Testimonials
All dentists who have given testimonials below are still with our group
Georgia Clarke
Graduate Dental Experience for Kashyap Dental Group
I graduated from James Cook University at the end of 2016 and have been working at Brookwater Dental Surgery ever since. As graduation drew closer, and I started applying for jobs, I was initially overwhelmed in trying to apply for a practice that had what I was looking for. I emphas.ise4 finding a workplace that did right by my patients and me, as well as offering mentoring. I knew that not everywhere was going to be the right fit. However, I was determined to take my time and find a place where I could settle for the long term to build a solid foundation.
When I came across the job for Brookwater Dental, they had already started their hiring process. I emailed to apply for the position and was given the option to fly down to do an interview. To jump on a plane for an interview was time and money that I wanted to be sure about spending. I knew I couldn't do it for every job I applied for. In the end, what made me do it was the open and honest communication by Priyesh about their process, what they were looking for and the job specifics. He told me it was going to be competitive, but in the end, a boss who was that open, polite and honest was a boss I wanted to work for.
Three years later and I am so glad I got on that plane. I have found myself working in a place that respects me, how I learn and gives me the time with my patients that they deserve. I haven't received any emphasis on time restraints or billings.
Instead, the focus has been on providing the best care possible and improving my skills at my rate. The dentists here have all passed on knowledge, let me observe and helped me treat my cases, still to this day. I know that if anything doesn't go to plan, I have mentors who I can turn to, who give good advice and help you through the learning curve rather than shooting you down.
But with every job it isnt just what you're doing, it is about the work environment you are signing up for as well. With previous work experience as a dental assistant, I think you can tell a lot about the workplace based on how they treat their auxiliary staff. With low staff turnover and focus placed on hiring to suit not just the job but the team, I have been fortunate enough to get a work family. One who supports each other through the highs and lows that can be dentistry and ultimately, makes coming to work so much easier.
Malak Fouda
My Experience - Dr Malak Fouda
I graduated in 2018 and had the great fortune of being employed as an associate by Nauv. I am extremely grateful to Nauv and his whole team for accepting me, teaching and nurturing me. I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by dentists from a range of ages and experience, to be able to call myself part of an incredible team which delivers exceptional care and a supportive environment.
It's hard to how much this job has provided for me, so here are a few of my highlights and perks of working here:
1. Mentorship.Coaching:
New graduates have regular meetings led by Dr Sahil Soni and Nauv every fortnight after work. In these meetings we discuss multiple cases (x-rays + clinical images) and different clinical approaches. We swap stories, celebrate successful cases and dissect how things could have been performed better.
Personally, I love these Friday meetings, it's a safe environment where we can learn and ask a million questions! The reason I said, "coaching" is because I feel that all the dentists at Nauv's practices are like my coaches. They are all extremely approachable, encouraging and supportive. In my first week, everyone was asking me what procedures interest me, they would then take time to provide me with all their tips and tricks on how they perform that procedure. They would show me cases and discuss techniques they use. Nauv would allow me to block time out my day if I'm rostered to work so I can observe other dentists and learn from their cases.
The dentists were so welcoming when I would ask to observe, I would ask questions and learn an incredible amount. Even if I am with a patient and would like a second opinion regarding a tooth, an x-ray interpretation, a treatment plan or simply guidance with a procedure.
There is always someone there to help, you never feel isolated, stressed or alone. It is truly a great learning environment.
2. Patients and Procedures:
The practices are busy. Patients range for children aged 2 to my oldest patient being 98 years old!
Patients vary from QLD health emergency voucher patients to patients wanting 6 elective veneers before their wedding day.
I never repeat the same day twice and every day is packed with different procedures ranging from root canals, crowns, children emergencies, extractions, to dentures.
Nauv has remarkable relationships with local specialists who are always happy to help. I've called and sent x-rays to the local a few times and the dental specialist more than once. They are always so happy to help Nauv's associates.
