The Dental Head Start Podcast

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. Connect with Matt: @dr.matthedge Follow along: @thatdentistmike @dentalheadstart If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s early in their journey and trying to grow well.And if there are specific guests or conversations you’d like to see next, feel free to reach out — I’d love to hear what would be most valuable for you Key moments (0:00) Intro and Dr. Matt Hedge’s Background (02:15) The Reality of Being a New Grad (06:10) Finding Mentorship and Using Social Media (10:30) Dealing with Feedback and Perfectionism (14:45) The Bingo Complication Game (19:30) Knowing Your Limits and When to Refer (24:15) Focusing on Cosmetic Dentistry (28:50) Competition vs. Collaboration (32:10) The Compound Effect of Continuing Education Dr Matt Hedge Dr Matt Hedge is the principal dentist at Helix Dental on the Gold Coast, where he focuses on high-quality cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He is known for his disciplined approach to continuous learning, commitment to clinical excellence, and strong emphasis on mentorship and collaboration.Matt has built a reputation for balancing ambition with humility, taking a self-directed approach to growth while surrounding himself with experienced clinicians. His philosophy centres on developing confidence through competence and building skills that compound over the long term. Thank you to our sponsors… The OrthoED Institute is the leading orthodontic educator for general dentists. Founded by Specialist Orthodontist Dr Geoff Hall — with over 35 years of clinical experience — OrthoED has trained more than 1,500 dentists in orthodontics across Australia, New Zealand and internationally. Dr. Hall is widely respected for his structured approach to treatment planning and his ability to teach sound orthodontic principles in an understandable fashion OrthoED’s courses are comprehensive, evidence-based and focus on sound biomechanical principles — teaching the entire gamut of orthodontics whether it be  braces and /or clear aligner therapy with hands-on learning, case reviews, mentoring and long-term support. With a reputation built on clinical excellence and hundreds of 5-star reviews, OrthoED is trusted by general dentists who want to confidently integrate orthodontics, expand their scope, and deliver exceptional patient outcomes. Exclusive Offer for Dental Headstart Listeners Dental Headstart listeners can receive 5% off any OrthoED signature course. T&Cs: Valid until 30 June 2026. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Exclusions apply. To redeem, use a coupon code at checkout. dentalheadstart-pif (for pay in full) dentalheadstart-pp (for payment plan) Go to orthotraining.com.au Dental Head Start is proud to collaborate with the Dental Advice Network to offer our community access to some of the most respected names in Australian dentistry. DAN functions as a comprehensive knowledge hub, offering a wealth of resources including live webinars, explainer videos, and up-to-the-minute news updates. Highlights of the platform include the highly regarded Journal Club with Professor Laurie Walsh and specialised legal insights from Dr Steven Parker, who brings the dual perspective of both a clinician and a lawyer to complex regulatory matters. We recognise that the first few years of practice are a steep learning curve. To support the next generation of clinicians, DAN offers free membership to dental students (query service only available to registered dental professionals) and a 50% discount for first-year graduates. For the broader Dental Headstart audience, we have secured an exclusive 15% discount on subscriptions. This is an invitation to move beyond isolated practice and join a community dedicated to clinical excellence and safety. Go to www.dentaladvicenetwork.com.au to find out more and contact Dental Head Start via direct message on Facebook or Instagram for your special discount code. The post The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #4 – Learning without ego with Dr Matt Hedge appeared first on Dental Head Start.

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 boys and two dogs. Listen to this special chat with Maria as this episode is jam packed with info. Key moments 2:25 – Maria spoke about earlier years and when dental school started 10:00 – Maria’s early career as a new graduate 22:41 – What keeps Maria going as a dentist 33:50 – Maria tells us what he favourite procedures are in dentistry 42:25 – What mistakes Maria sees young dentists making 51:18 – Final words of advice Maria has for the audience The post Most played episode series #7 – Becoming confident and competent with Dr Maria Avis appeared first on Dental Head Start.

