46. The boy who was called a cyclops: the origins of the PhD Dentist

When does one decide to be a dentist? A PhD candidate? Learn more about this from our guest this episode, Taseef Farook.

From being awarded the International Student of the Year Award in 2023, to receiving over $400,000 AUD in research scholarships, Dr Taseef shares his humble beginnings with us. Learn more about how the “boy who was called a cyclops” inspired him to pursue research—on top of being an outstanding dental practitioner.

Dental Protection sign-up link: https://dentalstudentjoin.dentalprotection.org/?_gl=1*1pewqy0*_ga*MzMzNTY2MTg4LjE2OTc0MzA0OTA.*_ga_HCQB6P0XNM*MTcxMTM0NjEyNy4yLjEuMTcxMTM0Njg2Ny42MC4wLjA

45. The President and his Vice

Rising up the ranks, we have our AUDSS President and Vice President joining us today. Previously general committee members, both have taken on executive roles within the AUDSS. Now they are leading it in their final year of dental school!

So why did President Alexander Giannopoulos and Vice President Brendan Nham want to do dentistry in the first place? What are they doing outside of ‘teeth and gums’? And what dental school tips do they have for us? (Hint: it's related to writing Titanium notes?!)

Dental Protection sign-up link: https://dentalstudentjoin.dentalprotection.org/?_gl=1*1pewqy0*_ga*MzMzNTY2MTg4LjE2OTc0MzA0OTA.*_ga_HCQB6P0XNM*MTcxMTM0NjEyNy4yLjEuMTcxMTM0Njg2Ny42MC4wLjA.

44. Who used to run this, and where is she now?

Is this deja vu?

Today we’re bringing back the 2022 host of Al Dente, only for her to sit in the interviewer’s chair. Jingyang, an up-and-coming graduate dentist, shares her journey through not one, but two rural placements. Listen in to find out what Jingyang has planned–hint, she’s headed to the outback for some officer training to become a navy dentist.

43. Who’s Running This? Your 2024 Publications Committee

Welcome (back) to dental school! Meet the masterminds working behind the scenes for this podcast. Catherine and Jessica, your 2024 AUDSS Publications General Committee members, discuss how they ended up in dentistry. And as a bonus – what techniques they used to succeed in their first year of dental school.

Please send us any episode suggestions, potential guests and feedback here: https://forms.gle/ERWZoQZXVU7Ch5ncA (can be anonymous)!

42. First Year Frenzy

This episode, Ella gets the opportunity to catch up with BDS1 Theresa Tran and BOH1 Arabella McIntosh. We chat about the transition to uni, the freshers’ favourite tutors and their hopes for the coming years. Tune in for some first-year nostalgia (tooth ID, anyone?) and to hear any questions you submitted on the AUDSS Insta story ;)

41. Graduation and Beyond (ft. ADASA)

In today’s episode, Ella meets Dr Amy Cao and Dr Saloni Singh, two members of the ADASA recent graduates committee. We talk about the highs and lows of transitioning from dental school to professional practice (and managing the stress that comes along with it), how they got involved in the ADA community, and what they hope to achieve on the committee. Dr Singh also divulges a bit about how she got into tutoring at the uni, and Dr Cao talks about her experience working outside of the city and in the public system. We also talk about who the ADASA are, and the services, events and mentorship opportunities they offer dental students. Here’s a link to the pamphlet we discuss: https://shorturl.at/GTUX1

40. From Periodontics to Patronage

Hello again!

After a break (courtesy of Covid), Al Dente is back with a legend of the dental school: Dr Selbach! She’s this year’s patron of the AUDSS, and explains what that means to her. But we also get to know who Dr Selbach is outside of work. She tells us about her busy life with three dogs and shares some stories from her time at dental school in Germany. We discuss the challenges of moving internationally as a dental professional, from the cut-throat ADC exams to learning dental terminology in a foreign language. Our patron also reveals some unexpected trivia titbits, such as her business by the beach and her first encounter with Adelaide (spoiler alert: it was earlier than you might think!).

Thanks to Wright Evans Partners, the dental accounting and finance experts, for making this episode of Al Dente possible.

