Dental Central

In this episode of Dental Central we explore the important topic of dental sleep medicine with expert Andrew Gikas. With sleep problems becoming more prevalent and leading to a range of health problems, dental practitioners have an important role to play as part of a multidisciplinary team in identifying and referring patients with sleep problems. Andrew talks about some of the questions to ask patients, signs to look for and some of the treatment options. He also talks about furthering your education including the option of a Fellowship in Dental Sleep Medicine with the Australasian Sleep Association.  

Podcaster, musician, former urban planner and dentist. Jesse Liang has had a less than traditional path into the dental profession, and we learn how he has used this diverse background to shape the clinician that he is now. Jesse talks about the importance of communication skills, balancing the art and science of dentistry and his experiences working in both corporate and private practice. We also find out how Jesse made his dad TikTok famous.

ADAVB committees are an important conduit between members and the Branch and provide valuable insight and advice to the organisation. This episode we talk about the different committees of the ADAVB, what being on a committee entails and how you can help to shape the future direction of the Branch. Nominations are now open to join an ADAVB committee. Visit adavb.org/about/our-people/committees for full details and nominate before 30 June 2023. Emily and Matt also talk about some of the great upcoming CPD events on offer, and the ongoing negotiations for the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for public sector dentists.  

Brandon Lim has packed a lot into his short dental career, and this week Dental Central shares his journey through dental school, into the workforce and back at dental school as a post-graduate student. Brandon talks about: Giving back to the profession in various roles, including President of BOHDS, the Recent Graduates & Students Committee, Continuing Professional Development Committee and Public Dentistry Committee and various volunteering work. Early career roles at the Alfred Hospital and Monash Medical Centre working in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver health care. The decision to specialise and the process of getting into a post-graduate training program. -       If you are a dental student or recent graduate looking for some great early career guidance, don't miss this episode.

This week Dental Central packed up our recording studio and took a road trip up the Hume and Goulburn Valley Highway to attend the ADAVB Goulburn Valley Group meeting in Mooroopna. It was a great opportunity to hear about some of the issues that dental practitioners are facing in regional, and highlight the important role that these groups play in connecting members and addressing some of the professional isolation that dental practitioners face. Our guests include: Roisin McGrath talking about anxiety in both patients and dental practitioners Warren Shnider (ADAVB President) on the important role groups play in keeping members connected with ADAVB Margaret Tran providing perspectives from a recent graduate practising in regional Victoria Ros Mayne on the support and mentoring that specialists and dentists can provide

Specialist prosthodontist Carolina Perez Rodriguez shares her experience working as a dentist across three countries, the importance of communication skills and the journey to becoming a specialist. Great advice for recent graduates, particularly the role of good mentors at any stage of your career, and learning how to say no to demanding patients. Carolina teaches at the University of Melbourne and is the President of the Australian Prosthodontic Society Victoria Branch, and brings a wealth of experience to this discussion.

20 March is World Oral Health Day, and opportunity to talk about the importance of oral health and encourage people to be proud of their mouth. This episode we talk about what World Oral Health Day means for Emily and Matt, and dive into the emerging problem of e-cigarettes and oral health. And a reminder that it's Mouthguard March, and the importance of wearing a mouthguard for you and your patients.

‘Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.' That sums up Ray Khong, our guest this episode on Dental Central. Ray is a big proponent of taking his dental knowledge and expertise on the road to help people in places such as Peru, Cambodia and the Solomon Islands, and hopefully his story will inspire you to consider volunteering too. Plus we learn about the importance of work-life balance, which for Ray is not just volunteering, but also opera singing and undertaking further study in health law. Join us as we peel back the layers.

There is a global trend towards greater sustainability, and we have seen recent moves in Australia focus on reducing single-use items. This week we talk to Joe Badr about his interesting sustainability journey. As a successful practice owner with a strong emphasis on hygiene-based prevention, Joe was attuned to the waste associated with dental hygiene products but also the issues of patient compliance with oral hygiene at home. Joe gives us insights into building a new business based on sustainability, the challenges doing this through the pandemic and the success of bring a new product line to market. Hopefully this discussion challenges listeners to think more broadly about the burden of waste that we create, not only in dental practice but more broadly in our lives, and to think about the potential benefits to dental practices in tackling this sustainability issue.

