There comes a time for many of us as we approach our late twenties where we start wondering... should I be settling down? Should I be starting a family? How do I balance career growth, relationships, and family without feeling like I have to sacrifice one for the other?

It's a conversation I've had many times with friends and colleagues, and when you're in the middle of it, it's often hard to see the other side.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Shahana to explore exactly that. After stepping away from clinical dentistry for over a decade to raise three children, she shares how she intentionally continued to grow through every season of life. From completing a Masters in Creative Writing and Journalism, to studying neurolinguistics and applied neuroscience, undertaking an MBA in healthcare strategy, and eventually returning to dentistry as an implant clinician, FIFO dentist, mentor and educator, her journey is anything but conventional.

We talk about embracing different seasons of life, why growth doesn't stop just because you're away from the clinic, and how the experiences that shape us outside of dentistry often become the very things that make us better clinicians within it. It's a conversation about ambition, identity, communication, and trusting that your career doesn't have to follow a straight line to become something extraordinary.

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O P E N U P

a communication course for the contemporary dentist​We don't get to do the dentistry we want to by learning more dentistry. We get to do it by helping our patients understand why it matters, and by overcoming all the little barriers we put in our own way that stop us from properly showing up.

Learn how to build genuine connection and trust with your patients, and lead them with clarity and conviction.

22-23 August 2026, Melbourne

⁠REGISTER HERE⁠ - limited spots

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P A R T N E R S

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JS Medical & Dental Finance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The JS Medical & Dental finance team specialises in both residential and commercial lending tailored for medical and dental professionals. They are a completely independent broker, working for you not the bank, and are dedicated to finding the best options for you unique situation. Whether you're looking to buy a house, a car, a practice or to pay off that year long CPD course, JSMDF offer comprehensive advice to suit your short and long term plans.

⁠⁠⁠Sherrin Partners Financial Advisers⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sherrin Partners specialise in financial planning for healthcare professionals, so they understand the unique challenges in our industry and know how to help us grow, manage and protect our wealth. That way, we can focus on doing what we do best - looking after our patients - while they help secure our financial future and protect our greatest asset: ourselves.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dental Protection Limited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Whether it be patient complaints, regulatory issues or disciplinary proceedings. Dental Protection has you covered. Their expert team understands the demands of clinical practice and offer colleague-to-colleague support and advice, including a 24/7 emergency helpline. With an abundance of risk management resources from podcasts and webinars, to magazines and CPD courses, Dental Protection has your back through any unwanted scenario.

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C O N T A C T

Email: erica@thegraduatedentist.com

In a profession like dentistry, people don’t always realise just how physically taxing it can be. One of the best pieces of advice I got early in my career was simple: protect yourself - especially while you’re young, fit and healthy, because you never know what might happen.

It’s easy to think we’re young and invincible, but I’ve heard way too many stories - sporting injuries, back spasms, hand and shoulder injuries. I’ve even heard of someone sneezing and putting their back out. And just like that, you could be out of work for months.

That’s why things like income protection, trauma cover or total and permanent disability insurance are so important. It’s about having that security and peace of mind - knowing you have a back-up plan if something ever stops you from working.

And I couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Kris Chand at Sherrin Partners Financial Advisers to look after me. Kris is my personal insurance broker and financial adviser, and I’m genuinely grateful for the time he spends getting to know me and my goals, and for explaining things to me in a way that actually makes sense.

Kris and the team specialise in financial planning for healthcare professionals, so they understand the unique challenges in our industry and know how to help us grow, manage and protect our wealth.

That way, we can focus on doing what we do best - looking after our patients - while they help secure our financial future and protect our greatest asset: ourselves.

This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. It does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider whether this information is appropriate for your circumstances and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any decisions.

As early-stage clinicians, mentorship is something we all want, but it can often feel so elusive. There’s something to be said about what makes a successful mentor-mentee relationship - how it’s formed, what makes it work, and how each person can grow from it.

In this episode, I’m joined by my very own mentor and good friend, Dr Allan Nguyen, for a deep dive into his journey from an uncertain new grad looking to be guided, to now guiding and inspiring the next generation of dentists. How does someone go from not particularly enjoying oral surgery to becoming a highly adept surgical dentist who places implants, tackles full-arch cases, and performs delicate soft-tissue grafting on a daily basis?

We explore the mindset Allan had as a mentee - how landing in the right work environment, being taken under the wing of his mentor, and collaborating with those around him really springboarded his career growth. And now, standing on the other side, we talk about what mentoring and teaching has taught him.

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F O L L O W

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thegraduatedentist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dr.ericahwin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.allannguyen

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D I S C O R D

Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Graduate Dentist Community Discord Server⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is a forum dedicated to our graduate community for us to debrief episodes, discuss daily dental scenarios and bounce ideas off one another. This is our safe space where silly questions are our favourite questions, where we can celebrate each other's wins, resonate with one another's struggles and laugh together over our silly mistakes. Come join the family!

