Ollie Randell: A Real Look at Modern Dentistry
Knowing dentistry was the right path
Not everyone knows what they want to do right away - and that’s okay. Since I was 17, I knew Dentistry was for me. From the moment I realised it combined science, creativity, and genuinely helping people, I was hooked - I simply love making people smile.
Showing what dentistry is really like
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to become a Dentist today, I’m here to help you navigate the path. Whether you’re deciding if Dentistry is right for you, figuring out the steps to get started, or just curious what life as a modern Dentist looks like, my TikTok gives a clear, behind-the-scenes look and practical advice to guide you along the way.
Facing setbacks during dental school
But like any path worth taking, it came with its challenges. Midway through dental school, a serious back injury forced me to take a year out. It was tough - physically, mentally, emotionally - and watching everyone else move forward while I recovered could have been crushing.
But stepping back also gave me clarity. I realised that setbacks don’t define your journey; how you respond to them does.
Returning with purpose
When I returned, I pushed through with more focus than ever, eventually starting my foundation training. That’s when things started to feel almost… destined.
I was placed in a practice with incredible supervisors - not just brilliant dentists, but a Christian family whose values mirrored my own. It was rare to find that kind of alignment, professionally and personally, and it immediately felt like the right place to grow.
Even small, seemingly random moments reinforced that feeling. When we drew names for our surgeries, the one I ended up with felt perfect. Something clicked. It wasn’t just a room; it was a space that somehow chose me.
How content creation began
I knew I had to make the most of it - and that’s where content creation began. The surgery, the people, the timing - it all felt like it was meant to be.
From there, everything followed naturally: filming small snippets, sharing what life as a modern Dentist actually looks like, and slowly building a platform that has reached almost 5 million views.
Posting online and pushing past fear
I’ll be real though, I knew I would be judged posting online, especially starting with 0 followers. But I promised myself I would post for a year regardless of views and simply focus on creating content that genuinely added value to people’s lives. That sense of purpose kept me going.
The support I received was incredible. My supervisors encouraged it, my friends and family were fully behind me, and it gave me the confidence to create content that felt authentic.
Sharing a more realistic view of dentistry
When I looked online, I noticed a gap in dental content: much of it didn’t really show what it’s like to be a young Dentist - the challenges, yes, but also the fun, the energy, and the moments that make the job exciting.
I wanted to bridge that gap, giving students and early-career professionals a real sense of what modern Dentistry can be, beyond childhood memories of the Dentist chair.
Helping others find clarity and confidence
Looking back, this journey has taught me that there’s no single “right” way to get where you want to be. Setbacks, uncertainty, and unexpected turns are all part of the process - but they don’t mean you’re off track.
If you’re considering Dentistry, already on the path, or just trying to figure out what a modern dental career actually looks like, my goal is to give you clarity, confidence, and a real-world perspective.
I share the realities of training, early career life, and balancing work with everything outside the clinic, so you can make informed decisions and move forward with purpose. If that sounds helpful, you know where to find me.