Dental Leaders Podcast: Recent Episodes
Prav Solanki & Payman Langroudi
The Dental Leaders podcast takes you on a behind the scenes journey with emerging leaders in dentistry. Success leaves clues, and these conversations uncover the depth, detail, and backstory behind our guests.
The show is hosted by dental entrepreneurs Payman Langroudi & Prav Solanki. Let the conversation flow.
Find out more at https://www.dentalleaders.co.uk/
This compelling episode features Lala, the anonymous voice behind "Lalalaletmeexplain" - a former social worker turned influential author who's helped thousands recognise red flags and find their worth.
Rhona and Payman explore deeply personal territory as Lala shares her childhood trauma, decade-long career in child protection, and the systemic failures she witnessed firsthand. The conversation weaves through heavy topics, including misogyny, male influencers like Andrew Tate, and the recent concerning developments in UK abortion rights.
What emerges is a raw, unflinching look at how childhood experiences shape our adult relationships, why anonymity can be liberating, and how society's treatment of vulnerable people - from social workers to women seeking healthcare - reveals our collective blind spots.
In This Episode
00:02:45 - The birth of anonymity
00:04:40 - Why hiding can mean truth-telling
00:09:10 - When dads abandon and mothers struggle
00:15:15 - Forgiving the unforgivable
00:24:15 - From personal pain to professional purpose
00:28:40 - When systems fail the vulnerable
00:42:35 - Blackbox thinking
00:59:55 - Misogyny as cultural DNA
01:11:55 - The Andrew Tate problem
01:15:00 - When women turn on women
01:32:05 - Justice on trial
01:38:45 - Tracking women's bodies
01:47:15 - Healing through words
01:52:35 - Moving trauma through movement
About Lala
Lala is a former social worker who spent over a decade in safeguarding, witnessing firsthand the realities of domestic abuse and child protection. She's now a best-selling author and one of the most important voices online when it comes to love, abuse, power and patriarchy. Operating anonymously through her platform "Lalalaletmeexplain," she helps people recognise red flags, establish boundaries, and understand their worth through truth and lived experience.
Andrew El-Khanagry's journey from anxious young associate to confident practitioner reveals the transformative power of purpose-driven dentistry.
Five years out from dental school, this Egyptian-born dentist has navigated the challenges of perfecting his craft while building Mobile Smiles, a charity bringing dental care to underserved communities worldwide.
Through candid conversations about clinical mistakes, the value of communication over technique, and finding balance between profit and purpose, Andrew shares insights that resonate with dentists at every stage of their careers.
His story demonstrates how early setbacks can become catalysts for growth and why the best education sometimes comes from unexpected sources.
In This Episode
00:01:45 - Podcast listening habits
00:03:10 - Early life in Egypt and England
00:04:25 - Language barriers and adaptation
00:06:25 - Career influences and family guidance
00:08:00 - Dental school at Birmingham
00:09:45 - Academic challenges and friendships
00:11:30 - First job and PhD experience
00:13:50 - Staying versus moving practices
00:15:15 - Clinical anxiety and perfectionism
00:18:25 - Transition to private practice
00:20:25 - Communication skills training
00:25:00 - Patient relationships and continuity
00:33:20 - Mobile Smiles charity foundation
00:36:20 - International dental missions
00:43:10 - Cost-effectiveness of charity work
00:48:45 - UK-based charity initiatives
00:53:15 - Purpose versus profit in dentistry
00:54:30 - Instagram as dental education
00:56:40 - Career direction and specialisation
01:04:30 - Blackbox thinking
01:11:05 - Best educational experiences
01:21:00 - Trust-building in private practice
01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party
01:43:50 - Last days and legacy
About Andrew El-Khanagry
Andrew El-Khanagry is a general restorative dentist with a focus on prosthodontics, five years qualified from Birmingham Dental School. Born in Egypt and raised in Burton-on-Trent, he's the founder of Mobile Smiles, a UK-based charity providing dental care in underserved communities across Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, and South America.
Sonia Rajput shares her journey from being a self-described introvert from Birmingham to becoming a dentist at two of London's most prestigious dental practices.
Throughout the conversation, she reveals how she balanced ambition with prioritising work-life balance, leveraging social media to advance her career despite her natural introversion.
Sonia offers valuable insights into building a private dentistry career, discussing everything from clinical techniques to patient communication, while being refreshingly candid about her struggles, successes, and her approach to finding fulfilment both professionally and personally.
In This Episode
00:01:45 - Early career and self-perception
00:03:15 - Childhood and family background
00:05:00 - Choosing dentistry over medicine
00:06:25 - University experience at Birmingham
00:09:35 - Dental school challenges
00:10:15 - Professional ambition development
00:12:15 - First professional experiences
00:13:45 - Working at Scott Arms practice
00:18:00 - Aligning, bleaching and bonding focus
00:21:35 - Communication in private practice
00:23:30 - Landing prestigious jobs
00:29:30 - Social media marketing strategies
00:35:35 - Content creation process
00:42:55 - Current practice environments
00:56:45 - Blackbox thinking
01:07:05 - Facial aesthetics
01:11:45 - Career satisfaction and future plans
01:21:20 - Fantasy dinner party
About Sonia Rajput
Sonia Rajput is a 29-year-old dentist who comes from a medical family but chose dentistry over her family's profession of medicine. Currently working with Mark Hughes in Beaconsfield and at London Smile Clinic with Tim Bradstock-Smith, she has a special interest in aesthetic dentistry and facial aesthetics. Despite describing herself as naturally introverted, Sonia has built a significant social media presence that has helped her secure positions at prestigious practices and develop her career.
Stina Sanders, a former dating app co-founder turned therapist and mental health advocate, joins Rhona and Payman for a raw conversation about love, trauma, and the difference between chaos and genuine connection.
From selling her relationship-focused business Huggle to studying therapy after her own healing journey, Stina unpacks why we mistake dysfunction for passion, how trauma bonds keep us stuck, and whether AI can replace human connection in healing.
This episode challenges everything you think you know about modern dating, attachment patterns, and what healthy love actually looks like.
In This Episode
00:02:05 - From PR to dating apps: Building Huggle
00:04:30 - Psychology calling: The moment everything clicked
00:07:50 - Abusive relationships: When love becomes survival
00:11:00 - The great love debate: Chaos versus calm
00:16:30 - Time and truth: Why masks slip eventually
00:18:30 - Training to heal: Mirror work in therapy school
00:21:15 - Spotting narcissists: What predators actually look for
00:25:15 - Social media narcissists: The new hunting ground
00:28:10 - Dating app fatigue: Endless options, empty connections
00:32:00 - High standards trap: When perfection becomes isolation
00:39:50 - Trauma bonds: The addiction to emotional rollercoasters
00:43:05 - ChatGPT therapy: Digital healing or dangerous replacement?
00:48:00 - Modelling toxicity: Beauty industry's brutal reality
00:52:00 - Hormonal truth: PMDD and the medical gender gap
00:56:00 - Relationship detective: Every couple's unique puzzle
About Stina Sanders
Stina Sanders is a qualified therapist, mental health advocate, and former co-founder of dating app Huggle. After experiencing her own journey through abusive relationships and subsequent healing, she transitioned from the tech world to study therapy and is currently pursuing her master's degree. Stina regularly shares insights on emotional wellbeing, relationship patterns, and social media transparency through her platforms and is preparing to launch her own therapy clinic in Soho.
In this captivating episode of Dental Leaders, Payman sits down with Dr Moj Dehghanpour, a dentist whose journey from immigrant child to practice owner embodies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
From navigating tough comprehensive schools to founding the premium Your Dental Wellness practices, Moj shares how his background shaped his ability to connect with patients across social divides.
Throughout the conversation, he offers refreshing insights into clinical mistakes, practice positioning, and the vital role of communication in dentistry, while emphasising the importance of creating positive patient experiences through attention to detail and genuine human connection.
In This Episode
00:01:45 - Immigrant beginnings: Moving from Iran to the UK
00:04:20 - School experiences and finding resilience
00:13:10 - The Westminster City comprehensive years
00:21:40 - Why dentistry? From medicine to dental career
00:31:25 - Dental school at Queen Mary's in Whitechapel
00:34:30 - Early career in Norfolk
00:43:45 - Learning implantology
01:04:00 - Blackbox thinking
01:17:25 - Life in Qatar as a dentist
01:29:10 - Your Dental Wellness practice journey
01:35:35 - Team building: Hiring for personality
01:44:35 - Practice positioning in the market
01:57:50 - Fantasy dinner party
02:02:55 - Last days and legacy
About Moj Dehghanpour
Dr. Moj Dehghanpour is the co-founder of Your Dental Wellness practices and a passionate dentist with 18 years of clinical experience. Born in Iran and moving to the UK at age seven, Moj qualified from Queen Mary's in 2007 and has since worked across the UK and internationally in Qatar.
His career spans NHS practice ownership in Norfolk, specialist work at the renowned Hospital Lane referral clinic, and now his premium private practices in Islington and Maida Vale.
In this captivating conversation, Payman welcomes Alan Clarke, the innovative founder of Paste Dental in Belfast and creator of Paste Presents.
Alan shares his journey from growing up in Northern Ireland to developing a global mindset through international experiences.
Throughout the episode, he discusses building a lifestyle dental brand, his groundbreaking international dental mastermind events, and his passion for community building within dentistry.
Alan's entrepreneurial spirit, faith-driven purpose, and willingness to take calculated risks showcase a refreshing perspective on leadership that transcends geographical boundaries and traditional dental practice limitations.
In This Episode
00:02:10 - Tall poppy syndrome
00:04:30 - Growing up as an only child with supportive parents
00:08:10 - Life-changing Washington Ireland Program experience
00:14:35 - Behind the scenes of American politics
00:19:20 - Reflections on Northern Ireland and the Troubles
00:22:15 - Bloom where you're planted: returning to Belfast
00:25:25 - Cultural differences between UK, US and European business
00:33:15 - Clinical education at Queen's University Belfast
00:43:40 - Buying and rebranding a dental practice during COVID
00:47:15 - Managing patient expectations during practice transition
00:51:55 - Creating a lifestyle brand in dentistry
00:54:55 - Providing exceptional patient experiences
01:00:05 - Empowering staff to create memorable moments
01:07:30 - Adding value through communication and technology
01:11:10 - Creating Paste Presents: a global dental mastermind
01:17:15 - Building relationships through shared experiences
01:23:50 - Free university events to support dental students
01:29:15 - Faith as a foundation for business and life
01:35:05 - Perspectives on AI in dentistry
01:42:45 - Fantasy dinner party
01:48:45 - Last days and legacy
About Alan Clarke
Alan Clarke is a dentist, entrepreneur and visionary from Belfast, Northern Ireland. As the founder of Paste Dental, he has transformed a traditional practice into a modern lifestyle brand offering high-end dentistry with exceptional patient experiences.
Alan is also the creator of Paste Presents, an exclusive international dental mastermind that brings together influential dentists from around the world for immersive learning experiences in exotic locations.
A graduate of Queen's University Belfast with further education in medical law and ethics at Edinburgh, Alan balances his clinical work with entrepreneurial ventures and a passion for elevating the dental profession.
His international connections, particularly in the US, have helped him develop a unique perspective that combines American entrepreneurial spirit with Northern Irish values.
Payman welcomes renowned restorative aesthetic dentist Richard Lee to the Dental Leaders podcast. Richard shares his journey from an unintentional entry into dentistry to becoming one of the UK's top cosmetic clinicians.
With refreshing candour, he discusses the endless pursuit of excellence, his formative education under mentors like Chris Orr, and his approach to balancing artistry with practicality.
Throughout the episode, Richard reflects on how his international experiences, including a recent stint in New Zealand, have shaped his perspective on dentistry and life.
In This Episode
00:02:10 - The endless pursuit of excellence and early inspirations
00:05:50 - Discovering dentistry and university experiences
00:12:10 - Early career burnout and taking a year off to dive
00:20:25 - The influence of American occlusion courses
00:26:35 - Returning to dentistry with a new perspective
00:31:30 - Working as Chris Orr's first associate
00:38:00 - Finding your confidence in clinical dentistry
00:41:35 - Injection moulding technique for composite
00:47:15 - Working with technicians and their importance
00:51:40 - Handling difficult cases and patient expectations
00:57:20 - Setting boundaries with patients seeking dramatic aesthetics
01:07:35 - Primary tooth anatomy in composite work
01:15:25 - The New Zealand experience
01:30:35 - Clinical errors and managing patient expectations
01:38:00 - Redoing porcelain veneers for patient satisfaction
01:44:00 - Finding fulfillment in dentistry
01:47:15 - Fantasy dinner party
01:47:45 - Last days and legacy
About Richard Lee
Richard Lee is one of the UK's leading restorative aesthetic dentists, renowned for his work in both composite and ceramic restorations. A graduate of Birmingham University, Richard's career journey took him from NHS dentistry to becoming the first associate at Chris Orr's London Bridge practice.
He has extensive experience in high-end private practice and currently works with Bupa. Richard is also an educator who runs sought-after composite courses internationally, including freehand and injection moulding techniques. His career has included a period working in New Zealand before returning to the UK, where he now practises in London while commuting from Winchester.
Payman speaks with Anni Seaborne, Head of General Dentistry at Bupa. Anni shares her unconventional journey from international childhood to sports dentistry, including her work with elite athletes and Formula One teams.
The conversation weaves through her transition into corporate leadership, her honest reflections on being fiercely competitive, and how she balances multiple career paths while navigating personal choices. Throughout, Anni reveals how her sporting background has shaped her approach to dentistry and leadership.
In This Episode
00:01:30 - Practice ownership challenges and imposter syndrome
00:02:10 - Growing up internationally and boarding school life
00:04:25 - Early sporting career and swimming allergy
00:08:00 - Introduction to sports dentistry
00:11:25 - Working with elite teams and athletes
00:14:45 - The unique oral health challenges of athletes
00:18:35 - Building trust with elite athletes
00:20:25 - Performance-enhancing dental appliances
00:23:30 - Sports dentistry logistics and time management
00:27:20 - Corporate leadership experience
00:35:25 - Creating high-performing dental teams
00:38:40 - Making dentistry more enjoyable for staff
00:44:15 - NHS dentistry challenges
00:51:25 - Tooth Angel sustainable oral care products
00:56:35 - Blackbox thinking
01:05:10 - Sports career ending injury
01:15:25 - Work-life balance and career focus
01:20:35 - Fantasy dinner party
01:21:55 - Last days and legacy
About Anni Seaborne
Anni Seaborne is Head of General Dentistry at Bupa and a sports dentistry specialist who works with elite athletes, including England Rugby and Formula One teams.
A Cardiff graduate, she's played lacrosse at national level for Wales and holds a master's in sports dentistry.
Beyond her clinical work, Anni is an entrepreneur with stakes in sustainable oral care brand Tooth Angel and is developing her own sports dentistry course. Her unique international upbringing and sporting background have given her a distinct perspective on leadership and team dynamics in dentistry.
In this emotionally rich and refreshingly candid episode of Mind Movers, Julius Cowdrey joins Rhona and Payman to explore everything from public vulnerability to private pain.
Once a singer-songwriter and Made in Chelsea star, Julius opens up about chasing validation, generational trauma, the pressure to provide, and the chaos of early success.
Now a transformational coach, he reflects on the personal work it took to leave reality TV behind and step into purpose.
Expect unfiltered honesty on masculinity, mental health, family dynamics, social media comparison, and what it really takes to feel “enough.”
In This Episode
00:01:00 – Reinvention and identity
00:10:30 – Pressure to provide
00:20:00 – Family, love and legacy
00:29:30 – Made in Chelsea: dark side
00:39:00 – Leaving TV for growth
00:48:30 – Coaching and imposter syndrome
00:58:00 – Purpose through helping others
01:07:30 – Social media and truth
01:17:00 – Masculinity and mental health
01:26:00 – Fantasy dinner party guests
About Julius Cowdrey
Julius Cowdrey is a transformational coach, speaker and content creator known for his emotional intelligence, powerful conversations on male vulnerability, and background in music and television. After rising to fame on Made in Chelsea, Julius left the show to focus on his personal growth and now helps others move from chaos to clarity in their lives through coaching and his widely shared content series, The Mic.
In the second part of this enlightening conversation, Martin and Vinnie Attariani dive deeper into their professional lives and personal passions.
They discuss their experiences as judges for dental awards, their perspectives on industry recognition, and Martin's surprising side career as a professional magician.
The conversation explores their charitable endeavours, reflections on effective altruism, and their vision for a more holistic approach to healthcare that extends beyond dentistry.
With candid insights about prevention, patient education, and the importance of looking at overall wellbeing, the Attarianis reveal their aspirations to create something more comprehensive than traditional dental care.
In This Episode
00:00:50 - Judging dental awards
00:05:10 - Dispelling award myths
00:09:35 - Patient journey innovations
00:13:15 - First impressions in practice
00:17:25 - The Top 50 dental list
00:21:00 - Kilimanjaro expedition
00:29:40 - Charity fundraising
00:32:30 - Effective altruism discussion
00:40:30 - Magic as a second career
00:43:35 - The Magic Dentist project
00:45:40 - Prevention and sugar frequency
00:53:15 - Future business plans
00:57:50 - Holistic healthcare vision
About Martin and Vinnie Attariani
Martin Attariani fled Iran as a teenage refugee before qualifying as a dentist in Sweden, where he also holds a master's in biochemistry.
Now practising in the UK for 17 years, he operates a beautifully refurbished listed building practice where he excels in complex dentistry, including implants, endodontics, and orthodontics.
Vinnie Attariani, originally from Canada, moved to the UK through an arranged marriage at 17, qualifying in dentistry from Birmingham in 2000 while raising two sons during her undergraduate years.
She practices in a partnership at Houston Place, one of the UK's oldest dental practices, established in the 1840s.
In this deeply personal first part of a two-part interview, Payman Langroudi sits down with the dental power couple Martin and Vinnie Attariani.
They share their remarkable journey to the UK - Martin's harrowing escape from Iran as a 14-year-old refugee to Sweden, and Vinnie's move from Canada to the UK through an arranged marriage at 17.
The conversation explores their paths into dentistry, their approach to clinical excellence, and their philosophy about practice ownership. With candid reflections on mistakes, patient management, and work-life balance, the Attarianis offer invaluable insights into what makes a fulfilling career in dentistry while maintaining perspective on what truly matters in life.
In This Episode
00:01:55 - Meeting and getting together
00:05:40 - Martin's escape from Iran
00:25:25 - First reunion with family
00:31:40 - Vinnie's journey from Canada
00:43:35 - Balancing education and motherhood
00:51:45 - Swedish dental education
01:03:55 - Digital dentistry and scanning
01:11:35 - Blackbox thinking: Clinical errors
01:17:15 - Fitness to practice investigation
01:22:40 - Managing cosmetic patient expectations
01:31:25 - Partnership practice model
01:39:00 - Mental health in dentistry
01:51:40 - Fantasy dinner party
01:54:35 - Last days and legacy
About Martin and Vinnie Attariani
Martin Attariani fled Iran as a teenage refugee before qualifying as a dentist in Sweden, where he also holds a master's in biochemistry.
Now practising in the UK for 17 years, he operates a beautifully refurbished listed building practice where he excels in complex dentistry, including implants, endodontics, and orthodontics.
Vinnie Attariani, originally from Canada, moved to the UK through an arranged marriage at 17, qualifying in dentistry from Birmingham in 2000 while raising two sons during her undergraduate years.
She practices in a partnership at Houston Place, one of the UK's oldest dental practices, established in the 1840s.
Prav sits down with husband-and-wife team Drs Mumta and Amit Jilka, the owners of Abbey House Dental.
From humble beginnings working in corner shops to building a successful multi-practice dental business, the Jilkas share their inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and growth.
They candidly discuss how their business flourished organically before adopting a more strategic approach, including the challenges they faced during a financial crisis in 2024 that nearly led to bankruptcy, and how they turned it around through team solidarity, data-driven decisions, and improved associate mentorship.
In This Episode
00:01:40 - Backstory
00:26:40 - Path to dentistry and how they both ended up at Sheffield University
00:29:35 - How Mumta and Amit met at dental school and their early relationship
00:41:25 - The purchase of their first practice and the beginning of Abbey House Dental
00:45:55 - Balancing practice growth with raising children
00:48:35 - How Covid provided a valuable opportunity to reassess their business strategy
00:51:55 - Financial crisis of 2024 and discovering their business model wasn't working
00:57:45 - Difficult conversations with associates about reducing percentages
01:01:35 - The importance of mentoring associates, especially with consultation skills
01:04:55 - Current state of Abbey House and future growth plans
01:10:55 - Reflections on their journey and thriving in crisis mode
01:15:55 - Last days and legacy - advice they would leave for their children
01:19:15 - Fantasy dinner party guests
About Mumta and Amit Jilka
Dr. Mumta and Dr. Amit Jilka own Abbey House Dental, a group of four dental practices known for high-quality private dentistry, Invisalign, and implant treatments.
Both raised in entrepreneurial families with corner shop businesses, they met at Sheffield University's dental school and married two years after graduation.
Their business journey began with purchasing a single-surgery practice that has now expanded to multiple locations, all while raising three children and navigating the ups and downs of dental practice ownership.
Prav Solanki returns as host to interview Dev Patel, CEO of Dental Beauty Partners, about growing and scaling dental practices.
This episode effectively distills the regular conversations Prav and Dev have about practice growth, offering listeners a fly-on-the-wall experience of their candid discussions.
Dev shares his straightforward approach to practice growth, emphasising the importance of leadership, financial literacy, and a patient-first mindset. They discuss everything from evaluating practice potential and understanding financial statements to employee relationships and investment strategies.
The episode builds toward an exciting announcement about a new joint venture that promises to transform how practice owners approach business growth: https://www.startscaleexit.co.uk
In This Episode
00:02:40 - Practice-growth mindset
00:04:35 - Growth & NHS
00:09:00 - Improving patient journey and experience
00:12:30 - Due diligence and practice acquisitions
00:14:15 - Investing in people vs investing in premises
00:17:15 - Financial literacy and business training
00:33:10 - Investing in tech
00:36:35 - Sales and practice profitability
00:39:10 - Revenue growth with cost control
00:41:25 - Leadership and transparency
00:44:55 - Modern vs traditional leadership approaches
00:47:20 - Big announcement
About Dev Patel
Dev Patel is the CEO of Dental Beauty Partners, a dental group with 57 practices across the UK.
With over 15 years of experience in practice acquisitions and growth, Dev has developed a reputation for rapidly scaling dental businesses through strategic partnerships and a people-focused investment approach.
His expertise lies in identifying growth opportunities, streamlining operations, and creating sustainable business models in dentistry.
Payman chats with Kaival Patel, the dynamic force behind Kana Health Group. Kaival opens up about his journey from an enthusiastic associate dentist to the leader of a thriving dental empire comprising five large practices and 130 staff members.
With refreshing candour, he shares the challenges of creating a positive culture, the emotional lows of practice ownership, and his innovative approaches to team building and referral marketing.
What truly shines through is Kaival's passion for developing people and creating workplaces where positivity becomes the foundation for success.
In This Episode
00:01:40 - Practice culture and family vibe across multiple locations
00:04:15 - North Star: Establishing positivity and respect as core values
00:09:50 - Evolution vs. revolution in practice acquisitions
00:12:35 - Growing as a leader and management evolution
00:16:30 - The Kana Cup: Points for positivity team system
00:19:20 - Handling resistance to new ideas
00:24:20 - Hiring for attitude over skill
00:30:15 - Business structure and organisation
00:40:35 - Pursuing peace vs. potential
00:53:05 - Creating a referral centre
00:57:45 - The hamper drop: Innovative referral marketing
01:04:00 - Career evolution and identity crisis
01:14:15 - Fantasy dinner party
01:28:55 - Last days and legacy
About Kaival Patel
Kaival is the co-director of Kana Health Group, which operates five large dental practices with 28-29 chairs across Milton Keynes, employing approximately 130 team members.
Originally from a family of Ugandan Asian immigrants who valued education above all, Kaival transitioned from clinical dentistry to business leadership after experiencing eye health issues during COVID.
Together with his wife Serena, he has developed the Kana Academy, an educational institution providing high-quality dental training in Milton Keynes.
In this powerful episode of Mind Movers, Rhona and Payman speak with Jacqueline Hurst, one of the UK's leading life coaches and mindset experts.
Jacqueline shares her remarkable journey from addiction, anorexia and self-destruction to becoming a force for change who has helped thousands transform their lives.
With raw honesty, she explains how she hit rock bottom at 25, found recovery, and developed her no-nonsense approach to mindset work.
The conversation explores how our thoughts create our feelings, the importance of self-awareness, and why finding inner peace has become Jacqueline's definition of success after 22 years of sobriety.
In This Episode
00:01:35 - Introduction and background
00:03:35 - Early struggles with addiction
00:05:25 - Parenting impact without blame
00:10:00 - Mindset management philosophy
00:22:15 - Fight or flight responses
00:29:10 - Rock bottom and turning point
00:30:10 - Recovery through meetings
00:39:35 - Thought patterns vs feelings
00:49:10 - Relationships and emotional intelligence
00:53:25 - Common limiting beliefs
00:55:40 - Self-awareness techniques
01:00:00 - Peace as true success 01:08:15 - Last days and legacy
About Jacqueline Hurst
Jacqueline Hurst is one of the UK's leading life coaches, a mindset expert and author of "How to Do You". After overcoming severe addiction issues and hitting rock bottom at age 25, she transformed her life and has now been clean for 22 years. Her straight-talking approach has helped over 9,000 clients break free from limiting beliefs and take control of their minds.
In this captivating episode of Dental Leaders, Payman sits down with specialist endodontist Ammar Al Hourani. Born in Syria and raised in Scotland, Ammar shares his journey from reluctant dental student to passionate endodontics specialist.
The conversation weaves through his life-changing experiences in refugee camps, the challenges of specialist training, and his current success running courses in the UK and India.
Throughout the discussion, Ammar offers valuable clinical insights on everything from diagnosis to obturation while reflecting on the importance of listening to one's gut instinct in both clinical practice and life.
In This Episode
00:01:55 - Scottish upbringing and cultural identity
00:04:55 - Path to dentistry
00:14:45 - Refugee camp experiences
00:22:25 - Endodontic specialisation journey
00:27:35 - Imposter syndrome and building a practice
00:33:50 - Endodontic diagnosis tips
00:36:15 - Access cavity preparation
00:38:05 - Irrigation techniques
00:41:35 - File systems and obturation
00:45:40 - Coronal seal importance
00:49:50 - Managing cracked teeth
00:55:00 - Internal whitening techniques
01:03:40 - NHS dentistry challenges
01:08:40 - Continuing education courses
01:28:10 - Blackbox thinking
01:36:45 - Fantasy dinner party
About Ammar Al Hourani
Ammar Al Hourani is a specialist endodontist based in London. Originally from Syria but raised in Scotland, he completed his specialist training at Liverpool after working in various clinical settings. He now divides his time between clinical practice at multiple locations and teaching through "The Endo Guy," offering courses in both the UK and India.
In this Dental Leaders episode, Payman sits down with Sam Cope, a dentist whose journey to dentistry began in physiotherapy.
Known for his focus on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, Sam discusses the habits that keep his clinical days finely tuned, the influence of mentors, and his obsession with detail. He reflects on how his background in physio shaped his approach to patient care, back health, and long-term sustainability in dentistry.
The conversation ranges from composite techniques and mental health to happiness, burnout, and redefining success. Honest, introspective, and often unexpectedly profound, this is an episode that challenges what it means to thrive in modern dentistry.
In This Episode
00:01:00 – Daily habits and preparation
00:13:00 – Mentorship and clinical growth
00:25:00 – Blackbox thinking: Mistakes & lessons
00:35:00 – From physio to dentistry
00:47:00 – Adversity and inner drive
00:58:00 – Mental health and fulfilment
01:10:00 – Dentistry, stress and back pain
01:23:00 – Work-life balance philosophy
01:36:00 – Living below your means
01:48:00 – Fantasy dinner party guests
About Sam Cope
Sam Cope is a minimally invasive cosmetic dentist based at Love Teeth, known for his highly refined clinical systems and patient-focused care. Originally trained as a physiotherapist, he transitioned into dentistry after discovering a passion for aesthetic and restorative treatment. Sam combines his love for detail with a strong belief in reflection, mentorship, and doing fewer things, better.
Sarovi Davda, a general dentist with a special interest in periodontics, joins Payman for an insightful conversation about the evolution of periodontal treatment and the art of balancing professional expertise with personal growth.
From her journey through dental school to establishing herself as a medico-legal expert witness, Sarovi shares candid reflections on career choices, parenthood, and divorce. Her passion for periodontics combines technical skill with psychological understanding, emphasising how patient motivation transforms treatment outcomes.
Throughout the episode, Sarovi's spiritual outlook provides a refreshing perspective on finding meaning in dentistry and life beyond clinical practice.
In This Episode
00:01:40 - Practice limitation to periodontics and medico-legal work
00:05:35 - Childhood and education journey
00:09:35 - Balancing career with parenthood
00:10:25 - Navigating divorce and personal growth
00:17:45 - Dental school experiences
00:26:20 - Discovering a passion for periodontics
00:32:50 - Clinical prognosis in periodontics
00:39:00 - Interdental brushing vs flossing debate
00:43:50 - Medico-legal expert witness work
00:51:20 - Preventing periodontal litigation
01:14:15 - Blackbox thinking
01:27:50 - Fantasy dinner party
01:32:45 - Last days and legacy
About Sarovi Davda
Sarovi Davda is a general dentist whose practice is now completely limited to periodontics and medico-legal expert witness work. After completing her MSc in Restorative Dental Practice at the Eastman, she developed her expertise in periodontics under the mentorship of respected periodontists Phil Ower and Graham Smart. Sarovi divides her time equally between clinical periodontics and serving as an independent expert witness, bringing her evidence-based approach to both areas of her practice.
