Hosted by Dr David Keir

Ever wondered what drives the most respected dentists to achieve excellence? Join us for an intimate conversation with Dr. Sahil Soni, the renowned DPR administrator and respected dental educator, as he shares his remarkable journey from struggling new graduate to clinical excellence.

In this powerful episode, you’ll learn:

• How overcoming clinical anxiety in his early career shaped his commitment to excellence
• The pivotal moment that transformed his approach to dentistry
• Why photography is the secret tool that elevated his clinical skills
• His candid advice for new graduates feeling overwhelmed

Dr. Soni opens up about personal tragedy, practice ownership challenges, and the importance of maintaining balance in life. His inspiring message that “whatever journey you decide for yourself is possible to achieve, as long as you’re not in a rush” offers hope to dentists at every career stage.

Don’t miss this authentic conversation about the realities of dental practice and the path to finding fulfillment in your career. Like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!

00:02:15 – Early Career Struggles and Motivation
00:05:36 – Moving from India to New Zealand
00:09:42 – University Experience and Dental Education
00:13:10 – First Job and Extraction Experience
00:17:35 – Moving to Australia and Clinical Growth
00:21:45 – Journey to Practice Ownership
00:26:18 – Challenges of Being a Practice Owner
00:30:45 – Personal Tragedy and Life Perspective
00:35:24 – Transitioning Back to Associate Dentistry
00:39:10 – Influential Courses and Learning Experiences
00:43:56 – Rubber Dam Techniques and Common Mistakes
00:48:23 – Vision for the Future of Dentistry
00:52:10 – Photography in Dentistry and Personal Growth
00:55:48 – Common Mistakes Made by New Graduates
00:59:35 – Managing Anxiety and Depression in Dentistry
01:03:47 – Advice to Younger Self and New Graduates
01:08:20 – Tony Rotondo as an Inspiration
01:12:35 – Photography as a Teaching Tool
01:16:22 – Importance of Interests Outside Dentistry
01:19:02 – Final Thoughts on Professional Growth

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

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 Most played episode series #3 – Perspective and the Importance of Life Outside of Dentistry with Dr Sahil Soni appeared first on Dental Head Start.