Welcome back to Season 3 of Dental Central. Emily and Matt are well rested, and looking forward to a big year with some fantastic guests lined up to keep you updated with everything that is going on at the ADAVB and more. In this episode we talk to Mihiri Silva and Tabitha Acret, who are both speaking at ADX Melbourne coming up from 30 March – 1 April 2023. ADAVB is putting on a great CPD program as part of ADX Melbourne, and Mihiri and Tabitha give a few teasers of their presentations to whet your appetite - Predictable Paediatrics: Patient focused management of MIH and Periodontal disease vs biofilm: complications & treatment planning. Go to https://www.adx.melbourne/ to find out more about ADX Melbourne and to register.

It's been another big year, and the team at Dental Central wrap up the year that was, Spotify-style. Emily and Matt look back at some of the highlights of 2022, from dental school graduations to a record breaking ADAVB Convention, their favourite podcast episodes and thoughts about what 2023 might bring. A big thanks to all of our listeners in 2022 who have taken us to more than 6400 downloads since we first launched in 2021. We hope everyone has a restful break over the Christmas and New Year period, and we look forward to reconnecting in 2023.

As part of Mental Health Month, Dental Central is focusing on mental health. In this episode Emily and Matt are joined by Professor Marie Bismark – a doctor, psychiatry trainee, lawyer and researcher with qualifications in bioethics and public health, and one of Australian Financial Review's Top 100 Women of Influence in 2019. We dive into:  The experiences of health care workers during the pandemic, detailed in Marie's book ‘Experiences of Health Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic – in their own words.' The importance of recognition for health care workers The impact of the ‘health care heroes' label Mental health findings during the pandemic Ahpra complaints/notifications and the impact on practitioner wellbeing Mental health and mandatory notification Note: some listeners might find some of this content difficult or confronting. If it does cause distress, there are support services available, including: Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 Lifeworks - 1300 361 008 Dental Practitioner Support - 1800 377 700 And don't forget to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes.

The pandemic declaration in Victoria expired on 12 October, bringing to an end a suite of mandates that have been governing our lives for much of the past two and half years. Although the pandemic isn't over, with Victoria still seeing more than 9000 cases per week, Emily and Matt discuss what the end of the pandemic declaration means for dental practices in Victoria, including: Mandatory vaccination for dental staff Isolation and testing requirements Measures to reduce transmission in dental practice such as face masks, patient screening, rubber dam and preprocedural mouthrinse Don't forget to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes.   * Although we would like to guarantee that no more pandemic updates will be required, given the unpredictable nature of pandemics we can't be absolutely certain.

As part of Mental Health Month, Dental Central is focusing a series of episodes on mental health and wellbeing. This week we talk to Dr Peter Baldwin (Clinical Psychologist), the Head of Clinical Research at the Black Dog Institute, the leading mental health research institute in Australia. Peter talks about: What the Black Dog Institute does How the pandemic has impacted on the mental health of health care workers Why overcoming the stigma associated with mental health is so important Some of the common mental health issues including anxiety, depression and burnout The key issue of suicide The Essential Network – resources and support for health practitioners For more information, go to blackdoginstitute.org.au/the-essential-network   Note: some listeners might find some of this content difficult or confronting. If it does cause distress, there are support services available, including: Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 Lifeworks - 1300 361 008 Dental Practitioner Support - 1800 377 700

This week on Dental Central, Emily and Matt talk about how ADAVB is supporting dentists working in the public sector. The episode focuses on: The current enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations Why it's important for the ADAVB to be involved Why it's an important issue for all dentists What you can do to help support your colleagues in the public sector For more information, go to adavb.org/respectpublicdentistry And don't forget to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes.

