The Brush Up

In the final episode of the NextGen series, Michael Klein sits down with three dental students from the University of Sydney: Michelle Kourieh, Jamieson Wong and Victor Lin — for a wide-ranging chat about student life, clinical firsts and life after graduation. They cover everything from their favourite dental instruments and dream travel destinations to the moments that made them fall in love with the profession, the hand skills that pushed them hardest, and the best advice they've picked up along the way. Michelle reflects on the reward of her first scale and clean, Jamieson opens up about the long road to mastering indirect vision, and Victor shares the mentor-driven mindset of ‘marginal gains’ that's shaped his final year. It's an honest, funny and occasionally emotional send-off to a series that's followed students through the highs, lows and everything in between of dental school. The Brush Up is brought to you by ADA New South Wales. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au . If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

Before Yousif Alsaoor was a dental student, a bullet went around his head in the womb. His family fled Iraq, rebuilt their lives in rural Australia, and never looked back. In this episode of The Brush Up, host Michael Klein sits down with Yousif, a fourth-year Bachelor of Dental Science student at Charles Sturt University in Orange and the President of the Student Dental Association for 2026. Yousif shares the extraordinary story of his family’s escape from Iraq, why he chose dentistry (and how he “finessed” the doctor title past his dad), what it’s like studying in a tight-knit rural campus far from home, and the clinical moments that made him fall in love with restorative dentistry. He also opens up about the mentors who shaped his standards and why the best advice he’d give his first-year self is not to lose himself in the process of becoming a dentist. Topics covered: refugee background and family resilience, choosing CSU and rural dentistry, Student Dental Association leadership, sim clinic and restorative passion, patient rapport and clinical milestones, mentorship and rigorous feedback, and advice for dental students. The Brush Up is brought to you by ADA New South Wales. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au . If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

What actually happens when you call ADA NSW Advisory Services? And should you call even if nothing’s gone wrong yet? In this episode of The Brush Up, host Michael Klein sits down with Dr Vicki Rozos, Head of Advisory Services at ADA NSW, to demystify the service that many members don’t fully understand until they need it most. Vicki shares how advisory supports dentists at every stage of their career — from reviewing your first job offer and navigating tricky consent conversations to managing patient complaints, handling record requests, and even fielding calls with a patient still in the chair. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation is a reminder that you’re never on your own. Advisory is confidential, tailored to your situation, and staffed by experienced dentists who’ve been in your shoes. Topics covered: advisory services overview, new graduate support, patient complaints, consent and communication, dental records requests, solicitor correspondence, professional indemnity insurance, practice ownership guidance, ceasing to treat, and the importance of good record-keeping. The Brush Up is brought to you by ADA New South Wales. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

At some point in your career, you'll collaborate with an oral health therapist. If you haven’t already, it’s important to understand what they do, how they think, and the value they bring to a team. Welcome to Fresh-Out Fridays, where we sit down with early-career dental professionals to discuss the real-life experiences that academic study doesn’t fully prepare you for. In this episode, we speak with Jayden Hall, an Oral Health Therapist (OHT) who is four years into his career. Jayden provides an honest look at life as an OHT—covering everything from a typical day’s activities to how he discovered his clinical niche, and how he built trust with patients who were initially uncertain about him. He explains the collaboration between OHTs and dentists, shares insights on the CPD landscape from an OHT’s perspective, discusses the rewarding moments in the job, and emphasises the importance of finding mentorship—even informally—during those crucial early years. This episode is a valuable resource for any early-career dentist who wants to understand their future colleagues better, enhance team dynamics, improve patient care, and how to foster effective collaboration that benefits everyone—including patients. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on what it takes to find your place in the team. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

There's a moment in every new graduate's journey when you realise the textbook doesn't have all the answers. When you're faced with a complex case, a nervous patient, or an unexpected complication, you suddenly have to think for yourself. This is Fresh-Out Fridays, where we sit down with early-career dentists who share the unfiltered truth about navigating those early-career moments that dental school didn't quite prepare you for. In this episode, we're joined by Dr Sarah Amr, who chose to return to her Western Sydney roots after graduating from the University of Sydney. Sarah opens up about the realities of private practice, building trust with diverse patient communities, and why she's passionate about bringing quality dental care to underserved areas. We'll explore how to balance taking advice with developing your own clinical instincts, the importance of finding the right mentors, and why reflection is the secret ingredient to becoming a truly confident practitioner. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on what it takes to find your voice as a new dentist. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