There is a great amount of feedback available too, this goes back to the coaching element of this job. After I have completely a procedure I can send the x-rays/ images/scans to Nauv and other dentists to discuss what went well and how I can improve it for next time. This has been incredibly beneficial for my crown preps and access cavities, I feel a massive change from when I first started to now, and it is all due to the feedback and guidance I have been fortunate enough to receive.
3. Dental Assistants and Receptionists:
The whole dental team is highly trained and incredibly professional.
Everyone has high professional standards with their patient care and with each other.
We are always laughing and having a great time at work, but mainly I appreciate them for being so supportive and encouraging. Everyone is friendly and there is a great sense of a warm work family dynamic.
Receptionist staff are extremely accommodating and organized. First thing Nauv did when I was hired was ask me to write down how long I wanted for each appointment type, and I was encouraged to book in long appointments, so I am not pressured, and I don't rush.
4. CPD:
6 months in and I had over 30 hours of incredible CPD points. Our CPD has ranged from communication and occlusion to multiple hands on, one-on-one workshops in Cerec training, anterior veneers, posterior composites, implants and so much more.
Overall, I feel incredibly blessed to have this opportunity and I look forward to learning more.
Dr Tharini Hettiarachchi
My Experience - Dr Tharini Hettiarachchi - B.D.Sc (Qld)
I started working for Nauv at the beginning of 2014. Three and a half years on, I am fortunate to have been offered a job within this group when I was a fresh graduate and to still be working here now. I can say this for a number of reasons, but overall because it offered a stable workplace which is encouraging and supportive. I think this was very important as a new grad to ensure I grew both clinically and mentally in this field.
I gained confidence in my skills as a general dentist from the exposure I had to the team brain trust, the materials and technologies we have access to, the busy-ness of the practices and a very supportive management.
When I finished university, I had a very keen interest for extractions, but I was lacking in fixed pros and endodontic experience. With the guidance that was offered, I was able to help close this experience gap. I have been steadily growing my experience over time. Other areas of experience like paediatric dentistry was also limited during university, and I quickly gained comfort seeing both adult and children patients owing to the guidance that was on hand.
Working alongside a team of dentists as a new graduate was extremely helpful. Having this support meant that advice was not too far away, my questions were being answered and help was available if needed. It helped to ease the learning curve and quickened my progress. I was provided with guidance and encouragement to widen and improve my skill set.
I had fairly busy books from the beginning owing to the growth of the clinics I was working at. This meant that all the knowledge we had from university was getting put to use before too much time got on, before I became less comfortable or more hesitant to try a procedure. There wasn’t a focus on time restraints or billings, instead the emphasis was on improving skills and providing good care to the patients.
Nauv has always been supportive, approachable and dedicated to helping improve my skills. Along with the team he has hired, I have been lucky to work in a very supportive, fun and pleasant environment over the last few years.
Jacky Yang
Testimony from Dr. Jacky Yang:
I graduated from James Cook University at the end of the 2020 amidst all the confusion and uncertainty following the pandemic. On top of that, the process of graduating and job hunting in itself can make any new graduate stressed and without a clear direction. I looked for a job that aligned with my values of patient care and high-quality treatment. I wanted to work for somebody who not only valued my eagerness to learn but would support my growth as a health professional. That is why I am so grateful and happy to be working for Nauvneel Kashyap.
Working at both Raceview Dental Surgery and Ripley Dental has given me a wide exposure to all areas of dentistry including simple and complex aesthetic cases, paediatrics, surgical extractions, and root canals. As a new graduate, those same topics can be very intimidating. However, working for Nauv means you get to work with a number of extremely talented and experienced dentists that are always eager to teach you. I have nothing but respect for the mentors at Kashyap Dental Group who have helped me feel so much more confident in the more complex areas of dentistry.
Aside from chairside mentoring, the structured CPD program and case discussions with Dr. Sahil Soni, Malak Fouda, and Michelle Chen allowed me to continually grow with results that I could see immediately. Nauv has also provided us with opportunities to attend CPD programs focusing on communication, surgical extractions, and contemporary endodontics. Combining this with amazing technology such as CEREC, DSLR cameras, rotary endodontics, and OPG, the environment is certainly geared for continuous development.
While I could go on and on about the amazing dentists and mentors, I’d also like to mention the amazing support staff. A well-trained staff can make the difference in your quality of work and patient satisfaction. I work alongside such professional and well-trained staff members including a great reception team and amazing dental assistants. From monthly potlucks to beautiful staff parties, I could not be happier with the work environment and my work family.
Whether you have been practicing for several years or are a new graduate dentist, I would highly recommend working for Nauv and his incredible team. I am extremely lucky to have been hired and I can certainly say that I have made the right choice.
Michael Tien
Testimony from Dr. Michael Tien:
The transition from a dental student to dentist can be a nerve-wracking time. Coupled with border restrictions, finding a graduate job was a trying time as I would have liked to physically meet with an employer and decide whether or not I could be a mutual fit in their team. Despite the challenge, I was resolute in joining a team known to focus on a great culture and a commitment to continuous improvement. Kashyap Dental Group was the obvious choice for me and I am thrilled to be a part of a team that feels like a second family to me. Although I do not have much to compare my experiences with, there have been many highlights working here in this large group of private practices in South East Queensland.
Work culture
From the first day, I felt a strong sense of family in the workplace evident by the camaraderie shared between all members of the team. Like a well-oiled machine, each member is highly skilled in their roles but they are always willing to offer immediate support to others. As a graduate navigating private practice, I could not have asked for a more understanding and patient team who have helped to accelerate my knowledge in four-handed dentistry and customer service. The management team deserves a shout out for being receptive, encouraging and, most importantly, approachable.
Throughout the walls, you will always hear banter and laughter each working hour that continues beyond the surgery and onto the dancefloor. There are multiple opportunities throughout the year to unwind with the team featuring a bottomless bar tab, delicious Indian feast and remixed tunes from a hired disc jockey!
Investment in technology and modern practice
Change is constant within dentistry and it is important for me to stay up to date with the latest technologies that improve treatment outcomes for patients. Comprehensive treatment planning can be done in the same appointment as the clinic offers DSLR cameras for high quality clinical photos and an in-house extra-oral radiography unit. Further, the clinic is invested in the latest PrimeScan and PrimeMill technology minimising the need for messy impressions and opening up the choice of same day fixed prostheses to patients. The complexity associated with endodontic treatment is also simplified with reciprocating file systems and access to a microscope.
It is also worth mentioning the creature comforts in each surgery including new Sirona chairs, ceiling televisions and a lovely mural. If only my childhood dental visits were this good... the environment is definitely conducive to a positive patient experience!
Industry networking and mentorship
Working in a large group of private practices has me given a plethora of opportunities to network with industry. Over at Premium Dental Lab, the team have always encouraged open lines of communication with cases and attend days for observation. It has been great to understand the thought-processes of technicians and prosthetists when working through cases.
The open-door policy at the group has also enabled me to refine my skills and consider new techniques to improve my work-flow. Senior dentists are within an rms reach away to ask for a second opinion or come in to kindly assist without undermining patient confidence!A special shoutout goes to Dr Sahil Soni, Dr Malak Fouda and Dr Michelle Chen who led our graduate mentoring program. They have dedicated their Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons to case discussions, lectures and workshops. These sessions have underscored the importance of life-long learning in dentistry. Of course, all that learning is consolidated with a generous feast of kentucky fried chicken!
Michelle Chen
Testimony from Dr. Michelle Chen:
I graduated from UQ 2019 and was fortunate enough to have started working for Nauv at the beginning of 2020. Like most graduates going into my first real-world job, I had fears surrounding how I would fit into the workplace, my lack of experience, whether I was competent enough, what if I get stuck etc. however all of those fears were quickly dissipated within my first week of work.
