Why Most Dentists Never Become Truly Aesthetic — Even After Countless Courses

In this episode of The Aesthetic Dentist Podcast, Dr Andrew See explores a reality many clinicians experience but rarely discuss openly — the gap between education and true confidence in aesthetic dentistry.

Despite completing multiple courses early in his career, Dr See found himself repeatedly defaulting to “safe” treatment plans, avoiding porcelain when it truly indicated, and feeling uncertain when complications arose.

Through real clinical stories, he discusses:

• Why many dentists feel inspired after courses but lost back in clinic

• The trap of relying on composite veneers when confidence is lacking

• The emotional impact of porcelain failures and debonding

• Why courage without structure leads to inconsistent outcomes

• How confusion around occlusion contributes to stress in wear cases

Dr See shares how committing to formal training — including a three-year Master’s degree in Aesthetic Dentistry through King’s College London and completion of his FRACDS — fundamentally changed the way he approached treatment planning.

Rather than learning more techniques, he learned how to think.

This episode lays the foundation for the podcast: aesthetic dentistry as a discipline built on principles, judgment, and clarity — not shortcuts or labels.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why more courses don’t automatically create better aesthetic dentists

• The difference between technical ability and clinical confidence

• How lack of structure leads to under- or over-treatment

• Why occlusion becomes clearer when approached through principles

• What truly separates cosmetic branding from aesthetic mastery

🔗 Connect with Dr Andrew See

For examples of Dr See’s clinical work and natural aesthetic philosophy, follow
@dr.andrewsee