Dr Jim Rae has been practising dentistry since 2025, returning to his hometown of Esperance shortly after graduating from The University of Western Australia in 2024.
The transition from Dental School to private practice was both exciting and demanding. “In my first month of practice, I saw more patients and performed more procedures than I had during much of my undergraduate training,” Jim says.
“Rural practice provides an extraordinary breadth of experience. With workforce shortages across many regional and certainly remote areas, new graduates often find themselves managing busy appointment books very quickly. Before long, you can be booked several weeks, or even months, in advance and caring for many patients for the first time. It is a steep learning curve, but it is also an exceptional environment for professional growth.”
The value of mentorship
Jim credits much of his successful transition to the guidance of experienced mentors.
“I have come to learn that our profession is a tightly connected and well networked community. I have been fortunate to work alongside and learn from highly experienced clinicians. And this began well before graduating,” he says. “During my studies, I was fortunate to work on weekends for Paediatric Specialist, Dr Rod Jennings and his team at Toothbuds as a dental assistant. In many ways, this opportunity is where I realised I wanted to be a family centred clinician.
“Since graduating, Dr Angus Dinnison has been an important mentor throughout my transition to practice. We regularly discuss upcoming cases and treatment planning, which has been invaluable in building my confidence and clinical decision-making.”
He also acknowledges the support of visiting dentist Dr Han Oh.
“Dr Oh visits Esperance regularly to provide complex restorative and rehabilitation services. Observing his approach to interdisciplinary treatment planning and his collaboration with specialists has provided significant insight into delivering comprehensive patient care in a regional setting.”
The influence of clinical tutors
Jim also acknowledges the significant role that his clinical tutors at The Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA) played in shaping his development as a clinician.
“During my studies at OHCWA, I had the privilege of learning from many inspiring tutors, far too many to name individually, who generously gave up valuable practice time, and in some cases retirement, to invest in the education of the next generation of dentists,” he says.
“Over the course of my four years of clinical training, many of those tutors evolved into mentors. They shared not only their clinical knowledge and experience, but also valuable insights into professionalism, patient care, and the realities of practising in regional and rural communities.”
Jim emphasises that these mentoring relationships did not develop by chance. “Those opportunities were not simply handed to me; they were built through active involvement in the dental community. Through organisations such as the University Dental Students’ Society (UDSS), rural and remote placements, volunteer programs, and other extracurricular activities, I was able to develop meaningful relationships with clinicians beyond the dental clinic.”
“Looking back, those relationships have been among the most valuable aspects of my dental education. The guidance, encouragement and ongoing support I received from tutors and mentors helped prepare me for the transition to rural practice and continue to influence my professional development today.”
Building trust within the community
Growing up in Esperance has enabled Jim to establish strong connections with his patients. “There is already a level of familiarity and trust when you return to work in your own community,” he explains.
“Many patients know me through school, sport, or other community activities. That existing relationship often makes conversations about treatment easier because there is already a foundation of trust.”
Jim believes these relationships are one of the greatest strengths of country practice.
“When patients feel comfortable and understood, they are more likely to engage with their treatment and oral health goals. In a regional community, positive experiences are often shared widely, which helps strengthen those relationships further.”
Challenges and rewards
One of the biggest adjustments for Jim was learning the business and communication aspects of private practice.
“Dental School prepares us exceptionally well clinically but discussing the costs of treatment and helping patients understand their options is a skill that develops with experience,” he says.
Practising in a close-knit community also brings unique responsibilities.
“In a regional town, you frequently see patients outside the practice. Whether at the supermarket, a sporting event, or out for dinner, you are very much part of the community you serve.” While this visibility can add pressure, Jim sees it as a privilege.
“It reinforces the importance of delivering the highest standard of care every day. At the same time, it creates meaningful connections with patients and allows you to see firsthand the positive impact of your work.”
Giving back through volunteer dentistry
Volunteer dentistry has been a significant influence on Jim’s professional development. As a final-year student and now as a practising dentist, he has participated in outreach programs with the Kimberley Dental Team and the Hanrine Foundation.
“John and Jan Owen and Dr Jilen Patel have been outstanding mentors in this space,” Jim says. “Their commitment to improving access to care in remote communities has been incredibly inspiring.”
Jim believes volunteer work has strengthened both his clinical skills and his perspective as a practitioner.
“Providing care in remote settings teaches adaptability, resourcefulness and patient-centred decision-making. While ideal treatment outcomes remain the goal, you learn to develop practical solutions that reflect the realities of each patient’s circumstances.”
Those lessons continue to influence his work in Esperance. “Many of my patients travel hundreds of kilometres to attend appointments. Understanding the challenges associated with distance and access helps me provide treatment plans that are both realistic and achievable.”
Contributing through ADAWA
Jim is also involved with the ADAWA Recent Graduates and Student Liaison Committee and the Country Councillors Committee. “While I’m still finding my feet, it has been a rewarding experience to contribute so early in my career,” he says.
“As a recent graduate, I can relate closely to the challenges and opportunities faced by students and new practitioners. I hope that perspective helps encourage greater engagement and strengthens connections across our profession.”
Advice for New Graduates
For those beginning their careers, Jim emphasises the importance of mentorship and professional networks.
“I was fortunate to build relationships with experienced members of the profession through ADAWA, the New Practitioner Program and my university tutors.”
“Having access to experienced colleagues who are willing to discuss cases, provide guidance and offer support has been invaluable to my professional development.”
He also highlights the importance of maintaining balance. “Every practitioner needs to find a work-life balance that suits their individual circumstances. Understanding what allows you to remain engaged, motivated and healthy is essential for a sustainable and rewarding career.”
Why consider rural dentistry?
For dentists considering a move to regional practice, Jim believes the opportunities are exceptional.
“Rural dentistry provides the opportunity to practise a broad scope of dentistry and develop clinical confidence quickly,” he says.
“In many regional communities, access to specialist services is limited and travel can be costly and the deciding factor for patients. As a result, general dentists often play a critical role in delivering comprehensive care.”
While referral pathways remain important, Jim says regional practice encourages clinicians to expand their skills and embrace a broader scope of treatment.
“It challenges you professionally, accelerates your growth as a clinician and allows you to make a genuine difference in communities where access to care is often limited.”
“For me, the combination of professional development, community connection and service to patients has made rural dentistry an incredibly rewarding career choice.”