In this captivating episode, Payman Langroudi sits down with Bhavnish Waghela, owner of Natural Smiles practices in Leicester and Corby. Bhavnish shares his journey from NHS to private dentistry, discussing his philosophy of "Michelin-starred dentistry" and how his faith has guided significant business decisions.
With refreshing candour, he explores the challenges of opening squat practices, his evolution as an implantologist, and the importance of balancing professional success with family life.
Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Bhavnish reveals how his cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs have shaped his approach to dentistry and practice ownership.
In This Episode
00:01:00 - Practice ownership
00:03:15 - Michelin-starred dentistry philosophy
00:05:30 - Patient experience and team training
00:08:45 - Transitioning from NHS to private practice
00:10:45 - Squat practice challenges
00:15:35 - Community connections in Leicester
00:17:35 - Faith's influence on business decisions
00:24:45 - Questioning faith during difficult times
00:27:15 - Work-life balance philosophy
00:30:05 - Early life and dental education
00:35:35 - First job experiences
00:40:00 - Journey into implantology
00:46:35 - Surgical temperament in implantology
00:51:50 - Soft tissue management in implants
00:56:00 - Digital guided surgery adoption
01:01:40 - All-on-four marketing approach
01:02:30 - Blackbox thinking
01:09:10 - Associate selection and management
01:18:20 - Future plans and potential retirement
01:20:35 - Fantasy dinner party
01:25:25 - Last days and legacy
About Bhavnish Waghela
Bhavnish Waghela is the owner of Natural Smiles dental practices in Leicester and Corby. With nearly 30 years in dentistry, he transitioned from NHS to private practice, focusing primarily on implant and restorative dentistry. Deeply connected to his Hindu faith and Indian heritage, Bhavnish balances his professional life with community involvement and family priorities.
In this captivating conversation, young dentist Sarina Kiani shares her journey from GSK dental rep to working in two of London's most prestigious practices. Her remarkable story is one of resilience, authenticity and quiet confidence.
From knocking on 120 practice doors to secure her first private position to navigating challenges as a newly qualified dentist in high-end clinics, Sarina offers refreshing insights into building a successful career while maintaining mental wellbeing.
Her philosophy of finding joy in small everyday moments and not tying self-worth to professional achievements resonates throughout this honest and engaging discussion about dentistry, personal growth, and the importance of being yourself.
In This Episode
00:01:25 - Introduction to Sarina Kiani
00:01:35 - Landing prestigious jobs at Mehdi's and Rhona's practices
00:04:35 - Working as a dental nurse during COVID
00:07:10 - Journey to becoming a dentist
00:10:40 - Resilience and not taking no for an answer
00:13:50 - Source of resilience - her mother's story
00:19:10 - Identity tied to academic performance
00:23:45 - Quietly confident personality
00:27:20 - Challenges of dental school
00:31:35 - First jobs after graduation
00:43:15 - Getting a job through persistence
00:46:15 - Receptionists as gatekeepers
00:54:50 - Painless injections as practice builder
01:04:00 - Blackbox thinking
01:16:20 - Social media as marketing
01:24:25 - Fantasy dinner party
01:30:05 - Last days and legacy
About Sarina Kiani
Sarina Kiani is a young dentist working in two prestigious London practices - Mehdi's Refreshed Dental in Twickenham and Rhona's Chelsea Dental Clinic. After working as a GSK dental rep, she pursued dentistry at King's College London, demonstrating remarkable persistence through multiple application rejections. With a philosophy centered on authenticity and understanding the human side of patient care, she's quickly established herself as a rising talent in private dentistry.
In this compelling episode of Mind Movers, Rhona Eskander sits down with Dr Philippa Kaye, a GP, author, and menopause expert who's become a powerful voice in medical communication.
Their honest conversation traverses the landscape of women's health, from medical misogyny to the science of menopause.
Dr Kaye shares her personal cancer journey with raw vulnerability, offering profound insights on resilience and self-discovery.
The discussion challenges societal stigmas and highlights how historical biases continue to shape women's healthcare experiences today.
In This Episode
00:01:40 - Early life and medical career
00:03:35 - The power of medical communication
00:06:35 - Comparing dentistry and medicine as career paths
00:12:40 - Medical misogyny and gender health gap
00:21:05 - The origin of "hysteria" and medical sexism
00:24:20 - Mind-body connection in medicine
00:29:05 - Psychedelic medicine research
00:33:55 - Personal cancer journey
00:43:15 - Cancer rates and prevention
00:47:40 - The pursuit of happiness vs. suffering for goals
00:49:45 - Weight loss medications in society
00:55:50 - Body image and societal standards
01:05:25 - Menopause science and education
01:09:10 - Factors affecting menopause timing
About Dr Philippa Kaye
Dr Philippa Kaye is a practising GP, author, and prominent medical communicator who specialises in women's health and menopause education. With her background from Cambridge and King's College London, she divides her time between clinical practice and media work, where she translates complex medical information into accessible language for millions through television appearances and books including "The Science of Menopause."
Payman chats with three dental professionals from mydentist—Claire Stenhouse, Parin Shah, and Alyssia Willis—each offering a unique perspective on working within a corporate dental environment. Claire shares how she expanded her role as a hygiene therapist into whitening and restorative procedures, while Parin reflects on her journey from owning a practice in India to adapting to the UK system. Alyssia discusses her transition from dental nursing to therapy and the opportunities available within corporate dentistry. The discussion covers corporate autonomy, misconceptions about working in a large organisation, handling patient complaints, career growth, and the evolving role of therapists. The trio also discuss clinical mistakes, managing work-life balance, and their thoughts on the future of corporate dentistry.
In This Episode
00:01:00 - Introduction to corporate dentistry
00:12:30 - Expanding hygiene therapist roles
00:25:10 - Parin’s move from India
00:37:45 - Balancing NHS and private
00:48:30 - Blackbox thinking: Clinical mistakes
01:00:15 - Handling difficult patients
01:12:50 - Corporate dentistry evolution
01:25:20 - Private vs corporate careers
01:38:15 - Career impact and legacy
01:50:30 - Fantasy dinner party guests
About Claire Stenhouse, Parin Shah & Alyssia Willis
Claire Stenhouse is a hygiene therapist at mydentist in Skegness, where she has expanded her role beyond hygiene to include whitening and restorative treatments.
Parin Shah is a dentist who originally ran her own practice in India before moving to the UK. She shares insights on adapting to a new healthcare system and working within corporate dentistry.
Alyssia Willis transitioned from dental nursing to therapy, demonstrating the career growth opportunities within mydentist. She is passionate about expanding the therapist’s role and mentoring others in the field.
In this episode of Dental Leaders, Payman welcomes Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, to discuss the realities of corporate dentistry, leadership, and the evolving role of clinicians in large-scale dental organisations. Nyree dispels common misconceptions about corporate dentistry, emphasising the balance between clinical freedom and structured support. She shares insights into the challenges of managing thousands of dentists, the importance of mentorship, and the shift toward large multi-chair supercentres. With a career spanning both clinical and executive roles, Nyree offers a candid look at the business of dentistry, the future of NHS and private care, and the changes shaping the next generation of dentists.
In This Episode
00:01:00 - Misconceptions about corporate dentistry
00:02:30 - Clinical freedom vs. strategic partnerships in corporates
00:05:00 - Compliance, autonomy, and decision-making within mydentist.
00:07:40 - Balancing corporate goals with clinical priorities
00:09:30 - Private equity misconceptions: “Buy one, get one free” on fillings?!
00:14:15 - The reality of NHS patient numbers and service demand
00:17:30 - The 50/50 NHS-private revenue split and future of NHS care
00:21:15 - Recruitment challenges, overseas hiring, and finding the right dentists
00:25:50 - The rise of multi-chair supercentres and the shift from small practices
00:28:00 - Blackbox thinking: handling mistakes and improving patient care
00:35:30 - Managing the pressures of large-scale corporate dentistry
00:38:00 - Last days and legacy: Nyree’s reflections on career impact
00:45:10 - Fantasy dinner party: who would Nyree invite?
About Nyree Whitley
Nyree Whitley is the Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, overseeing clinical standards, development, and strategy for one of the UK’s largest dental groups. With a background in both clinical practice and executive leadership, she has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate dentistry, balancing the needs of clinicians with the operational goals of a nationwide brand. A passionate advocate for mentorship and professional growth, Nyree is committed to ensuring that dentists—whether newly qualified or experienced—have the right support, training, and opportunities to thrive.
Georgia Meacham opens up about her journey as a deaf model and actress, sharing her transformation from hiding her hearing aids to becoming a proud advocate for disability visibility.
Through honest conversation with Rhona and Payman, Georgia reveals how embracing her identity has improved her mental health and inspired others. Her story touches on themes of authenticity, representation in media, and the importance of normalising difference in society.
In This Episode
00:01:35 - Early diagnosis and childhood experiences
00:03:30 - Navigating mainstream education
00:05:05 - Speech therapy and communication development
00:07:00 - Family support and building confidence
00:16:15 - Hidden struggles and career challenges
00:25:10 - Mental health transformation
00:31:00 - Discussion on privilege and responsibility
00:41:35 - Breaking into modelling and managing rejection
00:44:45 - Technology and accessibility in healthcare
00:53:35 - Moments of feeling truly understood
00:57:05 - Supporting the deaf community
01:00:45 - Final thoughts on vulnerability and connection
About Georgia Meacham
Georgia Meacham is a model and actress who was diagnosed as deaf at 16 months old. Standing at six feet tall, she has worked in both commercial and catwalk modelling for nearly a decade. After years of hiding her hearing aids, Georgia has become a powerful advocate for disability visibility and mental health awareness, using her platform to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves.
In this deeply moving episode, Sharon Walsh shares her journey from being a successful private practice owner to experiencing a devastating personal and professional crisis that led to practice loss, divorce, alcoholism, and a seven-year GDC case.
With remarkable candour, she discusses her path to recovery, spiritual awakening, and finding meaning beyond material success.
Her story is one of resilience, acceptance, and the profound understanding that sometimes we must be completely broken to discover our true selves.
In This Episode
00:01:05 - Career beginnings and building a private practice
00:03:40 - Practice dynamics and associate challenges
00:07:05 - Passion for dentistry and professional development
00:12:50 - The catalyst for breakdown
00:15:00 - Mental health crisis and practice loss
00:20:15 - Descent into alcoholism
00:24:25 - Marriage breakdown and personal struggles
00:47:50 - Homelessness and hitting rock bottom
00:49:20 - Recovery and spiritual awakening
00:56:35 - Blackbox thinking
01:00:50 - The loneliness of dentistry
01:06:10 - Fantasy dinner party guests
01:13:00 - Last days and legacy
About Sharon Walsh
Sharon Walsh is a dentist who built a successful private practice near Rochdale after transforming it from "a shed" into a beautiful, patient-focused space.
A passionate clinician with expertise in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics, she worked alongside some of UK dentistry's most respected figures.
After experiencing a life-altering crisis in 2017, she has emerged with a deeper understanding of life's purpose and now shares her story to help others facing similar challenges.
From fleeing revolution-era Iran to building an eight-surgery practice in Norwich, Fariba Zolfaghari shares her remarkable journey of resilience and reinvention.
Through arranged marriage, divorce, immigration, and starting over as a single mother, Fariba pursued her dental education in Sweden before establishing herself in the UK.
She opens up about overcoming personal and professional challenges, including a difficult business partnership dissolution and bankruptcy, to emerge stronger.
Today, she runs a thriving private practice while maintaining her passion for learning and digital dentistry.
In This Episode
00:01:50 - Backstory
00:16:35 - Journey to Sweden as an asylum seeker
00:19:35 - Dental education while raising two children
00:41:35 - Starting practice in Norwich
00:46:35 - Business partnership challenges
00:57:25 - Navigating bankruptcy and rebuilding
01:08:55 - Converting to private practice
01:14:35 - Current practice focus and digital dentistry
01:31:40 - Black box thinking
01:37:35 - Fantasy dinner party guests
About Fariba Zolfaghari
Fariba is a dentist who qualified in Sweden in 1997 before moving to the UK, where she established her practice in Norwich in 2000.
She holds a master's degree in orthodontics from Warwick University and has grown her practice into an eight-surgery facility.
A champion of digital dentistry and continuing education, she focuses on orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth rehabilitation while mentoring younger dentists.
Nutritional scientist Dr Federica Amati shares her journey from aspiring medical student to becoming head nutritionist at Zoe.
She discusses the importance of evidence-based nutrition, the challenges of public health communication, and the complexities of dietary advice in the age of social media.
Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Amati emphasises the value of consistent, varied eating patterns and the critical role of prevention in public health.
In This Episode
00:00:25 - Introduction and early education background
00:01:25 - Medical school aspirations and pivot to biomedical sciences
00:08:25 - Career transition to public health and prevention
00:16:25 - Journey through hospitality and marketing in New York
00:21:45 - Return to academia and pursuing a PhD
00:23:15 - Balancing motherhood with academic pursuits
00:33:00 - Role at Zoe and nutrition science
00:39:45 - Mediterranean diet and carbohydrate quality
00:56:35 - Social media, nutrition misinformation, and professional responsibility
01:08:35 - Perspectives on weight loss medication
01:09:30 - Vision for the future of nutrition and public health
About Federica Amati
Dr Federica Amati is a nutrition scientist who holds a PhD in clinical medicine research and serves as the head nutritionist at Zoe. She combines her expertise in public health, medical science, and nutrition to promote evidence-based dietary advice. Currently, she holds a teaching role as the nutrition lead in the School of Medicine and works clinically as an AFN registered nutritionist.
Claire Nightingale, a consultant orthodontist and former practice owner, shares her remarkable journey through dentistry spanning over three decades.
From her early experiences as a patient that sparked her interest in dentistry, through to her recent venture into stand-up comedy, Claire offers candid insights into practice ownership, clinical excellence, and embracing change in orthodontics.
She discusses her transition from NHS to private practice, her pioneering adoption of Invisalign and digital dentistry, and her recent experience selling to a corporate group.
In This Episode
00:01:45 - Early career influences and becoming an orthodontist
00:04:15 - Digital dentistry adoption and Invisalign journey
00:09:35 - Evolution of aligner treatment
00:12:15 - NHS training challenges and future of orthodontics
00:33:25 - Practice ownership journey
00:42:10 - Keys to running a successful business
00:49:55 - Selling to a corporate group
01:04:35 - Women's Dentist Network
01:21:55 - Blackbox thinking
01:24:00 - Life after practice sale
01:57:15 - Stand-up comedy venture
02:02:15 - Fantasy dinner party guests
02:03:50 - Last days and legacy
About Claire Nightingale
Claire Nightingale is a consultant orthodontist at Watford General Hospital and private practitioner with over 25 years of specialist experience.
A pioneer in digital orthodontics and remote monitoring, she successfully built and sold Queensgate Orthodontics while maintaining her NHS consultant role.
Claire is actively involved in the Women's Dentist Network and recently embarked on a new chapter combining expert witness work with stand-up comedy.
In this engaging episode, longtime dental industry professional Joe Lovett shares his journey from his early days at FMC Publications to founding his own consulting business, Catalyst.
He discusses the evolution of dental media, the importance of maintaining authentic relationships in business, and his passion for helping young dentists advance their careers.
Through candid stories and reflections, Joe offers insights into corporate culture, ethical business practices, and the changing landscape of dental industry networking.
In This Episode
00:03:05 - Fitness and mental health
00:07:40 - Business, sales and ethics
00:10:50 - Early career
00:24:30 - Fast Tracking Your Future
00:33:50 - Dental and social media
00:46:45 - Corporate culture
00:56:50 - Consulting and relationship building
01:17:35 - Career challenges and lessons learned
01:24:10 - Looking ahead
01:27:25 - Closing questions
About Joe Lovett
Joe Lovett is a prominent dental industry consultant and founder of Catalyst, specialising in helping international dental companies enter the UK market and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.
With nearly two decades of experience in dental media and business development, beginning at FMC Publications in 2008, Joe has established himself as a trusted advisor and connector within the dental community.
After building a successful hospitality empire in London, including venues like Rum Kitchen and Island Poké, Alex Potter found himself feeling empty—despite external success.
A profound spiritual awakening led him to leave his business empire and divorce, embarking on a path of self-discovery through breathwork, plant medicine, and coaching.
Now, through his company Kaizn, he helps leaders reconnect with their authentic selves through innovative retreats and coaching programmes that blend ancient wisdom with modern practices.
In This Episode
00:00:40 - Early life and acting career
00:05:35 - First entrepreneurial ventures in nightlife
00:23:00 - Building the hospitality empire
00:31:25 - Spiritual awakening through breathwork
00:39:35 - Transitioning away from business success
00:54:15 - Understanding Internal Family Systems
01:10:15 - Rites of passage
01:21:35 - The Kaizn approach to transformation
01:24:25 - Holistic healing versus traditional therapy
01:27:55 - Connecting with the inner child
About Alex Potter
A London native and former actor turned hospitality entrepreneur, Alex Potter built and ran multiple successful venues, including Rum Kitchen, Island Poké, and Ping.
After experiencing burnout and a spiritual awakening, he trained extensively in coaching, breathwork, and plant medicine.
Today, he runs Kaizn, an interdisciplinary coaching company specialising in transformative experiences and retreats.
Riaz Sharif shares his incredible journey from growing up in the foster care system to becoming a successful dental professional. He opens up about the challenges of his childhood as an orphan, his determination to pursue dentistry despite numerous setbacks, and his experiences studying abroad in Hungary and Slovakia.
In This Episode
00:01:55 - Backstory
00:08:35 - Boxing
00:13:45 - Study
00:19:00 - Personal challenges
00:24:25 - Return to the UK
00:29:10 -Social media presence and marketing
00:47:45 - Blackbox thinking
00:56:30 - Aspirations
01.03.40 - Fantasy dinner party
01:09:15 - Last days and legacy
About Riaz Sharif
Riaz Sharif is a UK-based dentist and finalist for multiple industry awards, including the Private Dentistry Awards. Riaz brings a unique perspective to dentistry shaped by his background in boxing and personal training, along with his commitment to mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.
In this solo episode of the Dental Leaders podcast, Prav Solanki reflects on the past year and shares his plans for 2025, focusing on personal growth, public speaking, and health and wellness.
He discusses the challenges faced by dental practices in marketing and competition, emphasizing the importance of a robust sales process and conversion strategies.
Prav highlights niche marketing opportunities, particularly for nervous patients and children's orthodontics, and predicts a positive trend in dental practice acquisitions for the coming year. He concludes with insights on evidence-based wellness and the importance of foundational health practices.
In This Episode
00:00 - Planning for 2025
05:42 - Dental Marketing and Competition
12:45 - Sales Process & Conversion Strategies
19:03 - Niche Marketing
26:37 - Future Trends in Dental Practice Acquisitions
34:12 - Evidence-Based Wellness and Health Goals
About Prav Solanki
Prav Solanki is a marketing scientist and dental growth specialist who has supported countless dental professionals and organisations to achieve stellar growth.
He is a co-owner and director of IAS Academy and founder of The Fresh, the UK's leading dental growth and marketing agency.
His latest project, Leadflo, is described as the world's most advanced CRM for dental clinics.
Dentist and legal expert Simon Thackeray discusses his route from NHS to private practice, his involvement in dental politics, and his role as a founder member of BAPD (British Association of Private Dentistry).
He offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by private dentists during COVID-19 and shares candid thoughts about the profession's future direction.
The discussion covers everything from practice management and patient care to broader societal issues affecting dentistry.
In This Episode
02:00 - Backstory
03:35 - BAPD formation
07:45 - COVID - international approaches
13:35 - NHS dentistry
21:25 - Class and social mobility
31:30 - Legislation and governance
42:10 - Young dentists and private practice
52:15 - Career and practice ownership
54:35 - From NHS to private practice
1:14:00 - Commoditisation and ethics
1:21:45 - Education and public messaging
1:26:35 - Blackbox thinking
1:32:00 - Closing questions
About Simon Thackeray
Simon Thackeray is a prominent private dentist based in Mansfield who holds a master's degree in law and serves as a founder member of the British Association of Private Dentists (BAPD), which he helped establish during the COVID-19 pandemic. After qualifying in 1991, he worked in several NHS practices before purchasing his own practice and transitioning to fully private care in 2006.
Dental students Lwai Almasri and Saif Mukadam discuss their journeys into dentistry, their experiences at King's College London, and their creation of the UK Dental Students network.
The conversation covers Saif's unique path from professional football to dentistry, the challenges of dental school, and their ambitious plans for organising a "Top 50 Dental Students" event.
They provide valuable insights into modern dental education, including the impact of online learning and the competitive nature of dental school.
In This Episode
01:30 - Backstory
05:15 - Student life
16:45 - Family background
19:25 - Living in London
24:15 - UK Dental Students Network
31:25 - Clinical experience
55:25 - Top 50 Dental Students plans1:
20:00 - Goals and aspirations
1:34:35 - Family and siblings
About Lwai Almasri and Saif Mukadam
Lwai Almasri is a third-year dental student at King's College London whose parents are both dentists. Saif Mukadam took an unconventional path to dentistry, first pursuing a career as a professional footballer at Walsall FC for two years before joining King's College London as a dental student, where he and Lwai co-founded the UK Dental Students network, now the largest community of dental students in the country.
Rhona Eskander and Payman chat with Adeola Gboyega, a renowned makeup artist and beauty expert with over a decade of industry experience.
The conversation delves deep into representation in the beauty industry, mental health challenges content creators face, and the evolution of social media's impact on business.
Adeola shares her journey from traditional education to becoming a successful makeup artist and content creator while discussing important topics like the pay gap for black creators and the importance of authenticity in building a community.
In This Episode
00:01:45 - Backstory
00:03:30 - Early career
00:04:55 - Beauty standards
00:09:30 - Social media and the beauty industry
00:11:20 - Reflections on Black Lives Matter
00:12:25 - Ethnicity and pay gaps
00:15:00 - Nigeria and Nollywood
00:20:35 - Therapy and mental health
00:36:05 - The beauty industry
00:42:35 - Content creation
00:52:15 - Future plans and closing thoughts
About Adeola Gboyega
Adeola Gboyega is a seasoned makeup artist and beauty expert with over a decade of industry experience. She is known for her skin-first philosophy and collaborations with prominent beauty brands, including Bobbi Brown and Pat McGrath.
As a successful content creator and beauty educator, she has built a devoted community of "glow getters".
Emerging dental leader Yewande Oduwole shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming an award-winning dentist in the UK.
She opens up about her challenging childhood, faith-driven approach to life, and her mission to increase representation in dentistry through social media and the Black Dental Network.
The conversation spans her innovative approach to dental practice, her social media influence, and her experiences with brand partnerships while touching on valuable clinical insights and lessons learned from early career challenges.
In This Episode
00:01:50 - Backstory
00:24:45 - Dental school
00:27:55 - Building a personal brand
00:29:25 - Early work
00:34:00 - Foundation training
00:39:35 - Current practice
00:52:35 - Social media
00:56:00 - Brand partnerships and ambassador roles
01:05:55 - Blackbox thinking
01:15:35 - The Black Dental Network
About Yewande Oduwole
Yewande Oduwole is an award-winning dentist and influential voice in UK dentistry. She is known for her work in increasing representation within the profession through social media and as a core member of the Black Dental Network. A graduate of Peninsula Dental School, she has established herself as a respected clinician at Two Green Dental while also serving as a brand ambassador and mentor.
Anushika Brogan, owner of Damira Dental Studios with 42 practices and over 200 dentists, shares her remarkable journey from a single practice owner to one of the UK's most successful dental entrepreneurs.
She discusses her business philosophy, leadership approach, and personal experiences while offering valuable insights into managing a large dental organisation.
The conversation touches on both professional challenges and personal growth, including her experiences with divorce, parenthood, and maintaining a work-life balance.
In This Episode:
00:03:25 - Leadership styles and staff management
00:13:35 - Managing a large group
00:21:20 - Work-life balance
00:29:15 - Management challenges
00:39:45 -Practice acquisition
00:49:50 - Growth and expansion
01:01:05 - Relationships, family and culture
01:16:55 - Mental health and personal growth
01:25:35 - Closing questions
About Anushika Brogan
Anushika Brogan is one of the UK's leading dental entrepreneurs and the owner of Damira Dental Studios, a network of 42 dental practices across the south of England.
In this deeply personal episode of Mind Movers, hosts Rhona Eskander and Payman Langroudi speak with makeup artist Cinta Miller.
The conversation explores Cinta's remarkable journey through profound personal losses, including the death of her mother and sister, a life-changing diagnosis at age 32, and her path to resilience.
Despite facing significant challenges, Cinta shares how she maintained a positive outlook while building a successful career in the beauty and music industry. The discussion touches on themes of grief, authenticity, gratitude, and finding joy in life's ordinary moments.
In This Episode
00:01:45 - Career and backstory
00:21:25 - Loss and grief
00:30:35 - Travel and transformation
00:43:35 - Early menopause
00:54:50 - Egg donation and preservation
01:00:35 - Relationship and marriage
01:03:00 - Industry insight
01:14:00 - Finding joy and positivity
About Cinta Miller
Cinta Miller is a globally recognised makeup artist with over 25 years of experience working with celebrity clients in music, television, and fashion. Beyond her successful beauty career, she has expanded into music management, leveraging deep industry knowledge and relationships built from working with artists from the ground up throughout their careers.
Veteran dentist Mark Becker looks back on a 30+ year career in dentistry. Mark recounts following in his father's footsteps to establishing a chain practices across London—and the challenges of transitioning from NHS to private care along the way.
He also discusses the evolution of dental technology and his approach to patient care and practice management while sharing candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of the profession.
In This Episode
00:02:10 - Backstory
00:04:35 - Dental school and early career
00:07:35 - Family experience
00:13:45 - Early work experience
00:15:30 - Practice ownership
00:17:05 - Group ownership
00:23:10 - Patient communication
00:31:35 - Dental technology
00:38:15 - Location strategies
00:44:45 - Managing staff and building teams
00:49:10 - Blackbox thinking
01:00:05 - Treatment planning
01:13:45 - Cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening
01:21:15 - Mental health in dentistry
01:23:35 - Last days and legacy
About Mark Decker
Mark Becker is a veteran UK dentist with over three decades of experience, following in the footsteps of his father who ran one of the first multi-practice dental chains in South Africa. After studying at Leeds University in the late 1980s, he has owned and operated several practices across London, including ventures in Ruislip and the West End, and now runs a modern private practice in Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
Hygienist Zara Shirvani discusses her unconventional journey from genetics via acting to dental hygiene.
Zara geeks out on guided biofilm therapy and discusses her unique approach to patient care.
She shares insights on the importance of dental teams working together, her experience across multiple practices, and her views on evolving hygiene techniques.
The conversation also explores her Iranian heritage, future career aspirations, including facial aesthetics, and her perspectives on professional development in dentistry.
In This Episode
00:01:00 - Introduction and backstory
00:14:30 - Studying at Eastman
00:18:30 - The hygienist’s experience
00:26:30 - Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
00:36:30 - Iran
00:41:35 - Working with dental nurses and practice dynamics
00:51:50 - Blackbox thinking
01:11:35 - Patient education and oral hygiene
01:19:55 - Future career plans
01:24:10 - Career and people skills
01:26:15 - Fantasy dinner party guests and advice
About Zara Shirvani
Zara Shirvani is a London-based dental hygienist who graduated from the Eastman Dental Institute in 2019 after studying genetics at Swansea University. She works across multiple private practices, is an ambassador for guided biofilm therapy, and is currently pursuing training in facial aesthetics.
Alex Hadley reflects on his journey from NHS dentistry to a thriving private practice, sharing insights on transitioning between roles, managing complex implant cases, and building patient trust through strong communication.
He highlights the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing work across multiple practices, and the impact of entering private dentistry on professional growth.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:01:10 - Introduction and background
00:03:15 - Mentors and early experiences
00:07:30 - NHS challenges
00:11:50 - Transition to private dentistry
00:18:30 - Managing multiple practices
00:25:00 - Insights on implant dentistry
00:32:10 - Value of mentorship
00:42:35 - Approach to complex cases
00:57:00 - Challenges in patient communication
1:11:40 - Future plans and teaching aspirations
01:37:10 - Reflections and advice
About Alex Hadley
Alex Hadley is a private dentist with expertise in restorative and implant dentistry.
Dooroo Ihm shares his journey from growing up in South Korea to practising dentistry across Europe and eventually settling in London. He discusses his unique career path, the value of listening to patients, and the importance of patient-first care. Dooroo also reflects on navigating different healthcare systems, the challenges of moving internationally, and his passion for both technical excellence and patient communication.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:00:05 - Patient communication & first impressions
00:01:15 - Introduction and background
00:02:00 - Comparing South Korean and UK dentistry
00:03:30 - High-tech approaches in South Korea
00:06:00 - Moving to Germany for school
00:12:00 - Studying dentistry in Hungary
00:18:05 - Starting work in Ireland
00:23:15 - Lessons from a mentor in Ireland
00:28:10 - Transitioning to practice in London
00:32:25 - Specialising in endodontics
00:35:50 - Studying periodontics at Eastman
00:42:00 - Reflecting on patient care and ethics
About Dooroo Ihm
Dooroo Ihm is a London-based dentist known for his expertise in endodontics and periodontics. Originally from South Korea, Dooroo has practised in several countries, developing a patient-first philosophy and commitment to comprehensive care.
