Feature #94 – Making the most of our Oral Health degree with Tabitha Acret

The Dental Head Start Podcast

Hosted by Christina Potestas @christina_oralhealth

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Hi Dental Head Start listeners, Christina here. This episode is a bit of a fangirling moment for me because I sit down with Tabitha Acret @tabitha_dental_hygienist_ , whose journey beyond Uni is quite inspirational. We talk about her initial work in both general and specialist practices, travelling around the world and presenting Guided Biofilm therapy to international audiences and all the serious life lessons in between that help us become better clinicians. Tabitha is about to complete her master’s degree in Advanced Periodontics at the University of London and is an academic at the Sydney University. Keep listening to hear her story and how she continues to make the most out of her Oral Health Degree.

Key moments

0:00:00 – Tabitha Acret’s journey into dentistry, starting from being obsessed with teeth as a child and her grandfather being a prosthodontist.

0:03:45 – Tabitha’s experience as a mature age student in the Bachelor of Oral Health degree, particularly struggling with the science subjects.

0:07:38 – The most challenging part of Tabitha’s university experience was statistics and math. 0:09:21 – Tabitha enjoyed embryology and clinical skills the most during her studies.

0:10:00 – Tabitha’s first job as a dental hygienist in a general practice, and the importance of finding a mentoring environment.

0:15:00 – The differences between working in a specialist periodontal practice versus a general practice.

0:23:35 – How a course in the US on guided biofilm therapy sparked Tabitha’s passion for periodontics.

0:29:49 – Tabitha’s involvement with EMS Dental in introducing airflow and guided biofilm therapy to Australia.

0:47:29 – Tabitha’s perspective on the benefits of having oral health therapists and hygienists working alongside dentists.

0:52:53 – Tabitha’s current projects, including finishing her Master’s degree, becoming Lego Serious Play certified, and her role as a permanent academic at the University of Sydney.

0:59:23 – Tabitha’s top tip for new graduates is to focus on building a strong clinical foundation in the first few years before diversifying.

Tabitha Acret

Tabitha Acret is a dedicated and passionate award-winning Dental Hygienist. She studied a Bachelor of Oral Health at Newcastle University, completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Health and is currently a Clinical Master student at the University of Central London Eastman Campus.

Tabitha has become one of the most sought-after Hygienists and Educators in Australia and internationally with a fast-growing and loyal customer base of patients, dental professionals and media. Tabitha was previously the National Vice-President for the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia and has volunteered in many roles since graduation for the Association. She also has a passion for education with students, working as lecturer at Sydney University as well as a Clinical Educator for implant maintenance and non-surgical periodontal therapy. Currently, she also works two days a week in private practice.

Get in touch with Tabitha

Email: [e-mail]

Instagram: @tabitha_dental_hygienist_

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