It’s no secret that the first few years out of dental school rarely match what we imagined back in uni. In this episode, I sit down with Dr Carl and Dr Berwyn, two practice owners who now run six clinics together, to talk honestly about the messy, humbling path that got them there.

We begin with how a chance meeting at an ADSA convention turned into a friendship that was tested and strengthened through one of the toughest clinics either of them had worked in, and how surviving that “if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere” environment ultimately laid the foundations for the business they would build together years later.

From there, we follow their careers in parallel. Carl shares the story of being fired from his first job and how an unexpected rural placement changed the course of his career, while Berwyn reflects on his years in the public system, the transition into private practice, and the communication skills he realised he still needed to develop.

What I loved most about this conversation was how honest they were about what actually moved the needle. Not another clinical course, but learning how to communicate. Building trust. Measuring what mattered. Taking photos consistently. Treating every patient like they were the only patient of the day. Small habits that, over time, completely changed the trajectory of their careers.

Whether you’re a student, new graduate, or experienced clinician, this conversation is full of practical lessons on communication, career development, and becoming the kind of dentist patients choose to come back to.

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