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
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
In today’s digital landscape, a dentist’s online conduct can have significant implications, extending well beyond the walls of a clinic or office. Professional, ethical, and legal obligations for dentists also apply to their online activities. Inappropriate behavior online, whether on personal accounts or professional pages, can harm patients, tarnish a professional reputation, negatively impact public … Read more
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
Meet the Founders Identical twin sisters Ashley and Breanna Bolliger share a passion for giving back. As the founders of the Healthy Smiles Club, these McMaster University graduates, with honours Bachelor of Science degrees in Kinesiology, have turned their compassion into action. They’ve dedicated themselves to improving oral health awareness and accessibility within the Hamilton … Read more
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
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
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
In the increasingly competitive field of dentistry, developing a strong marketing and branding strategy is essential for growth and sustainability. Today, patients are more informed and selective, often turning to online reviews, social media, and search engines before choosing a healthcare provider. Thus, a well-executed branding strategy not only helps attract new patients but also … Read more
I feel that my journey into dentistry has been uniquely untraditional, which is why I want to share my experiences with anyone struggling in a similar way, finding it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Coming from a family of medical doctors, I’ve always felt a natural gravitation toward the … Read more
The fourth Canadian Dental Student Conference (CDSC) is taking place on January 10-11, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, Canada. By attending, Canadian dental students will have the opportunity to expand their dental knowledge with keynote speakers, sessions and workshops, and many networking events. This bi-annual conference is hosted by the Federation of Canadian … 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 Michelle Hoang, a dental student at the University of Toronto who makes inspirational videos online documenting her journey through dental school. … Read more
Leaving Dubai to pursue my dream of becoming a dentist in Canada was more than just a leap of faith – it was a transformative decision. On my first day of undergrad, a whirlwind of emotions rushed over me: excitement mingled with uncertainty, and the quiet ache of homesickness as I realized I was thousands … Read more
No business is immune to cybercrime, and dental practices are prime targets for ransomware, hacking, and data theft. The sensitivity of patient data, combined with often inadequate cybersecurity measures and untrained staff, makes dentistry an attractive target for cybercriminals. For one dentist, the reality of this danger hit hard when a single click on a … Read more
1. Demographics & market research DO: Conduct thorough market research to assess the saturation of dental offices in your desired area. You want to be close to a 1:1200 dentist to population ratio. You can do this research yourself or hire a professional company to assist. Dentagraphics is what I found to be the most helpful. … Read more
Research shows that over 70% of dentists experience neck, shoulder, and lower back pain as early as their third year of training; that is how fast musculoskeletal problems may set in for dentists. This is often due to non-ergonomic stools, improper stool adjustments, poor body mechanics, and incorrect patient positioning, factors that place strain on … Read more
The partnership between the University of Alberta and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) highlights a collaborative effort to build meaningful connections. Their work reflects a shared commitment to fostering understanding and respect between academic and Indigenous communities. One standout example is a student-led project that began in 2019 to … 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. Damilola Edun, a foreign-trained dentist and content creator, who hopes to inspire and guide other dentists. Why did you decide … Read more
From revealing how diet shaped dinosaur teeth millions of years ago to solving modern-day mysteries, teeth serve purposes far beyond chewing. They preserve records and unlock secrets. For example, a study published in Nature this August examined wear patterns on the fossilized teeth of ornithopods—a group of herbivorous dinosaurs from the Mesozoic Era, about 66 … Read more
Dr. Hyun Nam, a 2021 University of Toronto graduate and associate dentist in Markham, finds his “greatest satisfaction” when a patient says, “The pain is gone. I can eat again.” What sets this emergency patient apart is that Dr. Nam’s work to help him isn’t paid — it’s pure volunteerism at the non-profit Filling the … Read more