The Dental Head Start Podcast The Unseen Curriculum: Formation Series #2 – Rapid progress without being reckless with Drs Johan Weemaes and Greg Fine
Hosted by Dr Michael Shambira
In early dentistry, ambition and responsibility collide. You want to move quickly.You want to grow. You want to do meaningful work. But you’re also responsible for real people, and that changes everything.
In this Formation episode of The Unseen Curriculum, I sit down with Johan Weemaes and Greg Fine to unpack one of the most important tensions in early career dentistry: How do you progress rapidly… without becoming reckless?
We discuss:
What young dentists misunderstand about their early years
Why confidence follows structure, not the other way around
The difference between exposure and readiness
What makes someone truly coachable
How to hold high standards without turning them into self-punishment
Why restraint is part of excellence
This conversation isn’t about implants or complexity.It’s about formation; the invisible shaping that happens before mastery becomes visible. If you’re a student or early-career dentist feeling the pressure to accelerate, this episode will give you clarity on how to move forward responsibly and sustainably. Because the dentists who progress the most are not the fastest.
They’re the most formed.
Key Moments
(02:15) Early Career Strategies & Finding Avenue Dental
(05:30) Developing a Passion for Surgery
(08:45) The Tripod Effect for Rapid Growth
(12:10) Ambitious vs. Reckless: Finding Balance
(16:20) Emotional Resilience & Dealing with Failure
(20:40) Qualities of a Coachable Dentist
(24:15) Sponsor: Orthoed Aligner Essentials
(26:30) Launching the PGIA Implantology Diploma
(31:00) Advice for New Grads: Where to Start
(35:45) Defining Success & Looking Forward
Dr John Weemaes
Dr Johan Weemaes is a managing partner within the Avenue Dental group, principal dentist at Avenue Dental Maroochydore, and co-founder of the Post Graduate Implant Academy (PGIA).With extensive experience in implantology and full-arch rehabilitation, Johan has invested deeply in postgraduate education and systems-driven practice growth. He is passionate about leadership, structured progression, and developing clinicians in a safe, responsible manner.Beyond clinical skill, Johan places strong emphasis on personal development, mentorship, and creating frameworks that allow dentists to grow without sacrificing integrity or stability.
Find him on instagram @drjohanweemaes @postgraduateimplantacademy
Dr Greg Fine
Dr Greg Fine is a principal dentist and partner within the Avenue Dental network and co-founder of the Post Graduate Implant Academy (PGIA).Greg is known for his commitment to clinical progression, mentorship, and helping dentists responsibly expand their capabilities. With significant investment in advanced education and hands-on experience in implant and restorative dentistry, he advocates for structured learning under guidance rather than rushed independence.His approach blends ambition with calibration — encouraging growth while reinforcing the importance of responsibility, humility, and long-term thinking.
Find him on Instagram @dr.gregfine
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