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
It began when a woman with visible cavities on her front teeth came in for a consultation but did not schedule treatment. Months later, she returned with her child, who had some dental coverage. “While she was feeding the child, we asked if she had made her own appointment,” recalled Dr. Raj Khanuja. “And this … Read more
As a new graduate, a major career question that arises after your initial years of practice is deciding whether to own a clinic or continue as an associate. Once you opt for clinic ownership, the million-dollar question is choosing between starting a new dental practice or acquiring an existing one. Both options offer distinct advantages … 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. Daniel Richmond, a recent orthodontics graduate working on opening his own practice. Dr. Richmond is Oral Health’s Orthodontics Editorial Board … Read more
If I were starting out in practice today, there are certain items I have come to realize that are must haves that allow me to perform at the highest level to insure optimal treatment outcomes. In most cases, I have chosen these items based on the criteria of being faster, easier, and better for me, … Read more
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
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
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
If Jeffrey Gurian could speak to his 12-year-old self—the boy who dreamed of becoming a dentist and a comedy writer—he’d say, “I think I’d be amazed.” Born in the Bronx, Gurian has already lived out the wildest of his dreams. He wrote comedy for some of the biggest names in American entertainment, shaping U.S. pop … Read more
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
Having interviewed dental practice owners across a spectrum of practice sizes—ranging from small, family-focused clinics to larger, multi-location operations—to discover the qualities, traits, and habits that these owners most desire in an associate dentist, here are the results. While each practice has its unique culture and patient demographic, a remarkable level of consensus emerged around … 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 Olga Loggale, a dental student and first-generation immigrant who is deeply involved in community work, volunteering, and mentorship, striving to uplift … Read more
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
Congratulations, new dental graduate! You’ve survived the gauntlet of dental school, and now you are stepping into the real world of practice as an associate dentist. The journey ahead promises opportunities to hone your skills, connect with patients, and, yes, master the art of fitting in with your new team. Think of it as learning … Read more
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
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
Throughout the pages of Next Gen, we have heard from a number of experts on how to start your own dental practice after graduation. We have looked at whether starting from scratch or with an existing practice is better for you, and how to go about making a practice into your own. If this is … Read more
Starting out as a young dentist means balancing precision, style, and professionalism, both in your practice and your personal style. As you graduate into the business of dentistry, you deserve a wristwatch that reflects your new status and helps you manage time wisely. Whether you’re looking to set a new standard for yourself or just … Read more
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
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