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P A R T N E R S

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JS Medical & Dental Finance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The JS Medical & Dental finance team specialises in both residential and commercial lending tailored for medical and dental professionals. They are a completely independent broker, working for you not the bank, and are dedicated to finding the best options for you unique situation. Whether you're looking to buy a house, a car, a practice or to pay off that year long CPD course, JSMDF offer comprehensive advice to suit your short and long term plans.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RipeGlobal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Led by Dr Lincoln Harris, RipeGlobal have completely reimagined dental education, giving you on-demand, hands-on training from some of the best clinicians in the world. No expensive travel, no taking time off work, just practical, real-world learning that actually helps you feel more confident in the clinic.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dental Practitioner Support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Whether you're new to dentistry or have been practicing for years, Dental Practitioner Support to offer guidance, reassurance, and a safe space to talk about whatever it may be weighing heavy on your heart. They provide 24/7 service that is completely confidential and independent, so you always have someone to turn to.

Save the number 1800 377 700, or visit their website to access a whole range of resources. Remember, you are never alone and help is always available.

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C O N T A C T

Email: erica@thegraduatedentist.com

So you’ve graduated and finally have an income! Now what?
Do you reward yourself for all those years of hard work by buying your dream car or ticking off your bucket list travel destinations? Do you knuckle down and pay off your student debt as quickly as possible? Or do you start investing, buy a house (or houses), or pursue further education?

Welcome to the first episode of our financial series, where we dive into the life topics uni never taught us, but influence arguably some of the most important decisions we’ll ever make.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Savage to discuss what to consider when buying our first home. Is it still a good idea to buy in today’s market? How much can we actually borrow? What do banks look at? Does it matter if we're an employee or on an SFA? Should we buy the home you want to live in, or think ahead if you want to become a practice owner one day?

⁠DOWNLOAD SUMMARY⁠

Any information or views expressed by JSMDF Pty Ltd is strictly intended to convey general information only and is not based on, nor takes into account anyone’s personal objectives, financial situation and needs. Before acting on any information included in this presentation, JSMDF Pty Ltd recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek independent professional advice.

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F O L L O W

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thegraduatedentist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dr.ericahwin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest: ⁠@js_medical_and_dental_finance

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D I S C O R D

Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Graduate Dentist Community Discord Server⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is a forum dedicated to our graduate community for us to debrief episodes, discuss daily dental scenarios and bounce ideas off one another. This is our safe space where silly questions are our favourite questions, where we can celebrate each other's wins, resonate with one another's struggles and laugh together over our silly mistakes. Come join the family!

____________________________________

P A R T N E R S

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JS Medical & Dental Finance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The JS Medical & Dental finance team specialises in both residential and commercial lending tailored for medical and dental professionals. They are a completely independent broker, working for you not the bank, and are dedicated to finding the best options for you unique situation. Whether you're looking to buy a house, a car, a practice or to pay off that year long CPD course, JSMDF offer comprehensive advice to suit your short and long term plans.

____________________________________

C O N T A C T

Email: erica@thegraduatedentist.com

As grads, whether we like it or not, we often the ones that get lumped with all the kids to treat. It’s daunting enough figuring out how to manage adult patients, let alone the added responsibility of shaping a child's dental experience and how it may colour their attitude towards oral health in the future.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the wonderful Dr Tim Keys, a specialist paediatric dentist and founder of Kids Dental Tips, to explore how we can approach paediatric treatment planning in a way that doesn’t just fix teeth, but also protects a child’s emotional well-being. We dive into practical strategies for building trust in the chair, the power in the language that we use and how to avoid unintentionally creating fear or anxiety in our youngest patients. From how to calm a child when they're worked up to what to say to mum and dad in the corner, this episode is jam packed with so many simple and powerful tips.

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F O L L O W

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thegraduatedentist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dr.ericahwin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

____________________________________

D I S C O R D

Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Graduate Dentist Community Discord Server⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is a forum dedicated to our graduate community for us to debrief episodes, discuss daily dental scenarios and bounce ideas off one another. This is our safe space where silly questions are our favourite questions, where we can celebrate each other's wins, resonate with one another's struggles and laugh together over our silly mistakes. Come join the family!

____________________________________

P A R T N E R S

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JS Medical & Dental Finance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The JS Medical & Dental finance team specialises in both residential and commercial lending tailored for medical and dental professionals. They are a completely independent broker, working for you not the bank, and are dedicated to finding the best options for you unique situation. Whether you're looking to buy a house, a car, a practice or to pay off that year long CPD course, JSMDF offer comprehensive advice to suit your short and long term plans.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RipeGlobal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Led by Dr Lincoln Harris, RipeGlobal have completely reimagined dental education, giving you on-demand, hands-on training from some of the best clinicians in the world. No expensive travel, no taking time off work, just practical, real-world learning that actually helps you feel more confident in the clinic.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dental Practitioner Support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Whether you're new to dentistry or have been practicing for years, Dental Practitioner Support to offer guidance, reassurance, and a safe space to talk about whatever it may be weighing heavy on your heart. They provide 24/7 service that is completely confidential and independent, so you always have someone to turn to.

Save the number 1800 377 700, or visit their website to access a whole range of resources. Remember, you are never alone and help is always available.

____________________________________

C O N T A C T

Email: erica@thegraduatedentist.com