What happens when a last-minute acceptance letter changes everything? When you have 24 hours to pack up your life in Canada and chase a dental school dream in Australia? This is Next Gen, where we explore the unique journeys of dental students as they prepare for practice.

In this episode, we're diving into the unexpected path of Austen Oviatt, a Canadian-born fourth-year dental student at the University of Sydney who went from biology to computer programming to extractions - and has already completed over 70 of them!

Austen opens up about the whirlwind decision to leave everything behind for dental school, the challenges of being an international student navigating visa requirements, and why age and life experience can be your greatest assets in patient care.

We'll explore how working at Campbelltown Hospital's intimate clinic setting has accelerated his hands-on learning, from routine extractions to full clearances and emergency cases.

From shadowing oral surgeons to witnessing procedures go wrong (and how experienced clinicians handle the pressure), Austen shares honest insights about building confidence, managing complications, and the reality that even seasoned professionals get nervous. We'll also discuss the unique challenges facing international graduates - from contract negotiations to the financial conversations that dental school never teaches you.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's brush up on what it takes to leap across continents for dentistry.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adacpd.au.