Daniel Frank
My aim of this column is to understand the dental community.
I want every section of the dental community illuminated. Everybody has a story to tell. Everybody has a story worth hearing.
I begin with a dentist working close to where I live. He is a recent graduate who was born and bred on an island inhabited by moose, bears and beavers.
Daniel Frank: I was born in a rural community in Canada so it’s cold. Manitoulin Island (population 20,000) is the largest island surrounded by freshwater in the world. I decided to be a dentist so I went to university in Guelph which is about an hour and a half from Toronto, Ontario.
in Canada, to become a dentist, you have to do a full undergraduate degree before applying. Most students then do a Masters or a PhD before getting into dental school. After my first degree I applied to continue my study at James Cook University.
Last year you visited some of your undergraduate ex-class mates. What where their stories?
Some people went into masters and PhD studies. Some went into physiotherapy. Nursing was popular.
I continued my study in Australia. I liked it when I arrived. There was no culture shock.
Did you know anyone in Australia at the time?
No one. I only knew Australia from TV. Crocodile Dundee, snakes and crocodiles. Didn’t even know Tasmania existed. For me the main thing that mattered was the reciprocity agreement between Canada and Australia. After graduating I could work right away in Canada or Australia.
The final year of James Cook University is largely clinical. I got a placement down here and absolutely loved it. I loved the place. I love the food and wine. The hiking.
When I was down here, I also met my partner. I looked for a job here and was successful.
Sitting on a plane next to someone asks you, what do you do? How would the conversation go?
The conversation usually goes one of two ways. The first one: I wouldn’t expect you to be a dentist. The second way: They cover their teeth with their hand.
What’s a good way of getting the patient to return?
it’s about being nice and gentle and not causing pain. Make it an enjoyable experience. Make them feel comfortable.
I find that being Canadian helps. They are intrigued by the accent and that helps build a rapport.
The aesthetics is a big thing. If you can transform a smile. Make them look good. It is rewarding as well and it also makes them happy.
I really enjoy seeing the whole family. It’s nice when people come back and become friends.
What will you be doing in five years?
I will still be in dentistry.
Can you imagine yourself specialising?
Potentially orthodontics I really do enjoy that but I’m not doing that much. I like the science behind it. I don’t like extractions or surgery as much.
Should I buy a practice? What do you think?
I think it’s possible nowadays to be an incredibly successful and work for someone else. I think that has definitely changed. I don’t think that was the attitude 30/40 years ago.
What do you say to someone who is thinking of dentistry?
Work hard. it’s an amazing job. I think it is stressful at times. It is demanding at times but any job can be. It’s a very comfortable lifestyle. Not all night at a hospital. You can still raise a family. You can get anything you need comfortably.
Any clues on how to deal with other staff?
Be nice but also be honest.
Do you think there’s any difference in Canada and Australia in dealing with staff?
I think the Australians are a little bit laid-back.
What is the difference between Canadian and Australian patients?
More laid back here but it depends on the area. In Canada the remote areas are also laid back.
I can’t believe you are from Canada and you’re here learning French?
I’ve lost it all. I couldn’t speak it anyway but I learned it in school so I thought if I were to ever go back to Canada and if I wanted to move to Quebec I would have to be bilingual so I thought it was a good way to get back into it.
Finish this sentence. I had a good day today because…
I wasn’t running behind. I was on time. It was easy going. I wasn’t stressed. The patients weren’t stressed.
Finish this sentence. I really love being a dentist because…
My reason is getting to know my patients and taking care of good care of people and families. The other reason is trying to solve their problems and make people happy. It is big factor in my happiness and self-esteem as well.
I want every section of the dental community illuminated. Everybody has a story to tell. Everybody has a story worth hearing.
I begin with a dentist working close to where I live. He is a recent graduate who was born and bred on an island inhabited by moose, bears and beavers.
Daniel Frank: I was born in a rural community in Canada so it’s cold. Manitoulin Island (population 20,000) is the largest island surrounded by freshwater in the world. I decided to be a dentist so I went to university in Guelph which is about an hour and a half from Toronto, Ontario.
in Canada, to become a dentist, you have to do a full undergraduate degree before applying. Most students then do a Masters or a PhD before getting into dental school. After my first degree I applied to continue my study at James Cook University.
Last year you visited some of your undergraduate ex-class mates. What where their stories?
Some people went into masters and PhD studies. Some went into physiotherapy. Nursing was popular.
I continued my study in Australia. I liked it when I arrived. There was no culture shock.
Did you know anyone in Australia at the time?
No one. I only knew Australia from TV. Crocodile Dundee, snakes and crocodiles. Didn’t even know Tasmania existed. For me the main thing that mattered was the reciprocity agreement between Canada and Australia. After graduating I could work right away in Canada or Australia.
The final year of James Cook University is largely clinical. I got a placement down here and absolutely loved it. I loved the place. I love the food and wine. The hiking.
When I was down here, I also met my partner. I looked for a job here and was successful.
Sitting on a plane next to someone asks you, what do you do? How would the conversation go?
The conversation usually goes one of two ways. The first one: I wouldn’t expect you to be a dentist. The second way: They cover their teeth with their hand.
What’s a good way of getting the patient to return?
it’s about being nice and gentle and not causing pain. Make it an enjoyable experience. Make them feel comfortable.
I find that being Canadian helps. They are intrigued by the accent and that helps build a rapport.
The aesthetics is a big thing. If you can transform a smile. Make them look good. It is rewarding as well and it also makes them happy.
I really enjoy seeing the whole family. It’s nice when people come back and become friends.
What will you be doing in five years?
I will still be in dentistry.
Can you imagine yourself specialising?
Potentially orthodontics I really do enjoy that but I’m not doing that much. I like the science behind it. I don’t like extractions or surgery as much.
Should I buy a practice? What do you think?
I think it’s possible nowadays to be an incredibly successful and work for someone else. I think that has definitely changed. I don’t think that was the attitude 30/40 years ago.
What do you say to someone who is thinking of dentistry?
Work hard. it’s an amazing job. I think it is stressful at times. It is demanding at times but any job can be. It’s a very comfortable lifestyle. Not all night at a hospital. You can still raise a family. You can get anything you need comfortably.
Any clues on how to deal with other staff?
Be nice but also be honest.
Do you think there’s any difference in Canada and Australia in dealing with staff?
I think the Australians are a little bit laid-back.
What is the difference between Canadian and Australian patients?
More laid back here but it depends on the area. In Canada the remote areas are also laid back.
I can’t believe you are from Canada and you’re here learning French?
I’ve lost it all. I couldn’t speak it anyway but I learned it in school so I thought if I were to ever go back to Canada and if I wanted to move to Quebec I would have to be bilingual so I thought it was a good way to get back into it.
Finish this sentence. I had a good day today because…
I wasn’t running behind. I was on time. It was easy going. I wasn’t stressed. The patients weren’t stressed.
Finish this sentence. I really love being a dentist because…
My reason is getting to know my patients and taking care of good care of people and families. The other reason is trying to solve their problems and make people happy. It is big factor in my happiness and self-esteem as well.