Starting a dental practice in a space that resembles a haunted house rather than a healthcare setting isn’t unusual, especially for new dentists on a limited budget. Worn paint, outdated fixtures, flickering fluorescent lights, and that persistent “vacant building” smell can make any new owner wonder if patients will ever walk through the door, let … Read more
At Western University, students in professional programs like medicine, dentistry, law, physiotherapy, and nursing are no strangers to long study hours, packed clinic schedules, and the constant balancing act of academics and well-being. That’s why we started Road Runners London—a weekly run club designed to bring students and community members together around movement, wellness, and … Read more
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 Shyla Bhayana, a Schulich Dentistry student who was the Co-President of Western University’s Pre-Dental Society during her undergrad. Why did … Read more
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
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
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
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 Ibaadat (@smileswithibaadat). Ibadaat shares dental student advice and lifestyle tips on her social platforms, while studying dentistry in Australia. … Read more
Shed imposter syndrome, gain self-confidence! The new and the unknown can be exhilarating, as well as terrifying. Regardless of our backgrounds and professional aspirations, it is normal to question one’s capabilities when first embarking on a career. When patients make comments like “you are too young to be a dentist” and question your abilities from … Read more
All dental professionals are familiar with the aches and pains that come from practicing dentistry. In a profession that requires extreme precision, often our ergonomics can take a back seat. Pilates can be extremely beneficial for all dental professionals, not just for their physical and mental health, but also for the longevity of their professional … Read more
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
Building a legacy with purpose When I think about dentistry, I don’t think about teeth first. I think about people. I think about stories. Every patient who walks through the door carries a life in progress, shaped by resilience, uncertainty, and hope. Some smiles arrive easily. Others are hard-won. Each one holds meaning. I entered … Read more
On Friday, July 18, Just Dentistry in London, Ontario, opened its doors—and hearts—for its first-ever First Responder Appreciation Day, a community event dedicated to celebrating the everyday heroes who keep our city safe: paramedics, firefighters, police officers, and their families. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, our clinic became a hub of warmth and connection. … Read more
There’s a quiet truth in dentistry that doesn’t get talked about enough: rural dentistry isn’t a sacrifice, it’s a life hack. It’s often assumed that serving lower-income or vulnerable communities—where patients may lack private insurance or the ability to afford higher-value treatments—means trading income for impact. But that assumption overlooks a powerful reality: Yes, you … Read more
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 Milana Torhjelm, who just completed her second year of dental school at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. She enjoys documenting … Read more
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
It all started with a ridiculous argument—the kind that only ever happens in my family. Two of my sisters, my brother-in-law, and I were in the middle of a debate about who could theoretically run the fastest marathon. It was lighthearted at first, but the thing about my family is that hypothetical debates never stay … Read more
In today’s world, the boundary between personal and professional life has never been thinner. Social media, once a casual way to stay connected with friends and colleagues, now holds the power to shape—and sometimes shake—a professional career overnight. In dentistry, where precision, decorum, and trust are paramount, the pressure to maintain a flawless image feels … Read more
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
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
For many patients, the decision to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant is both exciting and intimidating. As clinicians, we often focus on the technical aspects of treatment, but understanding the patient’s experience, especially their first encounter with implant dentistry, is critical to delivering empathetic, personalized care. Patients’ perceptions of implants are shaped … Read more