Welcome to the Research Masterclass series, a collaboration between the SASMA Podcast and the Research Masterminds Success Academy. This series was created for clinicians, academics, and professionals who are curious about research but often find the academic world opaque, intimidating, or complicated.

The aim of this series is to slow that conversation down. We want to unpack research in a way that is honest, grounded, and practical.

In this second episode of the series, we are joined by Professor Benita Olivier, to take us through how to develop a proposal as well as the study design research hub. Together, we unpack this topic and delve into the complexities that research may bring.

Links as discussed in the podcast:

The hidden cost of choosing the wrong study design: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/choosing-the-wrong-study-design

Study Designs & Research Methods Resource Hub: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/courses/128704-study-designs-research-methods-resource

In this episode of the SASMA Podcast, host Dr Aasha Parshotam is joined by Dr Bhavik Ganda, Dr Umair Mohammed, and Dr John Haughey to explore the emerging field of sports dentistry and its growing role in athlete health and performance. From the prevention and management of dentofacial injuries to the impact of oral health on recovery, fatigue, and confidence, the discussion highlights why dentistry should be an integral part of the multidisciplinary sports medicine team. Inspired by insights from the South African Sports Dentistry Conference, this episode sheds light on how clinicians, coaches, and athletes can better protect both performance and long-term oral health.

Welcome to the Research Masterclass series, a collaboration between the SASMA Podcast and the Research Masterminds Success Academy. This series was created for clinicians, academics, and professionals who are curious about research but often find the academic world opaque, intimidating, or complicated.

The aim of this series is to slow that conversation down. We want to unpack research in a way that is honest, grounded, and practical—starting not with methods or proposals, but with the bigger questions: what is research training, why do people do it, and how do you even begin?

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Benita Olivier, to take us through "where to even begin." If you’ve ever thought, “I might want to do research, but I’m not sure what that actually means,” this conversation is for you.