Steffen Decker shares his journey from adult orthodontics to a focus on paediatric and interceptive orthodontics, emphasising the importance of early intervention. He discusses the benefits of clear aligners for young children, how early treatment impacts overall health, and his belief in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to airway health. Steffen also reflects on the changes in orthodontics, advocating for education, and the significance of functional occlusion.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:00:05 - Combining orthodontic techniques
00:01:00 - Introduction and background
00:03:15 - Partnering with restorative dentists
00:05:40 - Shifting focus to children’s orthodontics
00:09:25 - Clear aligners for kids
00:14:15 - Health benefits of early orthodontics
00:19:50 - Changes in orthodontics
00:22:35 - Addressing airway and sleep issues
00:28:10 - Key growth markers in kids
00:34:00 - Training dentists on early intervention
00:43:05 - Preventing alignment issues early
About Steffen Decker
Steffen Decker is a renowned orthodontist known for his work in paediatric and interceptive orthodontics. Originally trained in adult orthodontics, he now focuses on early intervention for children and collaborates with other health professionals to improve airway health. Steffen is passionate about functional occlusion and advocates for greater education in the field.
Polly Bhambra, co-owner of the Tri Dental group, shares her journey from dental nurse to overseeing ten dental practices in the West Midlands. She discusses the importance of empowering dental nurses, creating a respectful work environment, and the challenges and rewards of managing a large team. Polly also talks about her family’s entrepreneurial background and the balancing act of building a dental group while raising a family.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:00:05 - Introduction and background
00:01:10 - Empowering dental nurses
00:04:00 - Career progression and training for staff
00:07:45 - Managing change and overcoming resistance
00:13:00 - Ideal practice model for growth
00:17:45 - Handling a large team
00:20:00 - Hiring and firing strategies
00:25:30 - Supporting associates
00:30:00 - Family influences and work-life balance
00:34:00 - Expansion plans and building a legacy
About Polly Bhambra
Polly Bhambra is a co-owner of Tri Dental, a group of ten practices in the West Midlands. Starting her career as a dental nurse, Polly now leads a large team, focusing on growth, staff development, and patient care. She is known for her commitment to creating a respectful and empowering workplace.
James Morrison shares his journey from NHS dentistry to becoming a private cosmetic dentist in Bristol. He discusses the shift to cosmetic work during COVID-19, challenges in managing patient expectations, and insights on the evolving role of social media in dentistry.
James opens up about his rare muscular condition and how it influenced his approach to work-life balance. He also shares valuable tips on patient communication and his streamlined consultation process.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:01:10 - Introduction and background
00:01:45 - Transition to cosmetic dentistry
00:02:55 - Handling patient expectations
00:03:45 - Differences in patient demographics
00:06:15 - Impact of social media
00:09:00 - Streamlined consultations
00:20:15 - Adjusting work-life balance
00:35:30 - Discovering muscular dystrophy symptoms
00:37:00 - Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy
00:41:00 - Navigating physical limitations in dentistry
00:42:05 - Growing the practice via Instagram
01:02:35 - Fantasy dinner party guests
01:05:10 - Reflections and advice
About James Morrison
James Morrison is a Bristol-based cosmetic dentist specializing in composite bonding and Invisalign treatments. Transitioning from NHS to private practice, he leverages social media to connect with patients and continues to excel despite facing personal health challenges.
Rhona and Payman chat with Angus Pringle, a specialist orthodontist with a deep interest in mental health and suicide prevention.
Angus shares his personal experiences with losing his brother to suicide. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the dental profession, touching on the need for compassion, open dialogue, and better support systems within the dental community and beyond.
In This Episode
00:02:35 - Cycling challenge
00:05:25 - Safe spaces
00:07:45 - Suicide, stigma, and mental health
00:26:25 - GDC and mental health
00:34:15 - Perfectionism
00:41:35 - Politics and management
00:43:55 - Supporting patients
00:48:45 - Mental health language and conversations
00:56:35 - The orthodontist’s perspective
00:58:25 - Empathy and non-judgmental approaches
01:04:35 - Egos and opinions
About Angus Pringle
Angus Pringle is a specialist orthodontist and mental health advocate practising in Winchester.
Former BACD president Andrew Chandrapal discusses his journey in dentistry, from his early days balancing dental school with music aspirations to becoming a respected clinician and educator.
He shares insights on the value of humility in dentistry, the impact of social media on patient expectations, and the significance of building trust with patients.
He also reflects on his experiences with the BACD and his approach to teaching.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:55 - Early years
00:05:35 - Personal loss
00:07:35 - Dentistry Vs music career
00:09:40 - Ego and humility
00:16:50 - Social media
00:23:55 - Treatment planning and patient communication
00:31:30 - Full mouth rehabilitation
00:47:50 - Blackbox thinking
00:55:05 - Teaching and education
01:16:35 - BACD
01:22:20 - Quick-fire questions
01:27:25 - Fantasy dinner party
About Andrew Chandrapal
Andrew Chandrapal is an aesthetic and restorative dentist and former president of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).
Payman Langroudi sits down with Dr. Zohaib Ali, a specialist prosthodontist and leader in the bio-emulation movement in the UK.
They discuss Dr. Ali's journey in dentistry, his experiences with various dental techniques and technologies, and his thoughts on education and patient care.
The conversation covers everything from the challenges of NHS dentistry to the importance of clear communication with patients and the future of digital dentistry.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:35 - Bio-emulative dentistry
00:07:15 - From Ireland to the UK
00:11:55 - Dental education
00:16:35 - Injection moulding techniques
00:21:25 - Financial crisis
00:24:35 - Specialisation
00:29:55 - Mental health awareness in dentistry
00:38:35 - Education, communication, and patient autonomy
00:49:50 - New technologies
00:54:55 - Responsibility
01:00:25 - Education: quality and variety
01:11:50 - Patient communication and treatment planning
01:19:35 - The Bio-emulation symposium
01:53:05 - Fantasy dinner party
01:54:30 - Last days and legacy
About Zohaib Ali
Zohaib Ali is a specialist prosthodontist interested in bio-emulative dentistry.
Dr Devinia Lavan-Iswaran (known as Coco) shares her inspiring journey from surviving domestic abuse to rediscovering herself and thriving as a dentist and mentor.
She discusses her multicultural upbringing, experiences in boarding school, and how she rebuilt her life and career after leaving an abusive marriage.
Coco offers insights into resilience, the importance of self-worth, and her passion for helping others through dentistry and charitable work.
In This Episode
00:05:00 - Backstory
00:13:35 - Boarding school
00:24:05 - Study
00:26:50 - Early career
00:39:35 - Marriage, abuse and turning point
01:00:30 - Rebuilding
01:09:35 - Finding joy in dentistry
01:19:15 - Creating positive experiences for patients
01:25:45 - Blackbox thinking
01:29:10 - Charity work
01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party
About Coco
Coco qualified from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1995. She currently works in private practice in Holborn, London.
Payman Langroudi meets Awaz Sharief, a young dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics.
Awaz shares her journey, personal challenges, and innovative approach to minimally invasive endodontics treatments.
The conversation covers clinical techniques, personal growth, faith, and the importance of emotional awareness.
In This Episode
00:02:24 - Pulpotomy approach
00:05:35 - Back story
00:21:25 - Faith, belief, and finding meaning
00:24:35 - Personal growth
00:31:55 - Narcissism and emotional suppression
00:37:35 - Dentistry and teaching
00:43:45 - Work-life balance
00:55:50 - Women in dental education
01:01:10 - Fantasy dinner party and life advice
About Awaz Sharief
Awaz Sharief is a Greater Manchester-based dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics.
In this insightful episode, Dru Shah, a specialist periodontist and founder of the Dentinal Tubules network, discusses the state of dental education, personal growth, and the challenges facing the dental profession.
He shares his views on leadership, the importance of trust in dentistry, and the need for a more patient-centric approach. Dru also touches on broader societal issues, including multiculturalism and social integration.
In This Episode
00:02:00 - Authenticity
00:04:35 - Reading and learning
00:07:10 - Repetition
00:08:35 - The challenge of engagement
00:16:35 - Learning styles
00:22:50 - Dentinal Tubules
00:25:55 - CPD and commoditisation
00:29:25 - Relationship-building
00:35:25 - Leadership and team management
00:41:35 - Awards and humility
00:44:45 - AI learning
00:52:50 - Career planning
00:57:50 - Dentinal Tubules Congress and future plans
01:03:55 - Unrest in the UK
01:15:55 - Multiculturalism, integration and breaking down barriers
About Dru Shah
Dhru is a specialist in periodontics and the CEO of Dentinal Tubules, an online training platform for dentists across the globe.
Rhona and Payman chat with Levi Levenfiche, co-founder of PerfectTed, Europe's first matcha-powered energy drink company.
Levi shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges of starting a business with family members, the impact of appearing on Dragon's Den, and the rapid growth of PerfectTed.
The conversation covers various aspects of running a start-up, from product development and marketing strategies to managing team dynamics and personal mental health.
In This Episode
00:01:10 - Backstory
00:04:35 - PerfectTed origins
00:18:35 - Dragon's Den
00:27:20 - Product growth
00:31:50 - Business and family
00:37:35 - Marketing and brand building
00:41:55 - Perfect Ted roadmap
00:46:35 - Personal challenges
00:51:20 - Hiring and managing a growing team
00:56:50 - Thinking big
01:04:50 - Dentistry and confidence
01:06:35 - Business mistakes
About Levi Levenfiche
Levi Levenfiche is the co-founder and managing director of the PerfectTed organic matcha energy drink brand.
Payman Langroudi chats with Giovanni Martino, a young Italian dentist practising in the UK. Giovanni shares his journey from studying dentistry in Italy to working in the NHS and private practice in the UK.
Giovanni discusses the importance of continuing education, challenges and opportunities in dentistry and how his musical background has influenced his approach to dentistry.
In This Episode
00:03:55 - Background with the Delta Academy
00:05:50 - Teaching and learning
00:08:45 - Work and the UK
00:14:00 - Music and dentistry
00:21:10 - Patient communication
00:28:25 - Study in Italy and Spain
00:37:35 - DJing
00:43:00 - Fatherhood
00:51:30 - UK Vs Italian dentistry
00:57:55 - Unrest in the UK
01:04:35 - Patient-driven orthodontics
01:15:45 - Adhesive dentistry and "aha" moments
01:25:25 - Thoughts on practice ownership
01:37:35 - Standardization and corporate dentistry
01:40:10 - Blackbox thinking
01:44:20 - Fantasy dinner party
01:45:54 - Last day and legacy
About Dr Giovanni Martino
Dr Giovanni Martino graduated with a Diploma in Dentistry from the University of L'Aquila, Italy, in 2017. He now practices in Bristol, UK.
Payman Langroudi chats with May Firoozmand, a young dentist who recently qualified from Bulgaria. May shares her journey into dentistry, her experiences studying abroad, and her perspective on life and service shaped by her Baha'i faith. The conversation covers topics ranging from her dental education in Bulgaria to her charitable work and future aspirations in dentistry.
In This Episode
00:02:35 - Faith
00:07:35 - Family influence
00:14:50 - Study
00:19:20 - Oral surgery
00:23:25 - Bulgaria
00:29:35 - Charity and community
00:43:40 - Faith and personal loss
00:49:15 - Oral surgery career paths
00:54:15 - Mentoring and support
00:57:30 - Fantasy dinner party
01:00:25 - Last days and legacy
About May Firoozmand
May Firoozmand graduated in May 2024 from the Medical University Varna with a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine).
Dr Tara recounts her journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming a leading voice in sexual education and empowerment.
The professor and sex expert shares her personal experiences with marriage, divorce, and finding a fulfilling relationship, while also delving into topics such as sexual mindfulness, the impact of cultural norms on relationships, and the complexities of infidelity.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:00 - Background
00:04:35 - Religion, culture and sexuality
00:08:35 - Body neutrality and body image
00:16:50 - Academia
00:20:20 - Sexual chemistry
00:26:25 - Divorce and healing
00:31:30 - Relationships and monogamy
00:41:00 - Sexual mindfulness
00:45:45 - Pornography and ethics
00:52:50 - Toxic masculinity
00:57:20 - Celebs Go Dating
01:06:35 - Infidelity
01:25:50 - Future plans
About Dr Tara
Dr. Tara is a tenured professor at California State University Fullerton, where she teaches relational and sexual communication and quantitative research. She is also a researcher and appears as a sex expert on the TV show Celebs Go Dating. Dr Tara is also the host of the Luvbites by Dr Tara Podcast.
Payman meets Kunal Thakker, the founder of Tooth Club, a rapidly growing dental practice group in the UK.
Kunal shares his journey from a career in banking to disrupting the dental industry, discussing his approach to creating a patient-centric experience, scaling a dental business, and the challenges of maintaining quality while expanding.
He offers insights into his marketing strategies, recruitment practices, and the importance of company culture in building a successful dental group.
In This Episode
00:04:35 - Backstory
00:09:50 - From finance to dentistry
00:21:10 - Tooth Club
00:25:25 - Setting up squats
00:31:25 - Recruiting and retaining
00:37:35 - Measuring success
00:43:00 - Painless injections
00:49:55 - Management and structure
00:57:30 - Marketing
01:08:25 - Ethics and motivation
01:25:35 - Blackbox thinking
01:27:20 - Fantasy dinner party
01:28:20 - Last days and legacy
About Kunal Thakker
Kunal Thakker is a former executive director at Goldman Sachs and the founder of Tooth Club—a membership-based chain of dental practices.
Payman Langroudi chats with Mark Allan, General Manager of Bupa Dental Care. Mark shares insights into leading one of the UK’s largest private healthcare organisations, discusses current challenges and opportunities in the dental industry, and offers valuable leadership advice.
The conversation touches on corporate dentistry, talent acquisition, the importance of listening to frontline staff, and how tech is shaping the industry’s future.
In This Episode
00:00:55 - Dentistry—first impressions
00:06:00 - Bupa's brand, reputation and impact
00:10:30 - Organisation and structure
00:14:15 - Recruitment and career progression
00:24:50 - Frontline staff and corporate strategies
00:28:35 - Dental insurance
00:33:55 - Leadership approach
00:38:35 - Work-life balance
00:47:45 - Bupa's acquisitions and strategy
00:52:50 - Data and AI
01:06:35 - Fantasy dinner party
01:14:35 - Last days and legacy
About Mark Allan
Mark Allan is the General Manager of Bupa Dental Care. Prior to this role, he served as General Manager for Business & Specialist Products in Bupa's UK Insurance business, responsible for the commercial leadership of business & specialist products, SME and corporate channels for private medical and dental insurance.
Manrina Rhode recounts her journey from practice fresh from dental school in high-end London clinics to owner and CEO of the upscale DRMR practice and medical skincare line.
She discusses her experiences in cosmetic dentistry, teaching, product development, and practice management. Dr. Rhode also opens up about personal challenges, including divorce and loss, and how these experiences have shaped her both personally and professionally.
In This Episode
00:01:15 - Evolution of Veneers
00:04:35 - Backstory and pursuing dentistry
00:16:35 - Early career
00:41:35 - Work ethic and generational differences
00:54:50 - Personal Challenges
01:07:00 - Practice ownership
01:21:45 - Product development
01:29:30 - Teaching and mentoring
01:46:35 - Quick-fire questions
01:50:50 - Fantasy dinner party
01:51:50 - Last days and legacy
About Manrina Rhode
Manrina Rhode is a cosmetic dentist and founder of the DRMR dental clinic, aesthetic studio and medical skincare brand.
This week, we take a walk into the archives with a look back at an early conversation with a true dental leader.
Andy Moore discusses balancing his stellar career with a healthy, happy home life, reveals the story behind his architecturally stunning practice, and gives a peek into hanging out with Richard Branson and Larry Page.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
02:12 – The perfect environment for practice
13: 07 – The power of delegating
15:03 – Hiring process – an oft-overlooked trait
18:43 – Achieving work-life balance
25:21 – Getting into implants
35:13 – A life-changing case
47:05 – Teaching other dentists
About Andrew Moore
Andrew is a dentist, educator and owner of Advance Dental Clinic, which was given an award for design by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
We’re stepping back into the deepest recesses of the archives this week with a look back at one of our earliest conversations with Harley Street Dental Group founder, Mark Hughes.
Mark reflects on learning from setbacks to achieve success, reminisces about his globetrotting days, and reveals the unlikely design inspiration behind his trailblazing Harley Street practice.
Enjoy!
In this episode:
02:34 – Backstory
06:04 – Choosing a career path
10:02 – University – highs and lows
11:10 – Mark’s travels
18:23 – Owning and growing a practice
26:15 – Working on strengths and weaknesses
33:21 – Boutique inspiration
34:58 – Define Clinic
38:13 – Choosing a business partner
41:18 – Mark’s educational program for dentists
55:43 – Mark’s biggest mistake
56:21 – A clinical tip
59:44 – Success stories
About Mark Hughes
Mark Hughes is an award-winning cosmetic dentist and founder of the Harley Street Dental Group chain of London-based clinics.
In this solo episode of the Dental Leaders podcast, Prav discusses the importance of humanising the sales process in dentistry.
He touches on the need to move away from rigid, formulaic approaches and instead focus on connecting with patients as one would with friends or family.
Prav provides practical advice on handling conversations about treatment costs, addressing patient concerns, and securing commitments. He stresses the importance of confidence, open communication, and understanding the patient's perspective to create a more effective and natural sales process.
In This Episode
00:01:35 - Rrigid sales processes
00:02:45 - Inner confidence
00:04:30 - The 'dance'
00:09:00 - Expectations and frank conversations
00:15:30 - Upselling and cross-selling
About Prav Solanki
Prav Solanki is a marketing scientist and dental growth specialist who has supported countless dental professionals and organisations to achieve stellar growth.
He is a co-owner and director of IAS Academy and founder of The Fresh, the UK’s leading dental growth and marketing agency.
His latest project, Leadflo, is described as the world’s most advanced CRM for dental clinics.
Adam Marsh and Ala Rozwadowska, the creators of Dental Audio Notes (DAN), an AI-based platform for recording and managing dental patient consultations.
Adam and Ala discuss the importance of capturing emotions and sentiment in patient interactions and share their vision for revolutionising communication in dentistry.
The conversation delves into the technical aspects of their AI-powered software, its benefits for dentists and patients, and the future of dental record-keeping.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:40 - Backstory
00:19:40 - DAN in practice
00:32:55 - Tech specs
00:41:35 - Consent and communication
00:47:35 - AI
00:57:35 - Capturing sentiment and emotion
01:16:20 - Features and getting started
01:27:35 - Last Days and Legacy
About Adam Marsh and Ala Rozwadowska
Adam Marsh and Ala Rozwadowska are the founders of the DAN AI platform which supports dentists in creating complete, accurate and contemporaneous records by secure audio recording.
This episode of Mind Movers features Sonia Szamocki, founder of 32Co clear aligner training startup Sonia shares her journey from studying medicine at Oxford University to becoming an entrepreneur in the healthcare tech space.
The conversation covers Sonia's early life and education, her time at Oxford, and her transition from practising medicine to consulting at Boston Consulting Group.
Sonia discusses the challenges she faced in her career, including burnout and the difficulties of balancing work and personal life.
In This Episode
00:02:55 - Backstory
00:06:00 - Oxford University
00:11:35 - Medicine to consulting
00:16:35 - Work-life balance and burnout
00:23:25 - Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
00:30:40 - Healthcare and NHS challenges
00:37:35 - Culture and generational differences
00:41:45 - Darkest days
00:48:40 - Family, work and gender
00:58:55 - 32Co
01:14:35 - Advice for young female entrepreneurs
About Sonia Szamocki
Sonia Szamocki is a dentist and founder of the 32Co clear aligner training platform.
Payman chats with Instagram favourite Teki Sowdani, who shares his journey from his initial work experience to his time at Sheffield University.
He discusses growing up in Essex with Iraqi parents, and how this shaped his perspective.
Teki also discusses his meteoric career progression, and rise to prominence on social media, and his journey into practice ownership.
He candidly discusses the professional and personal challenges he faced, including a medical diagnosis that profoundly impacted his life and career outlook.
In This Episode
00:01:55 - Backstory
00:05:55 - Study
00:08:15 - Outsider mentality
00:11:35 - Early career
00:15:15 - Social media
00:21:10 - Cancer
00:31:25 - Clear aligners
00:45:20 - Darkest day
00:54:50 - Composite bonding
01:04:35 - Dental monitoring
01:20:45 - Practice ownership and management
01:24:50 - Teki's future plans and potential sale of his practice
01:30:40 - Final questions: fantasy dinner party guests and life advice
About Teki Sowdani
Teki Sowdani is the founder and owner of London-based Teeth by Tekki clinic and a prominent voice on Instagram under the @teeth_by_teki handle.
This episode of Mind Movers features Hunter Michael Shepard, a recovery advocate and content creator who shares his personal journey through addiction and recovery.
Hunter discusses his early experiences with drugs, starting at age 12 with Adderall, alcohol, and marijuana.
The conversation covers Hunter's rock-bottom moments and the impactful words that led to recovery. him to seek treatment seriously. Hunter describes his rehab experience and early recovery, including how he began creating content about his journey.
In This Episode
00:02:20 - Backstory
00:04:15 - ADHD and overmedication
00:06:00 - Drug use
00:12:10 - Hunter's experiences in juvenile prison
00:24:35 - Addiction and relationships
00:31:25 - Opioid crisis
00:37:35 - Reaching rock bottom
00:43:15 - Recovery
00:56:30 - Addiction intervention and management
01:03:35 - Breathwork and community
01:08:25 - Recovery advocacy
01:11:30 - Future plans
About Hunter Shepard
Hunter Michael Shepard is a recovery advocate and content creator who overcame a severe drug addiction that began at age 12. Hunter now works as an interventionist and case manager, helping others struggling with addiction. He's known for his social media presence, where he shares his recovery journey and provides support to those in need.
Prav chats with Todd Williams, an expert in customer service and leadership training.
Todd shares his unique journey from growing up around older adults to working in healthcare, then transitioning to the luxury hotel industry with Four Seasons, and finally applying his expertise to dentistry.
He shares strategies for breaking down barriers, authentically engaging with people, and bringing out the best in staff, customers, and patients.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:04:35 - Backstory
00:09:15 - School and social dynamics
00:15:40 - Study and work
00:31:25 - Four Seasons
00:39:35 - Customer and patient experiences
01:14:50 - Public speaking
01:46:15 - Last days and legacy
About Todd Williams
Todd Williams is a speaker and consultant specializing in culture development across healthcare, hospitality, and customer-facing industries. He spent 20+ years developing service delivery training for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. As VP of Culture Development at Centura Health, he focused on employee engagement and improving patient experiences.
Payman and Rhona chat with award-winning facial aesthetician and dentist Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar.
Yusra touches on her experiences growing up in the UK as a Muslim woman and the impact of her father's return to Iraq after the war.
She also explains the rationale behind her move from dentistry to facial aesthetics and shares thoughts on consent and ethics in aesthetic procedures.
Yura also discusses balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the role of healthcare professionals in discussing humanitarian issues publicly, and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:50 - Backstory
00:24:50 - Transition from dentistry to facial aesthetics
00:33:35 - Differences in aesthetic preferences between Liverpool and London
00:39:35 - Ethics and aesthetics
00:52:00 - Motherhood, career and family
01:01:45 - Fertility
01:08:15 - Healthcare and humanitarian issues
01:24:50 - Islam and Islamophobia
01:53:20 - Future plans and projects
01:54:10 - Advice for young dentists
01:55:25 - Awards and success
About Yusra Al-Mukhtar
Yusra Al-Mukhtar is a dental surgeon, medical aesthetician and founder and clinical director of Dr Yusra, providing medically-led aesthetic treatments in Liverpool and London.
Barely two years after graduating, Faris Elsayed already runs a successful startup and one of the profession’s most popular social channels.
He chats with Payman about his YouTube alter ego, Faris Dent, shares insights from life on the road as a sales rep with aligner brand 32Co, and discusses the highs and lows of entrepreneurialism.
Faris also talks about his faith, charity work, and personal drive to make a lasting impression on dentistry and the wider world.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:15 - Entering dentistry
00:04:35 - YouTube
00:08:35 - Motivation
00:10:30 - Dental school
00:12:45 - 32Co
00:25:40 - Early work
00:31:05 - All Eyes Sky
00:58:50 - Fantasy dinner party
01:00:00 - Faith and charity
About Faris Elsayad
Faris Elsayed is a general dentist practising in Milton Keynes. He is the founder of several startups, including All Eyes Sky, which connects jobseekers with interviews and training.
If you follow the dentists of TikTok, you’ll be familiar with this week’s guest, Onkar Mudhar, whose relatable content has been setting the TikToksphere alight.
Dr Onkar chats with Payman and Rhona about the impact of social media on dentistry, touching on mental health, and his experience of receiving an ADHD diagnosis.
Dr Onkar also talks about his experience at dental school and debates the acceptability of tattoos and piercings in the medical profession.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:01:50 - Backstory
00:04:00 - Dental school and academia
00:05:30 - ADHD and neurodivergence
00:08:30 - Social media and TikTok
00:48:50 - Private and NHS dentistry
00:58:50 - Dentistry and mental health
01:11:25 - Appearance and tattoos in healthcare
01:16:20 - Hopes for the future
About Dr Onkar
Dr Onkar is a general dentist practising in Salisbury, Surrey. He is a popular personality and voice on the TikTok social media platform.
Implantologist and dental educator Sumair Khan recounts his journey from childhood to becoming a respected figure in implant dentistry—with a little help from an Airfix model aeroplane.
The discussion delves into the crucial role of mentoring, leadership, and effective communication skills, providing a sense of guidance and support for young dental professionals.
Sumair candidly discusses his experiences as an expert witness and his own clinical mistake story, provides advice for young dentists entering implantology, and reflects on work-life balance and burnout in the profession.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:01:20 - Backstory
00:03:55 - Dental school
00:06:00 - Early career
00:08:35 - Transition to implant dentistry
00:21:20 - Zero bone loss concept
00:24:35 - Restorative training at Eastman
00:26:50 - Suturing in implant surgery
00:29:25 - 3D thinking
00:31:30 - Teaching foundation dentists
00:35:00 - Medico-legal climate
00:38:00 - Blackbox thinking
00:51:35 - Meeting and working with Jaz Kish
00:54:40 - Advice for young dentists
00:59:50 - Work-life balance and burnout
01:04:00 - Leadership and communication
01:06:20 - Fantasy dinner party
01:09:00 - Last days and legacy
01:14:40 - Most rewarding clinical case
About Sumair Khan
Dr Sumair Khan is an implantologist, educator and owner of three dental practices.
He holds an MSc in Implant Dentistry, a Diploma in Restorative Dentistry, and Postgraduate Certificates in Medical/Dental Education and Leadership Coaching and Mentoring.
Sumair's teaching career includes roles as an Oral Surgery lecturer, Educational Supervisor, and Training Program Director. He has also served as Associate Dean for NHS Health Education England.
He holds additional roles with Health Education England as a GDP appraiser and PLVE assessor, and serves as a clinical adviser and expert witness for the General Dental Council.
Sumair has published in the British Dental Journal and BDA Indemnity Journal, and is co-authoring a textbook chapter on traumatised dentition restoration.
This episode of Mind Movers features an intimate conversation with renowned dentist Nilesh Parmar. The discussion delves into Nilesh's personal life and professional journey, exploring themes of success, relationships, and mental health in the dental profession.
The conversation offers a candid look at the personal side of a successful professional, highlighting the importance of balancing career achievements with personal growth and meaningful relationships. It also touches on broader issues affecting the dental profession, including mental health, professional conduct, and the challenges of maintaining a public image.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:05 - Public Vs private life
00:13:35 - Landmark Forum
00:15:50 - Relationships and culture
00:21:25 - Formative experiences
00:32:25 - Male vulnerability
00:37:35 - Marriage
00:49:55 - Darkest moment
00:52:25 - Bullying and dentistry
01:00:45 - Political ambitions
01:03:25 - Karma and charity
About Nilesh Parmar
Nilesh Parmar is an implant and cosmetic dentist, author, mentor, and media personality.
Clinical dental technician Michael Joseph recounts his journey from sales rep to clinical dental technician and lab owner.
Michael touches on the dentist-lab relationship and communication, keeping abreast of new tech, and the life-changing business and personal impacts of lab life under COVID restrictions.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:00 - Michael's journey to becoming a dental lab technician
00:06:25 - Marketing, growth and business models
00:16:10 - Dentist-lab relationships
00:23:40 - Veneers and aesthetics
00:26:00 - Running a lab
00:41:35 - Downsides and challenges
00:51:50 - Parental influence
00:56:20 - The COVID pandemic
01:03:00 - Working with dentists
01:13:55 - Social media and education
01:23:00 - Five-year plan
01:27:15 - The future of dental technology
01:31:00 - Fantasy dinner party
01:31:55 - Fitness and flow
01:36:40 - Last days and legacy
About Michael Joseph
Michael Joseph is a clinical dental technician and founder of London-based BiteRite Dental Laboratory providing nationwide restorative support.
Rhona ard Payman meet Talitha Price, the founder of the successful hair extension business For and Warp.
Talifah shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in the beauty industry working for Virgin Atlantic and major cosmetics brands to starting her own salon and product line.
The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a business, including the loneliness of being a sole founder, the importance of having a supportive partner, and the difficulties of juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Rory Boyd shares his journey to being a specialist prosthodontist and owner of Dublin’s Belfield Clinic.
Rory discusses the value of work-life balance, adopting new tech, and growing and managing his referral-based practice.