What motivates a student to move from the United States to Australia to pursue a career in dentistry? This is Next Gen, where we explore the diverse paths dental students take during their training. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Caroline, a second-year dental student at the University of Sydney, to discuss the transition from international life to the Australian dental system. Following in her mother's footsteps at her alma mater, Caroline opens up about the unique challenges and "pinch me" moments of her early clinical years. We explore the reality of shifting from simulation clinics with plastic teeth to treating real-life patients, and the unexpected nerves that come with that responsibility. Caroline shares candid insights on why "simple" skills like scaling turned out to be trickier than expected, the importance of a collaborative rather than competitive student culture, and her aspirations to take her skills to rural or public sectors after graduation. From balancing the rigours of study with crocheting and her Cavoodle, Puddles, to dreaming of a trip to Antarctica, discover how this future dentist is keeping her cool while learning the ropes. So grab your coffee (or an iced oat milk chai), settle in, and let’s brush up on the journey of an international dental student. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

Remember that first time you drove alone on your red P plates? That mix of freedom and sheer terror? That's exactly how Haydyn Bathurst describes his first days treating patients without a tutor looking over his shoulder. This is Fresh-Out Fridays, where we sit down with early-career dentists who share the unfiltered truth about navigating those early-career moments that dental school didn't quite prepare you for. In this episode, we're catching up with Dr Haydyn Bathurst as he opens up about choosing the public pathway, juggling contract reviews during final exams, and learning to communicate with patients who comment on his youthful appearance. We'll explore how COVID reshaped his clinical training, why difficult patients can become your most loyal, and the unexpected satisfaction he's found in dentures of all things. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on what it takes to find your feet in those crucial first years. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

What happens when four dental students start filming TikToks to make studying tooth morphology less boring - and accidentally become the most recognisable faces in Australian dental education? This is Next Gen, where we explore the diverse paths dental students take during their training. In this episode, we're sitting down with Mustafa, Chris, Harish, and Troy - better known as Dropkick Dental - to hear how their viral social media presence has shaped their dental school experience and future careers. From their rocky first meeting to accidentally creating dental TikTok content that resonates across continents, these four reveal the unexpected lessons learned from putting themselves online. We'll explore how they balance humour with professionalism, navigate criticism from qualified dentists, and use their platform to break down stereotypes about dental students. They share candid insights about the risks of being so visible, the networking opportunities that have opened doors, and how making mistakes online has actually prepared them to be better dentists. From getting roasted in the comments to being recognised on campus, discover how these students are using social media to change perceptions of dental education - one viral video at a time. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on how to build a brand while building a career. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

What happens when a last-minute acceptance letter changes everything? When you have 24 hours to pack up your life in Canada and chase a dental school dream in Australia? This is Next Gen, where we explore the unique journeys of dental students as they prepare for practice. In this episode, we're diving into the unexpected path of Austen Oviatt, a Canadian-born fourth-year dental student at the University of Sydney who went from biology to computer programming to extractions - and has already completed over 70 of them! Austen opens up about the whirlwind decision to leave everything behind for dental school, the challenges of being an international student navigating visa requirements, and why age and life experience can be your greatest assets in patient care. We'll explore how working at Campbelltown Hospital's intimate clinic setting has accelerated his hands-on learning, from routine extractions to full clearances and emergency cases. From shadowing oral surgeons to witnessing procedures go wrong (and how experienced clinicians handle the pressure), Austen shares honest insights about building confidence, managing complications, and the reality that even seasoned professionals get nervous. We'll also discuss the unique challenges facing international graduates - from contract negotiations to the financial conversations that dental school never teaches you. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on what it takes to leap across continents for dentistry. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

Dental school teaches you the technical skills, but what about the emotional reality of patient care? The weight of making decisions that affect someone's smile, their confidence, their daily life - and doing it all whilst you're still learning the ropes. This is Next Gen, where we sit down with dental students preparing for the transition from textbooks to real-world practice. In this episode, we're exploring the human side of dentistry with Ahjeong Yoo, a fourth-year dental student at Sydney University and president of SUDA. Ahjeong opens up about her unique emotional connection to her patients' teeth, the challenge of saying "no" when you're a people-pleaser, and why she chose restoration over extraction - even when it's not always the easiest path. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

Starting any new job comes with its challenges, but stepping into a dental practice as a fresh graduate brings a unique blend of excitement and terror. The impostor syndrome, and that nagging voice asking, “Am I really qualified to be doing this?” This is Fresh-Out Fridays, where we sit down with early-career dentists who share the unfiltered truth about navigating those early-career moments that dental school didn’t quite prepare you for. In this episode, we’re diving deep with Dr Samantha Tang as she opens up about overcoming that initial awkwardness, building confidence with patients, and finding her groove in a busy practice. We’ll explore practical strategies for managing those “am I doing this right?” moments, and discover how what feels like your biggest weakness might actually become your greatest strength. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s brush up on what it takes to thrive as a new dentist. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

In this third and final instalment of The Dental Diaries, we delve into the crucial years following those initial career steps with early career dentists Anthony, Yasmin, and Sarah as they share their experiences of finding their professional stride. Learn about the transformative power of mentorship—both receiving and providing it—and how these dentists have moved from focusing solely on their own growth to actively contributing to their profession and communities through advocacy, leadership roles, and community outreach. The episode offers candid insights into building resilience, maintaining work-life balance, and evolving from surviving those challenging early years to thriving as confident practitioners. Whether you're facing the pressures of early-career practice, seeking strategies for sustainable professional growth, or looking to give back to the dental community, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration for building a fulfilling dental career. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

