In this episode of Speaking Sidemount brought to you by XDEEP, host Steve Davis interviews Ana Gonçalves, a prosthodontist and sidemount diver, about her unique journey that intertwines her expertise in dentistry with her passion for diving. They explore the challenges and rewards of sidemount diving, the importance of proper training, and the risks associated with dental work while diving. Ana shares her experiences, insights into diving medicine, and her aspirations in hyperbaric medicine, providing a comprehensive look at the intersection of these two fields. In this conversation, Steve Davis and Ana Filipa Gonçalves discuss various aspects of diving, including the challenges and techniques of sidemount diving, the transition to rebreather diving with the Sidewinder, and the importance of building experience. They also touch on Ana's journey through her Mod 1 course, her aspirations for future diving in Mexico, and her career in dentistry, particularly her collaboration with DAN to address dental health issues related to diving. The conversation highlights the significance of proper equipment, training, and safety in the diving community.
Thanks to: Our Sponsor XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu
Ana Gonçalves - https://www.instagram.com/agoncalves.dds.dmo
Image Credit: Rui Oliveira https://www.instagram.comruipaoliveira/
Diving in Portugal - https://www.portugaldive.com
Ana will be attending Diving Talks Lisbon 17 - 19 October 2025 with the DAN Europe team. More info here - https://www.divingtalks.com
Get your copy of Steve’s Sidemount Fundamentals eBook - Click here