All the dentists were extremely understanding that I’m was graduate and very willing to offer their assistance/advice/tips whenever I need it. The auxillary staff are respectful and never boss me around/treat me like I was “just” a new-grad. Furthermore, jokes & laughter is always in the background, fostering a very positive learning environment that allowed me to continually challenge & improve on myself over the months.
Upon graduation I had a special interest in extractions and was hoping to further develop my skills in wisdom teeth extractions. I am fortunate to be working the Ipswich practices and thus I had the opportunity to perform many extractions. With the guidance and support of senior dentists, particularly Dr. Tharini, I was able to gain the confidence to gradually pick up increasingly difficult cases and improve on my skills.
Upon graduation, I was also lacking fixed pros experience and experience with children. However, after being able to observe the senior dentists and gain valuable tips, I was able to swiftly close this gap. Now, I feel very comfortable delivering both conventional crowns and CEREC crowns thanks to the technologies available in the practices. I also have solidified my skills in treating children, which definitely helps in building books as parents tend to book back with you if they are happy with the way you treat their children.
Even though I had a couple of month during COVID-19 lockdown where I couldn’t really work, I personally feel that I this break was almost negligible in terms of the learning and growth that I have experienced over the last year. I have am becoming a much more confident and efficient clinician thanks to the generous mentorship of the senior dentists. I’m very very grateful.
Dr Hien Truong
My Experience - Dr Hien Truong B.D.Sc (Qld)
As a graduate of the UQ Dental School Class of 2014, I had the good fortune of working in Nauv’s practices after graduation
The mentoring program in the first year was structured and included case reviews with written reports, group discussions of active cases and a designated mentoring dentist. Other dentists at the practice were happy to discuss cases and give you their advice and allowed you to observe complex procedures. Courses organized by Nauv for the group focused on building improved communication, efficiency between dentist and auxiliary staff and clinical treatment planning. Advice and reviews about CPD courses available were useful in deciding on the most valuable ways to spend your time and money! All of this allowed you to treatment plan case slightly out of your comfort zone, be able to observe the type of procedure and assist and learn from others and then attempt it yourself with clinical guidance from those more experienced.
I was exposed to a broad range of clinical procedures. There are a range of patients from different socioeconomic backgrounds wanting a range of treatment types from emergency tooth aches to comprehensive plans. This enabled a variety of treatment modalities from other dentists and specialists in the group for you to learn from including extractions including surgical and wisdom teeth, endodontics, fixed and removable prosthodontic, paediatric dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, and implant placements and restoration. As a graduate, I was encouraged to keep my interests broad and build experience in a wide field of dentistry. This enabled me to identify my areas of interest and work on my weaker areas.
The support I received from auxillary staff has continued to strengthen over the years as Nauv has built on the experience of his team. There is generally a happy and fun work culture with minimal DA and receptionist turn over and disruptions. The staff assigned to work with me were experienced and supported me. They were respectful and happy to be guided by the treating dentist but knew how to give helpful advice to a new graduate.
The appointment books are well managed, with proven marketing methods and a stellar reputation meaning you never had to worry about empty books. There was never any pressure to work to certain time constraints or billing target. I was encouraged to focus on learning and growing as a clinician and providing exception care to my patients. Having a salary in the first year meant I was financially free to do so while I worked on my efficiency and clinically skills. It is an environment that steers you to practice ethical dentistry.
The surgeries themselves have modern equipment with the chairs regularly serviced and maintained. There were also several extra dental “toys” that allow you to add value to your patients’ experience including OPG, cone beam, intra oral cameras and DSLR cameras, rotary endo and apex locators. The infection control performed by staff is up to date which provides you with confidence.
Overall, working for Nauv was perfect place during a critical time in my career. The practice culture allows you to focus on your growth and development as a dental professional in an environment where the people are lovely and friendly to be around. You have patients who respect the work you do and you feel lucky to treat them. In fact, I often felt fortunate working with this group. And I’m sure any new grad, as many have before them, will do too.