In this second instalment of The Dental Diaries, we explore the pivotal transition from dental student to practising dentist with early career dentists Anthony, Yasmin, and Sarah and learn more about their journey beyond graduation. Discover how they secured their first positions, navigated those nerve-wracking initial days with patients, and developed the confidence essential for clinical practice. The episode also delves into the financial realities of starting a dental career and reveals how new graduates can contribute fresh perspectives to established practices. Whether you're a dental student preparing for graduation, a recent graduate finding your footing, or an established dentist mentoring the next generation, this episode offers valuable insights into this transformative career stage. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

Join us as we uncover the human stories behind the dental profession, beginning with Part One's intimate conversation with three recent graduates – a husband-and-wife team from the University of Sydney and a career-changer from Charles Sturt University – as they share their experiences navigating dental education and offer valuable tips for thriving in university. "The Dental Diaries" offers an intimate look into the world of dentistry through the eyes of those who've recently lived it. This documentary-style podcast series features candid conversations with early-career dentists as they share their journeys from dental school to professional practice. Each episode delves into the realities of pursuing a career in dentistry, exploring everything from the challenges of mastering complex procedures to the triumphs of treating their first patients. Our guests offer practical insights into dental education, share strategies for managing the demanding curriculum, and discuss the evolution from student to practising professional. Produced by the Recent Graduate Committee of the Australian Dental Association NSW, this series serves as both a guide and inspiration for aspiring dentists, while offering the general public a deeper understanding of the dedication behind the profession. Whether you're considering dentistry as a career, currently in dental school, or simply curious about the path to becoming a dental professional, "The Dental Diaries" provides an authentic perspective on this challenging yet rewarding field. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

Dr Zanab Malik, in a recent interview with ADA NSW's Claire Schifter, emphasized the significance of equipping graduates with the adequate knowledge and abilities required to cater to patients with special needs. Despite the desire of numerous clinicians to aid such patients, their exposure and experience may not be sufficient. To address this concern, Dr Malik is hosting a webinar titled "Special Needs Dentistry 101" as a part of the ADA NSW New Graduate Residency program. The webinar is scheduled to take place online on October 25th, 2023. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

In this episode, Kylie Robb from ADA NSW talks to Dr Ed Boulton, an experienced dentist, about how to establish a great working relationship with your dental assistant. Dr Boulton shares his tips and experience on how to achieve professional happiness through this collaboration. You'll learn about empowering your dental assistant to support you in an efficient appointment and tips on what to say during treatment to build trust and rapport with your patients and dental assistants. Additionally, Dr Boulton provides insights on how to give your assistant leadership during appointments and more. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

Meet the latest Student Dental Association Presidents taking on student life and the leadership challenge. Rachel Brown from The University of Sydney and Jason Zhang from Charles Sturt University chat to ADA NSW's Marketing and Communications Manager Elise Ross. They talk about their unique experiences which have taught them the value of resilience and adaptability, continuous learning and communication. From unexpected career leaps to dental study surprises, maintaining balance and motivation to new technologies, hear Rachel and Jason’s views and aspirations for the future. Membership to ADA NSW is free for all current dental students in NSW and the ACT. For more information visit our website at adansw.com.au or call our friendly membership team on 84369900. Host: Elise Ross If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

Regardless of your stage of life, buying your first home is a big financial decision and can be a very daunting process. There are so many additional things to consider than just finding your dream house and the best home loan to suit your needs. Today we are joined by ADA NSW Recent Graduates chair, Dr Cathleen Dong and BOQ Specialist home loan finance specialist, Chris Aylward, to unpack and explain the process of buying your first home. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

This episode features two future leaders in dentistry – Zoe Watson, president of the Student Dental Association at Charles Sturt University and Anushka Fernando, president of SUDA at The University of Sydney. The pair speak with ADA NSW Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Faiza Ahmad, about their experiences as dental students, career aspirations, work and life balance, opportunities for dentistry in regional areas and plans for their respective associations in the year ahead. Membership to ADA NSW is free for all current dental students in NSW and the ACT. For more information visit our website at adansw.com.au or call our friendly membership team on 84369900. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .

As we acknowledge International Women’s Day in March, this episode features two future leaders in dentistry. Stephanie Primc, president of the Student Dental Association at Charles Sturt University and Annie Johnson, president of SUDA at The University of Sydney speak with ADA NSW Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Faiza Ahmad, about their experiences as dental students, the challenges of education during COVID-19, career aspirations, and what's in store for their respective associations in the year ahead. And did we mention the Roland Bryant Cup? Membership to ADA NSW is free for all current dental students in NSW and the ACT. For more information visit our website at adansw.com.au or call our friendly membership team on 84369900. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd .