Behind a Smile with Dr. Shauntel Ambrose

Hosted by Shauntel Ambrose

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Latest episode

Nov 2024

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EN-US

About the show

I host a podcast that shares the secrets behind some of the most resilient healthcare businesses worldwide, innovative products, savvy strategies and daily inspiration to reach your ultimate in your healthcare career. I interview the movers and shakers of healthcare who courageously push boundaries. Whether you a start-up, or needing a push to keep going or a family business or looking for mentorship without the business know-how. This is an all-inclusive, keeping it real, not for the faint-hearted, haters or the nay-sayers live your best life as a member of a global community in healthcare podcast!

Listen to episodes

41 recent

November 14, 202410 min

Crafting Your Future: Financial and Professional Growth

Send a textUnlock the secrets to building a solid financial future with insights from Yatisha Babulal, our esteemed finance expert. Discover the crucial steps to crafting a robust investment strategy, including the significance of understanding your time horizon and the power of saving early. Inspired by Warren Buffett's wisdom, we explore the impact of saving before spending and delve into the tax implications of your investment choices. Learn how to maximize your financial growth by choosing tax-efficient vehicles and aligning your investments with your estate planning goals through thoughtful beneficiary selection.Beyond financial mastery, we venture into personal and professional growth strategies tailored for healthcare practitioners. Explore how to build your personal brand, diversify your business endeavors, and pursue your career passions with innovative job crafting techniques. We stress the importance of self-care and introduce amazing products designed to support your journey. Gain valuable insights on connecting with industry leaders, overcoming challenges, and exceeding expectations. Join our community where your aspirations are nurtured, and your success is our shared mission.

October 23, 202438 min

Anesthetic Mastery and Emotional Resilience in Dentistry with Dr. Celeste Houston

Send a textJoin me as I sit down with the extraordinary Dr. Celeste Houston, who shares her journey from a conservative upbringing in Durban to becoming a specialist anesthesiologist with a special interest in cardiac and vascular anesthesia.Dr. Houston shares the pivotal moments that fueled her career, including her time. Discover how she balances her demanding professional life with her family, navigating the challenges of both public and private practice while maintaining a steadfast commitment to patient care and safety.Our conversation takes a closer look at the intricacies of dental anesthesia, an often-overlooked aspect of the field that carries significant risks. By sharing experiences from both private practice and pediatric settings, we highlight the complexities of managing anxious patients and complex surgeries. The importance of empathy, teamwork, and meticulous schedule management becomes evident as we explore the potential complications that can arise, emphasizing the need for heightened preparedness and awareness in ensuring patient safety and successful outcomes.In a candid exchange, we reflect on the emotional resilience essential for healthcare professionals, focusing on the dynamics between anesthetists and dentists. Through personal stories and professional insights, we discuss the significance of respecting protocols and preferences to foster a harmonious work environment. Dr. Houston and I also delve into the pursuit of work-life balance in the medical field, sharing our journeys and encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams with dedication and perseverance, reminding them that everyone's path is unique and achievable.

October 10, 202438 min

Insights from Leading Paediatric Surgeon Dr. Amanda Ngobese

Send a text Join us as we welcome Dr. Amanda Ngobese, a trailblazing pediatric surgeon known shares her inspiring journey, detailing her passion for burns management, minimal access surgery, and urology. Raised in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal Dr. Ngobese offers a heartfelt reflection on the vital role of family support in her path to success.Discover the emotional and personal dynamics of paediatric care through her experiences. She opens up about the profound impact of parenthood on her professional practice, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding when treating young patients. Gain insights into the intricate art of managing family expectations to improve healthcare outcomes. Listeners will also learn about the motivations behind pursuing minimal access surgery and the valuable lessons imparted by influential mentors in this demanding field.As a mother and a surgeon, Dr. Ngobese shares her personal stories of navigating the challenges of balancing career and motherhood. This episode celebrates the resilience of healthcare workers across board, emphasizing the necessity of a robust community support system. Dr. Ngobese's journey is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and adaptability in achieving career success. Tune in to be inspired by her story and explore strategies for building a personal brand and diversifying a career in healthcare.

September 26, 202430 min

Emma King on Advanced Whitening Techniques and Personal Perseverance

Send a textWhat if achieving a radiant smile could be tailored just for you? Join us on Behind a Smile where we welcome the remarkable Emma King, an independent oral hygienist with over three decades of experience and nearly 9,000 teeth-whitening cases to her credit. Emma takes us through her pioneering journey in the field of dentistry, sharing how her father's influence and her passion for teeth whitening have shaped her career. As the festive season approaches, she offers practical tips on maintaining a beautiful smile while highlighting the evolution of teeth whitening practices over the years.Learn the secrets behind customizing teeth whitening treatments to manage sensitivity and meet individual patient needs. In this episode, Emma discusses innovative strategies such as starting without light for sensitive cases, adjusting wear times, and combining in-chair treatments with take-home kits. We delve into the importance of setting realistic patient expectations and the economic advantages of whitening before more invasive procedures. Emma emphasizes continuous maintenance to prevent re-staining and explains how clinicians can tailor treatments according to a patient's budget and lifestyle.Beyond her professional expertise, Emma's personal resilience is nothing short of inspiring. She opens up about her journey of overcoming significant health challenges, including 37 surgeries and a kidney transplant, while maintaining her dedication to her career and passion for animal rescue. As co-runner of Feel Good Funding, Emma advocates for mistreated animals and shares the joys of adopting and caring for them. This episode is a treasure trove of motivational insights and practical advice for healthcare professionals looking to elevate their careers and personal well-being. Tune in to be inspired by Emma's unwavering commitment to making a difference both professionally and personally.

September 12, 202437 min

Balancing Passion and Profession in Neonatal Care with Dr. Takoordeen

Send a textSurviving a rare tumour at just six months old and allowing that experience to fuel a lifelong commitment to saving lives is the remarkable journey of Dr. Raksha Takoordeen, our inspiring guest in this episode of "Behind a Smile." From her work in neonatal health to establishing one of the few private human breast milk banks, Dr. Takoordeen's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we uncover her path from overcoming personal health challenges to becoming a beacon of hope for countless newborns and their families.Her motivation is deeply intertwined with the influence of her 12-year-old son and her unyielding passion for helping children thrive. She opens up about her outreach efforts at children's homes and the profound joy she derives from witnessing her patients grow and flourish. This episode sheds light on the significance of standing one's ground as a female leader in healthcare. She shares invaluable advice for aspiring medical and dental students, emphasizing the importance of hard work, diverse experiences, and staying true to one's passion. We also delve into the art of balancing professional and personal life, offering strategies for self-care crucial for healthcare practitioners. This candid conversation not only honors Dr. Takoordeen's contributions but also celebrates the collective wisdom shared on our platform, making it a must-listen for anyone committed to making a difference in healthcare.

August 29, 202443 min

Celebrating Women's Month: Tebatso Mutibi on the Vital Role of Dental Assistants and Ethical Integrity in Healthcare

Send a textJoin us as we celebrate Women's Month with the inspiring Tebatso Mutibi. Through an intimate conversation, Tebatso shares her journey from being inspired by her aunt to earning a Master's in Health Sciences and a BTech in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics. Discover the critical role dental assistants play in the success of dental practices and uncover the often unseen contributions they make to the healthcare industry. Gain insights into the significance of regulation in maintaining high health and safety standards in dentistry.In this episode, we unpack the challenges faced by dental assistants and their invaluable impact on dental practices. With Tebatso's first hand experiences, we explore the emotional and mental toll of a dental assistant's absence and discuss the importance of investing in their education and professional development. Dive into the pressures of under-resourced clinics and learn how community service bridges the gap between academic training and real-world experience, ensuring a more prepared and resilient workforce.Our discussion doesn't stop there. We delve into the complexities of handling complaints within healthcare committees, the necessity of ethical guidelines, and the importance of professional integrity. We highlight the challenges of verifying anonymous complaints and the rise of malicious behaviour among practitioners. Finally, we emphasize the need for unity and continuous education within the dental profession, encouraging collaboration and a commitment to staying informed. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, passion, and the path to growth and success in healthcare.

August 11, 202432 min

Creating Harmonious Work Environments and Strong Partnerships in Healthcare

Send a textUnlock the secrets to a fulfilling professional life with insights from Mandy Hoddinott, a trailblazing physiotherapist, psychologist, and coach. Mandy takes us on her fascinating journey from an interest in equine therapy to becoming a multi-talent in human physiotherapy and psychology. Learn practical strategies for posture correction and stress management, specifically tailored for dentists who often battle neck and back issues. Discover how physiotherapy can provide relief for TMJ and clenching issues that stem from stress, making this episode a must-listen for healthcare professionals seeking holistic well-being.Ever wondered how shared office spaces could revolutionize your work life? Explore the innovative benefits of shared office environments, a trend that surged during the COVID era and continues to gain traction. These spaces not only cut costs but also enhance collaboration and problem-solving among diverse professionals. We dive deep into the essentials of effective communication, adaptability, and selecting the right shared office space to align with your business needs, ensuring a harmonious and productive work setting.Finally, gain invaluable insights into maintaining relationships within professional couples and the importance of shared ethical and communication standards. We discuss ongoing projects aimed at building resilience and career growth, including a comprehensive guide on regulating the nervous system. This segment underscores the power of self-care, job crafting, and community support in pursuing your career passions and achieving personal goals. Tune in for actionable steps and inspiring stories that will empower you to take control of your professional and personal life.