This week on Dental Central we talk to Dr Jane Lynch about working in regional Victoria. We speak about: Why she decided to become a dentist Growing up in a small rural town of less than 300 people The challenges and benefits of working in regional Victoria, particularly the variety and scope of clinical work Experiencing burnout and her comeback to dentistry in the public sector As Jane says, for those thinking about a move to practice in a regional area or the public sector - ‘embrace the challenge, it's an adventure.' If you are experiencing struggles, remember that the ADAVB offers from confidential counselling through Lifeworks on 1300 361 008, or you can call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Dental Practitioner Support on 1800 377 700. And don't forget to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes.

This week on Dental Central we speak to the manager of the Community Relations team at ADAVB, Dr Eryn Agnew. We talk to Eryn about: Why she decided to become a dentist, and then train as a specialist periodontist. How she became involved in the Community Relations team. The role of a Community Relations Officer (CRO) and the support they provide to members. Some of the common issues that arise when managing patient complaints. Key tips to minimise risk. The important partnership with ADAVB and Guild Insurance. For more information on Guild Insurance, go to www.guildinsurance.com.au/dentists And don't forget to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes.

This week on Dental Central we update you on everything that you need to know this month: The pandemic hasn't gone away (with around 4,000 cases per day across Victoria), and we talk about the important things that you need to be doing to stay safe at work. The impact of the pandemic on dental practice busyness and staff shortages. A brief update on the new enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations for public sector dentists. Mental health and wellbeing initiatives that the ADAVB is undertaking. If you are experiencing struggles, remember that the ADAVB offers free confidential counselling through Lifeworks on 1300 361 008, or you can call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Dental Practitioner Support on 1800 377 700. And don't forget to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes.

This week on Dental Central, we speak with Dr Mark Wotherspoon about his unique journey in dentistry. Mark trained in Perth, then worked in remote Western Australia and in the school dental service before joining the Army and moving to Wagga Wagga in regional NSW. We talk to Mark about: Working in remote communities His passion for mobile dentistry and nursing home dental care How he became a product innovator and entrepreneur with Dr Mark's HyGenie - https://drmarkshygenie.com/  The ADAVB Convention is coming up on 19-20 August – it's not too late to register. And don't forget to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes.

This week on Dental Central, we speak with the newest member of ADAVB Council, Dr Conny Qian. Conny is a recent graduate from La Trobe University, and currently splits her time working between Bendigo and Melbourne. She shares some of her insights studying and working in regional Victoria, the importance of mentoring, why she decided to get involved with the ADAVB and what she hopes to achieve on Council.

This week on Dental Central, we speak with the President of the ADAVB, Dr Warren Shnider. In this discussion, we cover: Warren's first dental job, and why he chose the field of dentistry The importance of mentors, and how some simple advice can change the trajectory of your career The decision to pursue specialist training Working in special needs dentistry Warren's vision for his term as ADAVB President You can get in touch with Dr Warren Shnider, President of the ADAVB, by emailing him at president@adavb.org

This week on Dental Central we talk all things dental practice-based research with eviDent Foundation CEO Meaghan Quinn: What practice-based research is, and why it's important How the eviDent Foundation was started where they rank internationally now Some of the key research projects that have been done, including implant complications and anterior resin bonded bridges How you can get involved if you are interested in supporting or undertaking dental research You can find out more about the eviDent Foundation at www.evident.org.au

This week on Dental Central we update you on everything that you need to know this month: The pandemic hasn't gone away (with around 12,000 cases per day across Victoria), and we talk about the important things that you need to be doing to stay safe at work, including masks and vaccine requirements. We are also starting to see influenza become more prominent, so don't forget fluvax too. Lots of great events coming up, including the ADAVB Convention, an exclusive CPD event in a corporate box at the MCG and a fun social dinner at Longrain in the city. A brief update on the new enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations for public sector dentists. Membership renewals are coming out in June Great new pricing for professional indemnity insurance with Guild that we have been able to deliver for recent graduates (get a quote at www.guildinsurance.com.au/dentists) ADAVB Branch Council elections And don't forget to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes, including an update from our partners at Moneywise or our discussion with current dental student and hospitality entrepreneur Elsh Getenet.

