clinical trials in this area.
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Jun 18, 2024 • 47min

OHT Pathways Focus #2 – Working in Prosthodontics with Amelia Musulin

Meet Amelia Musulin, an Oral Health Therapist at The Centre for Prosthodontics. She discusses the fulfilling career path in prosthodontics, emphasizing the importance of confidence, communication, and experience when dealing with complex cases. Amelia highlights the variety in her role compared to general practice, including performing work ups and collaborating with specialists. Tune in for valuable advice on pursuing a unique and rewarding pathway in oral health therapy.
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Jun 5, 2024 • 0sec

TIP #141 – A Pep Talk for Dental Students in Exams… with Dr Ben Lee Part 2

Welcome to What I Wish I Knew by Dental Head Start. This is a podcast where we learn from people that have been there, made the mistakes, learnt the lessons and have developed into the accomplished dental professionals they are today. It’s your weekly mentoring session. Hosted by Hieu Dong Hey dental students, exam period got you stressing? Same… In Part 2 of our series with Dr Ben Lee, he gives us an epic pep talk for our time at dental school. Dr Ben unpacks the real reason he decided to specialise in prosthodontics and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously while studying. Feeling over exams and time for a study break? Have a listen to this ep and get your motivation back! Dr Ben Lee Ben completed his MDSc in Prosthodontics from the University of Sydney. During this time, he was given the Young Prosthodontist Award by The International College of Prosthodontists. He is past President of the Australian Prosthodontic Society (NSW) and Australian Asian Association of Dentists. He is a mentor for implant diploma courses offered by the University of Sydney and Charles Sturt University. In addition, being a visiting honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sydney and a Course Co-Ordinator for Nobel Biocare, Ben frequently presents on the topic of dental implants and fixed prosthodontics nationally. As a prosthodontist, Ben works full-time in his referral-based specialist centre in Chatswood, Sydney, with particular interest in the surgical aspect of dental implant treatment. 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 your side for a lifetime of support, even in the most uncertain times. Dental Protection membership is free for students and new graduates and includes access to professional indemnity, support and advice when you need it, free CPD and a whole lot more.  Join today at https://www.dentalprotection.org/australia/join Credabl Credabl is a team of medical finance specialists, passionate about fuelling the ambitions of the dental community. We enable dentists with finance that is quick, simple and backed by experience, so they can do it as big as they can dream it. Credabl offers a range of medical finance solutions, such as equipment finance, practice fitout finance, commercial property loans, car loans and home loans. Call the team today on 1300 27 33 22, or go to credabl.com.au. The post TIP #141 – A Pep Talk for Dental Students in Exams… with Dr Ben Lee Part 2 appeared first on Dental Head Start.
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May 29, 2024 • 1h 9min

FEATURE #93 – Dreaming big: A journey from dentist to entrepreneur with Dr Namita Gupta

Hosted by Dr David Keir In this episode, David chats with Dr. Namita Gupta about her career journey from dental school to owning multiple dental practices and starting her tech business, Restocq. Namita discusses her early career experiences working in both regional and city practices, which helped her gain a variety of skills. She emphasizes the importance of mentors and continuing education and shares lessons learnt as a practice owner, including the value of setting processes early on and focusing on associates’ education, well-being and job satisfaction. She provides valuable advice for associates and new business owners based on her experiences, encouraging them to dream big and take opportunities that come their way. Key moments 0:01:59 – Namita’s early career experiences, including graduating at 23 and working short term jobs to gain experience and travel before deciding on their career path. 0:06:36 – How Namita’s upbringing as the child of immigrant parents in Australia shaped their values of hard work, business focus, empathy, and desire to contribute to society. 0:11:48 – The source of Namita’s passion and drive, which they attribute to high expectations from their parents to constantly succeed and prove themselves. 0:23:05 – How Namita chose dentistry over medicine based on advice from their parents about its artistic/creative aspects and better fit for eventually starting a family. 0:31:28 – Lessons Namita learned from working in multiple dental practices in both regional and city areas, including exposure to diverse treatment options and approaches to patients. 0:44:22 – The importance of having financial conversations with associates, focusing on the dental team, and supporting dentists’ continued education and well-being. 0:53:08 – Namita’s experience deviating from dentistry to start a tech startup, and lessons taken back to improve their dental practice organization and growth. Namita Gupta Dr Namita Gupta is an Implant and Cosmetic surgeon, educator, and visionary entrepreneur, with over 21 years of dental industry experience. As the Co-founder of Restocq and multiple greenfield dental practices, Dr. Gupta blends her passion for dentistry with a keen entrepreneurial spirit. Her mission is to combine passion with purpose, empowering dentists and their teams to operate at their full potential. Restocq was created by Namita and her dentist husband Stephan to eliminate the complexity and high costs associated with ordering  dental supplies. Their vision is simple- to empower dentists to utilise digital technology and AI to ensure they never run out of stock, stick to budget and reduce the headaches and manual processes of stock control and ordering. Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Dr. Gupta actively contributes to dental education, holding roles as an examiner, lecturer, and planning committee member for the Graduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry at the University of Sydney, and as an examiner, lecturer, and clinical supervisor at The Implant Institute in Perth, WA. Credabl Credabl is a team of medical finance specialists, passionate about fuelling the ambitions of the dental community. We enable dentists with finance that is quick, simple and backed by experience, so they can do it as big as they can dream it. Credabl offers a range of medical finance solutions, such as equipment finance, practice fitout finance, commercial property loans, car loans and home loans. Call the team today on 1300 27 33 22, or go to credabl.com.au. 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 your side for a lifetime of support, even in the most uncertain times. Dental Protection membership is free for students and new graduates and includes access to professional indemnity, support and advice when you need it, free CPD and a whole lot more.  Join today at https://www.dentalprotection.org/australia/join The post FEATURE #93 – Dreaming big: A journey from dentist to entrepreneur with Dr Namita Gupta appeared first on Dental Head Start.
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May 27, 2024 • 42min

TIP #140 – Crowns for Beginners with Dr Ben Lee Part 1

Dr. Ben Lee, a prosthodontist in Sydney, discusses crowns for beginners. Topics include assessing tooth structure for crowns, restoration planning, physical factors for tooth restoration, patient communication, and dental material options. Emphasizes patient satisfaction, assessing patient perspectives, and learning from mistakes in practice.

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