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

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:

📚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

"In this episode of "Brace Yourself", host Carol Lam, chats with the brilliant Dr. Margaret Tran from Goulburn Valley Dental Group in rural Victoria. Dr. Tran takes us on her journey into rural dentistry, busts some myths, and shares the quirks of practicing in the countryside. From emergency cases to tech-savvy solutions, this episode is packed with tips and stories perfect for anyone curious about the rewarding world of rural dental care."

Get ready for an exciting episode with Dr. Gabrielle Smart, an esteemed paediatric dentist from Hills & Country Paediatric Dentistry, hosted by ADSA’s Treasurer Carol Lam. Episode highlights:  - Why Paediatric Dentistry? -  Day in the Life  - Scope of Practice -  General Anaesthesia Insights -  Importance of Early Dental Care -  CDBS  - Effective Communication & Collaborate Care -  Future of Paediatric Dentistry -  Advice for Aspiring Paediatric Dentists"

Join us once again as Martina and Andrea continue their conversation with Dr Alex Khominksy. This time as they delve further into periodontics they discuss clinical aspects from, treatment planning, integrating photography and its power, and ways to communicate to patients. Finally listen to the end to find out more about the General Dental Residency (gDR) and how students and new graduate dentists can get involved!

For more information regarding gDR and exciting cases follow Dr Alex @drkhominsky.perio and @generaldentalresidency

Join us in this episode as we chat with Dr. Alex Khominsky, a specialist in Periodontics. Dr. Khominsky shares his inspiring journey to specialty training, detailing the challenges and rewards of becoming a periodontist. Dive into the intricacies of his training, his work in private practice, and his unique experiences as a new graduate in the dental unit at the Alfred Hospital. Get ready for an enlightening discussion that offers a deep look into the world of periodontics and the path to mastering gum health! Stay tuned for Part 2 where we'll touch on some specific perio related discussions as well as exploring his work through gDR!

Join us in this enlightening episode of 'Brace Yourself,' where we sit down with Dr. Sonny Lee, a pioneer in digital dentistry. Explore how he merges advanced technology with traditional practices to redefine dental care. From the benefits of 3D printing and milling technologies to the innovative uses of ozone therapy and microscopy in patient care, Dr. Lee shares his insights into the transformative world of digital dentistry. For educational opportunities and to delve into the digital dentistry further, visit Dr. Lee’s Beginners Digital Dentistry Masterclass -  https://digitaldentistryacademy.com.au/ at Leeming Dental - Leemingdental.com.au. Don't miss this journey into the future of dentistry, tailored for professionals and students alike.

The highly anticipated Part 2 with Dr Erica Hwin from The Graduate Dentist! Join Martina and Andrea, once again, as they continue their conversation with Dr Erica - this time, with a focus on the job hunting side of things! In this episode, Dr Erica shares her number 1 piece of advice for final year students preparing to graduate and enter the workforce; the benefits and importance of shadowing as a way to find the perfect job for you and a few of the thoughts that are often overlooked by students as they decide which job offer is best for them For more tips and advice, make sure to follow Dr Erica @thegraduatedentist!

Join Martina and Andrea (4th year students) alongside our special guest Dr Erica Hwin (host of The Graduate Dentist) as they have an in depth conversation about the transition and bridging the gap between dental school and real world dentistry! In this episode Dr Erica shares her experiences as a new grad dentist as we dive into all the facets of the new graduate experience; the unexpected changes, adjusting to clinic, how to manage treatment planning in tricky situations and lots on communication! Regardless of whether you’re a final year student or just easing into dental school this episode is jam packed full of information you’re sure to use throughout and beyond dental school!

This is a two part series! So make sure you keep your eyes peeled for part 2 next Sunday!

For more insightful conversations with Dr Erica, check out her podcast at The Graduate Dentist Podcast!

Welcome back to another season of ADSA's Brace Yourself! Martina Ta, Ana Elefterescu, David Paik and Andrea Karumathy from the 2024 Publication's team welcomes you back to Season 5 and explores what we will get up to this season. This year, our team is excited to bring on a range of guest speakers both from the industry and students to share their pearls of wisdom. Through Brace Yourself we aim to connect with our listeners. We want this to be a two way conversation between our listeners and team, so thoughts questions or suggestions are more than welcome!

In this episode we explore how each of us have fallen into dentistry, and for a little fun, tune in until the end of find out how we rank the most humbling experiences in dental school from best to worst.

So Brace yourself as we dive into the cavity of knowledge together!

We are ending season 4 of ADSA’s Brace Yourself podcast with a bang - tune in for our last episode, organised by our own University of Adelaide Representative, Carol Lam - "🎙️ Unlocking Opportunities with RACDS 🦷✨"

Explore the world of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) and discover how they're here to empower dental students. Learn about the support they offer, insights into advanced preparation courses improving patient treatment quality, and the exciting scholarships up for grabs. 🌟 Don't miss this enlightening episode! 🗓️

On a final note from ADSA Publications 2023, thank you to all our listeners, speakers, guests, and sponsors for an amazing season! Couldn't have done it all without you 💖 Our journey doesn't end here, however - we've got even more amazing things planned for 2024 so keep an eye out and Brace Yourself 👀😱 See you all then!

We are approaching the end of Season 4 of ADSA’s Brace Yourself podcast but before that, tune in for our December episode - ‘Unraveling Roots & Routes: Dr. Omar's Endo Odyssey’ 🦷🌐

Join first-year UWA host Brigitte Choo in this episode as she sits down with the globally practiced endodontist, Dr. Omar, who updates us on everything going on since his last visit here. Building on Dr Omar’s previous episode in Season 3, discover the journey behind the EndoPrep app by Dr. Omar and William Ha, get a glimpse of his experiences practicing in England, and learn the art of educating patients on the vital role of endodontics - all in this one episode.

📆 Don't miss out! Next episode will be our last episode for this season, so tune in for a dose of dental wisdom. 🦷✨

Welcome back for another episode of ADSA's Brace Yourself Podcast!

🎙️ From Scrubs to Smiles: Grad Talk with JCU

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of dentistry with our extraordinary guests - Arushi, Caroline, Laura, and Shreejal. These James Cook University (JCU) 4th and 5th-year dental stars are sharing their incredible journeys as almost-graduating dental students on the latest ADSA podcast episode.

From riveting placement stories to the thrill of ground-breaking research, they'll also take you through the rollercoaster ride of the later years of dental school. Discover their aspirations and what lies ahead upon graduation, from job hunting to shaping the future of oral health. 🎓💼

🎙️ Tune into the October episode of the ADSA Brace Yourself Podcast - “Behind the Scenes of BOHDS: LaTrobe Student Club”

Join Edmund Pan and Jamie Huang, the president and secretary of BOHDS (Bendigo Oral Health and Dentistry Society) from La Trobe, on 'Brace Yourself’!

As third-year dental students navigating early clinics and class marathons, they're here to dish out the delightful details of managing the student club into fruition. Find out how BOHDS turned their dental school journey into a wild, laughter-filled adventure. It's their 'dental family,' their home away from home! They even spill the beans on meeting the ADA president and their secret to building connections.

Tune in for a treasure trove of wisdom and motivation, whether you're a dental student or keen on engaging in your dental community!