2022 will be a big year for elections, with the federal election in May and the Victorian state election in November. But perhaps the most important election will be for the ADAVB Council in June. With nominations still open, this episode we decided to talk to two current members of ADAVB Council about their reasons for getting involved in dental politics, what they have achieved and why you should think about nominating. Our guests this week are Dental Central co-host Emily Pow, who was elected to Council in 2020, and Stephen Liew, who is also the current ADA Federal Vice President. Tune in to hear about their journey to the ADAVB Council table, and why representation is so important.

With the current global turmoil, rising interest rates, house prices going through the roof and petrol prices out of control, we thought it was time to speak to some experts. This episode on Dental Central we speak to Ezio and Chris from Moneywise to provide some insight into the financial world right now. Ezio and Chris are trusted and experienced financial planners, and Moneywise have been partnering with ADAVB to provide financial advice with a focus on wealth creation, superannuation and wealth protection for our members. Great advice for dentists young and old: How do I start my investment journey? Secrets to building wealth The role of superannuation in wealth creation What insurance do I need to protect the wealth I'm creating? How can we learn from the mistakes of others? Moneywise offers ADAVB members a no-obligation 45-minute consultation with one of its specialist advisers. And if you've recently graduated, they also have a Graduate Professional Package to all ADAVB dental graduate members. Find out more at adavb.org/about/partners or moneywise.com.au Just remember this is a general discussion only, and not specific advice, and that it is important that you do seek individualised advice for your specific circumstances.

Here at Dental Central we love our coffee (who doesn't?). We like to think of it as a very Melbourne thing, but all across Australia we have seen coffee culture transform our country. This week we talk to someone who has managed to combine a love of coffee with his fledging dental career. Meet Elsh Getenet, a final year dental student at the University of Melbourne with an amazing story. Elsh was born to Ethiopian parents in a refugee camp in Kenya, and moved to Canada at the age of 6, already speaking 4 languages (but none of them English). Elsh dreamt of playing basketball in the NBA, and got as far as going to school and playing basketball in the USA before an injury closed the door. Not deterred, Elsh was inspired to become a dentist, and moved to Melbourne to study. How does an international student support themselves through dental school in the middle of a pandemic? The answer has something to do with coffee and donuts – but it's better to hear Elsh tell the story. Listen to this inspiring story, you won't regret it.

To celebrate International Women's Day, this episode we talk to Mikaela Welti, a former rugby player with the Melbourne Rebels and now a successful business owner and boxer. Mikaela is also an ambassador for Mouthguard March (very important in her line of work). We pick her brains about her career and look for lessons that might be useful for dental professionals, including: Her career with the Melbourne Rebels and then transitioning to boxing Being a role model for young female athletes The importance of pay equity for female sports Promoting mouthguard use Setting goals Staying fit and healthy and eating well   For more information on Mouthguard March, go to evident.org.au

Welcome back to Season 2! The podcast has been a great way of getting messages out to ADAVB members, so we're doing it all again in 2022. In this episode: we give an update on the impacts to the healthcare system, mask recommendations for dentists, a welcome to the brand new dental graduates, and an update on upcoming events.  If you haven't listened to all of our episodes, you can go back and revisit Season 1 for anything you missed.

Tune in to the final episode of Season 1 of Dental Central to find out if the team has been renewed for Season 2. We have a little recap on the year that was, learn more about the Greek alphabet than we thought we would never need (hands up who knew omicron means ‘small o'), make some bold predictions for 2022 (because that went so well for us in 2021) and talk about COVID-19 for old times' sake. It's been a cracker of a year for the Dental Central team, and we're really excited about some of the guests we have lined up for next year. In the meantime, we hope you have a restful break, and take the opportunity to listen to some of our old episodes. ‘Til next year.

