Mentoring … it’s not what you think it is!

The dental office you currently work for, plan to join after graduation, or aim to start from scratch has its own brand identity. But your practice is not the only one with a distinctive "brand." What is your personal brand identity? What image or perception do you want to communicate to the world? Mentorship presents an incredible opportunity to cultivate your brand genuinely and well-meaningly. So, the benefits of good mentoring relationships are multi-fold; you are learning from those who have walked the path before you. You also establish connections and demonstrate your unique work and communication style to others. The key here, though, is good mentoringrelationships.Whether you realize it or not, there is an art to mentorship at every step in the process—and that starts with your "ask."

Learn, build your personal “brand,” and add value to the mentor The dental office you currently work for, plan to join after graduation, or aim to start from scratch has its own brand identity. But your practice is not the only one with a distinctive “brand.” What is your personal brand identity? What image or … Read more

Musings of an accidental dental fella

He never planned on a career in dentistry — but what kept him here were the people, the humour, and the connections that mattered most.

At 42, I stumbled into the world of dentistry—a realm far removed from my past life selling prescription drugs (legally!) and everything from cheese to chips to pantyhose. My brother, “Freddy the Great,” was destined for dentistry and became a real-life dentist. Me? Not so much. What began as an accidental detour turned into a … Read more

Emerald Isle education: From office administrator to dentist in charming Cork

From Ottawa to Cork: Office administrator Carina Almario heads to University College Cork to pursue her dream of becoming a dentist.

In County Cork, Ireland, where rugged coastlines meet colourful seaside homes and centuries-old charm beckons, a new chapter awaits Carina Almario. Currently an office administrator at Ottawa Dentistry, Almario is preparing for a life-changing academic transition that will take her across the Atlantic this September to pursue her dream of becoming a dentist at University … Read more

UBC teledentistry app connects seniors in long-term care with student dentists

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The University of British Columbia says a new secure app is helping connect seniors in long-term care with dentistry students, addressing both patient needs and student training. The ToothPortal app, created for Dr. Chris Wyatt, director of UBC’s Geriatric Dentistry Program, allows caregivers to upload oral health concerns—including photos, medical history, and personal details—directly to … Read more

From student to instructor: Dr. Laura Hildebrandt’s journey in dentistry

Dr. Laura Hildebrandt

Next Gen of the Month is a monthly Q&A with a dental student or new dentist where we ask them about their experiences and accomplishments thus far in their dentistry journey. This month we are featuring Dr. Laura Hildebrandt, instructor at the University of Alberta. Dr. Hildebrandt took part in the University of Alberta’s general practice residency … Read more

Are you all-in on AI, or do you still need to bother with the basics?

Businessman use artificial intelligence AI technology for enhanced work efficiency data analysis and efficient tools, Unlocking Work potential with AI solutions chatbot help solve work problems.

I was pulled into a conversation recently on the value of learning the “basics” in dentistry. It was an absolutely fascinating conversation around whether foundational knowledge held the same importance in a world where artificial intelligence tools and other tech can facilitate outcomes. As university-based programs go through accreditation, this question on educational design and … Read more

Meditation boosts dental students’ clinical accuracy, peer-reviewed study finds

Meditation and dedntal students

A new peer-reviewed study has found that dental students who practised Neurosculpting Meditation before clinical tasks demonstrated significantly greater precision in cavity preparation procedures. Published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, the study was conducted by the Neurosculpting Institute, a Denver-based organization focused on meditation and neuroplasticity education. The study involved all 40 second-year students … Read more

The impact of AI and technology on dental schools: What students should know

U.S. dental schools are experimenting with virtual reality (VR), but Canada is expected to take a more measured approach.

Caroline Marszal and Shyla Bhayana, first-year dentistry students at Western University, are keen to observe how dentistry will evolve by the time they graduate, especially as technology and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to advance. “It’s going to be interesting to see what the field is going to look like compared to how it looks now, … Read more

Emily Mundy reflects on FCDSA presidency, shares hopes for post-graduation

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Next Gen of the Month is a monthly Q&A with a dental student or new dentist where we ask them about their experiences and accomplishments thus far in their dentistry journey. This month we are featuring Emily Mundy, President of the Federation of Canadian Dentistry Student Association and member of CDSPI advisory panel. How did you get … Read more

SNL’s dental school sketch with Scarlett Johansson puts a wild spin on the Hippocratic Oath

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The latest Saturday Night Live cut-for-time sketch, “Graduation Day,” features Scarlett Johansson leading a hilarious reinterpretation of the Hippocratic Oath—this time, for dentists. SNL dubbed its version the “dentocratic” oath, which is delivered by valedictorian Penny Shannon (Johansson), who announces she will be working at Oceanside Tooth and Breath in Cleveland, Ohio. “The office right … Read more

Six of 30 new Manitoba dental grads were internationally trained

Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry graduates. (Photo courtesy: UM)

Six of the 30 graduates from the University of Manitoba’s Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry were internationally trained dentists. The foreign-trained dentists—originally educated in Nigeria, Hungary and India—earned their Canadian credentials through UM’s International Dentist Degree Program (IDDP), said the university. The IDDP is a two-year program for dentists who hold a minimum four-year … Read more

Five for five white coats: A Mother’s Day tribute

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When people talk about the “Canadian dream,” I think of my mom. After my father passed away in war-torn Iraq, my mother made the impossible decision to leave everything behind and start over. She arrived in Canada with five young kids and just $500 to her name. No English. No family. No plan—just hope. Growing … Read more