The “The Overseas Dentist” pioneering the path for migrant dentists in Australia

NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — The journey to becoming a registered dentist in Australia is daunting—especially for overseas-trained professionals. Not only do they face one of the toughest exam processes in the world, the Australian Dental Council (ADC) examinations, but they also navigate the emotional, financial, and cultural challenges that come with relocating to a new country. For Dr. Shahana Abed, this process was all too familiar. Living in Australia with three young children and no extended family support, Dr. Shahana faced this ADC journey under difficult circumstances. The truth is that most ADC candidates face similar circumstances.  But what started as a struggle became a vision for change. With perseverance and grit, she not only passed the ADC exams but established Aurora Academy—a comprehensive and supportive platform that offers overseas dentists the guidance they need to thrive in Australia’s dental profession.

The Origins of Aurora Academy: From Struggle to Success

Dr. Shahana Abed’s story is one of personal resilience. When she arrived in Australia, already a qualified dentist in South Africa, she quickly realized how difficult the path would be. “It was an incredibly challenging period of my life,” she recalls. “The preparation required extraordinary resilience, not just clinically but mentally, emotionally, and financially. I often wished there had been courses and mentorship that understood the needs of mothers like myself who were unable to travel around for guidance for extended periods of time, and of  ADC candidates in general.”

It was through her own trials that Dr. Shahana came to understand the full breadth of what overseas-trained dentists go through: the pressure of studying for an exam while juggling family responsibilities, the isolation that comes with moving to a new country, and the uncertainty about how to integrate into Australia’s professional culture once you believe you have finally reached the end of the road. These experiences laid the foundation for Aurora Academy.

Building the Academy: A Holistic Approach to ADC Preparation

Aurora Academy is not just another exam preparation center. Unlike many traditional courses, Aurora Academy was born from Dr. Shahana’s own journey and is designed to guide dentists through every stage of their career transition. The academy offers a hybrid learning platform that combines online resources with in-person mentorship, addressing both the technical and emotional aspects of passing the ADC exams.

“We provide an authentic, comprehensive, and supportive pathway,” Dr. Shahana explains. “Aurora Academy is about more than passing an exam—it’s about preparing candidates for life as a registered dentist in Australia. We cover everything, from initial skills assessments to the final exam, and then continue to support them as they navigate clinical practice, patient care, and cultural integration.”

What Sets Aurora Academy Apart: Authenticity and Personal Experience

What truly sets Aurora Academy apart from its competitors is its foundation of authenticity. Many other ADC preparatory programs are taught by individuals who have not personally gone through the ADC process or may not have successfully completed it themselves. However, Dr. Shahana has lived the experience. Every course, every lesson, and every piece of advice is rooted in her own journey of overcoming the struggles of the ADC process.

“When I guide candidates, they know I have been exactly where they are,” says Dr. Shahana. “I’ve faced the same challenges, and that creates a legitimacy and empathy that cannot be manufactured. I understand the emotional toll of the process and provide mentorship not just on exams, but on how to adapt to the Australian dental environment as a whole.”

Aurora Academy’s commitment to fostering both clinical excellence and personal resilience is integral to its unique approach. With Dr. Shahana’s guidance, students receive not only technical skills but also the emotional and professional support necessary to thrive in their new career.

Beyond the ADC: The Continuing Journey of Professional Development

Aurora Academy is committed to supporting its students long after they’ve passed the ADC exams. Dr. Shahana’s vision is to provide a holistic, continuous learning experience that extends beyond exam preparation. ‘Beyond ADC’ as this phase is lovingly referred to by Dr Shahana, Aurora Academy students can continue to build their careers through mentorship, professional development, and continuing education courses (CPD) to expand their scope of practice.

“The journey doesn’t end when you pass the ADC,” says Dr. Shahana. “Dentists need ongoing support to grow their skills, adapt to Australian patient care expectations, and communicate effectively within a new professional culture. We provide the tools and mentorship to help them succeed long-term.”

Aurora Academy’s courses include treatment planning and case conversion,  beginner and advanced restorative dentistry, digital dentistry and communication skills; ensuring that students are fully prepared to excel in their careers. Dr. Shahana herself is a Master of the International congress of oral implantologists and was just this past weekend awarded her fellow and Master at the ICOI international conference in Sydney. She has a Doctor of Science in applied neuroscience and communication psychology, she is currently completing a  postgraduate qualification in veneers and occlusion;  and is continuously expanding her expertise, Her background in Applied Neuroscience and Communication Psychology also allows her to offer a unique perspective on the mental resilience and communication skills needed to thrive in dentistry, and she runs a very successful communication mastery program called C3: Connect. Consult. Convert. Her trademarked platform, the overseas dentist is dedicated to making this entire transition easier for dentists who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

A Legacy of Impact: Testimonials from Successful Candidates

The success of Aurora Academy is reflected in the stories of its graduates. One recent testimonial reads, “Aurora ADC Academy has been an absolute game-changer in my ADC preparation journey. Their video tutorials for technical tasks are exceptionally clear, detailed, and easy to follow — perfect for mastering the skills needed for the exam. And Dr. Shahana is not only a mentor, but also a dear friend who helped me through the toughest phases of preparation.”

Another graduate shared, “I passed the ADC exam because of Dr. Shahana’s insights and the specific advice she shared. Her experience was invaluable, especially when I approached the OSCE with the mindset she taught me. I can’t thank her enough for her mentorship.”

These testimonials underscore the unique support system Aurora Academy provides, combining practical preparation with emotional and professional guidance.

The Future of Aurora Academy: Expanding Horizons

Dr. Shahana’s work with Aurora Academy is just beginning. As the academy continues to grow, Dr. Shahana is focused on expanding her offerings, including creating more advanced courses and training programs to ensure that overseas-trained dentists are not only prepared for the ADC exams but also for a long, successful career in Australia.

“Aurora Academy is a community where dentists are not just students, but active participants in a global network,” says Dr. Shahana. “We believe in empowering dentists to thrive not just by passing exams, but by becoming truly integrated into Australian dental practice, ready to face the challenges of the profession with confidence.”

Start Your Journey with Aurora Academy Today

If you’re an overseas-trained dentist determined to succeed in Australia, Aurora Academy offers the authentic, comprehensive support you need to navigate the ADC exams and beyond ADC. Dr. Shahana Abed and her team are ready to help you not only pass the exam but also integrate into Australian clinical practice and continue growing throughout your career.

Visit Aurora Academy’s website to learn more about their ADC exam preparation programs, mentorship opportunities, and continuing professional development courses. Join the community that’s transforming the journey for overseas dentists in Australia. Your path to success starts here.