This episode we discuss the very important issue of burnout and mental health with Dr Toni Surace. Toni shares her very personal story of suffering a breakdown, working through issues of perfectionism in dentistry and rebuilding a successful career in practice management and consulting. We ask Toni about: Her journey in the dental profession The role of perfectionism in dentistry and the negative impacts De-stigmatising mental health Finding career satisfaction outside of clinical dentistry We also talk about an important eviDent Foundation research project investigating stress and burnout in the dental profession. A link to the survey can be found here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dental_burnout This episode discusses topics that some listeners might find confronting, including issues related to mental health, depression and suicide. If this raises any concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or Dental Practitioner Support on 1800 377 700

This episode, in the middle of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, we talk to Dr Leanne Teoh, a dual qualified practising dentist and pharmacist about antimicrobial resistance and prescribing. We ask Leanne: How and why she moved from pharmacy to dentistry The parallels between practising as a pharmacist and a dentist Working as a dental researcher (including a current research project on antibiotic prescribing) The importance of antimicrobial stewardship Antibiotic prescribing in dentistry The impact of COVID-19 on dental prescribing The three Ds – diagnosis, dental treatment and drugs You can find a link to the eviDent Foundation antibiotic prescribing research project survey here: https://www.evident.org.au/research/research-opportunities

Top 10 tips for students, new and recent graduates - Part 2. Your dental career is a marathon, not a sprint. This episode we follow on from our first 5 tips from last episode to talk about some important tips that focus more on the clinical side of dentistry to help set you up at the start of your career: (6) Communication skills (7) The importance of good clinical records (8) If things go wrong – seeking help (9) It's OK to say ‘I don't know' (10) Looking after yourself – both physically and mentally   Check out more information online at adavb.org/graduates and don't forget to go back to the previous episode to hear tips 1-5.

Top 10 tips for students, new and recent graduates - Part 1. Your dental career is a marathon, not a sprint. This episode we talk about some important tips to help set you up at the start of your career: Finding a job Interview tips once you've found that job Make sure you have a contract, and have it reviewed Don't be surprised at tax time Invest in yourself with ongoing education Check out more information online at adavb.org/graduates and tune in to the next episode to hear the tips 6-10.

Melbourne has emerged from lockdown #6, a cumulative 262 days in lockdown. What does this mean for us in dental practice? Join us cover all things re-opening What happens if my practice becomes a COVID-19 exposure site? Risk mitigation measures Changing landscape for furlough (isolation) guidance PPE and exposures Mental health & burnout research - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dental_burnout Don't forget to listen to our previous episodes, particularly episode #9 where we talk to past winners of the BOQS Bursary

Join us in celebrating our 10th episode as we cover all things vaccination related Dr Mark Bowman talks about working in the Victorian COVID-19 vaccination program Mandatory vaccinations – what does it mean for me? Who needs to be vaccinated? What if I don't get vaccinated? Can I treat unvaccinated patients, or refuse to treat them?   Don't forget to listen to our previous episodes, particularly episode #9 where we talk to past winners of the BOQS Bursary

So much can change in the space of 2 weeks, so we thought we would update you with some more news and current events. This episode we discuss: Plagues and earthquakes – what's next for Victoria? Mandatory vaccinations – still no clarity from the Victorian government Upcoming webinars to assist in the transition back to COVIDSafe practice Dr Anand Makwana from Warragul Dental Centre talks about winning the ADAVB/BOQS Bursary in 2019 Dr Sath Saranathan from GV Dental talks about winning the ADAVB/BOQS Bursary in 2018, and the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Shepparton Don't forget to listen to previous episodes.

So much can change in the space of 2 weeks, so we thought we would update you with some more news and current events. This episode we discuss: Coming out of lockdown for regional Victoria and the Shepparton outbreak The current Melbourne outbreak and ADAVB advocacy on dental restrictions Some updates on how to interpret ‘adverse outcomes' as the lockdown continues Dentists being authorised to give COVID-19 vaccinations Mandatory vaccination for people working in aged care Rapid antigen tests ADAVB/BOQ Specialist $5000 recent graduate and $10,000 practice CPD bursaries Don't forget to listen to previous episodes.