Rory also discusses his involvement with the Irish Dental Association and his efforts to advocate for the profession.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:50 - Backstory
00:11:30 - Choosing dentistry
00:17:00 - SPOcast Show Notesutside interests
00:21:20 - Postgraduate training
00:43:50 - Specialists Vs general practitioners
00:46:50 - Simplicity and education
00:50:35 - New technologies
00:57:15 - Irish Dental Association
01:04:45 - Blackbox thinking
01:11:40 - Advances in dentistry
01:27:55 - From research to adoption
01:31:30 - Belfield Clinic
01:43:10 - Fee setting
01:48:50 - Aha! moments
01:54:35 - The IDA and lobbying
01:58:25 - Fantasy dinner party
02:00:05 - Last days and legacy
About Rory Boyd
Rory Boyd is a specialist prosthodontist and owner of the Belfield Clinic specialist practice in Dublin, ROI. In 2019 Dr Boyd became the President of the Irish Dental Association Metropolitan branch and currently sits on the Irish Dental Association committee.
Rhona chats with celebrity personal trainer Sana Shirvani about her journey in the fitness industry. Sana shares her experience working long hours and taking on clients' stress, as well as the pressure she faced from her conservative father to pursue a traditional career.
Sana candidly shares the mental health challenges she faced after her cousin's suicide and her own battles with depression and addiction.
In This Episode
00:00:05 - Stress and negative energy
00:06:55 - Becoming a personal trainer
00:32:35 - Women’s fitness
00:38:40 - Eating and body image
00:50:25 - Ozempic
00:53:05 - Mental health challenges
01:02:00 - Gender, dating and relationship dynamics
01:07:10 - Sexual harassment
01:13:15 - Scaling and growth
About Sana Shirvani
Sana Shirvani is a London-based personal trainer with a background in strength and conditioning who supports busy people to take control of their health, fitness and wellness.
Kevin Shannon discusses leaving dentistry to focus on his dental software startup, DigitalTCO.
Kevin shares how his frustration with the inefficiencies of dental note-taking and a difficult patient complaint inspired him to create DigitalTCO, which uses AI to automatically generate clinical notes and consent forms from audio recordings of patient consultations.
He taught himself to code to build the software, which is now used by over 350 dental practices.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:01:10 - Backstory
00:16:10 - Discovering dentistry
00:20:35 - Dental school
00:22:25 - Early jobs
00:27:30 - Frustrations
00:38:00 - Digital TCO
00:56:35 - Digital TCO vision
01:00:50 - Technical aspects
01:05:20 - Scaling and growth
01:09:25 - Last days and legacy
About Kevin Shannon
Kevin Shannon is the founder of DigitalTCO, the dental notetaking software used by hundreds of UK practices.
Founder and host of the award-winning Sex Talks Emma Louise Boynton joins Payman and Rhona for a frank exploration of sex education and communication.
The conversation touches on cultural taboos around sex, gender relations and inequalities, to provide an open and nuanced exploration of the complex intersections between sex, intimacy, shame, relationships and well-being.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:04:00 - Journalism and career
00:14:50 - Sex therapy and education
00:30:35 - Cultural taboos and shame
00:39:00 - Dating
00:41:55 - Grieving and adolescence
00:44:05 - Gender and equality
00:52:55 - Faking it
00:54:40 - Changing attitudes
00:56:35 - Sex addiction, body image and social media
01:03:55 - Dating apps and true love
01:06:00 - Mental health
01:08:20 - Male sexuality and shame
01:12:20 - Future vision
About Emma Louise Boynton
Emma Louise Boynton is a broadcaster, writer, and founder and host of the award-winning Sex Talks series, which aims to break down the barriers surrounding open and honest discussions of sex.
Prav and Payman chat with Siamack Bagueri, a highly successful orthodontist who owns ten large orthodontic practices with his wife. Siamack shares his story of coming to the UK from Iran in the 1970s and pursuing dentistry. He discusses the challenges he faced during dental school and how those experiences shaped him.
The conversation touches on recruitment challenges, the shift toward temp agencies, the business advantages of new tech in aligner therapy, and more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:15 - Backstory
00:04:35 - Choosing dentistry
00:07:40 - Dental School
00:14:50 - The next generation
00:18:00 - Case selection
00:21:35 - Practice management
00:31:35 - Ortho technology
00:35:50 - Referring cases
00:40:40 - Clinical work
00:44:45 - Recruitment
00:48:10 - Remote monitoring and aligner therapy
00:51:45 - Blackbox thinking
01:00:15 - Early interceptive orthodontics
01:02:25 - Fears
01:06:05 - Looking back
01:08:10 - Fantasy dinner party
01:10:15 - Last days and legacy
About Siamack Bagueri
Siamack Bagueri graduated from Bristol University in 1987. He then gained orthodontic qualifications from the Royal Colleges of England and Edinburgh and an MSc from the University of London. He is the principal of a group of 10 orthodontic clinics in London, Cheltenham, and Shropshire.
Rhona and Payman chat with Daniel Daggers, a successful luxury real estate agent, founder of Drew Global, and star of Netflix’s Buying London.
Daniel shares his rise from humble beginnings in local authority housing to becoming a top agent, dealing with challenges like bullying and trolling along the way.
He discusses his people-centric approach to business, the importance of personal branding, and his philosophy of enabling others to achieve their potential.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:03:05 - Backstory
00:12:20 - Trauma and challenges
00:17:55 - Staring in property
00:33:35 - Personal brands
00:37:20 - High-end properties
00:41:05 - Building and running a business
00:53:45 - Dubai real estate
00:59:50 - Family, love, support and opportunities
01:06:05 - Netflix
01:10:35 - Low point
01:14:20 - People Vs property person
01:16:15 - Recognising potential
01:17:00 - Being recognised in public
01:22:20 - Lessons from high-net worth individuals
01:22:45 - Advice to younger self
About Daniel Daggers
Daniel Daggers is a luxury real estate expert and the star of Netflix's Buying London. With over two decades of experience, he has established himself as a leader in the prime and super prime property markets worldwide. His track record includes advising on the sale of more than $5 billion worth of high-end residential properties.
How do dental practices stand out from the competition in a fiercely competitive marketplace that’s becoming more crowded by the day?
Join Prav for an in-depth discussion of defining and leveraging your clinic’s unique selling points to design unique, memorable customer journeys and stand out from the competition.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:01:30 - TCO training—evolution and adaptation
00:09:00 - Creating unique patient journeys
00:17:25 - USP examples
00:20:30 - Leveraging USPs
00:26:15 - Consultation to closure
00:32:50 - Journey mapping and refinement
About Prav Solanki
Prav Solanki is a marketing scientist and dental growth specialist who has supported countless dental professionals and organisations to achieve stellar growth.
He is a co-owner and director of IAS Academy and founder of The Fresh, the UK’s leading dental growth and marketing agency.
His latest project, Leadflo, is described as the world’s most advanced CRM for dental clinics.
We reach way back into the archives this week with a look back at one of Payman and Prav’s favourite conversations with Green Beret-turned-dentist, Danny Watson.
Danny looks back on his first meeting with Prav, recalls how seeing military dentists at work inspired him to join the profession, and discusses burning his military bridges in hot pursuit of his newfound passion.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
0.34 - Early years
07.27 - Army days
14.59 - Discovering dentistry
21.25 - Getting started and burning bridges
26.01 - The military mindset
36.19 - Highs and lows
44.47 - Lambos & love at first sight
48.28 - On PT
53.47 - New challenges
57.08 - Last day on earth
About Danny Watson
Danny Watson graduated from Manchester University in 2018 and went on to practise at Manchester’s Kiss Dental.
Before becoming a dentist, Danny enjoyed a long and distinguished military career including service with the Green Berets and active service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is passionate about cross fit and personal training, and is the current world-record holder for the greatest distance travelled on the Concept-2 indoor rower in one minute.
Specialist orthodontist Annika Patek opens up about the challenges of dental study and practise for those who don’t fit the mould.
The conversation delves into the challenges of being a career-focused woman in dentistry, including sacrificing family and relationships for speciality training.
Annika discusses her experiences with marriage and motherhood while working as a specialist, the importance of mental resilience and camaraderie and support within the profession.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:02:25 - Backstoty
00:06:00 - Discovering dentistry
00:09:30 - Dental school
00:15:20 - General practice, VT and specialist training
00:22:10 - Conformity and non-conformity
00:25:58 - Family, study, and careers
00:34:10 - Ortho training challenge
00:40:20 - GDPs and ortho
00:44:25 - Marriage and motherhood
00:52:30 - Ortho highs and lows
00:54:05 - Support and camaraderie
00:57:00 - Mental resilience
01:00:00 - Lingual Vs Invisalign
About Annika Patel
Annika gained a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and postgraduate Masters in Orthodontics from King’s College London.
She trained in maxillofacial and oral surgery and paediatric dentistry before completing specialist training in Orthodontics at Guy’s Hospital and the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead.
Annika has a keen interest in the intersection of science, orthodontics, and art.
Payman chats with the world-renowned professor Avijit Banerjee, who shares his journey in academia, discussing his research focused on applying scientific findings to patient care.
As you’d expect from a polymathic mind like Prof. Banjaree’s, the conversation ranges far and wide, covering challenges in dental education, the role of new technologies in diagnosis and the public's perception of fluoride.
Prof. Banerjee also wisdom on clinical judgement, patient communication, the value of documenting cases, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:03:45 - Academia, research and curiosity
00:10:00 - Research, commercialisation and sharing
00:18:15 - Recent studies
00:28:11 - Oral health messaging
00:31:25 - Shift towards whole patient care and holistic dentistry in education
00:33:30 - Training: past, present, UK and abroad
00:42:20 - Advice for young dentists
00:43:20 - NHS funding
00:48:10 - International teaching and research
00:55:40 - Minimally invasive dentistry
01:16:40 - New technologies
01:20:10 - Danger of undertreatment
01:23:20 - Experimentation and evidence
01:26:05 - Bureaucracy and red tape
01:28:05 - Misunderstanding and misinformation
01:34:00 - Fluoride and fissure sealants
01:44:10 - Black box thinking
01:50:25 - Teaching style
01:51:25 - Fantasy dinner party
01:58:40 - Last days and legacy
About Professor Avijit Banerjee
Professor Avijit Banerjee, a global authority in minimally invasive dentistry, leads the Cariology & Operative Dentistry research program at King's College London Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences.
He serves as Head of Conservative & MI Dentistry, Director of Education (UG), and Programme Director for the KCL distance-learning Masters in Advanced Minimum Intervention Dentistry.
Banerjee's research focuses on MI operative caries management and adhesive dental biomaterials, resulting in over 120 publications and £2.5 million in research funding. He collaborates with international Industry partners as an R&D KOL and is the primary author of the widely respected text, Pickard's Guide to Minimally Invasive Operative Dentistry.
Banerjee holds editorial positions in several prominent dental journals and maintains a specialist clinical practice in Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontics & Periodontics. He currently serves as the President of the BDA Metropolitan Branch Section.
Simon Chard shares his journey through the challenges and triumphs of running a dental practice, his presidency of the BACD and thoughts on the potential of new technologies and methodologies in shaping the future of dentistry.
His passion for personal development, both for himself and his peers, shines through as he discusses the potential for dentistry to improve lives.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
02.00 - Entrepreneurial challenges
15:25 - Personal development
22:00 - Family time and personal values
29.05 - BACD presidency and future teaching ambitions
00.31.15 - Digital dentistry material science
00.33.05 - Well-being and personal development
00.49.00 - Innovation, change and dogma
01.00:00 - Relationships and personal and professional growth
01.02.05 - Future trends
01.07.40 - Black box thinking
01.10.25 - Fantasy dinner party
01.14.00 - Last Days and Legacy
About Simon Chard
Cosmetic dentist and former president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Simon Chard, is passionate about using digital technology to simplify cosmetic and implant dentistry. He regularly teaches digital dentistry, dental photography and minimally invasive aesthetic techniques.
Reality star, TV presenter, and writer Amber Rose opens up about life as Love Island contestant and winner.
Amber shares the story of how she was cast on Love Island and how subsequent attention and criticism led to what she considers her lowest point.
Amber, always true to herself, shares her current career pursuits in entertainment, writing, and brand deals, the process of writing her first novel, and seeking opportunities that better align with her authentic self.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
[00:02:05] Backstory
[00:10:25] Love Island
[00:30:00] Highs and lows
[00:36:50] Friendship
[00:39:40] ADHD
[00:50:50] Social media, societal pressures and mental health
[00:57:05] Authenticity
[01:00:20] Career and plans
[01:05:35] Reality TV
[01:08:45] Longevity
About Amber Rose Gill
Amber Rose Gill is a TV personality and author famed for winning the fifth series of Love Island. In 2022, Amber released her debut romance novel, Until I Met You.
Payman chats with dental coach and communication expert Barry Oulton.
Barry shares his journey into dentistry, despite his artistic nature, and how his father influenced his career choice.
He discusses his education in the UK and the US, overcoming limiting beliefs and the challenges of running a practice.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
[00:01:10] Backstory
[00:09:05] Study
[00:11:25] Journey to practice ownership
[00:15:40] Personal life and personal development
[00:28:40] Coaching greatness
[00:33:20] Limiting beliefs
[00:42:30] Patient journey and communication
[00:51:50] Blackbox thinking
[00:55:00] Practice management
[01:07:05] NHS to private transition
[01:09:40] State of the industry
[01:15:20] Fantasy dinner party
[01:17:15] Last days and legacy
About Barry Oulton
Dr Barry Oulton is a dentist, business owner, lecturer, coach, and mentor who has worked with Henry Schein, Septodont, DMG, S4S, Biohorizons, Bupa Dental, and Colosseum on B2B sales success in dentistry.
Rhona catches up with long-time friend Sarita Stefani, co-founder of Amelis, a platform that makes egg freezing and fertility treatments more accessible and affordable for women.
They delve into Sarita's remarkable journey as a female entrepreneur, highlighting her resilience and determination, especially during the challenging fundraising process while pregnant.
The conversation also explores the societal impact of Amelis, shedding light on the increasing popularity yet lingering stigma around egg freezing, the high costs involved, and how Amelis is championing women's health by providing transparency and education.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
[00:01:40] - Backstory
[00:04:10] - Working in finance
[00:08:25] - Gender pay gap
[00:14:15] - Female representation
[00:16:55] - Founding Amelis
[00:22:00] - Fertility—personal and social perspectives
[00:30:30] - The male fertility factor
[00:32:55] - Egg freezing and age
[00:36:20] - Personal experience
[00:37:55] - Affordability and accessibility
[00:44:05] - Fundraising and entrepreneurial journey
[00:57:05] - Plans and ambitions
[01:00:20] - Competition and popularity
[01:03:55] - The increasing popularity of egg freezing in recent years
[01:07:15] - Global Dental Collective
[01:09:00] - Dentistry and mental health
[01:11:30] - Finding Amelis online
About Sarita Stefani
Women’s Health Ultimate Role Model winner 2024, Sarita Stefani, is the CEO and founder of Amilis, which supports women through the egg-freezing process. She is also an angel investor in life sciences, healthcare and medtech.
Payman reunites with bestie and occasional show host Prav Solanki for a long-awaited update on his mission to bring effortless enquiry conversion to dental clinics.
Prav briefs us on the story of Leadflo from its early barebones launch to becoming the most advanced dental CRM on the market.
Packed with Prav’s trademark insight on sales psychology, the conversation covers the challenges of software development, nuances of the buyer journey, and how Prav’s practice experience as a practice owner and marketer have informed Leadflo’s painstaking design.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
00:01:41 - Where’s Prav been?
00:03:50 - Intro to Leadflo
00:06:18 - User experience
00:08:22 - Response, follow-up and warming
00:16:40 - Messaging
00:21:44 - Long-term buyer journeys
00:27:09 - Sales process psychology and consistency
00:32:28 - Onboarding and simplicity
00:35:46 - Emotional intelligence, cadence and frequency
00:39:23 - Personal experience
00:41:22 - Product development
About Prav Solanki
Prav Solanki is a marketing scientist and dental growth specialist who has supported countless dental professionals and organisations to achieve stellar growth.
He is a co-owner and director of IAS Academy and founder of The Fresh, the UK’s leading dental growth and marketing agency.
His latest project, Leadflo, is described as the world’s most advanced CRM for dental clinics.
Dental technician Simon Caxton shares his unconventional path into dental technology, describing his hands-on learning style, passion for the craft, and drive to excel.
Our conversation takes a deep dive into the current landscape of dental labs in the UK. We explore the challenges in finding skilled technicians, the transformative impact of digital technologies, and the value of collaboration and communication between dentists and technicians.
Enjoy!
00:02:40 - Backstory
00:16:10 - Establishing a lab
00:24:30 - Challenges
00:42:15 - Dentist-technician relationships
00:49:15 - Anatomy and workflow
00:52:25 - Skills and training
00:56:40 - Blackbox thinking
01:03:40 - Business exit
01:08:20 - Aspirations
01:12:40 - Techniques and workflow
01:17:25 - Fantasy dinner party
01:21:25 - Last days and legacy
Simon Caxton is a dental technician and director of the Romford-based Simplee Dental Ceramics laboratory.
In This EpisodeAbout Simon Caxton
Simon Caxton is a dental technician and director of the Romford-based Simplee Dental Ceramics laboratory.
This week’s episode reaches spots other podcasts miss as Payman sits down with dentist-turned-inventor Michael Alatsaris.
Michael shares his journey from a dissatisfied clinician and practice owner to a fulfilled product designer and entrepreneur, discussing the highs and lows of the painstaking process of bringing an innovative new toothbrush to market.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00:02:30 - Choosing dentistry
00:06:40 - Practice purchase
00:16:25 - Challenges of practice ownership
00:22:25 - Exit
00:27:00 - Product design
00:30:50 - Problem-solution
00:38:25 - ErgoProx
00:44:00 - Prototyping and tooling
00:51:10 - Going to market
00:56:15 - Execution Vs ideation
01:03:40 - Challenging the status quo
01:05:35 - Blackbox thinking
01:08:10 - Marketing and trajectory
01:09:09 - Fantasy dinner party
01:12:02 - Last days and legacy
About Michael Alatsaris Former dental practice owner Michael Alatsaris is the inventor of the ErgoProx toothbrush for cleaning mesial and distal surfaces next to spacing.
Mind Movers brings things home this week as Rhona has a heart-to-heart with her father, Dr Alex Eskander, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist.
Dr Eskander shares his inspiring journey from Egypt to the UK, his experiences as a junior doctor in the NHS, and his transition to private practice.
The conversation delves into important topics such as the importance of egg freezing, increasing rates of fertility issues, the psychological impact of infertility, and the option of adoption.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00:01:45 - Backstory
00:05:50 - Journey to the UK and medical training
00:23:40 - NHS experience
00:35:30 - A love story
00:54:40 - Return to the UK
01:08:05 - Private practice
01:11:40 - Egg freezing and ovarian reserve
01:16:25 - Fertility and IVF
01:29:10 - Societal pressures
01:36:30 - Adoption
01:42:15 - Male infertility
01:44:25 - Dr. Iskander's experience with prostate cancer
01:48:15 - Advice for younger self
About Dr Alex Eskander Dr Alex Eskander is an obstetrician, gynaecologist and assisted conception consultant. He is the co-director of The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy and founder of the Gynae Centre, London.
Selvaraj Balaji shares his journey from growing up in rural South India to the UK, where he is now a successful implant dentist at the helm of a small group of practices and implant training academy.
Selvaraj discusses the challenges of getting started in the UK, the philosophy behind his Academy of Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation (ASHA) Club UK for advanced implant training and finding a healthy work-life balance.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 0:02:05: Backstory
00:04:00: Moving to the UK
00:24:00: Surgery to general practice
00:35:22: From VT to implantology
00:41:12: Practice purchase, management and growth
01:01:22: Family life
01:06:14: Teaching and ASHA
01:16:36: Blackbox thinking
01:19:17: Talent, mentorship and training
01:25:24: Ambition and plans
01:27:36: Last days and legacy
01:28:40: Fantasy dinner party
About Selvaraj Balaji Implant dentist Selvaraj Balaji owns Buckinghamshire-based The Gallery and Meadow Walk dental clinics. He is also the founder of the Academy of Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation (ASHA) Club UK for advanced implant training.
Take a deep breath and tune in as Jamie Clements explores the transformative power of breathwork
Jamie shares his journey from the tech industry to breathwork coach and founder of The Breath Space, discussing the scientific and therapeutic aspects of breathwork for improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
He offers practical advice for integrating breathwork into daily routines and insights into how it could improve focus and reduce stress in dentistry.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00:00:05 - Importance and applications of breathwork
00:09:05 - Transition from tech
00:16:40 - Breathwork as business.
00:27:30 - Functional breathing
00:32:55 - Breathwork in dentistry
00:39:40 - Techniques for managing panic, anxiety, and stress
00:43:40 - Male mental health
00:54:35 - Self-soothing
01:19:35 - Personal growth
01:22:05 - Practical advice
Jamie Clements Jamie Clements is a breathwork specialist and founder of The Breath Space. He has worked with entrepreneurs, politicians, and athletes to share the well-being benefits of breathwork and altered states of consciousness.
Pete Niesiolowski provides a glimpse into a dental journey that has taken him from the UK to Australia, and back.
Pete discusses life down under, the challenges of transitioning from NHS to private care, and thoughts on the overlap between implant provision and cosmetic dentistry.
Enjoy!
01.20 - Backstory
15.20 - NHS to private practice
21.15 - Australia
27.00 - Discovering cosmetic dentistry
29.30 - Practice ownership
31.30 - Implant journey, training and experience
51.15 - Blackbox thinking
01.13.20 - Fantasy dinner party
01.07.30 - Thoughts on the future
About Pete Niesiolowski Dr Pete Niesiolowski graduated from King’s College London in 1997 with his bachelor of dental surgery degree. He has worked in general dental practice for over two decades, including eight years running a practice in Australia.
Payman Langroudi sits down with Zak Kara, co-founder of Bounemoputh-based Smile Stories, to explore the philosophy and practices behind his success.
Zak shares insights into the importance of teamwork, thoughts on patient communication and why some conventional dental words and phrases off limits during patient consultations.
Zak also explores patient journeys, creating a practice ambience and his practice-growth philosophy.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.00 - Private dentistry and the patient journey
04.55 - Smile Stories
11.00 - Patient selection
20.00 - Personal and professional background
28.40 - Comfort, ambience and atmosphere
32.21 - Banned words
36.10 - Practice management
01.10.00 - Practice growth
01.17.10 - Consultation and communication
01.57.25 - Leadership and structure
02.05.00 - Black box thinking
02.21.19 - Last days and legacy
About Zak Kara Zak Kara is the co-owner of Bournemouth-based Smile Stories dental practice.
Emma Marshall, the CEO of Movement is Medicine, chats about the profound impact of movement on mental and physical health.
Emma shares her journey from facing severe health challenges and exploring various mainstream and alternative therapies to discovering the healing power of movement and dance.
She discusses the importance of integrating physical with mental health support and using movement as a vehicle for catharsis and trauma recovery.
Emma also touches on the societal pressures and misconceptions around health and advocates for more accessible and inclusive approaches to wellness practices.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.40 - Emma’s story
12.41 - Alternative medicine
23.10 - Rhythm and healing
26.05 - Movement is Medicine
39.10 - Wellness and mental health
46.25 - Accessibility and socioeconomics
52.45 - Female perspectives
57:40 - Business and the rhythm of processes
01.01.00 - TED Talks and training for teachers.
About Emma Marshall Emma Marshall is the founder and CEO of Movement is Medicine®, a neuroscientific technique for wellness and stress relief through music and dance.
Laura Horton relates her journey from dental nurse and TCO to practice owner and growth consultant.
Laura gives a clinic-eye view on the invaluable role of TCOs in shaping patient experience within the practice, shares wisdom on team growth and development, and discusses the highs and lows of practice ownership.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.50 - Backstory
07.00 - Nursing, TCO and consultancy
12.00 - Practice workflow insights
17.20 - Practice ownership
29.25 - Professional relationships and career development
35.00 - The TCO role
44.00 - Team training and development
01.26.00 - Friendship Vs professionalism
01.36.30 - Trust and karma
01.54.00 - Fantasy Dinner Party
02.01.10 - Last days and legacy
About Laura Horton Former TCO and dental nurse Laura Horton owns and runs Flagstaff-based clinic Dental Smiles. She is the founder of Laura Horton Consulting, which provides practice growth and development support.
Mindset coach, charity founder, model and former boxer Paul Sculfor discusses the challenges of transitioning from the ring to the catwalk and thoughts on self-acceptance, sobriety and the pressure of being in the spotlight.
Reflecting candidly on his struggles with addiction, Paul talks reveals how sobriety has transformed his life and relationships, arguing passionately for the need for genuine self-discovery.
In this Episode 01.00 - Backstory
11.50 - From boxing to modelling
23.55 - Coping mechanisms
33.20 - The ongoing impact of addiction
44.00 - Sobriety
47.00 - Substances Vs plant medicine
51.00 - The depth of addiction and personal harm
53.05 - Rehab
0.58.00 - Fame
1.02.40 - Modelling in the digital era
1.07.20 - Self-image and surgery
1.12.30 - Male mental health
1.17.20 - Stride Foundation UK
1.22.40 - Life advice
About Paul Sculfor Paul Sculfor is an actor, model and mindset coach. He is founder of the Stride UK Foundation, which provides support to those affected by addiction.
Sarika Shah shares her journey from childhood in Kenya to becoming the principal of a successful Docklands-based practice.
She discusses her transition to the UK for education, her decision to pursue dentistry, and the highs and lows of practice growth.
Sarika explores the importance of patient care, team management, and overcoming obstacles, with insight into the unique challenges faced by women in dentistry.
In This Episode 02.25 - Backstory
08.20 - Discovering dentistry
11.35 - University
18.20 - Professional journey
31.30 - Practice ownership and growth
42.35 - Women in dentistry
51.35 - Parenting and leadership
01.00.50 - Blackbox thinking
01.07.15 - Last days and legacy
01.08.00 - Fantasy dinner party
About Sarika Shah Sarika Shah graduated from the University of Manchester in 2006 and completed a Master's degree in Restorative Dentistry at the Eastman Dental Institute, UCL. Sarika established Platinum Dental Care in Canary Wharf in 2017.
Yolande Fisher shares her compelling journey from early childhood in Cameroon to successful practice in Bristol.
Her story unfolds from her early education and influences to the challenges and revelations she faced within the NHS and her transition to private practice.
Alongside her clinical pursuits, Yolande delves into the balance of motherhood, continuous learning, and the pursuit of personal fulfilment. amidst the evolving landscape of dentistry.
In This Episode 01.30 - Back story
06.00 - Discovering dentistry
21.40 - The NHS Experience
27.15 - Motherhood, moving to Bristol, and family life.
37.00 - Learning and leading
42.10 - Social media
47.00 - Family
56:20 - Privilege
01:11:20 - Black box thinking
01:24:00 - Continuous learning
01:19:40 - Practice ownership and partnerships
01.23.56 - Standout learning experiences
01.30.32 - Future
01.36.21 - Fantasy dinner party
01.40.16 - Last days and legacy
About Yolande Fisher Yolande Fisher is a GDP practising at the Family Dental and Implant Centre in Bristol.
Ellie Bratt joins Payman and Rhona for a chat about generational trauma, gender dynamics in the workplace and society, and the challenges and biases faced by women.
Ellie shares her personal and professional so far, discussing her entrepreneurial spirit and the founding of Sirens social media marketing agency.
In This Episode 02.00 - Background
03.40 - Generational trauma
09.45 - School
12.00 - Gender dynamics and societal expectations
19.00 - Entrepreneurial journey
26.05 - Gender pay gap and workplace dynamics
36.30 - Sirens
41.05 - TikTok and social media
01.02.50 - Top tips
About Ellie Bratt Ellie Bratt is an influencer, TikTok personality and founder of Sirens social media agency.
Chris Tavares delves into philosophical and ethical aspects of dentistry, his experience as a member of The Jesuit Order, and its impact on his personal and professional development journey.
Chris also shares perspectives on teaching and mentorship, NHS Vs private practice, and the a-ha moments that have informed his practice.
In This Episode 01.45 - Discernment, justification and philosophy
18.15 - Coming to the UK
22.39 - Vocation, study, first job
26.34 - The Jesuit Order
30.30 - Ethics and epistemology
45.43 - Black box thinking
53.16 - Highs, lows and a-ha moments
01.00.40 - Teaching
01.05.56 - NHS to private dentistry
01.09.50 - Staying solo
01.16.39 - Free time and family life
01.19.42 - Fantasy dinner party
01.22.06 - Last days and legacy
About Chris Tavares Chris Tavares is a former member of The Jesuit Order. He now practices dental surgery in Derby, UK.
The second part of our conversation with Len D’ Cruz delves into the emotional impact of clinical errors and explores the role of the BDA in supporting dental professionals when things go wrong.
Len also discusses his practice-growth journey so far and reveals why he still feels an affinity for NHS practice and patients.
In This Episode 01:30 - BDA—role and challenges
14.16 - Stress, errors and impact
24:25 - Blackbox thinking
37:00 - Practice growth
45.46 - NHS practice
48.37 - Fantasy exit
53.03 - Practice management
55.06 - Getting involved
59.04 - Identity
01.00.52 - Fantasy dinner party
01.10.01 - Last days and legacy
About Len D’Cruz Len D’Cruz is the head of indemnity at the British Dental Association. He heads a mixed NHS/private practice consisting of seven surgeries in Woodford Green, North East London. He also teaches the MA in Dental Law and Ethics program at the University of Bedfordshire.
Payman Langroudi presents part one of a deep conversation with Len D'Cruz, a distinguished figure in dental legal affairs. Len shares his journey from Nairobi to London, his unexpected path into dentistry, and his perspectives on the evolving field of dental law.