39. Presidential Address

“This episode features friends, housemates, and AUDSS President and Vice President—that would be Fiona Guo and Nadia Heng (both BDS5)! Host Ella sits down with the pair and gets to know them a little better. We chat about all the standard stuff (their lives outside of uni, the journey to Adelaide, and how they got involved in the dental society). Fiona also shares a bit about her volunteer work in Cambodia, and Nadia explains why her standout moment from dentistry was… receiving LA?

Thanks again to Wright Evans Partners for partnering with Al Dente!”

38. A New Chapter

Welcome back! The Publications team kicks off the year with a fun episode. We introduce new host Ella George (BDS3), budding snowboarder Valerie Yung (BDS2) and editing whiz Neha Arghode (BDS3). We discuss everything from our plans for the future to our worst dental habits, and the most disappointing book-to-movie adaption. The team share our highlights of BDS so far and confidently offer our very limited advice about getting through the degree. Thank you to Wright Evans Partners, the dental accounting experts, for their ongoing support of Al Dente. PS: Sorry for the screeching laughter—our boujee microphone disconnected, so kindly direct your blame to Ella’s laptop.

37. Guide to AnaesVISA (Ft. PAX Migration)

In this Episode: Jingyang is joined by founders and directors of PAX Migration as well as, of course, registered migration agents: Christina Katsouri-Paxinos and Constantine Paxinos to talk about the arduous and complicated process for international students to obtain a permanent visa in Australia. We talk about how COVID has presented some benefits to international students and those who want to work in Australia, as well as discuss how an easier, more flexible way to obtain permanent residency may open up late 2023! The process and requirements to get a graduate visa, a 491 or 189 or 190 visa, and a permanent visa is also explained.

36. Burning Questions: Your Guide to ILA 2.8

Second years, gather around for this one! The pubs team unite one last time this year to discuss the final ILA for BDS2. We introduce our patient, Mr Robert Burns, a young Indigenous Australian man who’s come in for a check-up. We then delve into all the key things to know about rheumatic fever, including what it is, how to explain it in a patient-friendly manner (hint: it’s not rheumatoid arthritis), essential medical history questions, and antibiotic prophylaxis. Then, Ella gets a turn at asking the questions: as seasoned ILA veterans, Dalena and Jingyang share the tips and tricks they’ve learnt along the way, such as how to get the most out of review sessions and what to do when your conveniently group chat dies when it’s time to assign tasks (ft. a motivational speech!).

35. Having a Ball!

On the chilly night of 3rd of September 2022, the dental and oral health students of the University of Adelaide had a night under the stars, Tony brought out his drum, and we danced the night away at our annual grand dental ball. But before all that, Jingyang asked students the real questions. How long do the fillings we place actually last? Who are the best people in ADH? What’s the biggest lie we’ve told our tutor? Who in our class would we never let operate on us? Listen to the messiest episode in Al Dente history to find the answers to these controversial and compromising questions. Please still hire us. Also, sorry for yelling. Maybe turn the volume down on your earphones.

34. CPD Chronicles (Ft. Nexlec)

In this episode: The AUDSS Pubs Committee gather together again - this time, to chat about CPD courses and the importance of them for practicing dentists. Jingyang, Ella and Dalena are also joined by Skye Xie, the head of media and communications at Nexlec, which is an Adelaide-based company that collates and shares different CPD courses, including conferences, seminars and more by various education brands. She delves into her top tips for choosing the right CPD courses and some factors to consider when doing so, alongside the differences between CPDs for new grads vs experienced dentists and local vs overseas CPDs. Skye then turns the tables and asks some questions of her own to the team, who discuss their knowledge on CPDs and preferences for different CPD types. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on everything you need to know about dental CPDs and learn some hot tips to take your dental career to the next level! For more information about Nexlec, check out the links below:

Website: https://nexlec.com/
Blog: https://nexlec.com/industries/dentistry/blog

33. Who Run the World (Part 2)?

In this Episode: Jingyang is joined by two powerhouse ladies of the AUDSS, Denise Yap (2022 AUDSS Secretary) and Sukhmani Dhillon (2022 AUDSS Student Affairs Executive Officer). We discuss the struggles of adapting to small town Adelaide and the funky tasting water we have down under. Experiences of struggling through COVID-19 away from family are shared and Denise and Sukhi share their plans for Secretary and Student Affairs for 2022! Thank you to Wright Evans Partners for sponsoring this episode!

