The Dental Head Start Podcast

Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira Recorded at the ADSA convention, specialist orthodontist Dr Derek Mahony is refreshingly honest: he hated dental school, missed out on medicine by one mark, and found general dentistry too much “drill, fill and bill”. His degree was sponsored by the Navy, so he had a job waiting when he graduated, and he kept his early clinical work simple while setting his sights on orthodontics. The turning point came during six months of travel after graduation, when he met an orthodontist in Brazil treating children’s airways and development. That meeting gave him a passion he had never felt for dentistry, and it set the course for a career of around 40 years in orthodontics. Derek also talks about burnout and rising patient expectations, why working in one lane gives him a safety net, the higher professional standard health practitioners are held to, and why finding your own niche matters more than the money. Key moments [01:31] Hating dental school and missing medicine by one mark[02:49] Reality check: a Navy-sponsored degree and life after graduation[03:31] First root canal and keeping it simple on the way to orthodontics[04:32] The decision that changed his career: an orthodontist in Brazil[05:32] Burnout, patient psychology and modern patient expectations[06:57] Interdisciplinary care and staying in his lane[08:47] What drives him: passion over money and finding your niche[10:46] The professional standard dentists are held to[11:36] Letting go of laziness[12:20] Advice to his younger self[13:13] Rapid-fire questions Dr Derek Mahony Dr Derek Mahony is a registered specialist orthodontist (BDS Sydney, MScOrth London, completed at the Eastman Dental Hospital) and the founder of Full Face Orthodontics, with clinics in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart and Perth. He is a Visiting Professor of Orthodontics at the City of London Dental School, and his work focuses on interceptive and functional orthodontics, airway and dental sleep medicine. Through his teaching programs he has trained thousands of dentists, particularly in clear aligner therapy and early interceptive treatment. Connect with Dr Derek MahonyWebsite: derekmahony.comFull Face Orthodontics: fullfaceorthodontics.com.auLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drderekmahonyInstagram (Full Face Orthodontics): @fullfaceorthodonticsYouTube: youtube.com/user/DerekMahonyFacebook: facebook.com/derek.mahony The post ADSA mini series 2026: From hating dental school to 40 years in Orthodontics with Dr Derek Mahony appeared first on Dental Head Start.

Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira Periodontist and General Dental Residency (gDR) co-founder Dr Alex Khominsky sits down with Dr Michael Shambira at the ADSA convention. He reflects on self doubt in dental school, his first year at the Alfred Hospital, a humbling start in private practice, and why specialists practise as though every case is on show. He also shares how a clear vision for your life, and a willingness to enjoy the process, can shape a rewarding career. Key moments [00:40] Welcome and introduction[01:22] Dental school doubts and unknown unknowns[02:26] The Alfred Hospital years: reality checks and perspective[05:09] The work experience that set his direction[06:12] Why every specialist case is on show[07:46] Balance, vision and enjoying the journey[11:00] Building gDR and the impact of education[14:01] Rapid-fire questions About Dr Alex Khominsky General Dental Residency (gDR), an education company that supports general dentists through structured programs and mentorship. He graduated from the University of Adelaide as dux of his class and completed a concurrent BScDent (Hons) in Craniofacial Biology. He then worked as a Dental Officer at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, followed by private practice, while teaching dental students at the University of Melbourne as a clinical demonstrator. After completing his Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Periodontics at the University of Melbourne, he now practises at Perio Centre in Melbourne and regionally in Wodonga, with special interests inperiodontal medicine, implants, and bone and soft tissue grafting. The post ADSA 2026 Mini Series: Every case counts – Building a dental career with intent with Dr Alex Khominsky appeared first on Dental Head Start.

Hosted by Ahmed Issa In this Specialist Series episode, Ahmed sits down with Dr Omar Ikram to explore the journey behind becoming a specialist endodontist, educator and innovator. From his early years in New Zealand to his time training at King’s College London. Dr Omar reflects on the moments that shaped his clinical confidence, his decision to specialise and the challenges that come with mastering one of the most technically demanding areas of dentistry. This conversation goes beyond root canals. It unpacks the fear many dentists feel around endodontics, the pressure of treating patients in pain and the emotional responsibility that comes with making clinical decisions under uncertainty. Dr Omar shares what it takes to move from fear to confidence, how difficult cases shape clinicians and why humility remains essential even at the highest levels of practice. A powerful and reflective episode for dental students, new graduates/clinicians who want to better understand endodontics, manage clinical pressure and build a career grounded in mastery, teaching and service. Key moments [00:00] Endo Under Pressure[01:29] Why He Became a Dentist[05:40] Struggling With Prosthodontics[13:58] Starting Practice in New Zealand[15:33] Finding His Calling in Endo[22:02] Dark Days in the NHS[32:06] Complications and Hard Lessons[36:53] Building a New Practice[41:05] Legacy and Work Family[50:36] Talking Patients Through Fear[55:30] Closing Thoughts Dr Omar Ikram Dr Omar Ikram is a specialist endodontist based in Sydney and the founder of Specialist Endo Crows Nest. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Dr Omar completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Otago before moving to London, where he gained extensive experience in emergency care, prosthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and endodontics. He later completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and undertook specialist training in Endodontology at King’s College London. His research using micro-computed tomography to investigate tooth tissue changes following root canal treatment and post space preparation was published in the International Endodontic Journal and presented internationally. Omar is passionate about helping patients in pain, educating dentists and making endodontics more approachable for clinicians. He is also the co-creator of the EndoPrep App, designed to help dentists plan endodontic cases with greater confidence. Get connected: Dr Omar Ikram – @specialistendo Ahmed Issa – @drahmedissa 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 OrthoEd Institute The OrthoED Institute_ is the leading orthodontic educator for general dentists._ Founded by Specialist Orthodontist Dr Geoff Hall — with over 36 years of clinical experience and treating over 15000 cases  — OrthoED has trained more than 2,500 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 2027 . 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 Journey behind the specialist #3: From fear to mastery with Dr Omar Ikram appeared first on Dental Head Start.

Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira and Ahmed Issa In this ADSA Convention conversation, Ahmed Issa & Dr Mike Shambira sit down with Dr David Attia to explore the parts of clinical development that are much harder to see from the outside. David reflects on repeatedly struggling in simulation lab as a student, the expectations young dentists place on themselves after graduation, and why attitude, preparation and the ability to accept feedback often matter more than appearing naturally talented.They also discuss mentorship, case selection, clinical mistakes, complications, ambition and the maturity required to recognise when a case should not be yours.Rather than an implant lecture, this is a conversation about the clinician behind the technical skill: how confidence develops, how judgement is earned and what it actually takes to become someone patients and colleagues can trust with increasingly complex dentistry. A practical conversation for students and early-career dentists about becoming good before trying to look advanced. Dr David Attia’s Instagram: @dr.davidattiaAhmed’s Instagram: @drahmedissaDr Mike’s Instagram: @thatdentistmike Key moments [01:14] Introducing Dr. David Attia[02:37] Building foundations for future implant work[05:52] Overcoming SimLab struggles[09:21] Preparing for complications and managing stress[13:05] Making the most of dental school[17:04] Understanding pressure and comparison[18:12] Finding the right mentor[24:21] Defining your values and purpose[27:05] What makes a new graduate an asset[29:40] Developing communication skills[32:07] Knowing when to say no to a case[36:30] Ambition, fear, and imposter syndrome[42:43] Practicing to improve clinical skills[44:48] Finding a supportive learning environment[46:36] Competing with yourself[47:41] Final advice for dental students Dr David Attia Dr David Attia is a general dentist with extensive postgraduate training and experience in oral surgery, implant dentistry and complex rehabilitation. After graduating from Griffith University, David completed postgraduate training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, followed by a Master’s in Oral Implantology through Goethe University in Frankfurt. He now spends much of his clinical time in surgical and rehabilitative dentistry and is heavily involved in education, mentoring and live surgical training for dentists developing their skills in implant dentistry. What makes David particularly relevant to Dental Head Start is not simply the level at which he practises now, but the path it took to get there: struggling as a student, navigating mistakes and uncertainty, developing judgement through experience, and learning that technical ability alone is not what makes a good clinician. The post ADSA 2026 Mini Series: What actually separates an ambitious young dentist from a clinician who can be trusted with difficult cases? With Dr David Attia appeared first on Dental Head Start.

Hosted by Ahmed Issa Oral medicine is one of the least understood areas of dentistry, yet it often carries some of the greatest responsibility. Behind every diagnosis is uncertainty, complexity and the weight of making decisions that can profoundly change a patient’s life. In this Specialist Series episode, Ahmed sits down with Dr Joseph Ryan to explore the journey behind becoming an oral medicine specialist. Together they discuss the challenges of training, the emotional burden of managing chronic disease, navigating uncertainty and the habits that separate good clinicians from exceptional ones. Whether you’re a dental student, new graduate or experienced clinician, this conversation offers an honest look at the realities of specialist practice and the mindset required to build a meaningful career in healthcare. Key moments [00:00] Meet Dr. Joseph Ryan[01:03] Balancing Teaching, Family and Practice[05:13] Empathy as a Clinical Skill[07:13] The Patient With 28 Specialists[09:29] Facing Terminal Diagnoses Emotionally[13:43] How to Talk About Red Flags[18:02] Family Roots in Dentistry[25:00] Biggest Fears in Practice[28:55] Public Health and Prison Dentistry[33:21] Applying for Specialist Training[38:06] The Dark Days of Training[42:38] Learning Pathology That Sticks[46:51] Legacy and Clinical Advice[51:00] AI and the Future of Oral Medicine[54:33] Final Advice: Rest and Perspective Dr Joseph Ryan Specialist Oral Medicine Practitioner & Head of Oral Medicine, Charles Sturt University Dr Joseph Ryan is a Specialist Oral Medicine Practitioner and Head of Oral Medicine at Charles Sturt University. His career has focused on the diagnosis and management of complex oral mucosal disease, chronic orofacial pain and medically compromised patients. Alongside his clinical practice, Dr Ryan is an educator, researcher and mentor who has helped shape the next generation of clinicians through his commitment to thoughtful, patient-centred care and clinical excellence. Thank you to our sponsors… Dental Advice Network 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. Credabl Credabl is a team of medical finance specialists helping dentists build the life and practice they’ve worked so hard for. With finance that’s quick, simple and backed by experience, we make the next step feel possible, so you can dream bigger and achieve more. Big ambitions deserve the right support. Credabl offers finance for equipment, practice fitouts, commercial property, vehicles and homes. Learn more at credabl.com.au or call 1300 27 33 22. The post The Journey behind the specialist #2: The weight of knowing with Dr Joseph Ryan appeared first on Dental Head Start.