Len talks about childhood, academic choices, and his approach to handling dental complaints and claims with empathy, detailed record-keeping, and a cool head in the face of pressure.
In This Episode 02:15 - Backstory
04:10 - Entry into dentistry
07:55 - Character traits
09:00 - Dentistry and academia
11:10 - Whitechapel
12:30 - University
14:10 - Work ethic
17:10 - Dental legal affairs
24:45 - Mistakes and shame
31:20 - The legal landscape
35:10 - Partnerships
38:40 - Defending legal cases
41:05 - Implant and aligner therapy
43:40 - Future trends
45:55 - Record-keeping
About Len D'Cruz Len D'Cruz is the head of indemnity at the British Dental Association. He heads a mixed NHS/private practice consisting of seven surgeries in Woodford Green, North East London. He also teaches the MA in Dental Law and Ethics program at the University of Bedfordshire.
Specialist endodontist Aram Navai says the number one skill for endo nurses is staying awake.
In this week’s episode, Aram chats with Payman about the value of skilled nurses and the stigma around endodontics.
Aram also recounts his journey to specialism in what is perhaps one of dentistry’s most intimidating disciplines and puts forward his nomination for the world’s greatest living endodontist.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.47 - The road to dentistry
10.04 - Study
16.46 - From A&E to specialisation
28.36 - Endodontics in practice
44.47 - Social media
47.19 - Being a visiting specialist
59.05 - Downtime
01.01.40 - Black box thinking
01.12.52 - Sub-specialisms
01.13.57 - International outlook
01.15.46 - Building referrals
01.21.36 - World’s number one
01.23.52 - Fantasy dinner party
01.26.35 - Last days and legacy
About Aram Navai Aram Navai is a visiting endodontic specialist and the founder of the London Root Canal Clinic specialist referral centre.
Content creator Sophie Milner shares her journey from journalism student to online influencer, touching on themes of mental health, social media's impact, and the challenges of online life.
The discussion also explores the nuances of online expression, gender identity, and the complexities surrounding cosmetic procedures and mental health treatments.
In This Episode 00:30 - Backstory
02:10 - From journalism to content creation
05:45 - Social media and mental health
15:30 - Cosmetic procedures and societal expectations
22:25 - Men's mental health and role models
29:30 - Haters
31:50 - Antidepressants and mental health treatment
38:50 - Health forums and support systems
42:10 - Going solo
About Sophie Milner Sophie Milner is a fashion content creator and influencer. Find her on Instagram at @itssophiemilner.
Hygienist and therapist Lorena Pivoda chats with Payman about the view from the hygienist-therapist.
Lorena talks about studying at Plymouth University, her first impressions of London after moving from Romania, and the friendly rivalry with her sister.
In This Episode 01.16 - Backstory
06.03 - London and Romania
10.45 - Discovering dental hygiene
14.40 - Dentist-nurse relationship
19.25 - Study
22.58 - Attention to detail
27.49 - Plymouth
30.07 - First post
32.23 - A day in the life
37.32 - Awards
40.12 - Goals
41.01 - Black box thinking
49.00 - Photography and social media
54.03 - Direct access
55.36 - In retrospect
59.28 - COVID
01.01.13 - Ambition and competitiveness
01.05.22 - Fantasy dinner party
01.07.52 - Last days and legacy
About Lorena Pivoda Lorena graduated from Plymouth Peninsula Dental School with a BSc (Hons) in dental therapy and hygiene. She practices in clinics across London.
An encounter with a mushroom tea master led brothers Simon and Andrew Salter deep into the mycology rabbit hole.
Simon chats with Payman and Rhona about how the brothers’ DIRTEA brings ancestral adaptive medicine into the 21st century.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.43 - Backstory
17.12 - Discovering mushrooms
23.24 - Vision, action and effort
27.52 - Brotherhood and partnerships
32.49 - DIRTEA
36.37 - Psychedelic mushrooms
49.23 - Availability and community
58.35 - Scaling and growth
About Simon Salter Alongside brother Andrew, Simon Salter is the co-founder of DIRTEA mushroom pure extract
Prav welcomes 2024 with a special solo show exploring teamwork, health and wellness, and thoughts on improving the sales process and patient journey.
Prav also discusses ‘the wheel of life’ strategy for balancing family, friendships, work-life, and more, inviting listeners to set and share goals for the year ahead.
In This Episode 00.49 - Team
02.31 - Health and wellness
10.43 - Business journeys, sales processes
18.59 - Congruency and filtering
35.17 - The wheel of life
About Prav Solanki Prav Solanki is an entrepreneur and dental marketer who has purchased, developed and exited a successful group of clinics. He is the director of The Fresh dental marketing and growth agency and founder of Leadflo—an advanced lead management system for dental practices.
Amy Neville chats about her work as a model, influencer and fashion blogger. She describes her experience with hyperemesis gravidarum—an extreme form of morning sickness—and how her social media followers rallied when she needed support.
In This Episode 01.58 - Backstory
11.48 - Motherhood and identity
19.56 - Hyperemesis gravidarum
25.55 - Privilege
28.42 - Work-life balance
31.27 - Social media, modelling and ageing
37.20 - Ambition, relationships and goals
About Amy Neville Amy Neville is a model, influencer, fashion blogger and mum. Follow her on Instagram at @amynevfashiondiaries.
Dipesh Parmar introduces a special podcast originally broadcast in June 2022 with guest Louis Mackenzie who tragically passed away in December.
With Louis’ passing, the dental community has lost one of its most engaging, inspirational, and well-loved figures.
Our thoughts are with Louis’ family, friends, and all who knew him.
In This Episode 05.18 - Being an inspiration
09.53 - Talent spotting and training
15.14 - Specialising Vs generalism
17.26 - Treatment longevity
25.52 - The new generation
27.46 - Why dentistry and background
32.58 - Dental school
38.07 - Moral tension and motivation
53.10 - Bad decisions and black box thinking
01.00.12 - Leaving the NHS
01.07.04 - Denplan
01.17.07 - On stage
01.25.34 - Research and opinion leadership
01.38.52 - Fantasy dinner party
01.41.00 - Legacy
About Louis Mackenzie Louis Mackenzie was a GDP, clinical tutor, lecturer and educator who passed away in December 2023.
A glittering career as a bingo caller and entertainer looked like fate written in stone for Miranda Steeples—until someone dared to suggest she might be better suited to dental hygiene and therapy.
Miranda chats about the road from entertainment to therapy and the presidency of the British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists (BSDHT) via a near-miss as a Disney Princess.
She also sets out her wishlist for changes and reform to her profession and tackles the often complex relationship between dentists, hygienists and therapists.
In This Episode 02.38 - Backstory
18.25 - Study and graduation
24.33 - Practice culture
28.22 - BSDHT
41.13 - Reform and challenges
53.41 - Career and training
58.53 - Smoking cessation and perio
01.01.47 - Hygiene and nursing
01.05.13 - Blackbox thinking
01.17.10 - Fantasy dinner party
01.20.05 - Last days and legacy
About Miranda Steeples Miranda Steeples is the president of the British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists (BSDHT).
She is a hygienist and therapist at West Dental Dental Practice in Eastbourne and Bupa, Hastings and Hailsham.
If you hang around the dental community on Instagram, you’ll probably have come across this week’s guest. Known online as @GeorgeTheDentist, George Cheetham’s down-to-earth educational content has earned him an army of loyal followers.
George chats with Payman about balancing his prolific social output with running three practices. He also reveals his superpowers, talks about plans for the future, and discusses why the NHS is an ideal training ground for ambitious dentists.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.48 - Instagram
06.31 - Chasing excellence
11.41 - Backstory, work ethic and people skills
24.08 - Blackbox thinking
36.38 - Superpowers and work-life balance
41.30 - Partnerships and practice ownership
50.55 - Positioning and growth
01.02.38 - VT year, NHS practice and training
01.12.50 - In retrospect
01.15.31 - Hiring and firing
01.22.08 - Teaching Vs Instagram
01.27.40 - Patient journey and culture
01.32.11 - Patient journey
01.44.55 - A day in the life
01.51.40 - Fantasy dinner party
01.54.44 - Last days and legacy
01.57.21 - Darkest days
About George Cheetham George Cheetham is a multi-award-winning restorative dentist and founder and director of three dental clinics. He is best known by his Instagram moniker @GeorgeTheDentist.
Payman chats with Hasham Ali about his journey from the Middle East to Manchester, UK, where he now practices as a specialist orthodontist.
Hesham discusses the value and challenges of professional networking, what it takes to turn GDPs into competent orthodontists, and why the term specialist orthodontist will always be a secondary identity.
In This Episode 02:00 - Specialising
08.04 - The UK, NHS and private work
12.15 - Networking, communication and social media
24.57 - Teaching and events
28.28 - Roots and relationships
37.15 - Ortho training, planning and treatment
57.35 - Blackbox thinking
01.02.54 - Knowing Vs not knowing
01.06.05 - Orthodontics and health
01.11.06 - Dark days
01.21.21 - In retrospect
01.22.55 - Free time
01.25.24 - Being a twin
01.27.58 - Fantasy dinner party
01.35.49 - Last days and legacy
About Hesham Ali Hesham Ali is a specialist orthodontist and consultant at the Royal Bolton Hospital in Greater Manchester. He also teaches orthodontics through his Orthodontia brand.
In this week’s Mind Movers, Tara Francis recounts a tumultuous year of study at dental school while struggling to live up to her parents' high expectations, followed by the eventual realisation that dentistry wasn’t her calling.
Tara also explores the challenges of delegating and letting go in business, career lows and highs, and the many links between her passion for facial aesthetics and mental health.
In This Episode 01.46 - Leaving dentistry
05.44 - The Middle-Eastern Experience
13.47 - Transitioning to facial aesthetics
18.06 - Aesthetics and mental health
21.37 - Control and letting go
26.11 - Low points
28.43 - Image and aesthetics
32.22 - Finding balance
33.59 - Teaching vs practice
36.08 - When things go wrong
44.45 - Toxicity and resilience
50.48 - Alternate careers
53.41 - The aesthetics industry
57.01 - Introverted entrepreneurs
About Tara Francis Former dentist Tara Francis is a facial aesthetics practitioner and founder of Enhance by Tara. She is also a London Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (LAAM) trainer.
Mydentist associate Luisa Mateescu says she inherited a can-do attitude from her father—a shrewd entrepreneur with a head for numbers.
Not content to stay in her native Romania, Luisa followed her heart to the UK, diving headfirst into mastering new skills and tech.
Luisa recounts her story so far, chatting about the contrast between UK and Romanian dentistry, achieving a healthy work-life balance, and thoughts on where her burning ambition may take her next.
Enjoy!
Oana Luisa Mateescu 00.46 - Backstory
07.48 - Study
16.38 - First job
20.32 - Moving to the UK
30.09 - Romania Vs the UK
35.39 - Mindset
40.43 - Work-life balance
46.28 - Clinical progress
49.17 - Working culture
53.15 - Patient wants and needs
56.38 - Five-year plan
01.00.55 - The worst thing about being a dentist
01.05.20 - Industry predictions
01.09.47 - Blackbox thinking
01.24.57 - Fantasy dinner party
01.27.46 - Last days and legacy
About Luisa Mateescu Luisa Mateescu graduated from the University of Bucharest in 2017. She is an associate dentist at mydentist.
Sahil Patel says he was disillusioned with dentistry by his first year in dental school. But finding a dusty old scanner in the technician’s room at his university changed everything, igniting his curiosity to venture off the curriculum and delve into digital dentistry.
In this episode, Sahil recounts the ups and downs of his journey from associate dentistry in Cornwall to the proud owner of Harley Street’s Marylebone Smile Clinic.
In This Episode 02.29 - Backstory and training
22.06 - Into practice
31.44 - Practice ownership and building trust
36.30 - Patient journey
44.21 - The daughter test
46.30 - Career moves
50.57 - A regulatory case
01.02.03 - Clinical a-ha moments and tips
01.09.55 - Blackbox thinking
01.17.00 - Learning
01.20.45 - Fantasy dinner party
01.26.42 - Last days and legacy
About Sahil Patel Dr Sahil Patel is a multi-award-winning BACD-accredited dentist and owner of Marylebone Smile Clinic on Harley Street, London.
If you had a feeling in your gut that today’s podcast is for you, you’d be right.
Sunni Patel’s journey from optometrist to leading wellness, lifestyle and nutrition coach was the result of a brush with ill health.
Sunni chats with Rhona and Payman about the challenges of getting and giving diagnoses, the links between nutrition, gut health and well-being, and why love is just a four-letter word!
Enjoy!
In This Episode 03.12 - Medical gaslighting
06.19 - Backstory
12.02 - Patients, practitioners and health
22.39 - Gut-brain axis and stress
27.53 - Fasting
40.43 - Eating disorders and body positivity
47.27 - Identity and body dysmorphia
52.57 - Stigma
56.16 - Gut feelings, trauma bonds and love
01.06.19 - Nutrition and microbiomes
01.19.17 - Probiotics and prebiotics
01.22.26 - Advice
About Sunni Patel Dr Sunni Patel is a wellness, lifestyle and nutrition with certifications in nutrition, eating addiction, personal training and fitness.
His expertise on a range of issues has been featured on Ready Steady Cook, Newsround, ITV News, and BBC Radio.
FMC’s Craig Welling discusses his journey from sales rep to managing director at the leading dental communications organisation.
Craig gives the lowdown on the equity-backed management buy-out at FMC, gives his view on the group’s hotly debated awards and Top-50 list, and reveals why you should never play ping pong with Payman Langroudi.
In This Episode 03.56 - Backstory
09.50 - Education Vs experience
13.54 - Starting at FMC
22.18 - The media landscape
25.10 - FMC buyout
51.23 - Awards and Dentistry’s Top 50
01.02.23 - Motivation and culture
01.09.53 - Dealing with large and small organisations
01.13.13 - Looking back
01.14.27 - The competitive landscape and the future of FMC
01.21.33 - Black box thinking
01.26.25 - Fantasy dinnerparty
01.29.12 - Last days and legacy
About Craig Welling Craig Welling is managing director at FMC Media - a leading global multichannel media and communiations company serving the dental community.
Fitness fashion and lifestyle content creator Henry Wade chats with Rhona about his journey to being a successful content creator and leading a life in the social spotlight.
Henry also chats about navigating controversy online, the search for validation, and why kindness is the best antidote to haters and trolls.
02.05 - Henry’s story
04.21 - Learning Vs real-life experience
07.45 - Being a twin
15.09 - Starting in content creation
24.59 - Validation
30.41 - Social media, openness and mental health
40.24 - Monetising
42.35 - Controversy, censorship and de-platforming
50.53 - Trolls and haters and calling people out
01.01.13 - Darkest moments
01.04.41 - Marathons
01.10.57 - Alternative therapies and psychedelics
01.20.33 - Imposter syndrome
01.23.55 - High points
01.25.25 - Fashion, branding and business
About Henry Wade Henry Wade is a fitness fashion and lifestyle content creator and marathon runner.
Since leaving Greece in the mid-90s to study dentistry in London, Kostas Karagiannopoulos has carved a name as one of the leading practitioners of injection-moulding composite bonding.
He chats with Payman and Prav about the experimentation and ‘painful mistakes’ that helped him find his way and how a hedonistic year at university almost stopped his career before it started.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 04.14 - Injection moulding - indication and limitations
15.23 - Patient communication and technique development
22.23 - USPs and differentiation and techniques
44.09 - Backstory
49.01 - Advice to young dentists
55.25 - NHS
58.30 - Outside the clinic
01.01.40 - Blackbox thinking
01.15.41 - Referrals and organic patients
01.22.58 - The front edge
01.26.43 - Last days and legacy
01.29.47 - Fantasy dinner party
About Kostas Karagiannopoulos Kostas Karagiannopoulos is a specialist prosthodontist and honorary consultant at King’s College London, where he has taught since 2008.
He is a proponent pioneer of the injection-moulding composite technique, which he teaches through his Prosthoworks training academy.
The last time we spoke with dental sisters Victoria and Ariane Sampson, they discussed tentative plans for practice ownership.
Fast forward two years and those plans are now a reality as Victoria and Ariane open the doors of the Mayfair-based Health Society.
Payman catches up with the pair as they explain why their holistic approach to oral and general health makes The Health Society no ordinary practice and why the clinic’s opening party could go down as one of the best of all time.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.24 - Becoming a principal
07.23 - Project management
11.30 - Scaling and growth
19.46 - Mayfair patients
23.34 - Health Society plans
27.39 - Health and aesthetics
34.23 - The vision
44.56 - What the future holds
49.10 - Management, careers and subliminal messaging
54.41 - Location
About Victoria & Ariane Sampson Sisters Ariane and Victoria Sampson are perhaps known on Instagram as @thedentalsisters. They recently opened The Health Society—a multidisciplinary health centre in Mayfair, London.
You don’t have to be a driver to be driven. So says this week’s guest, Tanay Kulkarni, who took a national sales rep role with Bryant in his first year of dental school—before even earning his driver’s license.
Tanay chats with Prav about how boredom with the first-year dental syllabus at King’s College led to him pursuing the role and his subsequent involvement with Bryant’s AI-powered note-taking software, TapNote.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 03.11 - Backstory
11.01 - The dental syllabus
16.10 - Bryant Dental
28.15 - Selling to dentists Vs patients
33.15 - TapNote
43.49 - The US, clinical dentistry and flexibility
50.15 - Black box thinking
57.39 - Confidence and articulation
59.20 - Fantasy dinner party
01.02.54 - Last days and legacy
About Tanay Kulkarni Tanay Kulkarni is a recent King’s College graduate currently practising as a foundation dentist in Surrey.
He is a partner at the Bryant Group of disruptor companies. He is currently bootstrapping Aura AI, which uses AI to automate clinical record-keeping and diagnostics.
Dentist have some of the highest rates of suicide, addiction and mental health problems. It is a stigma and a taboo both in the profession and in society
Our guest is Sheetal Jain a dentist and mother of 3 young children who has suffered with an eating disorder and alcohol dependence and is now on a journey to recovery
In a frank and sensitive discussion Sheetal goes into her childhood marked by her father’s untimely death, a trigger for expectations set for herself which led to her eating disorder and subsequently her addiction and recovery
Artur Zolkiewicz is one of the country’s most in-demand personal trainers.
In this week’s Mind Movers, he sits down for a chat with Rhoma and Payman on the discipline of martial arts, a lack of positive role models for young men, and how he deals with the stereotypes around being a fitness practitioner.
Artur, Rhona and Payman also chat about the power of emotional intelligence and dealing with trolls. Artur also gives some invaluable insight into practical steps listeners can take to improve health and well-being.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.38 - Growing up
05.30 - Discipline, martial arts and dentistry
14.09 - Empathy and emotional intelligence
21.19 - Body image, fitness and privilege
37.32 - Male role models, safe spaces and evolution
01.02.14 - Fitness and stereotypes
01.08.42 - Trolling and trauma
01.15.40 - Practical health and well-being
About Artur Zolkiewicz Personal trainer Artur Zolkiewicz has over two decades of experience working with organisations and private individuals to help them improve fitness and well-being.
Few disciplines in dentistry divide clinicians like endodontics, but Asad Rahman knew it was his calling by year three of dental school.
In this week’s episode, Asad talks about falling in love with endodontics, the road to expertise and becoming qualified to the hilt as an antidote to imposter syndrome.
Asad also chats about his role with the Portman group, in which he straddles the corporate and clinical worlds, and his journey to mastering the business aspects of the profession by squeezing study for an MBA into a punishing work schedule.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.06 - Backstory, determination and mindset
09.28 - Race
11.12 - First job
16.40 - Advice to young dentists
24.11 - Choosing and training for endodontics
33.35 - Anaesthesia and sedation
36.01 - Latest developments
38.27 - Hero-dontics
41.02 - Pricing strategies
45.08 - Corporate and clinical leadership
01.00.09 - Psychometric testing
01.03.26 - Family life
01.09.56 - Black box thinking
01.27.53 - Portman
01.40.29 - Reflections on dad
01.43.52 - Fantasy dinner party
01.46.53 - Last days and legacy
About Asad Rahman Dr Asad Rahman graduated from the University of Leeds in 2015 and has devoted himself to postgraduate study alongside clinical practice in endodontics.
He has undertaken MJDF and MFDS qualifications to gain membership in the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He has also completed a year-long Post Graduate Certificate in clinical conscious sedation at the University of Bristol.
In 2020, Asad graduated from the University of Birmingham with a two-year postgraduate diploma in restorative dentistry.
He is currently studying for master’s degrees in endodontics and business administration.
Known to friends and colleagues as The FMR Guy, Dr Devang Patel is considered an authority on the science of full mouth rehabilitation, whose courses and lectures have helped hundreds of clinicians get to grips with complex treatment.
In this week’s episode, Devang chats with Prav about how it all started, recalling his unorthodox entry into dental school in India and a reluctant move to the UK.
He gives his thoughts on what it takes to rise to the to provide full-mouth rehabilitation, gives advice for those just getting started, and reveals why even the fantasy kind of dinner party is an engagement he would rather avoid.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.55 - Implementation and execution
04.37 - Backstory
17.13 - University
28.26 - London and first work
37.06 - Holidays, time off
41.16 - Motivation, MSc and marriage
50.25 - Teaching, practice ownership and career development
59.39 - Delivering FMR and training
01.12.12 - Last days and legacy
01.20.37 - Fantasy dinner party
About Devang Patel Dev graduated in 2004 and completed a one-year full-time MSc at Eastman Dental Institute, where he was awarded a distinction and the postgraduate prize for clinical and academic excellence.
He is an honorary senior clinical teaching fellow at UCL Eastman Dental Institute and has served as a deputy examiner for the GDC’s Overseas Registration exam.
Devang now provides training to fellow clinicians on full-mouth rehabilitation.
Payman goes live this week from the busy launch event of Mahrukh Khwaja’s new book, Resilience and Well-being for Dental Professionals.
He was lucky enough to catch Mahrukh for a whistlestop chat on the process of writing the book, the importance of factoring well-being into work and team culture, and it matters now more than ever.
In This Episode 01.42 - Writing and pitching
04.53 - The value of therapy
06.36 - Work culture and mental wellbeing
15.44 - Suicide rates in dentistry
About Mahrukh Khwaja Dr. Mahrukh Khwaja is a dentist, positive psychologist and mindfulness teacher. She founded Mind Ninja—a wellness startup dedicated to improving mental health and resilience among dental professionals.
Her book Resilience and Well-being for Dental Professionals is published by Wiley Blackwell and available from major book retailers.
Emerging AI technologies are set to transform dentistry—and this week’s guest is at the vanguard of the seachange.
Ophir Tanz says artificial intelligence won’t replace dentists but will support and free them to focus on patients and clinical time.
His latest project, Pearl, is already providing AI diagnostic support to a profession that carries out more radiography than any other medical discipline.
Ophir explores the potential use cases for AI in dentistry, shares thoughts on the regulatory landscape and gives the lowdown on the challenges of training diagnostic AI in an industry with a surprisingly inconsistent approach to identifying and treating pathologies.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02:05 - AI, GumGum and Pearl
09.50 - Use cases: data and pathologies
13.51 - Training AI
17.13 - Neural networks
21.10 - Patient communication and case acceptance
22.31 - Regulatory hurdles
24.14 - Early detection and diagnosis
26.50 - Future applications
29.46 - Pricing and distribution models
32.54 - Ophir’s story
34.48 - Drive and five-year horizon
38.04 - Superpowers
42.09 - Blackbox thinking
50.13 - Competition
52.39 - Highs and lows
56.58 - Business inspirations
57.57 - Last days and legacy
01.03.02 - Fantasy dinner party
About Ophir Tanz Ophir Tanz is the founder of Pearl—a provider of AI-powered diagnosis and practice performance software for dentists.
He previously founded successful interactive and AI brands in media, branding and mobile spaces.
Following the sad news of her untimely passing on September 15, 2023, here’s a chance to remind ourselves why Uchenna Okoye was one of the UK dentistry’s most beloved personalities.
Originally broadcast in December 2020, the episode touches on Uchenna’s London Smiling group of clinics and ITV and Channel 4 TV roles for which she will be remembered.
“I don't understand the jealousy and all that nonsense. There's enough teeth for everybody.”
- Uchenna Okoye
In This Episode 01.12 - Backstory
05.19 - Race and gender
24.01 - Cosmetic dentistry
26.44 - TV and PR
32.21 - Fitting in
36.21- Patient journey
43.21 - Training
50.31 - Motherhood
55.34 - Day in the life
58.52 - Being strict
01.04.38 - Being a brand
01.14.25 - Legacy
About Dr Uchenna Okoye Cosmetic dentist was the founder of the London Smiling group of clinics.
She was a frequent contributor to radio and TV, best known for her role on Channel Four’s Ten Years Younger and ITV’s This Morning.
Uchenna passed away on September 15, 2023.
Payman kicks off this episode by discussing why it took Ten Dental founder Nik Sisodia to sit down for a chat on Dental Leaders.
But a quick look at Nik’s prolific achievements explains why he hasn’t found the time: As well as founding one of the capital’s most successful groups of clinics, Nik has also found time to steer the BACD and BARD while carving a name as a highly sought-after implant clinician and educator.
Nik tells the Ten Dental story, discusses his involvement with dental associations, and reveals why every dentist should occasionally sit down in their own chair to gaze at the ceiling.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.13 - Backstory
11.01 - Ten Dental
29.44 - Experience and a-ha moments
43.30 - The implant market
45.21 - Group structure, talent and location
55.07 - Listening and chairside manner
57.50 - Blackbox thinking
01.10.57 - Looking back
01.14.36 - Loves and hates
01.32.22 - BACD & BAAD
01.36.18 - Retirement and exiting
01.40.16 - Fantasy dinner party
01.44.53 - Last days and legacy
About Nik Sisodia Nik Sisodia graduated from Bristol University in 1995 and co-founded Ten Dental alongside Martin Wanendeya.
He is a prolific lecturer and mentor on implant and restorative dentistry.
Nik is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology. He is a member of the International Team for Implantology, the Association of Dental Implantology, the British Association of Aesthetic Dentistry and the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.
He is also a former president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Patient acquisition can feel like a minefield. If you’re wondering which advertising platform gives the best return on your marketing spend or how to generate and follow up leads, marketing scientist Prav Solanki has the answers.
In this solo show, Prav answers some of the most commonly asked questions about lead generation, giving insight into practice websites versus dedicated landing pages and why measuring ROI is a long-term game.
Enjoy!
04.55 - Facebook Vs Google ads
22.06 - Websites Vs landing pages
30.40 - Conversions and long-term ROI
One profession is more than enough for most clinicians. So, how does Rav Moore find the time to squeeze in dual acting and modelling careers alongside dentistry?
He explains how in this week’s episode. Rav also chats with Payman about the insecurities of being an actor and how the craft informs his daily practice as a dentist.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01:01 - Discovering acting
07.10 - Revered actors and directors
11.44 - Cinemas
13.19 - Blackbox thinking
20.08 - The darker side of acting
30.17 - Communication
40.36 - Fantasy dinner party
43.58 - Last days and legacy
About Rav Moore Rav Moore divides his time between dental practice, modelling and acting. He has appeared in Bollywood Jane at Curve Leicester and in advertisements for Wilkinson Sword, the Highways Agence, Virgin Media, and Dental Protection.
You could say Shirin Ali has waited her entire career to answer Payman’s infamous question on worst clinical mistakes. The London-based associate says her black box moment happened while treating her very first patient.
But the experience did little to dampen a stellar career that’s seen Shirin spend almost two decades at one of London’s most prestigious practices.
She chats with Payman about her start during the early years of cosmetic dentistry working alongside Chris Orr, discusses working with the legendary Eddie Scher, and reveals why practice ownership
In This Episode 01.08 - Social media and anonymity
03.55 - Backstory and discovering dentistry
08.56 - First jobs
24.21 - Art Vs science
28.23 - Walpole Street
30.47 - Practice ownership
34.07 - Eddie Scher and Banning Dental
45.42 - Curiosity and training and development
50.33 - Downtime
53.05 - Blackbox thinking and best days
01.04.00 - Alternative careers
01.09.18 - Fantasy dinner party
01.14.29 - Last days and legacy
About Shirin Ali Shrin Ali s an associate with a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. She spent 17 years practising at Chelea’s exclusive Walpole Street Dental Practice and now works part-time at London-based Banning Dental & Skin Clinique.
Ahmad Nounou’s Black Swan Dental Spa and Bristol Dental Suite practices have taken the South by storm. So what’s his secret?
In this episode, Ahmad chats with Payman about his uncompromising approach to customer service that has earned his practices a reputation for providing the best patient experience in the industry.
He tells how he turned Black Swan from an ailing clinic into the success it is today, discusses the importance of maintaining and passing on a strong work ethic, and chats about dividing time between practice management and his clinical and mentoring roles.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.42 - When the going gets tough
06.52 - Growing up
11.02 - Academia to ownership
26.27 - Growing Black Swan
38.30 - Work ethic
47.54 - The feel
53.06 - Setting goals
01.00.28 - Control and delegation
01.09.08 - Customer service and culture
01.18.36 - Position, pricing and marketing
01.25.05 - Practice Vs business
01.30.31 - The Centre for Dentistry
01.42.09 - Events, conferences and mentoring
01.55.50 - Black box thinking
02.13.15 - Weaknesses
02.18.16 - Fantasy dinner party
02.23.50 - Last days and legacy
About Ahmad Nounu Ahmad Nounu is the principal of Somerset-based Black Swan Dental Spa and Bristol. His most recent venture is the Private Dental Mentor scheme for dentists in private practice.
Enjoy!
