Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel survived dental school together and then took very different paths: one went from associateship to academia, the other into practice ownership. Now they’re comparing notes, trading stories, and unpacking their unfiltered thoughts about ambition, identity, and defining success on their own terms. Whether you’re a student mapping out your future, a new grad seeking advice on your next steps, or a seasoned dental professional rethinking what it means to lead, this podcast is your weekly dose of reflection, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.
Want to lose your dental associate job in 10 days? Start by doing everything on this list.
Inspired by How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, this episode of Project Confidents breaks down the habits that can quietly damage an associateship, from unrealistic expectations and constant schedule complaints to misunderstanding production, resisting feedback, ignoring the business side of dentistry, and treating every task like a financial transaction. Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel also explains what makes an associate genuinely valuable: being teachable, understanding your responsibilities, supporting the team, learning how the practice works, asking thoughtful questions, and giving yourself time to build speed, confidence, and clinical judgment. A successful associateship requires effort from both the associate and the practice, and the right relationship can become one of the most important stages of your dental career.
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Instagram: @Project ConfiDents (https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/)
YouTube: @Project ConfiDents (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7yLtln3gYCQvVk6pWKDyw)
Podcast Platforms
Spotify: Project ConfiDents (https://open.spotify.com/show/1w18YCLGhvhVN0dFoXLt3Y)
Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/project-confidents/id1851913427)
Email:
ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com (mailto:ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com)
#DentalAssociate #DentistLife #DentalCareer #DentalMentorship #ProjectConfidents
21 Sept 2026
We Were WRONG About Dentistry: Things We Believed as New Grads That We Don’t Believe Anymore
What if some of the things you were absolutely certain about as a new dentist turned out to be completely wrong?
Experience has a way of challenging the rules we once thought defined a successful dental career. Practice ownership is not the only path to success. A beautiful, technology-packed office does not automatically mean a thriving practice. Getting every patient to say yes is not the measure of great communication. And being able to perform every procedure yourself is not necessarily a sign of clinical confidence.
Dr. Diana Nguyen and Dr. Amrita Patel unpack the beliefs they carried out of dental school and how years of practicing dentistry changed their perspectives. They explore why success is less about checking predetermined boxes and more about building a career that aligns with the life you actually want.
They also discuss career detours, changing definitions of success, respecting patient autonomy, knowing when to refer, and recognizing that professional growth sometimes means becoming more discerning rather than simply adding more skills.
The biggest lesson is simple: there is no single formula for doing dentistry, your career, or your life correctly. Your definition of success is allowed to change as you do.
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Social Media
Instagram: @Project ConfiDents (https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/)
YouTube: @Project ConfiDents (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7yLtln3gYCQvVk6pWKDyw)
Podcast Platforms
Spotify: Project ConfiDents (https://open.spotify.com/show/1w18YCLGhvhVN0dFoXLt3Y)
Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/project-confidents/id1851913427)
Email:
ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com (mailto:ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com)
#Dentistry #DentalPodcast #NewDentist #DentalCareer #DentistLife
14 Sept 2026
Advice for D1s! How to Succeed in Dental School
Dental school tests more than knowledge and thriving through it takes intentional habits, strong community and a willingness to embrace the struggle.
Real learning cannot be outsourced to AI. While tools can summarize lectures and generate practice questions, the work of organizing information and recognizing patterns must be done actively because patient care is never multiple choice. Building social capital with classmates, upperclassmen and faculty provides shared knowledge, support and future professional connections, and asking for help early is a strength that keeps small challenges from growing. Staying curious about specialties through shadowing and honest conversations helps clarify genuine interest without pressure to decide right away, while protecting time for breaks, exploration and life outside the classroom sustains well being and creates the memories that last beyond graduation. All of this comes together in the five Cs of curiosity, consistency, connection, courage and community that shape growth across the four year journey and beyond.
Follow us on our socials!
Social Media
Instagram: @Project ConfiDents (https://www.instagram.com/projectconfidents/)
YouTube: @Project ConfiDents (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7yLtln3gYCQvVk6pWKDyw)
Podcast Platforms
Spotify: Project ConfiDents (https://open.spotify.com/show/1w18YCLGhvhVN0dFoXLt3Y)
Apple Podcast: Project ConfiDents (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/project-confidents/id1851913427)
Email:
ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com (mailto:ProjectConfiDents@Gmail.com)
#DentalSchool #DentalStudent #Dentistry #DentalEducation #ProjectConfidents
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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