Hosted by Dr Michael (Mike) Shambira
In this episode of the Formation series, Mike sits down with Dr Michael Frazis, Director of Education at Ripe Global, to explore the blind spots that shape early-career growth in dentistry.
Drawing from years of teaching and mentoring clinicians, Michael Frazis shares insights on ambition, judgement, efficiency, and the common traps dentists fall into when trying to progress too quickly. The conversation focuses on developing calibration, building competence before speed, and understanding what truly compounds over the long term.
This episode is about stepping back, thinking clearly, and approaching growth with intention rather than urgency.
Connect with Mike and Dr Michael Frazis here
If this episode resonated, share it with a colleague or friend who’s early in their journey.
If there are specific guests or topics you’d like to see next, reach out via Instagram; we’re always looking to shape this series around what would be most valuable for listeners.
(00:00) Introduction to Early Career Blind Spots
(03:45) Setting Intentional Goals as a Dentist
(08:20) Overambition vs Underambition Risks
(12:10) Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword
(17:30) Avoiding Comparison and Staying Aligned
(22:50) Quantifying Goals and Tracking Progress
(28:15) Efficiency After Quality in Procedures
(33:40) Using Repetition and Feedback for Growth
(39:00) Clinical Photography and Documentation
(45:20) Long-Term Separation of Success Paths
(50:50) Giving Yourself Grace as a New Grad
(55:30) Removing Time Distortions for Success
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The Esesson Foundation are running two events: their annual gala, and a clinical education weekend — and what makes this different is that every single presenter is donating their time. No egos, no fluff, just really good clinicians giving back.
The goal is simple: raise money for healthcare access for vulnerable children. Last year alone, with around $300,000 raised, they delivered over $2.5 million worth of medical and dental care, treating more than 4,000 children who otherwise would’ve gone without. The CPD event alone raised $50,000 last year with 60 attendees — and this year, with more notice and more support, the aim is to double that.
It’s one of those rare events where you get excellent clinical education and know every dollar of profit is going directly back into care. Nothing pretentious. Just good people, good dentistry, and a really meaningful cause. Check out the line up below…
The post The Unseen Curriculum: Formation series #6 – When ambition outpaces judgement with Dr Michael Frazis appeared first on Dental Head Start.