Viewers of ITV’s This Morning and E4’s Body Fixers will be familiar with this week’s Mind Mover, Dr Tijion Esho.
In this episode, Tijion chats with Payman and Rhona about his journey being one of the aesthetic industry’s most familiar faces.
He shares the turbulent life of his Esho skincare brand and talks about dealing with grief following the passing of a close mentor and big brother figure, delving deep into the many clinical and business highs and lows experienced over his meteoric rise.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 03.36 - Backstory and entering medicine
15.46 - Race
19.05 - Choosing aesthetics
26.25 - NHS and giving back
30.44 - Achievements, fulfilment and validation
41.26 - Business highs and lows
53.06 - Grief and mental health
01.02.12 - Social media, anonymity and tolerance
01.13.30 - Litigation and regulation
01.21.05 - Clinical errors
01.28.45 - Ultimate happiness
About Tijion Esho Dr Tijion Esho graduated from Leicester Medical School in 2005. He is a member of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and General Practitioners.
Tijion is the doctor on E4’s Body Fixers and regularly appears on ITV’s This Morning. He regularly contributes to Forbes and Vogue and has a regular column in OK Magazine. Tijion’s experience with non-surgical aesthetic procedures has earned him the nickname Dr Lips.
Tijion is the co-host of Steths, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll alongside fellow This Morning doctors Ranj Singh, Dr Zoe Williams, and Dr Sara Kayat.
In 2016, Tijion initiated the ESHO Initiative, offering reconstructive treatments to those who have experienced issues due to cosmetic procedures, trauma, or congenital deformities.
Additionally, he played a role in founding the Black Aesthetics Advisory Board (BAAB), an organisation tasked with examining the encounters of black and ethnic medical professionals and patients in the aesthetic field.
Host Prav Solanki and implant impresario Pav Khaira have been fast friends for around 15 years. But only today did they realise they have a shared history growing up and grafting hard in corner-shop family businesses.
Things have come a long way for our guest since his days helping dad shift cigarettes in the shop.
These days, Pav is a leading implantology educator whose Academy of Implant Excellence is helping a generation of clinicians get their start in the field.
But it wasn’t an easy road.
This week, he chats with Pav about their shared upbringing, life lessons, and inspirational figures.
He also talks candidly about the dark days following the folding of his practice, bankruptcy, and what he learned from the experience.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.58 - Backstory
14.15 - Life lessons and the next generation
21.16 - Academic life
26.19 - Granddad
31.15 - From VT to ownership
37.41 - Dark days and recovery
53.48 - A love story
01.01.15 - Teaching
01.13.10 - Last days and legacy
01.15.08 - Fantasy dinner party
About Pav Khaira Pav Khaira graduated from the University College of London and King’s College in 2002 and then gained a diploma and master’s degree n implantology at the City of London University.
He is a regular speaker at dental congresses and events and is also the host of The Dental Implant Podcast.
He is also an implantology educator and trainer through his Academy of Implant Excellence.
Nino Sporomadze grew up in the former Soviet Union before making her way to the UK, where she has enjoyed a decade-long career as a hospitality entrepreneur.
And she is about to undertake a journey of a very different kind as she pivots from being a restauranteur to a trained psychotherapist.
In this week’s episode, Nino discusses how her experience as an immigrant to the UK informs her mindset.
She also shares her thoughts on early and inter-generational traumas and sparks a lively discussion about gender roles, societal expectations and culture.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.48 - The immigrant experience
11.04 - Boarding school
14.40 - Trauma, development and healing
25.41 - Gender roles and culture
51.45 - Waka, entrepreneurialism and adversity
01.02.53 - Closing quiz
About Nino Sporomadze Nino Sporomadze is an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the hospitality space and co-founder of the Waka Asian fusion restaurant brand. She is currently training in psychotherapy.
Payman says Bournemouth’s Dental on the Banks is one of the most beautiful practices he’s ever seen.
So what’s the story?
Brothers and clinic founders Damon and Ramtin Taheri tell all in this week’s episode. Damon and Ramtin also discuss life in Sweden, where both gained speciality status in orthodontics, and dispel several widespread clear aligner mistakes and misconceptions.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.25 - Backstory
05.53 - Sweden Vs UK
13.23 - Specialising
21.10 - Dental on the Banks
33.41 - Recruitment, training and culture
42.26 - Brand positioning
44.28 - Clear aligner misconceptions
48,21 - The Clear Aligner Programme
55.30 - Invisalign mistakes
01.04.31 - Agnosticism
01.10.19 - Teaching Vs practice
01.13.34 - Blackbox thinking
01.23.11 - Fantasy dinner party and podcast guests
01.27.54 - Last days and legacy
About Damon and Ramtin Taheri Brothers Damon and Ramtin Taheri specialised in orthodontics at Gothenburg University in Sweden.
They jointly founded Bournemouth-based Dental on the Banks and run comprehensive Invisalign training together through their Complete Aligner Programme brand.
Mind Movers - Waz Ashayer Inviting patients to appear as podcast guests is officially now a thing…
But there’s so much more to Waz Ashayer.
The fitness influencer, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be TV personality talks candidly about his rise to success from a low point of substance misuse, addiction and depression.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 03.01 - Defining addiction
11.47 - The turning point
24.58 - Positive Vs negative addictions
28.29 - Modelling
32.46 - Advice to Waz’s younger self
38.25 - Go Hard or Go hard
43.13 - Influences and inspirations
About Waz Ashayer Waz Ashayer is the founder of the pop-up fitness brand Raise LDN, described as the ‘fitness industry’s legal high’.
He is the group fitness manager for Equinox and a trainer for the leading on-demand fitness app FIIT.
Waz is also a brand ambassador for many leading fitness brands.
Imagine signing up to be the chief dental officer of a remote (and very cold) island nation you’d never even set foot on and knew nothing about.
That’s the position Amin Aminian found himself in when stepping into the role of chief dental officer of the Falkland Islands, where a relaxed diary allowed him to spend time honing his practice.
In this week’s episode, Amin reveals how this came to be. He also discusses returning to UK shores to set up one of the Northwest’s busiest referral clinics and the mindset, training and aptitude required for excellence.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 06.17 - Discovering dentistry
10.33 - Dental school and Liverpool
16.16 - First job
20.26 - The Falklands
28.24 - Becoming a specialist and a principal
33.19 - Advice on specialism and training
38.12 - Clinical challenges, rehabilitation, and pricing
49.05 - Confidence, humility, and excellence
57.22 - The patient journey
01.00.58 - Clinic 334
01.05.23 - Rapport and trust
01.15.41 - Black box thinking
01.20.57 - Analogue Vs digital dentistry
01.26.31 - Exiting
01.34.20 - Work ethic, leisure time, and daily routine
01.42.46 - Best days, worst days
01.44.51 - Training abroad
01.46.24 - Fantasy podcast and dinner party guests
01.49.06 - Last days and legacy
About Amin Aminian Amin Aminian is a specialist prosthodontist and principal dentist at Manchester-based Clinic 334 referrals practice.
Amin is a former senior lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire and visiting lecturer on Birmingham University’s Advanced General Practice masters programme.
He is an honorary teaching fellow at Manchester University Dental Hospital and has also spent a year as the Falkland Islands’ Chief Dental Officer.
When Maria Ensabella unleashed her London Cryo concept on the UK capital in 2006, she knew little about how to market the business successfully.
Maria chats with Rhona and Payman about finding her feet as an entrepreneur and gives a rapid-fire rundown of the benefits of the innovative cryo, hyperbaric, and IV therapies.
Maria also reveals the most significant mistakes and struggles she has overcome since launching London Cryo and discusses how businesses can retain their sense of purpose as they scale.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.36 - Entering business and marketing
14.25 - Cryo and cold therapy
22.20 - Oxygen and hyperbaric therapy
25.51 - IV therapies
31.20 - Business, purpose and well-being
34.10 - Capital, exits and preserving USPs
42.22 - Mistakes
43.39 - Management
49.45 - Struggles
54.04 - Back in time
About Maria Ensabella Maria Ensabella is one of the UK's leading wellness practitioners. Since 2016, she has pioneered a range of treatments and therapies through her London Cryo brand. Ella is also a fitness enthusiast preparing for her seventh marathon.
Strap in for a deep conversation as Prav sits down to chat with GDPR consultant to the dental industry, Adrian Dray.
Adrian talks candidly about his difficult formative experiences as the victim of bullying at an early age, a crisis spurred by the passing of his father, and the confronting of his mortality following a brutal confrontation with COVID.
There’s also plenty of practical insight as Adrian discusses the impact of much-misunderstood GDPR on dentistry and the potentially paradigm-shifting effects of emerging AI technologies.
To learn more about AI's potential impact, listen to the Implement AI podcast with Piers Linney and Aaalok Shukla.
Grab Adrian’s Exclusive AI & GDPR Freebies! Adrian is giving away two essential guides on AI and GDPR exclusively to Dental Leaders listeners.
Get Adrian’s Chat GPT Guide for Dentists
Get ChatGPT - A Dental Business Game Changer with 100% by following this link or entering code DL100 at checkout. (Offer limited to the first 100 listeners only.)
Exclusive Free Download for Dental Practices
You can grab Adrian’s invaluable Privacy Notice Template for dental practices (usually £57) here with this exclusive link or by entering code DL100 at checkout.
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Associates can download Adrian’s website Privacy Notice Template (usually £52) by following this link or entering code DL100 at checkout.
In This Episode 01.52 - Backstory
05.03 - Bullying
22.07 - The dental community
34.48 - Breakdown and recovery
47.54 - GDPR—issues and risks
01.05.47 - Real-world examples
01.24.17 - AI for dentists
01.36.53 - Health, COVID and fasting
02.07.24 - Compassion and internal family systems
02.13.59 - Last days and legacy
About Adrian Dray Adrian Dray is a leading advisor to UK dentists on GDPR privacy and data regulation and a former Data Protection Officer for over 600 dental practices.
He is passionate about helping dentists take advantage of emerging AI technologies.
Prepare for a deep, touching and wide-ranging conversation as host Rhona connects with her therapist, Ella McCrystal.
Multidisciplinary therapist Ella discusses the role of trauma in shaping the psyche from a young age. She shares insight on coping with trauma and catastrophising, talks about the shifting landscape of gender, and reveals how helping a client overcome dental phobia led to an unexpected opportunity.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 04.53 - Trauma and EMDR
17.59 - Disclosure, forgiveness
26.59 - Free will and programming
33.06 - Therapy, leadership, and isolation
40.11 - Masculinity and toxic masculinity
54.27 - Gender roles
01.03.03 - Children and careers
01.07.12 - Tools for change
01.12.30 - Catastrophising and internalisation
01.19.25 - Dentistry, skills, and values
01.27.58 - TED
01.29.50 - Fears and mistakes
About Ella McCrystal Ella McCrystal is an accredited psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and mindset coach. She is also the owner and manager of The Northampton Clinic, a private multi-disciplinary health clinic in central Northampton.
She is a published author and writer who shares insights through her Medium blog and has also created an online self-help course to help people to gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts and behaviours.
A passion for drama and the stage run in the family for Trishala Lakhani, so it’s not surprising that her early dental career has gone hand-in-hand with appearances on the pageantry stage and as a TV documentary presenter.
Trishala discusses the stigma around becoming Miss GB, how the opportunity helped highlight the problem of acid attacks against women in India and the reasons behind her BBC documentary on Turkey Teeth.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.39 - The media, dentistry, and fame
10.05 - Turkey Teeth
21.39 - Miss GB, pageants, and stigma
30.00 - India’s Acid attack problem
34.14 - Dental school
37.55 - God, karma, and spirituality
42.45 - Black box thinking
47.54 - Plans and dreams
57.30 - Recognition and notoriety
01.09.24 - Last days and legacy
About Trishala Lakhani Trishala Lakhani has worked with oral cancer and trauma patients and in general practice.
In 2022, she won the public vote to become Miss University Great Britain but left the competition to pursue TV presenting and journalism.
Her first documentary on Turkey Teeth prompted a national conversation on dental tourism. It was nominated for Best Investigation of the Year at the Asian Media Awards and Most Impactful Journalism at the BBC News Awards.
Inviting patients to appear as podcast guests is officially now a thing…
But there’s so much more to Waz Ashayer.
The fitness influencer, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be TV personality talks candidly about his rise to success from a low point of substance misuse, addiction and depression.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 03.01 - Defining addiction
11.47 - The turning point
24.58 - Positive Vs negative addictions
28.29 - Modelling
32.46 - Advice to Waz’s younger self
38.25 - Go Hard or Go hard
43.13 - Influences and inspirations
About Waz Ashayer Waz Ashayer is the founder of the pop-up fitness brand Raise LDN, described as the ‘fitness industry’s legal high’.
He is the group fitness manager for Equinox and a trainer for the leading on-demand fitness app FIIT.
Waz is also a brand ambassador for many leading fitness brands.
Ash Soneji is among a surprising number of dentists interested in stage magic.
In this week’s episode, he tells how his hobby has found its way into his highly regarded teaching and lecturing on non-invasive dentistry.
Ash also discusses his journey from early practice to education, the rigours (and joys) of new family life, and his commitment to the principles of non-invasive treatment.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.36 - Meeting Ash
02.45 - Back story
03.35 - Discovering and studying dentistry
11.47 - First job
15.39 - Minimally invasive dentistry
21.05 - Pathways into practice
38.40 - Family life
40.56 - Teaching
50.07 - Magic
58.14 - Black box thinking
01.07.07 - Plans
01.11.31 - The next generation
01.13.14 - Regrets
01.14.51 - Fantasy podcast guests
01.23.32 - Last days and legacy
About Ash Soneji Ash Soneji is a passionate proponent and teacher of minimally-invasive dentistry.
He graduated with honours and served as a Senior House Officer in Restorative and Oral Surgery at Guys’ Hospital in London Bridge.
He gained the MJDF diploma from the Royal College and holds certificates in Cosmetic and Advanced Restorative Dentistry and Implant Dentistry.
Ash was awarded the Aesthetic Dentistry Award in the Tooth Whitening category and recognised as the Best Young Dentist South West in 2018.
Listeners to the brilliant A Millenial Mind podcast will be familiar with this week’s Mind Mover, Shivani Pau.
Join us as the podcast host, transformation coach and speaker reveals how she left an unfulfilling career to chase her singular vision.
Like everything worth fighting for, Shivani’s journey to success hasn’t plain sailing. She discusses dealing with others’ expectations, imposter syndrome and the burning question that turned A Millenial Mind viral.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.19 - Shivani’s story
05.26 - Culture and calling
08.45 - Envy, ego and ambition
13.55 - Value and workload
18.33 - A Millennial Mind
21.21 - Love, hate and privilege
27.16 - Tenacity
31.51 - Defining success
38.16 - Why aren’t you married?
43.21 - Three steps for well-being
47.25 - Role models
54.43 - What keeps Shivani up at night?
About Shivani Pau Shivani Pau is a change consultant, public speaker and founder of My Performance Planner. She is also the host of A Millenial Mind Podcast, rated among the top 1.5% of all podcasts globally.
Getting through dental school is an experience few dentists would be keen to repeat.
Spare a thought then for Shima Ghazi, who has qualified in dentistry three times in three countries.
In this episode, Sima recounts her journey from her home country Iran to study in India before making her way to the UK.
And from a new home in Birmingham, Shima found herself starting over once again as she worked her way up the career ladder from dental therapy to general practice.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.55 - Choosing dentistry
08.06 - Arriving in India
11.10 - Dental school
17.40 - Women in dentistry
21.32 - Studying in India
26.00 - Qualifying
32.41 - Working in India
40.54 - Moving to the UK
46.49 - Therapy to dentistry
59.52 - Dark moments
01.08.16 - Black box thinking
01.13.26 - Plans
01.17.20 - Culture and etiquette
01.20.59 - Fantasy dinner party
01.23.00 - Last days and legacy
What are the foundations of well-being and mental health? It’s a subject to which this week’s mind mover, Loui Blake, has given plenty of thought.
In this week’s episode, the entrepreneur shares thoughts on using plant medicine to heal trauma, the value of adversity and why there is only one person who really matters.
Loui also challenges listeners to ask: “What would happen if I lost everything today?”
Search deep, and the answer might just surprise you…
In This Episode 01.09 - Meeting Loui
03.38 - Retreats, trauma and healing
13.52 - Systems Vs goals
18.39 - Systems, goals and purpose
27.27 - Challenge and adversity
38.44 - Entrepreneurship
43.54 - Foundations and solutions
54.58 - Veganism and the man in the arena
01.03.15 - Proudest moments
About Loui Blake Loui Blake is an entrepreneur, investor and public speaker.
He is the founder of the award-winning Erpingham House vegan restaurant and several casual restaurant concepts.
In 2020, Lui co-founded Gamechangers Investments for the hospitality industry and, in 20022, became CEO of Miami Foods.
In episode 86, Prav and Payman discovered how young dentist Rupert Monkhouse is making dentures sexy again.
Rupert returns the invitation this week, hosting Payman on the first edition of his ImpressionClub Xtra podcast.
The line between interviewer and interviewee blurs as the seasoned podcasters take on entrepreneurialism and the art of the hustle.
Payman also gives the lowdown on Evo4—the latest evolution of Enlighten whitening, the trials and tribulations of starting a laboratory and explains why the next generation of Enlighten will be the quietest ever.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.02 - The Enlighten story
11.34 - Mini Smile Makeover
23.33 - Evo4
38.58 - The future
41.50 - Podcasting and content marketing
51.07 - The economic landscape
56.40 - MClinDent
01.05.17 - Teaching
01.14.14 - Dream outcomes
01.20.28 - Entrepreneurialism
About Rupert Monkhouse Rupert Monkhouse qualified from King’s College and has since established a reputation online as ‘The Denture Guy’. He is the host of the ImpressionClub podcast.
Brain health is one of the most overlooked aspects of well-being, says this week’s Mind Movers guest, Dan Murray.
Dan talks candidly about the failure of his first ecommerce startup and how a subsequent bout of insomnia inspired the success of his latest venture.
Dan also discusses the importance of connectedness, the pitfalls of ego and the value of purpose and failure as a driver for success.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.42 - Dentistry and stress
07.04 - Early businesses
09.38 - Imposter syndrome and burnout
15.28 - Grable
19.28 - Entrepreneurship and mental health
25.18 - Spirituality
34.02 - Ayahuasca, connectedness, ego and self
44.48 - Nutrition and the Heights story
59.56 - Purpose and failure
01.04.52 - Secret Leaders, podcasting
01.11.53 - Delegating and letting go
01.16.13 - Legacy
About Dan Murray Dan Murray is a mental health advocate, podcaster, entrepreneur and angel investor. He is the founder of the Heights brain care supplement brand.
A series of challenging experiences almost led Alex Sharp to call it a day early in his dental career.
But adversity turned to triumph when his experiences inspired him to set up an online support platform for associate dentists.
In this episode, Alex discusses the challenges faced by new associates and shares thoughts on the importance of fairness, openness and honesty.
Alex also reveals plans to step into a principal’s shoes with tentative plans for a potential practice purchase.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.10 - Dental Disruptors
07.46 - Horror stories
31.25 - Backstory and podcast
36.57 - Contracts and negotiations
47.30 - Practice ownership
58.24 - Black box thinking
01.06.43 - Favourite things
01.16.10 - Advice for associates and principals
01.26.02 - Fantasy dinner party
01.29.06 - Last days and legacy
About Alex Sharp Alex Sharp is the founder of Dental Disruptors, a digital platform set up to support associate dentists and promote open communication between self-employed dental professionals and practice owners.
He is the host of the Dental Disruptors podcast.
We proudly welcome Jono Lancaster as our first Mind Movers guest.
Jono gives a candid account of his journey from being an angry young man living with Treacher Collins syndrome to an international motivational speaker who is about to have his first book published by Penguin.
He also talks about the value of connection and community, the role of the inner child, and reflects on the many catalysts that have helped shape him as an inspiration to others.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.11 - Jono’s story
05.34 - Connection and community
11.50 - Catalysts for change
20.16 - Judgement and resentment
28.49 - Changing attitudes
34.36 - Genetics and family
41.26 - Little J
45.40 - Not All Heroes Wear Capes
48.06 - Insights on dysmorphia
51.10 - Healing steps
01.03.05 - Forgiveness
01.10.22 - Inner child, inner monologues
01.16.53 - The ten-year plan
01.19.16 - Bullying and cancel culture
01.28.22 - Journey back in time
About Jono Lancaster Jono Lancaster is a motivational speaker, fundraiser and disability awareness campaigner. His debut book, Not All Heroes Wear Capes, will be published by Penguin in July 2023.
NHS contracts, litigation, and the GDC are among the factors creating a perfect storm propelling dentistry to pole-position among the most stressful professions.
In Mind Movers—a new weekly podcast with cosmetic dentist extraordinaire Rhona Eskander—Payman explores mental health and wellbeing and their relation to the profession.
In coming episodes, Rhona and Payman will hear from exceptional people from all walks of life who have been on the front line of adversity and finally give mental health in the profession the hearing it deserves.
In this inaugural episode, Rhona and Payman introduce some of the themes for upcoming episodes, and Rhona reveals how her own struggles inspired the Mind Movers concept.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.29 - Introduction
03.14 - Dentistry and mental health
08.40 - Rhona’s wellbeing
16.28 - Making an impact
19.37 - Vulnerability as a superpower
Grab a brew and find some diary white time for a free consultation with Prav, in this special solo show.
Incorporating elements of his new Consultation Masterclass training, Prav talks about the power of free consultations and the role of the treatment coordinator in the patient's journey from assessment to acceptance.
Prav touches on rapport building, power dynamics and emotional intelligence in case presentations and reveals pricing insight to ensure clinicians never sell themselves short.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 04.47 - Discovery, filtering and expectations
14.07 - To free or not to free?
17.02 - The TCOs, nurses and consultation ‘colour’
21.51 - Emotional intelligence
23.37 - Power dynamics and rapport
28.31 - Presenting options
33.48 - Pricing and fiscal drag
35.50 - Evidence and social proof
42.01 - Reflection
45.15 - Follow-up times
47.49 - The cost-of-living effect
Sonia Szamocki is on a mission to disrupt the clear aligner industry.
Her startup 32Co connects dentists to clear aligner support, training and lab services, allowing them to provide treatment without tie-ins or brand mark-ups.
In this week’s episode, Sonia talks about 32Co came to be, the trials and tribulations of running and funding a startup, and shares insight on the current state of aligner provision in the UK.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.16 - Medicine Vs dentistry
11.24 - Consulting
16.46 - The aligner industry and 32Co
45.36 - The state of the profession
48.08 - Running a startup
58.44 - Blackbox thinking
01.07.38 - Fundraising and financials
01.16.14 - UK Vs Netherlands
01.20.33 - Fantasy dinner party
01.27.46 - Last days and legacy
About Sonia Szamocki Sonia Szamocki studied medicine at Oxford before joining Boston Consulting Group (BCG). She is the founder and CEO of 32Co, a healthcare platform connecting general clinicians to a network of specialist orthodontic mentors.
Dental business coach Chris Barrow’s direct manner has earned him comparisons to a certain divisive fermented yeast spread.
In this week’s episode, Chris looks back candidly on a long career as one of dentistry’s proto-coaches and best-recognised speakers, reflecting on the profound personal transformation taking place as he approaches his seventh decade.
Chris also chats about dealing with practice politics and resistance to change and what coaches can learn from the stories of religious prophets.
Plus, stay tuned to hear Chris give the most concise rapid-fire summary of the current state of play in UK dentistry you’ll ever hear!
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.21 - Marmite
19.25 - Self-actualisation
26.48 - Darkest moments
38.31 - Discovering dentistry
50.24 - Practice politics
01.03.34 - Getting results
01.14.13 - Key skills
01.24.23 - Blackbox thinking
01.28.56 - Coaching and karma
01.33.27 - Two Reds
01.40.15 - Public speaking
01.42.26 - State of the Nation address
01.50.02 - Health, wellness and longevity
01.55.30 - Last days and legacy
01.56.46 - Fantasy dinner party
About Chris Barrow Chris Barrow is a prolific speaker and the founder and director of the Extreme Business Academy coaching and consultancy programme.
Over a career spanning almost three decades, he has worked with some of the UK’s leading dental practices and organisations
Chris is also the host of the dental business development podcast, Two Reds are Better Than One.
Since graduating with a master’s from Eastman, Jurgita Sybaite has literally elevated the practice of aesthetic dentistry into an art form.
This week, Jurgita chats with Payman about how art school training inspires perfectionism and informs her work as a cosmetic dentist.
She reveals what it’s like to work and teach alongside the legendary Baz Mizrahi and plans a dream three-floor practice where morphology study is the order of the day.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.14 - Choosing dentistry
06.23 - Who is Jurgita Sybaite?
17.08 - Dental school and teaching
27.10 - The Eastman Institute
34.32 - Dream clinic and leadership
41.34 - Strengths and weaknesses
44.36 - Blackbox thinking
01.04.12 - 10,000 hours and patient education
01.13.03 - A-ha moments
01.16.54 - Pricing and communication
01.20.24 - Teaching and evidence-based practice
01.27.39 - A day in the life
01.40.09 - Last days and legacy
01.50.59 - Fantasy dinner party
About Jurgita Sybaite Jurgita Sybaite completed a master’s degree in restorative dentistry at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, graduating with distinction and winning the GC UK postgraduate prize for clinical and academic excellence.
She stayed at Eastman as a guest lecturer and postgraduate teacher in restorative dentistry.
Jurgita is a partner lecturer at Mizrahi Dental Teaching Academy, where she works with Dr Basil Mizrahi teaching aesthetic and restorative techniques.
Often disguised with euphemisms like ‘case acceptance’, sales can feel like one of dentistry’s biggest taboos.
In this week’s episode, Prav sits down for a chat with his friend, occlusion nerd, and host of the excellent Protrusive Dental Podcast, Jaz Gulati for a chat about getting to grips with sales.
The pair chat about building trust, using video presentations to boost case acceptance, and why sales shouldn’t be a dirty word.
The podcast was originally aired as episode 38 of Jaz’s Gulati’s Protrusive Dental Podcast on May 4th, 2023.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.35 - Introduction and background
08:43 - Sales and dentistry
12:29 - Free consultations - managing expectations
17:36 - The art of communication
23:42 - Front-stage and back-stage processes
25:45 - OBAB—interlude
28:30 - Building trust
32:12 - Treatment plans and video
About Jaz Gulati Jaz Guklati is a London-based dentist with an interest in ortho-restorative treatments and occlusion. His Occlusion: Basics and Beyond (OBAB) training is considered to be among the most authoritative and accessible occlusion courses available. Jaz is also the host of The Protrusive Dental Podcast.
In Episode 182, Payman sat down to chat with Stuart Campbell and Hatem Algraffee—hosts of the fantastic One in the Chair and Two Waiting podcast.
This week, Payman reconnects with Stuart to turn the tables and find out about Desert Island Discs, ideas for NHS reform and Stuart’s motivation for running gruelling ultra-marathons.
The pair also touch on politics, socialism, and Scottish independence.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.58 - Vintage football shirts
11.59 - Backstory
15.55 - Dental school
24.40 - Specialising and practice ownership
31.06 - Excellence
35.03 - Teaching and communication
46.20 - Referral work
49.42 - Management, strengths and weaknesses
56.01 - Practice marketing and podcasts
01.04.24 - Best and worst days
01.07.38 - VT Trainer
01.09.45 - Determination, marathons and ultra-marathons
01.23.29 - NHS reform
01.29.48 - Scottish independence
01.46.43 - Dental influences
01.39.11 - Desert Island Discs
01.43.41 - Fantasy dinner party
01.51.06 - Last days and legacy
About Stuart Campbell Stuart Campbell is a specialist prosthodontist and principal dentist at an Edinburgh-based multidisciplinary referrals clinic.
He is an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, an expert witness for the GDC and co-hosts of One in the Chair and Two Waiting dental podcast.
When Violeta Claus sat down to eat at Luxembourg’s Last Supper restaurant in 2009, she knew the grand building in which it’s situated would make an ideal location for a luxury clinic.
The stars aligned for Violeta, and her Vio Life clinic is among the most impressive around.
In this week’s episode, Violetya tells Payman and Prav how it all began, discussing the highs and lows of practice in one of the EU’s smallest countries and her no-nonsense management style.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.01 - Sociability
04.42 - Leaving Bucharest, discovering dentistry
16.57 - Vio Life
22.17 - Highs and lows
29.55 - Leadership
40.13 - Regulatory challenges
46.08 - Patient journey
59.23 - A-ha moments
01.04.50 - Curiosity and development
01.08.26 - Branding
01.10.55 - Black box thinking
01.17.49 - Plans
01.22.25 - Last days and legacy
01.25.53 - Fantasy dinner party
About Violeta Claus Dr Violeta Bartalis Ép. Claus is the founder and principal dentist at Luxembourg’s luxury Vio Life Smile Design clinic. She is the chair of the European Society of Cosmetic Dentistry (ESCD) Study Club in Luxembourg and also leads a dental training academy.
The title of this episode is taken from the first report card of Mille Morrison’s university orthodontic training.
But within a year of graduating, Millie proved the tutors wrong—and then some—when she was invited to become an Invisalign trainer by Invisalign and offered a prestigious position by the legendary Chris Orr.
In this week’s episode, Mille recounts how it all happened—despite her penchant for partying.
