From 250+ publications to digital innovation: 5 things to know about U of T’s new dentistry dean, Anil Kishen

Anil Kishen, a world-renowned innovator in the field of endodontics, has been appointed dean of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry. (Photo by University of Toronto/ Jeff Comber)

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry will welcome a new dean on July 1. Here’s what the dental community needs to know about Dr. Anil Kishen — a world-renowned endodontics researcher, advocate and educator with a passion for innovation and accessibility in oral health. 1. He’s a leader in endodontics and oral health nanomedicine … Read more

Key checkpoints before joining a dental practice | Weekly Wisdom

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Don’t just accept any job offer. Make sure you are evaluating the dental office too. Sana Arshad, CEO and Founder of ADC CPA, shares some specific things you should ask about when interviewing at a practice. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to your inbox every week!

Addressing challenges and enhancing skill development in dentistry through quantified and supervised training

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Abstract: Dental education is undergoing a pivotal transformation, driven by the need to overcome systemic challenges in teaching and assessment. Traditional methods, while foundational, often suffer from inconsistencies in grading, variability in teaching standards, and limited opportunities for hands-on practice. These issues not only hinder student development but also place undue strain on faculty resources. … Read more

The responsibility of giving people more than they expect

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Will Guidara, renowned restaurateur and author of Unreasonable Hospitality, emphasizes the importance of “Let your energy impact the people you’re talking to, as opposed to the other way around.” This wisdom isn’t limited to the hospitality industry; it holds relevance in any field where you interact with people, including dentistry. As a dental student, I … Read more

Athena Zhong is shaping the future of dentistry through leadership and service

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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 Athena Zhong, a fourth year DDS student at the University of Toronto. Athena has displayed leadership and professionalism by participating in … Read more

Some things in life shouldn’t be spread too thin—yourself and peanut butter on toast

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It’s exam season, but when isn’t it? We’ve spent months cramming endless material, running on caffeine and deadlines, while balancing clinic, classes, and whatever is left of our personal lives. The weight of it all is heavy. The pressure to perform, the financial strain, the unspoken fear of falling short. In dental school, there’s no … Read more

Dental students advised to consider early experience in rural areas to manage debt 

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To hit two birds with one stone—pay off student debt and gain solid experience—dental students are encouraged to try their luck in rural areas first. But that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. “Personally, I want to work in a city center when I graduate,” said Rachel Grohovac, a dental student from the University of British … Read more

Dental student Olga Loggale shares her story of advocacy, representation, and passion

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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 Olga Loggale, a dental student and first-generation immigrant who is deeply involved in community work, volunteering, and mentorship, striving to uplift … Read more

The benefits of attending dental conferences for new dentists and students

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Dental conferences and tradeshows take place all over the world, including here in Canada. There are many reasons to consider attending as a new or up and coming dental professional, since they provide excellent opportunities for professional development. In last month’s edition of Next Gen, we covered the Federation of Canadian Dental Students’ biannual Canadian … Read more

Founder tells 387 students: Respect from peers is the real indicator of success in dentistry

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Is driving a fancy car, owning a boat, or having more romantic prospects — thanks to the lucrative status of being a dentist — signs that you’ve reached the pinnacle of success after 40 years in the field? Dr. Bruce Ward, president-elect of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), says no. During his welcome speech at … Read more

Dental student Movina Wu’s award-winning journey

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Earlier this year, it was announced that N Movina Wu from National Cheng Kung University won first place at the Global Clinical Case Contest (GCCC) 2023-2024 with her case involving a fractured upper right central incisor. The Dentsply Sirona GCCC is a worldwide competition for dental students to present clinically challenging restorations using Dentsply Sirona products. … Read more

Amalgamation: Combining art with dentistry

Curators of amalgamation: Sara Arbabzadehbroujeni and Saba Sharifi

Dentistry was once the last thing I thought I would do! Both my parents are dentists and having them talk about teeth at the dinner table was not always the most appetizing. With more visits to their clinic, I soon started witnessing the transformative power of what they could do. Watching patients walk into the … Read more

Balancing dental school and social media: A dentist in the making (and the memes that keep him sane)

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Life as a dental student is all about balance. For me, there’s the academic side—full of exams, lab work, and lectures—and then there’s the social media side, where I share my journey, throw in some dental puns, and occasionally wonder if caffeine can be counted as a meal. The question I get asked most: How … Read more

Pre-dental student Naumce Trpeski gains invaluable insight into the dental profession

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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 Naumce Trpeski, a pre-dental student who has already gained valuable insights into the dental profession through his roles at the Ontario … Read more

Diving into a start-up dental practice

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The looming question As our dental training nears its end, one question inevitably looms: Where will I work after graduation? I see it as a spectrum. On one end, you can associate with a corporation; on the other, you can open a practice from scratch. For me, it didn’t take much soul-searching to realize that … Read more

Bridging the gap: Supporting aspiring dental professionals

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The road to becoming a dental professional is filled with challenges, uncertainty, and often a lack of guidance. As an immigrant from Venezuela, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a dentist. But when I moved to the U.S., I found myself navigating an overwhelming maze of prerequisites, standardized tests, and … Read more

An amazing, enlightening experience for all dental students | Weekly Wisdom

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Are you a current dental student or recent grad? Consider participating in a dental outreach program where you can give back while also improving your clinical skills. Michael Carabash is a dental lawyer who regularly organizes outreach programs to the Caribbean. Check out what he has to say! Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have … Read more

The 2024 Irwin Smigel Scholars’ share takeaways from the ASDA Conference

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Over 25 Irwin Smigel scholarships were given to emerging dentists this year at the 2025 Dental Aesthetics Conference hosted by the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA). The Irwin Smigel Mentor Program honours the legacy of the founder, Dr. Irwin Smigel, who was internationally acknowledged as the “Father of Aesthetic Dentistry.” His mission was to … Read more

How a last-minute decision became Mony Madlol’s life calling

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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 Mony Madlol, the 2028 Class President at Schulich, who hopes to continue contributing to the well-being of underserved populations and being … Read more

Wrapping up the first year of Oral Health’s Next Gen

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As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to reflect on some of the highlights from Oral Health’s first year of Next Gen – the section of the magazine focused on educating and assisting new dentists as they begin their careers. Many unique, impressive dental students and recent graduates took part in the … Read more