We're not sure if it's bad luck or bad timing, but it seems like every episode we're either going into lockdown, coming out of lockdown, or smack bang right in the middle of lockdown.  Episode 7 of Dental Central finds us in the latter - we're recording remotely from our "home studios" during Lockdown 6.0, bringing you all of the latest news from the world of dentistry. This episode we discuss: - The legal standing of dental restrictions in Victoria - How to interpret the dental restrictions and what do we mean by ‘adverse outcomes' - What's happening with the current outbreak - Vaccinations – will they be mandated for health care workers, can dentists become vaccinators and can a workplace require staff to become vaccinated - The impact of lockdowns on oral health, and how ADAVB has been getting media attention on this important issue Don't forget to listen to Episode #6 where Dr David Keir from Dental Headstart interviews ADAVB CEO Matt Hopcraft.

For this episode, we're doing something a little different. Today, Matt is on the other side of the microphone! Dr David Kier from the Dental Head Start Podcast interviewed AVAVB CEO Matt Hopcraft about his background and his journey through dentistry. We hope you enjoy this little peak into Matt's life.  Check out more from the Dental Head Start podcast here: https://www.dentalheadstart.com/  

In last month's News episode of Dental Central we were just coming out of lockdown. Four weeks later, we're AGAIN just coming out of lockdown! In this News episode, we discuss: - Victoria's lockdown 5.0 and how restrictions around dentistry changed compared to previous lockdowns (plus how we're trying to evolve this for any potential future lockdowns) - How dentists are becoming more empowered to make decisions around treatment for patients on a case-by-case basis during COVID outbreaks - Updates on vaccines for dental professionals - The NSW lockdowns and the differences in approaches between states - Dental Health Week - Upcoming ADAVB events on the calendar now that restrictions have eased - Celebrating eviDent's 10th Birthday (find out more at https://www.evident.org.au/) - How perfectionism may be leading to burnout among dental professionals

In this episode of Dental Central, we speak with the President of the ADAVB, Dr Jeremy Sternson. In this discussion, we cover: Jeremy's first dental job, and why he chose the field of dentistry The importance of mentors, and how some simple advice can change the trajectory of your career Working in both the public sector and the private sector The importance of maintaining hobbies and other interests outside of work, having outlets that allow you to mentally switch off from work The annual ADAVB fly fishing day The personal toll of the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20 How you can get involved in improving the field of dentistry through ongoing research and studies through the eviDent Foundation Jeremy's vision for his term as ADAVB President and how he plans to evolve the value proposition of the ADAVB You can get in touch with Dr Jeremy Sternson, President of the ADAVB, by emailing him at president@adavb.org 

Welcome back to another episode of Dental Central, the official podcast of the ADAVB. Today, Emily and Matt discuss the latest news and updates from the world of dentistry, including: Fun times at Chin Chin for the ADAVB social dinner (and a vacancy on the ADAVB Sport & Social Committee for any budding events planners - email ceo@adavb.org.au for more information) How are Victorian dental practices managing since the easing of Lockdown 4.0 Why states are all approaching their lockdowns differently (and how ADA is committed to supporting dentists across the country) An update on vaccines for both dentists and patients (and Matt has now been vaccinated) The ADAVB Mentoring Program (email mentoring@adavb.org for more information) The upcoming Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for those working in the public sector And an update on membership renewals (yes, Emily has renewed, and you should too!)

In this episode of Dental Central, we speak with Jhai Manogaran.  Jhai is a recent graduate, completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Melbourne in 2020. (Yes, he completed his final year of his degree in the middle of a global pandemic). Jhai also served as President of the Melbourne Dental Students' Society (MDSS), and was the Official Spokesperson for the MDSS. He is a member of the ADAVB's Recent Graduates and Students Committee.

Welcome to the first episode of Dental Central, the official podcast of the ADAVB. This week Emily and Matt discuss the current COVID-19 restrictions and the impact on dental practices, the different impact in regional Victoria and COVID-19 vaccines. They discuss how the ADAVB is working with the Victorian government to advocate on behalf on the dental profession. And with membership renewals in full swing, they will talk about their reasons for joining and renewing. Plus 3 top tips for young dentists.