In this episode of the Formation series, Dr. Mike Shambira talks with Dr Matt Hedge, a cosmetic dentist on the Gold Coast, to unpack what it actually means to learn well in the early years of dentistry.

They talk about staying teachable, building confidence without rushing it, and finding the balance between ambition and humility. Matt shares how surrounding yourself with the right people, seeking feedback, and taking a self-directed approach to growth can quietly compound over time.

This isn’t about learning faster. It’s about learning properly — and becoming the kind of dentist who continues to improve long after the early years.
If you’re a student or new graduate trying to navigate the pressure to perform while still developing your skills, this episode will help steady your approach.

Connect with Matt: @dr.matthedge

Follow along: @thatdentistmike @dentalheadstart

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s early in their journey and trying to grow well.And if there are specific guests or conversations you’d like to see next, feel free to reach out — I’d love to hear what would be most valuable for you

Key moments

(0:00) Intro and Dr. Matt Hedge’s Background

(02:15) The Reality of Being a New Grad

(06:10) Finding Mentorship and Using Social Media

(10:30) Dealing with Feedback and Perfectionism

(14:45) The Bingo Complication Game

(19:30) Knowing Your Limits and When to Refer

(24:15) Focusing on Cosmetic Dentistry

(28:50) Competition vs. Collaboration

(32:10) The Compound Effect of Continuing Education

Dr Matt Hedge

Dr Matt Hedge is the principal dentist at Helix Dental on the Gold Coast, where he focuses on high-quality cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He is known for his disciplined approach to continuous learning, commitment to clinical excellence, and strong emphasis on mentorship and collaboration.Matt has built a reputation for balancing ambition with humility, taking a self-directed approach to growth while surrounding himself with experienced clinicians. His philosophy centres on developing confidence through competence and building skills that compound over the long term.

Thank you to our sponsors…

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Go to orthotraining.com.au

Dental Head Start is proud to collaborate with the Dental Advice Network to offer our community access to some of the most respected names in Australian dentistry. DAN functions as a comprehensive knowledge hub, offering a wealth of resources including live webinars, explainer videos, and up-to-the-minute news updates. Highlights of the platform include the highly regarded Journal Club with Professor Laurie Walsh and specialised legal insights from Dr Steven Parker, who brings the dual perspective of both a clinician and a lawyer to complex regulatory matters.

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The post The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #4 – Learning without ego with Dr Matt Hedge appeared first on Dental Head Start.

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