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In this episode of Brace Yourself, final year JCU student Jeremy Chiu sits down with Dr Carlos Yang, clear aligner practitioner and co‑founder of CAAD Education, to explore how orthodontics is evolving and what that means for new graduates.   Dr Carlos talks through how he first became interested in aligners, why he chose a postgraduate diploma over specialist training, and how general dentists can safely build orthodontic skills with the right foundation. He also outlines when cases should still be referred, the medicolegal boundaries to be aware of, and the common pitfalls he sees when dentists begin treating with aligners.   The discussion looks ahead at how AI, remote monitoring and digital tools are shaping orthodontics, and what students and new graduates should keep an eye on as the field continues to change, especially those hoping to offer aligners early in their careers.

What is it actually like to graduate from dental school and start practising independently? Tune in as Emma and Ana chat with Dr Andrea Karumathy, a 2025 Griffith University graduate and new-grad dentist, about the realities of making the jump from student to clinician. Tune in to find out more about: What the first few months of being a new grad are really likeHow to build confidence and stop stressing about “what’s next”Communication tips that can transform your patient experienceHow to find and choose your first dental jobWhy shadowing could be your best job-hunting strategyWhat to look for (and ask) in a potential workplaceManaging decision fatigue, burnout and your social batteryHow to make the most of dental school, networking and student opportunitiesWhether you're a few years away from graduating or about to enter the workforce, this episode is packed with honest advice, practical tips and reassurance for the next generation of dentists. Socials: @andreakarumathy & @akdentistry_

In this first episode of Brace Yourself's Student Lead Series for 2026, hosts Emma and Ana sit down with Aaron, a dental student at the University of Melbourne and founder of AGYP Studios, a video marketing agency for dental clinics.Aaron shares how he built his agency from the ground up and how that grew into working with some of the top clinicians in the industry.In this episode, we cover the highs and lows of building something on the side of a full time degree, the mindset shifts that came from watching top dentists work up close, what social media followers and views actually mean (and don't), and the philosophy that's guided him through it all, starting before you feel ready.Find out more about aaron and his work at @theaaronram & @aarongrowsyourpresence

What happens when a file fractures, a root breaks, or a patient walks back in two years later saying "I don't remember that conversation"? In this episode, Emma sits down with Dr Colm Harney, a general dentist and dentolegal consultant at Dental Protection (DPL) to unpack the professional and legal side of dentistry that dental school rarely covers.Colm shares practical frameworks students can start using in clinic today, including the BRAN-C mnemonic for consent, the golden rule of record keeping, how to genuinely check patient understanding, and the AA-SSS approach to handling complaints, plus what DPL actually offers students and new grads, from free CPD to overseas placement cover.Find out more about DPL here: https://www.dentalprotection.org/australia/hub/students

Digital workflows have transformed implant dentistry, promising greater precision, efficiency, and patient comfort. But are they truly improving care... or creating a growing divide between those who can access cutting-edge technology and those who cannot?In this episode of Brace Yourself, Griffith University 3rd Year dental student Dania Jaber explores the evidence behind end-to-end digital workflows in implant-supported fixed prosthodontics. Drawing on current research, she examines whether digital techniques improve clinical outcomes, where conventional workflows still excel, and why the greatest benefits may lie in patient experience rather than prosthetic accuracy.The discussion then shifts beyond the clinic to explore equity, accessibility, and public health policy. From the cost of digital infrastructure to disparities between metropolitan and rural services, this episode asks whether digital dentistry is narrowing the gap between ideal and accessible care, or quietly widening it.

In the very first episode of Cases in Common, Seshani and Gitaanjali from AMSA join Ana and Emma from ADSA to explore a condition encountered daily across both medicine and dentistry: Diabetes mellitus.What does gum disease have to do with blood sugar control? More than most clinicians realise.Following the journey of a patient with poorly controlled Type 2 Diabetes, we examine how chronic inflammation in the gums can influence blood glucose control, kidney disease, cardiovascular outcomes, and overall health.Join us as we unpack the science behind this bidirectional relationship, discuss the latest evidence, and explore what happens when medicine and dentistry stop working in silos.Whether you're a medical student, dental student, or healthcare professional, this episode highlights an often-overlooked connection that could change how you approach patient care.Because sometimes the missing piece of a patient's diabetes management isn't another medication, it's their mouth.

What does the path from dental student to specialist orthodontist to practice founder actually look like? In this episode of Brace Yourself, Emma sits down with Dr. Jessica Yeo, specialist orthodontist and founder of Glow Orthodontics in Sydney. Dr. Yeo shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her career, the practical steps she took to get into a specialty program, and what nobody tells you about starting your own clinic. She also touches on content creation, combating misinformation in dentistry online, and why she is on a mission to make the specialty pathway more transparent and accessible for students everywhere. Honest, inspiring, and full of advice you can actually use.Keep up to date with Dr Jessica on socials at: @drjessyeo.ortho

A five-minute exam can save a life. In this episode, Julia Flor explores why early detection of oral cancer makes such a dramatic difference in survival. We cover the key clinical red flags — from non-healing ulcers and red/white patches to suspicious lumps, numbness, and high-risk oral sites. You’ll learn how to apply the two-week rule, assess malignant vs benign features, and recognise oral potentially malignant disorders like leukoplakia, erythroplakia, lichen planus, submucous fibrosis, and actinic cheilitis. We also discuss the role of field cancerisation, major risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, HPV, areca nut), and disparities in outcomes for rural and Indigenous patients. From biopsy principles and surgical margins to new tools like autofluorescence, narrow-band imaging, and saliva diagnostics, this episode gives you the knowledge to screen systematically, document effectively, and make timely referrals. Whether you’re on your first clinic rotation or preparing for practice, this episode will help you approach oral cancer detection with vigilance and confidence. *Some topics in this episode — like OPMDs, screening tools, biopsy guidelines, and lesion descriptors — are touched on briefly, but they’re expanded in greater detail in the accompanying Podcast Digest. We recommend downloading the digest and keeping it handy as a quick-reference guide for study and in clinic - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY?usp=sharing