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 structure, not the other way around The difference between exposure and readiness What makes someone truly coachable How to hold high standards without turning them into self-punishment Why restraint is part of excellence This conversation isn’t about implants or complexity.It’s about formation; the invisible shaping that happens before mastery becomes visible. If you’re a student or early-career dentist feeling the pressure to accelerate, this episode will give you clarity on how to move forward responsibly and sustainably. Because the dentists who progress the most are not the fastest. They’re the most formed. Key Moments (02:15) Early Career Strategies & Finding Avenue Dental (05:30) Developing a Passion for Surgery (08:45) The Tripod Effect for Rapid Growth (12:10) Ambitious vs. Reckless: Finding Balance (16:20) Emotional Resilience & Dealing with Failure (20:40) Qualities of a Coachable Dentist (24:15) Sponsor: Orthoed Aligner Essentials (26:30) Launching the PGIA Implantology Diploma (31:00) Advice for New Grads: Where to Start (35:45) Defining Success & Looking Forward Dr John Weemaes Dr Johan Weemaes is a managing partner within the Avenue Dental group, principal dentist at Avenue Dental Maroochydore, and co-founder of the Post Graduate Implant Academy (PGIA).With extensive experience in implantology and full-arch rehabilitation, Johan has invested deeply in postgraduate education and systems-driven practice growth. He is passionate about leadership, structured progression, and developing clinicians in a safe, responsible manner.Beyond clinical skill, Johan places strong emphasis on personal development, mentorship, and creating frameworks that allow dentists to grow without sacrificing integrity or stability. Find him on instagram @drjohanweemaes @postgraduateimplantacademy Dr Greg Fine Dr Greg Fine is a principal dentist and partner within the Avenue Dental network and co-founder of the Post Graduate Implant Academy (PGIA).Greg is known for his commitment to clinical progression, mentorship, and helping dentists responsibly expand their capabilities. With significant investment in advanced education and hands-on experience in implant and restorative dentistry, he advocates for structured learning under guidance rather than rushed independence.His approach blends ambition with calibration — encouraging growth while reinforcing the importance of responsibility, humility, and long-term thinking. Find him on Instagram @dr.gregfine Thank you to our sponsors… The OrthoED Institute is the leading orthodontic educator for general dentists. Founded by Specialist Orthodontist Dr Geoff Hall — with over 35 years of clinical experience — OrthoED has trained more than 1,500 dentists in orthodontics across Australia, New Zealand and internationally. Dr. Hall is widely respected for his structured approach to treatment planning and his ability to teach sound orthodontic principles in an understandable fashion OrthoED’s courses are comprehensive, evidence-based and focus on sound biomechanical principles — teaching the entire gamut of orthodontics whether it be  braces and /or clear aligner therapy with hands-on learning, case reviews, mentoring and long-term support. With a reputation built on clinical excellence and hundreds of 5-star reviews, OrthoED is trusted by general dentists who want to confidently integrate orthodontics, expand their scope, and deliver exceptional patient outcomes. Exclusive Offer for Dental Headstart Listeners Dental Headstart listeners can receive 5% off any OrthoED signature course. T&Cs: Valid until 30 June 2026. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Exclusions apply. To redeem, use a coupon code at checkout. dentalheadstart-pif (for pay in full) dentalheadstart-pp (for payment plan) Go to orthotraining.com.au The post The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #2 – Rapid progress without being reckless with Drs Johan Weemaes and Greg Fine appeared first on Dental Head Start.

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 intervene with bonded look composites versus when to move to full coverage. Plus, discover strategies for communicating these issues to patients without overwhelming them or over-treating. Key moments 00:54 Defining Cracks: Vertical vs. Partial 02:12 When to Intervene: Staining and Symptoms 03:31 Biomechanics: Why Amalgams Crack Teeth 04:22 Treatment Planning: Bond or Crown? 06:33 The Golden Rule: Don’t Chase the Crack 09:27 Common Mistakes and Patient Communication The post Most played episode series #6 – The Cracked Tooth with Dr Michael Mandikos appeared first on Dental Head Start.