32. Who Run the World (Part 1)?

In this Episode: Jingyang is joined by two powerhouse ladies of the AUDSS, Denise Yap (2022 AUDSS Secretary) and Sukhmani Dhillon (2022 AUDSS Student Affairs Executive Officer). We discuss the struggles of adapting to small town Adelaide and the funky tasting water we have down under. Experiences of struggling through COVID-19 away from family are shared and Denise and Sukhi share their plans for Secretary and Student Affairs for 2022! Thank you to Wright Evans Partners for sponsoring this episode!

31. Post-convention blues

In this episode: For those who have no idea what ADSA is and always get it confused with ADASA, this episode aims to change that! Brendan Phan (BDS2) and Edwin He (BDS4) join Jingyang to discuss their experience this year at the ADSA Melbourne convention and why all dental students should go at least once! We fangirl over the incredible experience that is Peninsula Hot Springs. Along with their first impression of Adelaide, they also reveal their non-traditional path to dentistry at Adelaide. Stay tuned and we hope to see you at ADSA’s next convention, which may or may not be hosted somewhere warmer than Melbourne…

30. MaxFax, Melbourne & Mental wellbeing

In this episode: Jingyang and Ella are lucky enough to interview oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, Dr Ven Woo. Our Melbournian guest shares her thoughts on Adelaide and her shock of moving to a city that closes on public holidays. She reveals how an unexpected job opportunity led her to the path she’s on today, and details the joys, surprises and challenges she’s experienced in OMFS. Dr Woo talks candidly about how moving away from your support system can impact your mental health, and shares her techniques for staying afloat. Finally, we delve into her tips for dental students, both in and out of the oral surgery department!

29. BDS1 ILA- Jackson's Malocclusion: Easy as 1, 2, 3!

In this episode: The 2022 AUDSS Pubs Committee sit down for their first podcast together! This episode marks the first of many, where the pubs committee put their heads together to hash out various ILA case scenarios across multiple years . To kick things off, Jingyang, Ella and Dalena run through BDS1's ILA on Alicia Jackson and introduce the patient at hand - 8.5 year old Alicia, whose mother is concerned about the positioning of her front teeth and whether this will affect her ability to eat. Whether you're a BDS1 student concerned about what ILAs are, an upper year student who's forgotten their first year content or a casual listener, tune in to learn more about Alicia's other key issues and the possible causes and management for them and, stay til the end for answers to some of your general ILA-related questions!

28. Exploring Special Needs Dentistry Part 2

In this episode, Jingyang and Dalena are joined by the youngest of only 24 special needs dentistry specialists in Australia, Dr Trudy Lin (whose lengthy list of achievements and awards are nothing short of amazing) ! We learn about Dr Lin's career path, tips for working with special needs patients and the challenges of it all. We also discuss her many projects (including volunteering and developing a residential facility), the future of special needs dentistry and of course, Dr Lin's resemblance to an explorer. There's a bit in here for everyone, whether you're an aspiring special needs dentistry specialist or just a casual listener so tune in to find out more! Connect and stay up to date with Dr Lin via her social media, website, and mailing list!

Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/trudysmile.net
https://www.instagram.com/trudysmile.net_

Website:
https://trudysmile.net/

Mailing list for insights and tips on Special needs dentistry:
https://zcu.nz/81V

For more information about SND organisations:
https://www.asscid.org.au/
https://www.iadh.org/

27. Exploring Special Needs Dentistry Part 1

In this episode, Jingyang and Dalena are joined by the youngest of only 24 special needs dentistry specialists in Australia, Dr Trudy Lin (whose lengthy list of achievements and awards are nothing short of amazing) ! We learn about Dr Lin's career path, tips for working with special needs patients and the challenges of it all. We also discuss her many projects (including volunteering and developing a residential facility), the future of special needs dentistry and of course, Dr Lin's resemblance to an explorer. There's a bit in here for everyone, whether you're an aspiring special needs dentistry specialist or just a casual listener so tune in to find out more! Connect and stay up to date with Dr Lin via her social media, website, and mailing list!

Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/trudysmile.net
https://www.instagram.com/trudysmile.net_

Website:
https://trudysmile.net/

Mailing list for insights and tips on Special needs dentistry:
https://zcu.nz/81V

For more information about SND organisations:
https://www.asscid.org.au/
https://www.iadh.org/