She also talks about the impact of clinical mentors like Chris Orr, reveals her black box moments, and discusses why she’ll never be a practice owner.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.17 - Success and work ethic
15.29 - The year out
17.03 - Deciding on dentistry
21.09 - The Best of Birmingham
27.26 - Vocational training
31.42 - Giving advice
37.54 - Teaching
49.16 - Chris Orr and mentors
58.12 - Invisalign and complex cases
01.06.41 - Blackbox thinking
01.24.56 - Training Vs practice ownership
01.29.05 - A-ha moments and unfair questions
01.36.23 - Fantasy dinner party
01.41.13 - Last days and legacy
About Millie Morrison Millie Morrison graduated from Birmingham Dental School and now divides her time between under the Dr Mille moniker and training and mentoring fellow dentists.
She is a committee member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
The tables turn this week as Dental Leaders host Payman turns podcast guest in a chat with Stuart Campbell and Michael Tang—hosts of the brilliant One in the Chair and Two Waiting podcast.
Payman tells the history of Enlighten and how attending a dental show brought the brand back from the brink of disaster in its early days. He discusses innovation in whitening and dentistry, reveals his best and worst days, and speculates on what the future may have in store for dentistry’s next generation.
This wide-ranging conversation was originally aired as an episode of One in the Chair and Two Waiting in March 2023.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.15 - Podcasting
06.01 - The Enlighten story
23.47 - Product evolution and innovation
34.44 - Impressions and alginate
38.38 - Whitening protocols
47.42 - Leadership, culture and perfectionism
58.07 - Dentistry Vs business
01.05.08 - Mini Smile Makeover training
01.13.59 - Best days, worst days
01.19.01 - The next generation of dentistry and dentists
01.33.02 - NHS dentistry and work-life balance
01.39.07 - The Richard Kiel prize
01.41.14 - Desert Island Discs
If you’re a regular conference-goer, today won’t be the first time you’ve heard Yasmin George—a regular and engaging voice on the lecture circuit.
This week, Yasmin chats with Payman about her journey so far. She reveals what it’s like to study and teach at the legendary Pankey Institute and how working with the institute has shaped her approach to patient communication.
Enjoy!
02.11 - Backstory and education
12.03 - Schools and social standing
18.05 - Choosing and studying dentistry
24.04 - Gen Y and Gen Z
28.35 - First job
33.44 - Entering private practice
36.41 - Pankey and communication styles
55.09 - Patient retention and treatment longevity
01.01.01 - Ortho journey
01.04.41 - Orthopaedic orthodontics
01.07.53 - Curiosity, perfectionism and development
01.12.16 - COVID and reassessing commitments
01.14.57 - Darker days
01.24.48 - Blackbox thinking
01.31.36 - Different roles
01.36.13 - Fantasy dinner party
01.38.17 - Last days and legacy
01.39.47 - Fantasy podcast guest
About Yasmin George Yasmin George graduated from Guy’s Hospital Dental School in 1988. She is a teacher at The Pankey Institute in Florida, US, and a former member of the Panel of Examiners for the Certificate in Dental Sedation for Nurses. She was also involved in the development of the orthodontics for general dentists with Dr Derek Mahoney and the City of London Dental School.
Around half of the UK population have dental phobia, and 12% have severe anxiety. Few clinicians understand this as keenly as this week’s guest, Laleh Sharifian, who now spends her time as a sedationist.
Laleh recounts her journey pursuing a lifelong vocation into dentistry and sedation from being an early entrant at Guy’s, aged just 17.
She lets us in on the experiences that promoted her to decide that practice ownership wasn’t for her, discusses a day in the life of a sedationist and talks about her love of scents and fragrances.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.20 - Patient management
10.23 - Favourite practices
15.28 - Focusing on sedation
19.38 - Heavy duty Vs shorter treatments
23.04 - Introducing sedation to patients
27.26 - ICS Guidelines
31.15 - Sedation for children and young people
33.45 - Medical histories, contraindications and complications
39.11 - Challenging scenarios
48.00 - Blackbox thinking
53.52 - Backstory
01.00.49 - Why dentistry
01.03.57 - Parents, flavour and fragrances
01.09.40 - Guy’s and London
01.14.55 - Student life
01.17.21 - Specialising
01.20.20 - VT, first practice, ownership and beyond
01.31.37 - Regrets and failures
01.34.37 - Instagram and spirits
01.36.56 - Fantasy dinner party
01.45.21 - Last days and legacy
About Laleh Sharifian Laleh Sharifian graduated from Guy’s Hospital in 1999, where her final year of research working on sedation and dental anxiety won the Malleson prize.
She completed a postgraduate diploma in sedation at GKT in 2002 under Drs David Craig and Carole Boyle.
Laleh is part of the faculty of the Society for Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry (SAAD) and practices sedation under the Ivy Sedation brand.
Liza Benting took ownership of her first practice after arriving in the UK from Cape Town, South Africa, in 2000—but life had other plans.
In this week’s episode, Liza describes her path from practice owner to associate and how feeling confined by the clinic's four walls led to an exciting new career as a negotiator for one of the country’s leading dental clinic sales and acquisition specialists.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.01 - Coming to the UK
05.00 - From owner to associate
16.02 - Rapport building and treatment longevity
23.15 - Joining Pluto Partners
44.27 - Values and value
49.42 - Dentistry Vs business
53.53 - A week in the life
56.44 - Last days and legacy
59.47 - Fantasy dinner party
About Liza Benting Liza graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2000. She now divides her time between clinical practice in the Midlands and acting as a negotiator for the dental M&A specialist, Pluto Partners.
Limber up! This week Prav sits down for a chat with dentist-cum-fitness coach Rohan Verna.
Rohan reveals how finding fitness helped him overcome anxiety to discover a new lease of life. Now dividing his time between dentistry and fitness coaching for fellow clinicians, Rohan discusses the importance of self-care inside and outside the profession, revealing his top five fitness and wellness for busy GDPs.
Enjoy!
01.09 - Self-care
13.51 - Finding fitness
18.56 - Dental career
22.43 - The client journey
26.52 - Nutrition
33.18 - Top five tips
37.10 - Dentistry Vs coaching
43.13 - Bloodwork and supplements
49.29 - Last days and legacy
53.00 - Fantasy dinner party
About Rohan Verma Roha Verma graduated from Bristol University and has practised in Surrey, Buckinghamshire, and Central London.
He now divides his time between dentistry and online fitness coaching for dental professionals.
On Saturday, March 11th, over 1000 dentists and 138 exhibitors and 85 guest speakers will gather at Manchester Central for the North of England Dentistry Show.
In the first part of this special episode, Payman chats with FMC’s managing and marketing directors and event organisers, Craig Welling and Laurie Glover as they prepare for one of the biggest events in the dentistry calendar.
But that’s not all. We also hear Prav’s rapid-fire conversation with specialist periodontist Manish Bose, recorded in December 2022 at Neodent’s community event, also in Manchester.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 03.30 - Craig Welling and Laurie Glover
15.45 - Manish Bose
17.13 - Practice purchase
22.26 - Blackbox thinking
28.23 - Referrals, goodwill and support
29.32 - Last days and legacy
31.51 - Fantasy dinnerparty
About the Guests Craig Welling and Laurie Glover are managing and marketing directors at FMC, the dental communication company behind the North of England Dentistry Show held at Manchester Central on March 11th.
Manish Bose is a specialist periodontist and the owner of IKON, a specialist-led dental practice in Ealing, West London.
From humble beginnings in a two-up, two-down in Birmingham, Saaqib Ali has gone on to create the city’s largest practice with a list of over 52K patients.
In this week’s episode, Saaqib talks about how his upbringing has shaped his definition of success. He reveals how he capitalised on the lull in business during lockdown to pull ahead of the competition and discusses how kindness pays off in practice for team members and patients.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 03.50 - Backstory and upbringing
29.06 - Rishi Sunak
32.32 - University and discovering dentistry
46.29 - Defining success
01.03.26 - Post COVID
01.13.10 - Culture and kindness
01.24.07 - Retaining associates
01.34.50 - Blackbox thinking
01.55.31 - Fantasy dinnerparty
About Saaqib Ali Saaqib Ali graduated from Guy’s Hospital London in 1999. He is the principal dentist at Sherwood Dental practice—one of the Midlands’ largest mixed practices.
This week, Prav and Payman sit down for a chat with a dental and implantology leader from a short hop over the water in Northern Ireland.
James Hamill chats about growing up in Enniskillen, NI, and how his entrepreneurial mindset led from practice purchase to eventual burnout. But it’s not all doom and gloom: James talks about how close relationships with patients and an inspirational figure provided a ray of light.
James also reveals how he blagged the NI distribution rights to innovative US implant guidance tech, Chrome, and gives the lowdown on how the system is making life easier for patients and clinicians.
In This Episode 01.39 - NI frame of mind
07.36 - Discovering dentistry
16.52 - Dundee
20.19 - Business
26.09 - Starting with surgery
29.31 - Marketing the business
34.01 - Lows
42.02 - Highs
49.09 - Time out and 3D printing
53.44 - Chrome
01.19.15 - Blackbox thinking
01.26.08 - Work ethic
01.30.48 - Fantasy dinner party
01.34.28 - Last days and legacy
About James Hamill Multi-award-winning dentist James Hamill is the CEO of Quoris3D dental 3D printing and design tech company.
He is Europe’s leading Chrome GuidedSMILE guided surgery clinician and one of the foremost Chrome clinicians worldwide.
James is a fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) and a prolific implantology teacher and mentor.
He holds a diploma in implant dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and is a member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery.
Imran ‘Imi’ Nasser has discovered his Ikigai—a sense of meaning and purpose. He sits down for a chat with Payman and Prav about purchasing his specialist-led practice in Cheltenham shortly before COVID brought UK dentistry crashing to a halt.
Imi also chats about his training endeavours with 15C, revealing where the course provider got his enigmatic name, talks about the trials and tribulations of teaching, and discusses the importance of creating supportive working environments where team members can flourish and grow.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.35 - The podcast quiz
04.03 - Lessons and surprises
10.27 - A specialist practice
13.09 - Treating referrals
19.24 - Ikigai
24.24 - On teaching
31.05 - Backstory
37.17 - Mum
41.35 - Dental school
43.32 - Long-term plans
48.10 - Putting skills into practice
52.18 - Finding and creating supportive environments
01.00.04 - Blackbox thinking
01.03.33 - Training pathways
01.10.37 - A day in the life
01.18.16 - Fantasy dinnerparty
01.22.24 - Last days and legacy
About Imran Nasser Imran Naser graduated from Bristol University in 2006. He was awarded a fellowship in dental surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons in 2009 and completed a master’s degree in implantology in 2014.
He is a prolific implantology educator with AestheticProsthetic and 15C and has also written a book on cosmetic dentistry.
It’s Friday night. The big Mini Smile Makeover (MSM) party is in full swing, and Payman is armed with his podcast mic.
Join him for this unique collection of conversations with delegates attending Dipesh Parmar’s legendary composite bonding training course.
Guests discuss life in dentistry, share their insights from the course and reveal what it’s like to train with Dipesh. Stick around until the end to hear a guest appearance from the man himself!
In This Episode 02.08 - Tuyab Shaujhat
14.23 - Busola Owaru
25.48 - Georgiana Bala
35.51 - Jazz Battu
43.07 - Martina Hodgson
53.58 - Matty Parsons
01.15.43 - Sarah Ansaldo
01.31.28 - Dipesh Parmar
Prav and Payman finally reunite this week for a chat with digital dentistry proponent and new practice owner Dora Lengyel.
She describes her journey from Hungary to Bristol via Kuwait and a career arc that has recently seen Dora purchase her first practice.
Dora talks about brand positioning, plans to bring the practice into the 21st century with digital smile design, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 10.48 - From associate to principal
16.53 - Brand positioning and measuring patient experience
38.53 - Backstory
43.27 - Dental school and first job
46.30 - Riding
54.09 - Practice purchase and digital smile design
01.06.17 - The five-year plan
01.13.25 - Last days and legacy
01.14.26 - Fantasy dinner party
About Dora Lengyel Dora graduated with a degree in dental surgery from Peninsula Dental School in Plymouth in 2022. She has undertaken further study with the Dawson Academy and trained in digital smile design.
In 2021, Dora purchased her first practice, Dental Health for Life, in Chippenham, Wiltshire.
This week, Prav sits down to chat with implant dentist Dr Nadeem Zafar.
Nadeem discusses how he spots potential greatness among implant students, reveals game-changing advice to his younger self and flirts with world domination at a fantasy dinner party to be remembered!
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.53 - Backstory
15.20 - Guy’s, VT and implants
27.26 - Blackbox thinking
33.06 - Talent spotting
37.45 - Advice to my younger self
39.10 - Last days and legacy
40.51 - Fantasy dinner party
About Nadeem Zafar Nadeem Zafar graduated from Guy’s Hospital in 1994. In 2000, he went on to complete a master’s degree in implantology with the Eastman Institute before returning to Guy’s as a clinical tutor. He has also held associate professorships in universities in South America.
Nadeem is a former president of the Anglo-Asian Odontological Group.
Recorded at a Neodent community event in late 2021, this week’s podcast sees Prav sit down with Brazillian implant impresario Sérgio Bernardes.
The pair discuss Sérgio’s route into implantology after being talked out of life as an equestrian vet.
Sérgio chats about his continuing love of horse riding, the legal landscape in Brazil and how the opportunity of a lifetime led to his role in product development at Neodent.
In This Episode 01.33 - Entering implantology
07.53 - Zirconia implants
13.52 - Backstory
19.22 - Dental school
22.24 - Neodent
28.44 - Legal landscape
31.26 - Blackbox thinking
38.28 - Advice to new implant dentists
42.37 - Last days and legacy
44.51 - Fantasy dinner party
About Sérgio Rocha Bernardes Prof. Dr Sérgio Rocha Bernardes earned a BDS from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. He gained specialist status in dental prosthesis and implantology at the APCD/Bauru in São Paulo and the Federal Dental Council, respectively.
He also holds an MSc in Oral Rehabilitation from the Federal University of Uberlandia, and a PhD in Oral Rehabilitation from São Paulo University/FORP, Brazil, with collaborative research at the Eastman Dental Institute, London.
Sérgio has published books on implants, immediate loading, guided surgery and prosthesis.
He is a professor a the Latin American Institute of Dental Research and Education in Brazil and the head of new product development and clinical practice at Neodent.
In part two of Payman’s chat with Sam Jethwa, Sam discusses how working alongside a clinical psychotherapist has transformed his black-box thinking.
He reveals why he chose to practice in Marlowe over London and lets us in on plans for his upcoming BACD presidency.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.49 - Marketing and profile building
07.55 - Blackbox thinking and clinical psychotherapy
26.20 - Marlowe
30.50 - BACD presidency
34.07 - Last days and legacy
39.14 - Fantasy dinner party
43.51 - Fantasy podcast guest
About Sam Jethwa Following completion of a postgraduate diploma in clinical education with the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians of Glasgow, Dr Sam Jethwa has carved a career as an engaging speaker and educator on smile design, occlusion and functional success.
He is a board member and vice president of the BACD
Sam Jethwa has come a long way since a mishap with a paperclip first led him to consider a career in dentistry.
This week, he chats with Payman about his journey from VT in Cornwall under the stewardship of an unusually accommodating principal to his current role of vice president of the BACD.
Sam also reveals the ‘a-ha’ insights on occlusion that transformed his practice and why he is vocal about dental tourism.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.14 - Career progression and BACD
09.50 - Social media, confidence, and communication
16.50 - Backstory
20.06 - Deciding on dentistry
25.39 - London and Cornwall
33.31 - Into practice
44.56 - On occlussion
48.34 - A-ha moments
59.01 - Profile and dental tourism
About Sam Jethwa After completing a postgraduate diploma in clinical education with the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians of Glasgow, Dr Sam Jethwa has carved a career as an engaging speaker and educator on smile design, occlusion and functional success.
He is a board member and vice president of the BACD.
You can watch the video of this podcast here:
https://www.prav.com/podcasts/doug-watt-dentist/
Doug Watt has carved a niche as one of the most engaging voices on the subject of digital dentistry.
In this week’s episode, Doug chats with Prav about the ups and downs of public speaking in the constant shadow of imposter syndrome.
Doug also gives advice to those just starting in digital dentistry, chats about his love of the guitar and talks about his involvement with the BACD.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.39 - Imposter syndrome and anxiety
15.00 - Digital dentistry
19.41 - Backstory and playing the guitar
29.48 - Discovering dentistry
32.40 - Student life and VT
36.40 - Mentors
39.35 - BACD
43.08 - Practice ownership
47.00 - Partnerships and valuation
57.08 - Blackbox thinking
01.02.09 - Last days and legacy
01.04.33 - Fantasy dinner party
About Doug Watt Doug Watt graduated from Birmingham University in 2003 and is now a partner at a practice in Royal Leamington Spa.
Doug is a prolific lecturer on digital dentistry and mentors dentists on its application in treatment.
He is a member of the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
There must be something about growing up in a shop that predisposes youngsters to dentistry.
This week’s guest Dr Sandeep ‘Sunny’ Sadara, says working in his dad’s shop from an early age gave him the gift of the gab and taught him the art of sales.
Sunny chats about becoming The Greater Curve’s man in the UK and his transformation from serial CPD attendee to a respected trainer in his own right.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.53 - Gift of the gab
03.53 - Going into dentistry
11.26 - From trainee to trainer
20.14 - The Greater Curve Matrix
36.27 - Blackbox thinking
56.09 - Bitcoin
01.00.32 - Sales
01.03.32 - Lessons from the military
01.09.17 - Funding
01.15.53 - Fantasy dinner party
01.18.21 - Last days and legacy
01.19.20 - Fantasy podcast guest
About Sunny Sadara Sunny Sadara graduated from Bart’s and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry. He is the director of the Direct Restorative Excellence training school, teaching composite techniques and the Greater Curve Matrix system.
In part two of Payman’s conversation with George Pynadath last week, George described the unique screening process he uses to assess patients’ suitability for complex implant procedures.
This week, George reveals how the evaluation helped him during a black-box moment.
George also talks about his involvement with the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI), lets us in on his closely-held spiritual beliefs, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.30 - Blackbox thinking
12.15 - ADI involvement
20.17 - Being a podcast guest
22.19 - Religion and spirituality
28.33 - Kerala and India
33.33 - Fantasy dinner party
41.16 - Last days and legacy
About George Pynadath Pynadath George BDS, MFDS RCPS, MSc Rest Dent, MSc Imp Dent, graduated from Liverpool Dentistry School. He later returned to teach at the school as a part-time lecturer in restorative and implant dentistry.
He currently practices as a peripatetic clinician in clinics across the UK. He is a prolific mentor in implants and contributed to developing the Royal College of Surgeons’ Advanced General Dental Surgeon qualification.
George is currently treasurer of the Association of Dental Implantology.
Known to friends and colleagues as George, Payandath George is a giant of implant dentistry.
In the first instalment of a two-part series, George reveals how he considered careers in medicine or the church before considering implant dentistry.
He also chats about how choosing the right patients is vital to surgical success and lets us in on a unique patient evaluation workflow.
George also discusses the value of MScs and doctorates and why he’s learned to hold his tongue when seeing implant cases on social media.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.04 - Choosing dentistry
09.04 - Advice for new surgeons
19.18 - Critiquing courses
22.10 - A day in the life
26.38 - Patient psych assessments
31.20 - Treatment planning and complications
38.36 - Surgical nitty gritty
41.31 - Working with nurses
44.32 - Technology
50.30 - Soft tissue
53.32 - Long-term follow-up
About George Pyandath Pyandath George BDS, MFDS RCPS, MSc Rest Dent, MSc Imp Dent, graduated from Liverpool Dentistry School. He later returned to teach at the school as a part-time lecturer in restorative and implant dentistry.
He currently practices as a peripatetic clinician in clinics across the UK. He is a prolific mentor in implants and contributed to developing the Royal College of Surgeons’ Advanced General Dental Surgeon qualification.
George is currently treasurer of the Association of Dental Implantology.
Join us for part 2 of our cosmetic dentistry special as we catch up with friends old and new at the 18th annual BACD Conference, held in Newport, Wales, from 10-12 November.
This week, we hear from Neil Gerrard, Nicola Gore, Simon Chard and others.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.38 Neil Gerrard
11.54 Nicola Gore
30.00 Rajiv Ruwala
40.05 Rupert Monkhouse
48.00 Simon Chard
From 10-12 November, dentistry’s great and good gathered at the International Conference Centre in Newport in Wales for the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's 18th annual conference.
This was our cue to catch up with old friends and hear from new voices, and we’ve captured the highlights for a BACD conference special.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.57 - Ali & Zoh
06.54 - Chris McConnell
16:18 - Dipesh Parmar
29.54 - Gina Vega
51.11 - Kailesh Solanki
Dr Hatem Algraffee has gone from being a confessed lazy student to one of the busiest clinicians in the profession.
After completing two master’s degrees as one of the UK’s first periodontal specialists, Hatem took on 13 jobs simultaneously—and then things got even busier!
He discusses some of the niche and specialist skills needed to get ahead in perio, reveals why you don’t need to specialise in 2022, and predicts a bright holistic future for the discipline.
In This Episode 01.32 - Being busy
02.44 - Backstory and dental school
10.47 - Why periodontics?
22.33 - Specialist and niche skills
39.45 - New periodontal grading
44.30 - Periodontics and physical health
50.57 - Grafting and predictability
54.53 - Regulation and the future of perio
01.00.50 - Blackbox thinking
01.06.08 - Practice, training and family life
01.14.44 - If I had $1BN
01.19.29 - Fantasy dinner party
01.22.22 - Last days and legacy
About Hatem Algraffee Hatem Algraffee graduated from the Royal London Hospital in 1996 and went on to specialist training at Guy’s Hospital and King’s College, where he completed two master’s degrees.
In 2004, Hatem founded the Perio Academy centre for periodontal training. He now divides his time between specialist practice and training.
In part two of his conversation with Payman, Adam Nulty continues his chat with Payman about all things digital.
Adam reveals his worst black-box moments, including a near-fatal mistake outside the clinic that forced him to take time off from the profession.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.53 - Invisalign, AI and machine learning
08.37 - DSD
18.56 - Blackbox thinking
39.08 - Diet and health
44.06 - Fantasy dinner party
47.40 - Last days and legacy
52.59 - $1BN
About Adam Nulty Prof. Adam Nulty graduated from Leeds University in 2006 and completed a master’s degree in aesthetic and restorative dentistry in 2013.
In 2019, Adam became a professor of digital dentistry at the College of Medicine and Dentistry in Birmingham. He is co-founder and president of the IDDA and principal dentist at Dentist on the Rock in Bury, Manchester.
If you have burning questions about digital dentistry, this episode is for you.
Payman is joined by International Digital Dentistry Association (IDDA) founder and self-confessed geek Prof. Adam Nulty, who lets us in on the rationale behind setting up the IDDA.
Adam chats all things digital, advises choosing scanners and 3D printers, and discusses the pros and cons of in-house Vs lab production.
Stick around for part two of the conversation coming soon.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.47 - Digital dentistry
11.18 - IDDA
19.27 - Work ethic and inspiring the next generation
22.53 - Community and networks
33.29 - Scanners
39.53 - Lab Vs in-house
45.53 - 3D printing
About Prof. Adam Nulty Prof. Adam Nulty graduated from Leeds University in 2006 and completed a master’s degree in aesthetic and restorative dentistry in 2013.
In 2019, Adam became a professor of digital dentistry at the College of Medicine and Dentistry in Birmingham. He is co-founder and president of the IDDA and principal dentist at Dentist on the Rock in Bury, Manchester.
Join us for part three of our Leading Ladies series, looking back at highlights from conversations with female dental leaders.
Among others, we hear from Olympic dentist Jenny Kabir, orthodontic and microbiome geeks Ariane and Victoria Simpson, and Harley Street high-flyer Sandra Garcia Martin.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.39 - Jenny Kabir
08.03 - Ariane and Victoria Sampson
17.09 - Raabiha Maan
26.52 - Nicola Gore
36.09 - Alexandra Luzinschi
47.05 - Hannah Burrow
50.57 - Martina Hodgson
57.40 - Katie Blake
01.07.11 - Sandra Garcia Martin
From humble East End beginnings, Sarah Elliston followed her dental vocation with a nursing, fresh from high school, before moving onwards with a place at Royal London Hospital’s competitive therapy training.
She recounts how her finals and first job were almost interrupted by a life-threatening illness, discusses hierarchies in the profession and answers the question on everyone’s lips: Just what is guided biofilm therapy?
Sarah lets us know why she recently left therapy behind and offers a few tantalising clues about an exciting new road ahead.
In This Episode 01.53 - The state of play
06.33 - Skills and training
17.15 - Hierarchies in dentistry
24.05 - Backstory and career progression
37.08 - An unexpected diagnosis
47.53 - Guided biofilm therapy
52.19 - Blackbox thinking
57.56 - Bear
01.05.07 - Fantasy dinner party
01.07.08 - Last days and legacy
About Sarah Elliston Sarah Elliston spent 11 years in dental nursing before gaining therapy qualifications with the Royal London Hospital in 2010. She has also worked as a clinical educator for Essex University. Sarah recently took a break from practice to develop a new range of dental products.
Welcome back to the second part of our ongoing Leading Ladies series when we look back at highlights from conversations with female dental leaders.
This week, we hear from diverse voices from across the profession on a whole host of issues faced by women and the profession as a whole.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00:35 - Lauren Sparkle
09:39 - Shaadi Manouchehri
11:08 - Elaine Halley
16:59 - Fazeela Khan-Osborne
22:44 - Zayba Sheikh
30:43 - Gina Vega
33:50 - Hannah Woolnough
35:05 - Shazia Ahmed
36:20 - Slaine McGrath
38:23 - Jasmine Piran
Back in 2020, Payman and Prav sat down for a fascinating chat with up-and-coming cosmetic dentist Zainab Al-Mukhtar.
Zainab spoke so fondly of her inspirational mum Fareeda Daar that it only seemed natural to Fareeda’s story.
She describes how she settled on oral surgery after realising a medical career wasn’t her thing and recounts her journey to the UK from Tanzania via Romania, Yemen, Oman and Vienna.
Fareeda also discusses the trials and tribulations of running a busy practice while raising a family and reveals the secrets behind the success of her Harrow on the Hill practice.
In This Episode 02.12 - Inspiration
06.26 - Study in Romania
14.29 - The UK and Oman
32.29 - Practice purchase and the secrets of success
38.42 - Risk and resilience
47.01 - Social media and confidence
51.50 - Instilling value and values
54.04 - Blackbox thinking
01.11.06 - Plans
01.16.55 - Fantasy dinner party
01.17.55 - Last days and legacy
About Fareeda Daar Fareeda studied dentistry in Romania before moving to the UK to gain a master’s degree in dental implantology.
She was the principal dentist at Park View Dental in North West London from 2000 to 2010 and has been the principal at Harrow on the Hill dental practice since 2010.
After co-founding 76 Harley Street in 2007, Farid Monibi is now at the helm of one of the UK’s top specialist-led practices.
Farid talks about his journey to the UK from war-torn Iran in 1980 via Majorca, California, and Germany to build 76 Harley Street from the ground up.
He also recalls early mentors, chats about his twin loves, carpentry and high-adrenaline sports, and his approach to growing and managing one of the country’s foremost clinics.
In This Episode 02.23 - Learning goals
06.15 - Max-facs and early mentors
12.57 - Opening 76 Harley Street
18.03 - Entering dentistry
24.00 - Leaving Iran
27.46 - Germany Vs the UK
31.17 - Guy’s and specialising
35.45 - Building 76 Harley Street
46.05 - Management and marketing
54.02 - The 76 team
56.18 - Adrenaline
59.17 - Blackbox thinking
01.10.19 - Customer journey
01.20.08 - Last day and legacy
01.22.47 - Fantasy dinner party
About Farid Monibi Specialist prosthodontist Farid qualified from Guy’s Hospital in 1997, where he went on to complete postgraduate training in prosthodontics.
He co-founded 76 Harley Street dental practice in 2007, which has since become one of the UK’s top specialist-led clinics.
Life could be very different for Paul Midha if it weren’t for a trajectory-altering encounter with a patient at dental school.
The Leeds and London based-dentist admits to partying his way through university until witnessing the transformative power of cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
Paul describes how he used lockdown as an opportunity to purchase his first practice shortly after VT and shares some of the techniques he used to achieve incredible first-year growth.
He also discusses the value of mentors, the possible reasons behind a spate of new practice openings in his native Leeds, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.20 - Backstory
06.43 - Dental school
11.42 - VT
14.26 - Confidence
16.55 - Practice purchase
25.29 - Blackbox thinking
29.08 - Mentors
31.34 - What’s with Leeds?
33.26 - Marketing
45.26 - Recession and market conditions
49.52 - NHS Vs private dentistry
54.27 - Litigation
57.37 - Building teams
01.01.44 - From Leeds to London
01.06.30 - Fantasy dinner party
01.07.45 - Last day and legacy
About Paul Midha Paul Midha is the principal dentist at VICI Dental in Leeds and also practices at Square Mile in London.
He trained in aesthetic dentistry with Chris Orr and was a finalist in two categories in the Future of Dentistry Awards 2019.
He is also an actor who starred in Disney’s Evermoor Chronicles and has featured on Britain’s Got Talent as a body-popper.
If you’ve ever feared a call from the GDC or falling foul of today’s increasingly litigious working environment, this episode is for you.
Payman sits down for a chat with medical and dental indemnity expert Gary Monaghan about the challenges of covering the profession.
Gary talks about his early experience in plastic surgery and the parallels with dentistry. He reveals how his indemnity service PDI assesses risk, discusses defensive dentistry and describes what happens when the GDC calls.
Enjoy!
