‘From Setbacks to Success’ is the exclusive and FREE ADANSW recent grad webinar series that brings you a variety of topics from 4 leading presenters each series.
The overarching themes apply to all topics, exploring: ⠀
- How to overcome obstacles in various fields of dentistry
- How to gain a renewed perspective on your clinical practice
In this Setbacks to Success lecture hosted by Recent Grads Committee member Dr Raman Dhaliwal, Dr Andrew Thorpe shares an honest and reflective account of his journey from new graduate uncertainty to specialist oral surgery. Through real clinical experiences, professional challenges, and personal setbacks, this session explores how confidence, competence, mentorship, and structured learning develop over time. The lecture is designed to support recent graduates and early-career dentists navigating career decisions, clinical limitations, and the pressures of professional growth.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Recognise how setbacks, self-doubt, and early career challenges influence professional development
- Understand the importance of incremental growth, mentorship, and structured learning in building clinical confidence
- Reflect on strategies for managing risk, scope of practice, and clinical decision-making as experience develops
- Appreciate the role of continuing professional development (CPD) in shaping long-term capability rather than short-term confidence
- Apply reflective insights to career planning, job selection, and personal definitions of success
