Ever felt paralysed by criticism? Dr. Andrew Cheng reveals how he transformed brutal feedback into rapid skill development and went from implants to high-level cosmetic dentistry in just a few years.In this first part of our three-part series, discover the mindset shifts and practical strategies that separate good dentists from great ones.

What You’ll Learn:

The Mindset Behind Rapid Growth:

• How to embrace constructive criticism without letting ego get in the way





• Why surrounding yourself with honest mentors is non-negotiable





• The power of vulnerability in learning

Actionable Strategies for Improvement:

• Dr. Cheng’s documentation system (and why he takes 100+ photos per surgery)





• How to conduct brutally honest case reviews





• The “don’t do this” technique that prevents repeated mistakes

Structuring Your Clinical Journey:

• A year-by-year roadmap for building foundational skillsHow to balance perfecting one skill while exploring new areas





• Why “good is not good enough”—but perfection isn’t the answer either





• This is an honest, inspiring conversation about what it actually takes to level up.

Whether you’re a new grad or looking to expand your skillset, you’ll walk away energised and ready to tackle your next challenge.

Key moments

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Andrew Cheng

02:15 – Learning to Accept Constructive Criticism

06:45 – The Power of Documentation and Feedback

11:30 – Finding Mentors and Building Relationships

15:20 – Practical Steps for Correcting Mistakes

19:45 – Discovering Your Dental Niche

23:10 – Planning Your Professional Development Journey

27:30 – Perfection vs. Continuous Improvement

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Thank you to our sponsors…

Dental Protection Limited

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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

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Dental Advice Network

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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 thank you to Dental Advice Network for supporting the next generation of dental professionals and the Dental Head Start podcast.

The post Most played episode series #5 – Upskilling & Critically Evaluating Yourself with Dr Andrew Cheng appeared first on Dental Head Start.