Adhesive dentistry is the foundation of almost everything we do — but how much do you really understand about etching and bonding? In this episode, we break down the science and the steps so you can approach every restoration with confidence. Ana and Demi walk through the purpose of etching, the differences between enamel and dentine bonding, and the systems you’ll come across in clinic. We also cover the common pitfalls that trip students up — and how to avoid them. Whether you’re doing your first composite restoration or refining your adhesive technique, this episode will give you the clarity you need to get it right. 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 – Quick Substrate Refresher: Enamel vs. Dentine 01:56 – Etching: Purpose, Materials, Techniques 09:10 – Bonding Systems: Generations 11:55 – Bonding to Enamel vs. Bonding to Dentine 14:28 – What Affects Resin–Dentine Bonds 17:16 – Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 18:49 – Conclusion Plus, check out the free podcast digest with figures, protocols, and clinical tips to cement your learning. Download this resource by following this link to our Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY

Patients ask about it all the time — but it’s not something we get much hands-on experience with at dental school. In this episode, we demystify tooth whitening from both vital and non-vital angles. Carol Lam and Demi-Lee Muir break down the science, techniques, materials, risks, and real-world advice on how to manage patient expectations and treatment planning. Whether you’re whitening natural teeth or tackling post-endo discolouration, we’ve got the key takeaways to help you feel confident in clinic. 🦷 00:00 – Intro 📚 01:10 – The Basics ✨ 05:45 – Vital Tooth Whitening 💀 10:27 – Non-Vital Tooth Whitening 🎯 18:07 – Conclusion Plus, check out the free companion newsletter packed with figures, protocols, and clinical tips to review what you’ve learned - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY

In this episode of the Brace Yourself podcast, we’re teaming up with the ADSA Education Series hosted by Demi-Lee Muir to bring you an honest and insightful discussion on rural dental placements. Our guest, Reynard Conradie — a fifth-year dental student from the University of Queensland — shares his real-world experience navigating regional clinics, building confidence in patient care, and handling unexpected challenges. Whether you’re heading into your first rural block or just want to hear what it’s like outside the city, this episode is full of practical advice, memorable cases, and reflections on how rural placements shape us into better clinicians. (00:00) Introducing our speakers   (05:25) What to expect and unique elements of rural placements   (12:30) What your first day might look like   (19:40) What we wish we knew before we started rural placement   (22:00) Some of our most interesting patient cases   (33:40) Key takeaways and parting advice   Check out the recording on ADSA’s official YouTube channel: 👉 ⁠www.youtube.com/@ausdsaOfficial⁠

Think GORD is just about heartburn? Think again. In this episode, we dive into the overlooked connection between gastro-oesophageal reflux, obesity, and intraoral disease. Join Dania Jaber as she unpacks how systemic reflux impacts enamel, salivary function, and periodontal health—and why bariatric surgery might be the most underrated dental intervention. Backed by science, driven by curiosity, and designed to help you see the bigger picture in patient care. All references and clinical highlights from this episode are available in our Podcast Digest - check it out via the temporary Google Drive - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY

Clinical skill gets you through the door — but communication is what keeps it open. In this episode, we unpack why effective patient communication is just as critical as your hand skills. From building trust to reducing anxiety and improving treatment outcomes, we explore evidence-based strategies and the 5 Cs of communication that every dental student should master. Learn how analogies, visual aids, and empathy turn jargon into understanding and patients into partners. Whether you're in your first year or final clinic block, this episode will help you speak human, not just dental. All information and articles referenced in this episode can be found in the Podcast Digest through our temporary Google Drive folder. It'll be available on the ADSA website soon - stay tuned! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY

From acrylic allergies to chronic dermatitis, this episode unpacks a hidden health issue affecting dental students across Australia. Why are our hands—our most valuable tools—at risk?Host Dania Jaber explores the science behind occupational skin disease in prosthodontics, shares real student testimonies, and offers solutions you can implement today. 🔬 Featuring: The difference between irritant and allergic contact dermatitisMMA, HEMA, and why gloves aren’t enoughWhat students wish they’d known soonerPractical steps to protect your skin (and your career) 📚Download the accompanying podcast digest via this google drive link - ⁠https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY⁠ 🧴 It’s honest, evidence-based, and built for dental students, technicians, and educators who care about more than just clinical outcomes — who care about each other. 📢 Share this with your cohort — and don’t forget to brace yourself because dentistry is evolving.

This is the very first Bite-Sized episode of the Brace Yourself Podcast — and the official launch of our Podcast Digest series. Each digest is designed to give you more than just a quick listen: it’s a structured, evidence-based resource you can save, share, and refer back to. Is irreversible pulpitis really... irreversible? In this episode, we unpack the shift toward Vital Pulp Therapy (VPT) and why it’s challenging traditional endo thinking. From diagnostic grey zones to the power of pulpotomy, learn how preserving pulp vitality is changing the game — with clinical insights that every student should know. Everything you’ll hear — and read in the digest — is backed by peer-reviewed literature and triple-checked by dentists and specialists to ensure quality and accuracy. It’s clinical, current, and made for students who want to stay sharp. For now, you can access and download the Podcast Digest through our temporary Google Drive folder . It’ll be available on the ADSA website soon — stay tuned! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nzEfcHNjG6cq-sJexGdhSa64GITlKWXY?usp=sharing