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

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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

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

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

VR in dental education: 5 key insights from a global survey of 156 schools

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A Finnish study led by the University of Eastern Finland surveyed 156 institutions across 53 countries to gauge how dental educators use virtual reality (VR) in training and what’s holding it back. Published in Frontiers in Dental Medicine, the study collected 378 responses, with 57% of respondents holding dental doctorates and 59% holding PhDs. So far, incorporating VR in dental education is … 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

How did we get to this place?

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Welcome to 2025. Wow how did that happen? Five years has lapsed since the legendary PDC COVID convention closed down all trade shows and continuing education in-person courses. Slowly but surely, we are once again enjoying our annual conventions, gatherings, tradeshows, and continuing education courses IN PERSON. Sure, we all took online CE courses like … Read more

Don’t just drill and fill | Weekly Wisdom

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As new dentists, it’s important to take your time with your patients before picking up the drill. Dr. Aisling Whitaker, CEO of DentalHive, shares why you should spend more time on your diagnosis and treatment planning before jumping right into your treatment. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to … Read more

UB professors receive grants to use AI for VR goggles, interactive lectures

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Two faculty members from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine have each received $5,000 seed grants from Academic Affairs to explore ways to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the classroom. These grants will fund the development of virtual reality (VR) goggles and interactive lectures. “It’s everybody’s dream to use these fancy goggles, and … Read more

The perfect associate: What dental practice owners really want

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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

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

Shadowing: Your shortcut to confidence | Weekly Wisdom

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Do you want to hit the ground running when you graduate dental school? Dr. Aisling Whitaker, CEO of Dental Hive, speaks about how valuable shadowing another dentist can be as a new graduate. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to your inbox every week!