Welcome to Al Dente! A podcast by Adelaide University Dental Students Society for dental students, hosted by dental students.
For our fifth season, our host Valerie Yung gets out of the dental chair to invite current students, alumni, and our own professors into the interview chair. Being the pioneer dental school in Australia to host its own podcast, join Valerie and her committee members Jessica Seo and Catherine Zhao to explore what dentistry has to offer.
Ever wondered what happens after you graduate? Well recent graduate John Bouras has returned to answer your questions about life post-grad!
Tune in to hear about John’s dental journey, from interview to working in a clinic, and see what he has to say about common myths and misconceptions in dentistry. From working as a cafe manager to being events executive during his time at dental school, John shares his key tips for communication, maintaining a work-life balance and more!
This one’s for all of the student visa holders/international students! This episode explores post-study visa options, including permanent residency pathways for dentists. This episode we are joined by Christina Katsouri-Paxinos, a Registered Migration Agent and one of the Directors of PAX Migration Australia. Christina talks about the temporary graduate visa, 491 visa, and permanent residency pathways for dental graduates.
Dental Protection sign-up link: https://dentalstudentjoin.dentalprotection.org/?_gl=1*1pewqy0*_ga*MzMzNTY2MTg4LjE2OTc0MzA0OTA.*_ga_HCQB6P0XNM*MTcxMTM0NjEyNy4yLjEuMTcxMTM0Njg2Ny42MC4wLjA
Feedback form: https://forms.gle/ERWZoQZXVU7Ch5ncA
Your Q&A’s have been answered!
Everyone’s heard of how long it takes to go from a) starting medical/dental school, b) finishing both to c), become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Why don’t we hear it from a dentist who is going through medical school? This episode we are joined by Elaine Yu, who may have been some of your tutors in the Oral Surgery department as part of the BDS program. Bonus fact: Elaine was the host of the first season of Al Dente!
Dental Protection sign-up link: https://dentalstudentjoin.dentalprotection.org/?_gl=1*1pewqy0*_ga*MzMzNTY2MTg4LjE2OTc0MzA0OTA.*_ga_HCQB6P0XNM*MTcxMTM0NjEyNy4yLjEuMTcxMTM0Njg2Ny42MC4wLjA
Feedback form: https://forms.gle/ERWZoQZXVU7Ch5ncA
Getting a "borderline" for ergonomics in simulation clinic? Is your neck barely making it through seeing two patients in clinic?
Join Ravinath, the Adelaide Representative for Byron Medical, as we learn more about the ergonomic loupes offered by our generous AUDSS sponsor. Learn about how loupes are made, where they are made, and how it ends up on your nose bridge in the dental clinics.
Dental Protection sign-up link: https://dentalstudentjoin.dentalprotection.org/?_gl=1*1pewqy0*_ga*MzMzNTY2MTg4LjE2OTc0MzA0OTA.*_ga_HCQB6P0XNM*MTcxMTM0NjEyNy4yLjEuMTcxMTM0Njg2Ny42MC4wLjA
Do you remember the first time you picked up a dental mirror?
The first semester of BDS (and for some, of university) has been completed for our first years. Tune in to hear Elijah and Dat reflect on their first five months of dental school, and whether it lives up to their expectations.
Dental Protection sign-up link: https://dentalstudentjoin.dentalprotection.org/?_gl=1*1pewqy0*_ga*MzMzNTY2MTg4LjE2OTc0MzA0OTA.*_ga_HCQB6P0XNM*MTcxMTM0NjEyNy4yLjEuMTcxMTM0Njg2Ny42MC4wLjA
You've been to his lectures since first year, and hopefully laughed at some of his jokes in class too. Starting from studying in Erbil, Iraq, learn more about how Professor Muhammed Yakin made his way to becoming a researcher, oral pathologist and BDS5 coordinator within our dental school.
Here, Professor Yakin references his favourite TV shows, including Vikings and Breaking Bad. And also, some amusing exam answers he has marked in previous exams, regarding gutta perchas and jaw radiolucencies.
Dental Protection sign-up link: https://dentalstudentjoin.dentalprotection.org/?_gl=1*1pewqy0*_ga*MzMzNTY2MTg4LjE2OTc0MzA0OTA.*_ga_HCQB6P0XNM*MTcxMTM0NjEyNy4yLjEuMTcxMTM0Njg2Ny42MC4wLjA
From crying at his desk daily to writing novels about a world of cats and dogs, Dr Thomas Corfield has been selected as the AUDSS Patron of 2024.
Who knew that a dentist could have a dental instrument in one hand, composing music with the other, and maybe writing a novel simultaneously? Often known as our BDS5 coordinator, it is hard to tell whether Dr Corfield is speaking in satire or otherwise.
Please send us any episode suggestions, potential guests and feedback here: https://forms.gle/ERWZoQZXVU7Ch5ncA (can be anonymous)
Dental Protection sign-up link: https://dentalstudentjoin.dentalprotection.org/?_gl=1*1pewqy0*_ga*MzMzNTY2MTg4LjE2OTc0MzA0OTA.*_ga_HCQB6P0XNM*MTcxMTM0NjEyNy4yLjEuMTcxMTM0Njg2Ny42MC4wLjA.
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
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.
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.
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)!
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 ;)
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
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.
“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!”
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.
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.
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!).
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.
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