June 14, 202438 min

Embracing Opportunities and Building a Brand in a New Country

Send a textEver wondered what it takes to transition from one country to another while building a successful dental practice? Join us as Misha Smiet and Dr. Vanitha Smiet-Naidoo share their inspiring journey from South Africa to the Netherlands, delving into their motivations, preparations, and the unexpected hurdles they faced. From navigating new entry requirements to adjusting to a different cost of living, their story provides invaluable lessons for anyone contemplating a similar move. Discover how they meticulously planned and adapted, ensuring their dream of running a dental clinic abroad became a reality.Running a family dental practice comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. Misha and Dr. Vanitha open up about balancing their clinical and administrative roles while raising young children. Learn how their workweek has evolved to accommodate both professional demands and family life, and the crucial role of part-time staff in maintaining this balance. They also offer a comparative look at dental practices and patient expectations between South Africa and the Netherlands, shedding light on cultural differences and the growing emphasis on preventive care in their new home.The episode wouldn't be complete without addressing the impact of COVID-19 on their practice and the healthcare system in the Netherlands. Misha and Dr. Vanitha discuss the financial support mechanisms that kept their business afloat during lockdowns and the rigorous precautions implemented upon reopening. They candidly share the emotional and professional challenges of emigrating, from learning the local language to adapting to new workplace cultures. As a bonus, get a glimpse into their personal lives with some fun rapid-fire questions, and pick up practical strategies for building your brand and advancing your career in dentistry. Let's embark on this insightful and heartwarming journey together!

May 16, 202439 min

Heartfelt Reflections on Compassionate Care and the Impact of Mentorship in Dentistry with Dr. Kavir Rajkumar

Send a textAs I sit with my heart full of memories, I can't help but remember how my late father's enduring spirit shaped my path in healthcare. Joined by my husband and mentor, Dr. Kavir Rajkumar, this episode of Behind a Smile is a deeply personal exploration of the values that drive us to provide compassionate care and the transformative power of mentorship in the medical field. We delve into the challenges and disparities of public healthcare in South Africa, sharing stories that highlight the urgency of empathy and personal connection in medicine, while considering the systemic improvements that could change lives in our communities.Technology in healthcare often sparks debate, but Dr. Raj and I stand united in the belief that it should complement, not replace, the warmth of human interactions. This episode examines how innovative tools like the Vula app are reshaping patient care, improving communication, and referrals — a beacon of progress amidst the often-overwhelming demands of the healthcare industry. But amidst the discussion of advancements and efficiency, we don't forget the importance of unwinding; we share the hobbies that keep us grounded and remind us that life is about more than just work.Loss has touched us all, and in this heartfelt conversation, we acknowledge the delicate balance of carrying personal grief while caring for others. We discuss strategies for healthcare professionals to manage the complexities of career advancement and personal well-being, offering insights on personal branding and job crafting. This episode is an invitation to join a community where your struggles are recognized, your ambitions are supported, and your dedication to healthcare is celebrated.

April 4, 202433 min

Balancing the Art and Science in Paediatric dentistry and Myofacial Pain Syndrome with a Family Touch

Send a textDiscover the intricate tapestry of family, mentorship, and healthcare with Dr. Chelsea Cahi, a dentist who has integrated and grown her passion for Paediatric dentistry and Myofacial Pain Disorder into a blossoming patient-centric addition to the family dental business. Growing up amid the hum of dental drills, Dr. Cahi joins us to share how she's contributing to her family's legacy at the Cahi Dental and Prosthodontic Practice . Amid tales of her formative years and the wisdom gleaned from her father and uncle, she dives into the delicate intricacies of paediatric dentistry and the subtle art of managing stress and bruxism induced TMJ disorders with a philosophy grounded in patient education and non-invasive techniques.When confronted with the sometimes harsh reality of competitive behaviours in the dental field, Dr. Cahi stands as a beacon of integrity and professionalism. Her stories, rich with the details of navigating these challenges while preserving the trust and well-being of her patients, serve as a masterclass in maintaining one's ethical compass in the face of adversity. These candid conversations also unravel the complexities that today's healthcare professionals face, offering solace and strategies to those striving to uphold the highest standards in their practice.Finally, let Dr. Cahi inspire you as she outlines the blueprints for forging a personal brand within the competitive landscape of dentistry. With a focus on authenticity and patient connection, she articulates the importance of distinguishing oneself in a crowded market. Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking wisdom on career advancement or simply looking for a dose of inspiration from someone who's carved out a successful path, this episode promises to ignite your ambition and maybe even spark a little joy in your journey. Join us for an episode that celebrates dedication, skill, and the personal touch that makes all the difference in the world of healthcare.