Hosted by Christina Potestas

Ever wondered what it takes to excel in dental school while overcoming life’s biggest challenges?

Join Christina as she sits down with Michael Shambira, winner of the 2025 Australian Dental Graduate Award, for an intimate conversation about resilience, sacrifice, and success.

In this powerful episode, you’ll discover:

• How Michael’s journey from Zimbabwe to Australia shaped his determination to succeed





• The daily routines and mindset that helped him achieve academic excellence





• Practical strategies for balancing personal life with the demands of dental education





• Why making mistakes is essential for growth as a clinician





• Michael’s approach to creating meaningful connections with patients

Michael shares his “organized chaos” approach to dental school, revealing how family support, 4 AM study sessions, and unwavering commitment transformed challenges into triumphs.

Ready to be inspired? Watch now and discover how to thrive in your dental journey, no matter what obstacles you face!

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Like, share, and subscribe to join our community of future dental leaders.

Key moments

00:00 – Introduction and Congratulations

02:30 – Michael’s Background and Childhood

06:34 – Dental Advice Network Sponsor Message

07:50 – Academic Excellence and Daily Routine

12:44 – Challenges of Dental School

16:22 – Overcoming Doubts in Dental Education

19:05 – Dental Protection Limited Sponsor Message

20:35 – Michael’s Clinical Style and Patient Approach

23:45 – Favorite Procedures and Handling Mistakes

27:08 – Future Plans and Career Path

29:40 – Legacy at Dental School

31:02 – Closing Thoughts and Podcast Outro

---

Thank you to our sponsors…

Dental Protection Limited

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"></figure>

Dental Protection have proudly been supporting the Dental Head Start podcast since day one! The Dental Protection team understands the ever-changing challenges faced by dental professionals and we take our responsibility to members seriously. Our professional protection package helps you practise with confidence, safe in the knowledge that we are always by your side if things go wrong. With over 40 years protecting Australian dental professionals, we have the global stability and financial resilience to be by you

Dental Advice Network

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"></figure>

This episode of the Dental Head Start Podcast is proudly supported by Dental Advice Network.

Whether you’re one year out or forty, we all have clinical questions—and it’s OK not to have all the answers. That’s exactly why the Dental Advice Network exists. With leading experts like Dr Omar Ikram (Endodontist), Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen (Oral Medicine Specialist), Dr Steven Parker (Dental Sedationist), Dr Manu Ayer (Specialist Anaesthetist), Professor Ian Myers (Restorative expert), Dr Kar Mun Chan (Specialist Paediatric Dentist) and Associate Professor Geraldine Moses (Dental Therapeutics and Pharmacology expert), it’s your go-to place for clinical advice, case support, and evidence-based insights.

From medication queries to red flags in oral pathology—or even just a second opinion—Dental Advice Network connects you to trusted voices in dentistry and medicine, including an in-house medical doctor. You’ll also get access to clinical webinars, CPD content, and curated updates to stay ahead in your practice.

It’s peace of mind, peer support, and education—all in one place.

 And for Dental Head Start listeners, we’ve teamed up with Dental Advice Network to bring you an exclusive 10% discount when you subscribe. Just use the code HEADSTART10 at checkout. Plus—if you’re a first-year graduate, you already get a massive 50% off.

Check them out at dentaladvicenetwork.com.au, and thank you to Dental Advice Network for supporting the next generation of dental professionals and the Dental Head Start podcast.

The post Feature 98# – Uni life: Beyond the grades with Michael Shambira appeared first on Dental Head Start.