02.45 - Backstory
06.40 - The surgical landscape
09.01 - The mutual model
12.34 - Dental Vs surgical indemnity
25.19 - Risk profiles and management
35.20 - A shoulder to cry on
41.55 - Call records
44.28 - Assessing risk and underwriting
48.18 - Iron-manning mutuals
53.30 - On fear
55.40 - The economic climate
57.31 - The future of PDI
59.48 - Educating clients
01.02.15 - Refusing cover and defensive dentistry
01.07.44 - Fantasy dinner party
01.10.41 - Last days and legacy
About Gary Monaghan Gary Monaghan has been at the helm of several insured indemnity providers in the medical field. He is the co-founder of Professional Dental Indemnity ( PDI), specialising in cover for dental professionals. Gary has provided cover for thousands of clinicians over a career spanning more than two decades and is widely considered an innovator in the field.
This week’s short solo show explores a potentially transformational strategy you can put to work in your practice with as little as five minutes a day.
IT genius Jeff Sutherland first explored the value of a short daily team meeting in his book Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time.
Prav’s been a big fan since reading the book shortly after its publication in 2014 and has since made daily scrums (AKA huddles) a feature at his group of practices and marketing agency.
In this episode, Prav looks at the origin of scrum as a software development tool, discussing how it can be adapted to a dental setting to transform the working week and boost business growth.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.47 - The daily scrum - an intro
03.00 - Scrum in practice
07.52 - Scrum in dentistry
12.27 - How to scrum
26.14 - In summary
About Prav Solanki Prav Solanki is an entrepreneur and dental marketer who has purchased, developed and exited a successful group of clinics. He is the director of The Fresh dental marketing and growth agency and founder of Leadflo—an advanced lead management system for dental practices.
Are women underrepresented in dentistry? Over half of dental graduates are female, yet only one in five podcast guests has been female.
And there is also an underrepresentation in academia, on the lecture circuit and in almost every walk of the profession.
Our new mini-series looks at the issues by revisiting some of Prav and Payman’s most insightful conversations with dentistry’s leading ladies.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
01.32 - Mahrukh Khwaja
07.16 - Zainab Al-Mukhtar
09.41 - Elaine Mo
14.12 - Linda Greenwall
20.58 - Vicky Wilson
26.37 - Jenny Pinder
29.15 - Rhona Eskander
32.45 - Sofina Ahmed
35.41 - Victoria Holden
42.52 - Lucy Patel
44.14- Uchenna Okoye
Are women underrepresented in dentistry? Over half of dental graduates are female, yet only one in five podcast guests has been female.
And there is also an underrepresentation in academia, on the lecture circuit and in almost every walk of the profession.
Our new mini-series looks at the issues by revisiting some of Prav and Payman’s most insightful conversations with dentistry’s leading ladies.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
01.32 - Mahrukh Khwaja
07.16 - Zainab Al-Mukhtar
09.41 - Elaine Mo
14.12 - Linda Greenwall
20.58 - Vicky Wilson
26.37 - Jenny Pinder
29.15 - Rhona Eskander
32.45 - Sofina Ahmed
35.41 - Victoria Holden
42.52 - Lucy Patel
44.14- Uchenna Okoye
This week, Prav sits down for a heart-to-heart with his friend, colleague and implant virtuoso, Riz Syed.
Riz describes how he almost fell out of love with dentistry before discovering implants and recounts his journey through dental school and beyond to eventually becoming a leader in the field.
He talks about what it takes to build up the confidence to carry out complex cases, reveals some of his darkest clinical moments and shares candid thoughts about his upbringing, fatherhood, family life and more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 03.50 - Backstory
10.04 - Deciding on dentistry
15.20 - Dental school
19.09 - Parenting, family and fatherhood
36.03 - The journey so far
45.23 - Skills building
50.31 - Blackbox thinking
01.05.46 - Complex treatment
01.23.16 - Last days and legacy
About Riz Syed Dr riz Syed graduated in 1999 and spent time working in the oral maxillo-facial surgery department of Royal London Hospital.
He gained a master’s degree in restorative dentistry from the University of California and has also completed training in advanced oral plastic surgery in Dallas, Texas.
He is a prolific surgeon, lecturer, and mentor who often teaches on behalf of Nobel Biocare.
Riz is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
In a special solo show this week, show host Prav sits down to talk broadly about practice growth and the techniques to achieve it.
He discusses why patients spend up to a couple of years considering whether to go ahead with big-ticket treatments and what systems clinics can implement to nurture potential patients over the long term.
He also reveals why most practices aren’t ready to scale when they think they are and discusses some of the low-hanging fruit owners can grab before upping their marketing spend.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.19 - Two questions
12.14 - Digital patient journeys and the buying cycle
25.14 - Follow-us and low-hanging fruit
36.47 - Marketing strategies
42.40 - Creating ambassadors
46.38 - Social media
50,42 - Team training
55.29 - Digital marketing
About Prav Solanki Prav Solanki is an entrepreneur and dental marketer who has purchased, developed and exited a successful group of clinics. He is the director of The Fresh dental marketing and growth agency and founder of Leadflo—an advanced lead management system for dental practices.
Since landing in London via Madrid and New York, Sandra Garcia Martin has made a name as one of cosmetic dentistry’s leading lights.
Sandra chats with Prav about the challenges of learning a new language to study dentistry, training with some of dentistry’s greatest in New York and why engaging with good causes should be on the curriculum for every clinician.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.05 - Technics and artistry
11.50 - Cosmetics, composites and kudos
18.48 - Deciding on dentistry
26.34 - New York
32.51 - London
42.37 - Promotion and pricing
49.40 - Charity work
01.05.12 - Happiness and holidays
01.13.34 - Launching a course
01.22.55 - Women in dentistry
01.28.34 - Connecting with Sandra
01.30.34 - Blackbox thinking
01.36.12 - Fantasy dinner party
01.39.35 - Last days and legacy
About Sandra Garcia Martin Sandra Garcia Martin graduated from Barcelona University in 2007. She completed master’s degrees in periodontology and dental implants and later in aesthetic dentistry at New York University. She has also trained with Larry Rosenthal and Mike Apa.
Sandra now practices in London, where she recently launched the Veneer School cosmetic dentistry course and online community.
This week sees the return of dentist, educator and breakdancer extraordinaire Shiraz Khan.
Shiraz reveals how he almost chose a career in medicine before setting on dentistry. He describes starting on the first rung of the ladder as a receptionist and the joy of discovering he’d been accepted at dental school.
He also chats about family life, overcoming career challenges, and the inspiration behind his trademark sartorial elegance.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.11 - Backstory
09.32 - Discovering dentistry
13.48 - Break dancing
19.28 - Dental school
22.38 - First job and taking off
36.13 - Family life and work-life balance
58.35 - Fashion
01.04.41 - Teaching
01.08.10 - Blackbox thinking
01.11.00 - Last days and legacy
About Shiraz Khan Shiraz graduated from Birmingham Dental School in 2013 and went on study restorative dentistry at Croydon University Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas.
He has won various awards, including Best Young Dentist 2017, Rising European Star in Dentistry 2018 and best restorative case at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards 2019. Shiraz has also won the Fast Track 4 award, recognising the profession’s future leaders.
He is director of the Young Dentist Academy and a prolific trainer and lecturer with IAS Academy, whose appearances include EXCIDA’s 75th national congress in Tehran, Iran.
Alfonso Rao has never let the lack of a big plan get in the way of success. He’s the owner of a succsesful chain of clinics and Delta training academy—one of the UK’s leading implant training facilities.
Alfonso sits down for a chat with Prav about moving to the UK from his native Italy, his journey from associate to entrepreneur and how he is passing on his family’s medical heritage to the next generation.
In This Episode 01.00 - Background
06.33 - Coming to the UK
13.03 - First jobs
21.34 - Practice purchase and growth
31.43 - Teaching and Delta Academy
41.19 - Teaching Vs dentistry
44.42 - Children, family life and fatherhood
51.25 - Definition of success
55.08 - State of the profession
59.02 - Blackbox thinking
01.03.59 - Last days and legacy
About Alfonso Rao Alfonso graduated from the University of Chieti in Italy in 2007 and moved to the UK in 2009, where he took up associate positions in London and Lincoln.
He is the owner of the Queens Square group of dental practices and Delta Academy, a leading centre of excellence for implantology and restorative training.
Implantologist Katie Blake couldn’t have picked a better time to purchase her first practice.
Shortly after buying Cairn Brae dental practice in Witham, Essex, Katie and her husband Alex had their first child just in time for the COVID pandemic.
She sits down to chat with Payman about her implant journey, training with Malo in Portugal, life as a new mum and practice owner, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.51 - Backstory
09.59 - Women in dentistry
14.05 - Surgery and implants
20.30 - Practice ownership & NHS to private
25.58 - Vision and processes
40.10 - Implant journey and inspiration
43.21- Building happy teams
47.16 - Blackbox thinking
56.38 - Finding associates
01.03.36 - Working within your competency
01.05.15 - Future plans
01.08.36 - Fantasy dinner party
01.10.41 - Last days and legacy
About Katie Blake Katie Blake graduated from St Bartholomew and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry.
She has completed training in implant dentistry with the Eastman Institute and gained the MFDS in dental surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.
Katie is the principal dentist at Cairn Brae Dental Practice in Witham, Essex.
This week, dentist and entrepreneur Loven Ganeswaran talks to Prav and Payman about his Chairsyde patient communication app. But it’s his impromptu hip-hop performance that really impresses!
Loven talks about the challenges of building teams, raising funds and balancing time between clinical work and running a successful start. Plus, he reveals why his busy schedule will never get in the way of making music.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.42 - Chairside and visual learning
16.19 - Purpose, passion and impact
26.47 - Building teams
33.49 - Equity and fundraising
54.03 - Hip-hop, impact and legacy
01.01.17 - Chairside - pricing and platform
01.16.31 - The working week and sabbaticals
01.21.32 - Impact and performance
01.36.24 - Last days and legacy
01.39.43 - Fantasy dinner party
About Loven Ganeswaran Loven Ganeswaran graduated from King’s College London in 2005 and went on to general practice in Oxford before becoming a partner and principal at Ascot-based Sunninghill Dental Practice.
He is the founder and CEO of Chairsyde, an interactive patient communication app designed to help mitigate risk and boost case acceptance by explaining using simple, visual treatment explanations.
Neil Gerrard got an early start in dentistry, helping out at his dad’s lab, where he first started making models aged just 13.
But after spending some time as a clinical dental technician, Neil enrolled in dental school to scratch his itch to work more closely with patients and see the fruits of his labour pay off first-hand.
And dentistry is still very much a family affair for Neil. He now practices alongside his wife and brother, who continues their dad’s CDT legacy.
Neil chats about how it all started, the origins of his hard work ethic and gives his perspective on technical and clinical dentistry drawn from his years of unique experience in both disciplines.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.55 - Backstory and work ethic
12.39 - Switching to clinical
24.50 - Business culture and structure
31.57 - Team training and motivation
42.53 - Neil’s patients
52.55 - Clinical-technical tension and tech
01.05.50 - Guarantees
01.13.41 - Surprise and delight
01.19.21 - Black box thinking
01.26.47 - On employees and associates
01.39.54 - Charm Vs clinical skills
01.44.37 - Fantasy dinner party
01.47.39 - Last days and legacy
About Neil Gerrard Neil Gerrard is a former clinical dental technician turned dentist and one of only a handful of UK dentists to hold British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) accreditation, for whom he is also an examiner.
Neil is the author of There is No Perfect Dentist—a consumer guide to choosing dental professionals.
If you’ve ever had the good luck of hearing one of Louis Mackenzie’s lectures, you’ll know you’re in for a treat: He’s one of the most engaging, entertaining and witty speakers on the circuit.
Louis sits down with Prav and Payman to talk about what it takes to spot and nurture exceptional talent. They also discuss the secrets behind treatment longevity and Louis’ role at Denplan, sharing plenty of groan-inducing dad jokes along the way!
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.29 - Being an inspiration
06.04 - Talent spotting and training
12.25 - Specialising Vs generalism
14.37 - Treatment longevity
22.03 - The new generation
23.57 - Why dentistry and background
28.09 - Dental school
33.18 - Moral tension and motivation
48.21 - Bad decisions and black box thinking
57.23 - Leaving the NHS
01.04.15 - Denplan
01.14.18 - On stage
01.22.45 - Research and opinion leadership
01.36.03 - Fantasy dinner party
01.38.11 - Last days and legacy
About Louis Mackenzie Louis Mackenzie is a GDP who practices in Selly, Birmingham.
He is a clinical tutor at the University of Birmingham’s School of Dentistry, where he lectures on conservative dentistry and oral pathology.
Louis is also a prolific lecturer and educator and often conducts training on behalf of dental insurers Denplan.
You wouldn’t know from it his calm demeanour, but Rajiv Ruwala is a busy guy.
Things have always been that way for Rajiv, who purchased his first practice with his sister Aneeka before starting his VT year and quickly grew the ailing three-chair practice into a successful seven-surgery clinic.
He’s since opened a second practice under the 2 Green Dental brand and is poised to open a third, just weeks after the arrival of his first child.
Rajiv talks about the ups and downs of his journey so far, reflecting on what defines success, building organisational culture, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.44 - Current practice and ownership
07.39 - Structure, management and culture
18.33 - Mindset and communication
26.44 - Why Rajiv loves clinical work
30.07 - Growth and marketing
37.00 - Brand positioning
40.44 - Plans and project management
45.38 - 2 Green Dental
52.06 - Keeping going
01.00.19 - Associates and the comfort zone
01.08.31 - Defining success
01.10.10 - Blackbox thinking
01.22.09 - Cultivating culture
01.31.39 - Last days and legacy
01.38.52 - Fantasy dinner party
About Rajiv Ruwala Rajiv qualified from King’s College London in 2008 and joined his sister Aneeka in purchasing and running Croydon-based 2 Green Dental.
He earned a Postgraduate Certification for Dental Education from the University of Bedfordshire, acted as a clinical demonstrator at King’s College Dental Institute, and is now a foundation tutor with the London Deanery.
Rajiv is a prolific lecturer for the British Dental Association’s Squadron strategy on professional development and patient communication and has also addressed audiences on behalf of Invisalign and SmileFast.
Listeners who heard Dominic O’Hooley’s last appearance on the podcast may remember that Dominic doesn’t do small talk.
And he didn’t break the habit when sitting down to chat with Prav at the Association of Dental Implantology Congress in Manchester.
In what turned out to be one of the most candid and searching episodes yet, the pair talk about Dominic’s difficult upbringing, his fraught relationship with his father and the challenges of caring for a son with non-verbal autism.
Dominic also discusses his own autism diagnosis and talks about the near-fatal cycling accident that almost ended his career.
A full video of Prav and Dominic’s conversation is available on Prav’s website.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00.24 - Who is Dominic O’Hooley?
03.16 - The rise and fall of Boots dentists
16.24 - A place for reflection
18.28 - Childhood
22.18 - After mum
31.28 - After dad
35.33 - Family life
51.59 - Protection, healing and autism
01.03.25 - The state of the world
01.07.12 - Lump-in-the-throat moments
01.10.54 - The bike accident
01.24.19 - Second wind and teaching
01.32.52 - Life advice
About Dominic O’ Hooley Dominic O’Hooley is an implant dentist with over fourteen years of experience in implant placement and restoration and also carries out bone grafting, sinus surgery and bone regeneration.
Dominic is an international lecturer for Southern Implants and Ethoss bone regeneration. He is also a regular contributor to the dental press and journals.
Payman takes a trip across the pond this week to chat with UK-born Upen Patel, who practices in Sacramento, California.
They explore the differences between UK and US healthcare, education and culture, and Upen chats about his experiences at some of the US’ top training academies.
Payman and Upen also talk about the challenges of funding dental school, Upen’s love of squash, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.24 - Moving to the US
05.58 - UK Vs US schooling
08.39 - Funds and finance
17.59 - Next steps
21.23 - US associates
24.38 - Coping with COVID
28.42 - Safety nets
31.34 - Practice purchase
33.12 - Specialisms
36.33 - The team and US models
44.08 - Postgraduate training
56.01 - Fees, pricing and positioning
01.05.43 - Black box thinking
01.19.19 - Missing the UK
01.21.33 - Squash
01.23.41 - Fantasy dinner party
01.24.27 - Last days and legacy
About Upen Patel Upen gained his DDS from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, US, in 2005.
As one of the course’s youngest ever graduates, Depen earned the Outstanding Achievement Award from the university’s Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Depen then completed a residency in advanced education in general dentistry at PACIFIC University, where he graduated as valedictorian with the highest honour in his class. He is now a member of the university’s faculty.
He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
After Mudasser Hussain discovered the transformational power of executive coaching, Mudasser Hussain decided to slim down his clinical hours to divide his time between dentistry and coaching.
In this week’s episode, Mudasser chats with Payman about his motivation for helping others through coaching and how his love of football is bringing the dental profession together on social media.
Mudasser and Payman also discuss the stresses and mental health challenges of being a practising dentist, the efficacy of professional bodies like the BDA, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.20 - Social media and screen time
04.45 - Backstory
10.02 - Choosing dentistry
12.21 - Associates and principals
15.59 - First job and VT
20.00 - Benefits of coaching
34.56 - Mental health and stress
36.20 - Real-world examples
44.26 - Coaching - the nuts and bolts
50.36 - Blackbox thinking
59.25 - Chairside vs clinical skills and personality types
01.04.27 - Football on Facebook
01.08.14 - Professional bodies
01.19.07 - Last days and legacy
01.21.45 - Fantasy dinner party
About Mudasser Hussain Mudasser Hussain is a dental surgeon with more than 15 years of experience in private and NHS practice.
He now practices part-time while studying for a master’s in medical law and ethics and providing executive coaching for dentists and professionals through Clarity Coaching International.
He is currently studying for the ILM-7 diploma in corporate coaching, international leadership and senior mentoring—the highest qualification recognised by the International Coaching Federation.
Foodies are in for a treat this week as we sit down to chat with dentist and Masterchef contestant Rishi Nanavati.
It’s not just Masterchef judges who were impressed with Rishi’s fusion dishes—they also struck a culinary chord with fellow vegetarian and Indian food lover, Prav.
Rishi takes us through his Masterchef appearance dish-by-dish, revealing how it felt to go head-to-head with eight other hopefuls.
Rishi also talks about his favourite dishes, plans for the future and why dentistry may now take a backseat to a kitchen career.
Bon appetit!
00.53 - Starting with cooking
05.53 - Favourite foods
07.34 - Backstory
12.14 - University life
18.35 - Being veggie
21.40 - Masterchef shortlisting
29.17 - Competing on Masterchef
33.52 - The dishes
42.26 - Instagram
44.03 - Back to Masterchef
47.53 - Finding time for dentistry
50.51 - Future plans
54.24 - Following Rishi’s recipes
55.08 - Fave foods and places
01.00.02 - Last days and legacy
01.01.20 - Fantasy dinner party
About Rishi Nanavati Rishi Nanavati practices at Vogue Dental Care in Luton. A keen chef, Rishi was among nine hopefuls hoping to impress judges on Masterchef 2022.
He blogs and writes about food and recipes at www.dishbyrish.co.uk and can be found on Instagram as @dish_by_rish.
In this week’s extended episode, Prav sits down to chat with one of the profession’s larger than life characters, Amit Patel.
In a wide-ranging conversation recorded shortly before the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) Team Congress in Manchester, ADI president Amit reveals how and why a specialist periodontist now leads the association.
Amit also chats about real-life Vs online networking, imposter syndrome and why skydiving is now his preferred method of relaxation.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.22 - Sartorial style
03.37 - Backstory
08.16 - Social media and real-life networking
19.28 - Confidence and imposter syndrome
31.17 - Political correctness
35.21 - School life and deciding on dentistry
45.32 - Dental school
56.52 - Specialism and practice ownership
59.41 - Connecting with experts
01.03.30 - Practice ownership and mindset
01.16.01 - Blackbox thinking
01.21.57 - Treatment longevity
01.36.17 - The Association of Dental Implantology
01.50.29 - Skydiving
02.00.40 - Last days and legacy
02.03.08 - Fantasy dinner party
About Amit Patel Dr Amit Patel is the president of the Association for Dental Implantology. He graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1997 and gained membership of the Royal Faculty of Dental Surgeons in 2000.
He went on gain a master's in periodontology and clinical dentistry at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Dental Institute.
He is a specialist in periodontics and an honorary clinical lecturer at the University of Birmingham Dental School.
Amit is an ambassador for the Clean Implant Foundation, which aims to establish a science-based quality benchmark for implants.
In 2018, he was voted one of dentistry’s 50 most influential figures.
Niall Hutchinson’s red wine social media posts are designed to provoke discussion on some of dentistry’s thorniest topics.
So get ready for a robust and full-bodied discussion as Payman chats with one of dentistry’s most outspoken and engaging characters.
Niall and Payman take crack open a red to take on everything from the saturated dental courses market to NHS dentistry, the role of corporates, and much more.
Cheers!
In This Episode 01.44 - Red wine
07.31 - CPD and profitability
26.28 - NHS - the second coming?
36.23 - Skills Vs soft skills
39.42 - Going private
44.13 - Price increases
47.28 - Corporates - a force for good?
57.50 - A little backstory
01.03.58 - Staying engaged
01.07.51 - Specialism Vs generalism
01.11.38 - Invisalign
01.15.47 - Business secrets
01.24.29 - Choosing associates
01.28.29 - The labour market
01.30.24 - Black box thinking
01.40.55 - Best and worst days
01.45.15 - Fantasy dinner party
01.48.13 - Last days and legacy
About Niall Hutchinson Dr Niall Hutchinson qualified from Queen’s University Belfast in 1987 and spent four years as an associate in Northern Ireland before moving to the UK.
He is the owner and clinical director of Cherry Tree Dental Care, near Wantage, Oxford
Fresh from the opening of her brand new squat practice, Martina Hodgson chats with Prav and Payman about the rationale behind opening a squat after years of successful ownership with Wakefield’s The Dental Studio.
Martina also talks about her insatiable drive and ambition, being an Invisalign Diamond provider and why she teamed up with Andrea Ubhi to start the Inspiring Women in Dentistry event.
In This Episode 02.04 - Backstory
05.42 - The squat and practice ownership
13.03 - Leadership style
18.27 - Hiring and firing
23.53 - Practice structure and patient journey
37.37 - Invisalign Vs?
47.45 - A controversial offer
52.06 - The Dental Architect
59.10 - Sinking moments and project management
01.04.39 - Creative
01.06.56 - Black box thinking
01.11.02 - Mistakes and weaknesses
01.12.54 - Women and motherhood in dentistry
01.19.08 - Plans, confidence and inspiration
01.23.55 - Finally, a black box thought
01.28.37 - Last days and legacy
01.32.00 - Fantasy dinner party
About Martina Hodgson Dr Martina Hodgson owns Wakefield-based The Dental Studio and The Dental Architect in Leeds.
She is a Diamond Invisalign provider, a speaker for Invisalign and Aligner Consulting and a key opinion leader for Dental Monitoring.
Martina was listed in Dentistry’s Top 50, 2021. She sits on the editorial advisory board of the
Private Dentistry Journal Editorial and is a prolific contributor to the general and dental press.
Martina is the co-founder of Inspiring Women in Dentistry organisation with Andrea Ubhi.
Things have come a long way for Kailesh Solanki since he last joined his brother Prav for a chat on the podcast and talked about winding down his clinical hours to focus on business.
So how are things going?
Kailesh has been busy since his last podcast appearance, finalising an exit deal for his Manchester-based Kiss clinics that will see him staying on with the brand to open and develop ten new practices.
Kailesh talks about his ambitions for Kiss, discusses the challenges of exit and reveals big aspirations for the next ten years.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.15 - Catching up
04.26 - The exit
09.54 - The Ten Clinic plan and the partnership model
14.00 - Loss and control
20.29 - Changing challenges
24.24 - Ideal partners
33.07 - Purpose
35.44 - The next ten years
39.01 - Structure
47.38 - Existing practices Vs squats
52.23 - Patient offer and processes
59.19 - Maintaining the vision
About Kailesh Solanki Kailesh Solanki graduated from Manchester University in 2003 and went on to gain implantology qualifications.
In 2005, Kailesh purchased a practice in central Manchester, which he rebranded under the KissDental moniker and quickly expanded the clinic to a group of three.
In 2017, Hannah Burrows and Jay Shah set out to solve a problem that takes up hours of dentists’ time and designed a platform to automate clinical note-taking.
Some five years on and Kiroku is going from strength to strength. Jay and Hannah chat to Payman about the challenges of starting out and their vision for Kiroku’s for the future.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.20 - Kiroku
07.20 - Meeting and incubation
11.56 - Early days and getting feedback
17.07 - Dentistry Vs changing the world
20.42 - Influence and impact
22.42 - Day to day running
25.44 - Motivation
28.36 - The mom test
33.14 - Scale, pricing
40.12 - Future vision
43.17 - Blackbox thinking
47.18 - Weaknesses
53.13 - Mistakes
55.06 - Investors
56.55 - User stories
58.14 - Backstory
01.03.21 - Exit dreams
01.04.56 - Last days and legacy
01.07.43 - Fantasy dinner party
About Hannah Burrow and Jay Shah Dentist Hannah Burrow and machine learning engineer Jay Shah are founders of Kiroku automated note-keeping platform.
This week’s guest is the closest thing in dentistry to a media mogul. Ken Finlayson launched his first dental magazine in 1995, which quickly expanded to more than 20 digital and print titles under the FMC umbrella.
Ken chats to Payman about how it all started, discusses the challenges of hosting and judging awards, Dentistry’s Top 50 List and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.39 - Starting in publishing
04.00 - Backstory
08.36 - Dentistry Magazine
14.44 - Ruffling feathers
17.38 - Independent Dentistry
22.14 - Education and events
28.21 - Risk, ops and ideas
32.39 - Copy and processes
34.50 - Teambuilding and culture
39.28 - Buying and selling the company
46.25 - Awards
56.37 - The top 50 list
01.03.39 - Blackbox thinking, strengths and weaknesses
01.05.28 - The future of dentistry
01.11.40 - Remembering Kimberley
01.14.19 - Fantasy dinner party
01.15.38 - Last days and legacy
About Ken Finlayson Ken Finlayson is the CEO of FMC, which publishes more than 20 dentistry related digital and print titles.
Adam Naughton is one of the thousands of dental students whose academic life was rudely interrupted by the COVID pandemic.
In his fourth year of study, he’s yet to get hands-on with impressions, crowns, root canal and other treatments.
But that hasn’t stopped Andrew from putting his name out there and finding his niche on social media early on. His Positive Smile Club Instagram channel pitches five questions on dentistry, mindset and self-development to both new and established names in the profession.
Adam chats about dental school, his Instagram channel and hopes for the future, and reveals his own answers to Positive Smile Club’s five questions.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 02.38 - Being a dental student
07.14 - COVID
10.19 - Backstory
14.29 - Instagram
16.03 - Why dentistry
19.22 - Content creation
25.25 - Mindset and self-development
27.27 - Five questions
38.11 - Soft skills
42.28 - Black box thinking
46.44 - Dental school
55.01 - Positive Smile Club
01.00.57 - Inspiration and specialisation
01.08.46 - Last days and legacy
01.11.45 - Fantasy dinner party
01.14.17 - TikTok
About Andrew Naughton Andrew Naughton is a fourth-year dental student at the University of Leeds’ School of Dentistry. He runs the Positive Smile Club Instagram channel.
We have the unpleasant smell of the farmyard to thank that Martin Wanendeya didn’t follow his early dream of becoming a vet.
But the animals’ loss is dentistry’s gain: Since graduating from Bristol in 1995, Martin’s gone on to found one of the most recognised brands in dentistry and build a name as one of the most skilled implantologists in practice today.
This week, Martin chats to Payman and Prav about his early days in Uganda, the shift in mindset it takes to become a leader in the field and how he came to set up the legendary Ten Dental with business partner Nikhil Sisodia.
Enjoy!
“Of course, there was fear…But sometimes if you have good fear, it's going to make you work harder, plan better, prepare more, do all that stuff so that at the time you open, you've done everything you can. And hopefully, it will then be a success.”
- Martin Wanendeya
In This Episode 01.38 - Backstory
16.16 - The dentistry decision
19.15 - Dental school
24.34 - Boarding school
28.01 - Early work, mentors and first implants
31.37 - Into private practice
34.14 - Meeting Nikhil Sisodia
37.00 - Shopfronts and squats
39.14 - Marketing
42.10 - Ownership and mindset shifts
52.22 - Partnerships
01.00.56 - Practice expansion
01.05.12 - Super associates
01.09.16 - Mastering implants
01.11.45 - On race
01.16.00 - Black box thinking
01.25.09 - Reputation and exclusivity
01.31.41 - What it takes to reach the top
01.37.01 - Referrals and relationships
01.41.06 - Last days and legacy
01.43.54 - Fantasy dinner party
About Martin Wanendeya Martin graduated from Bristol University in 1995. He completed the Royal College of Surgeons’ diploma in implant dentistry at advanced level and was later invited to become a tutor at the college.
He is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology, the International Team in Implantology, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the British Dental Association.
He is the co-founder of London’s award-winning Ten Dental + Facial clinic and is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading implantologists.
Last time we spoke with Dev Patel in February 2021, he let us in on big ambitions to change UK dentistry through M&As and modernising old practices with the growing Beauty Partners group.
So how’s it going?
In this week’s episode, Dev reveals what he’s been up to since his last chat with Payman. He talks about Beauty Partners’ first big M&A venture north of the capital, talks about the challenges of scaling for practices and corporates and tells payman what keeps him up at night.
Enjoy!
“I want to change the whole model of corporate in the UK to make it dentist-led, patient-led and focus on getting stuff done like an entrepreneur.”
- Dev Patel
In This Episode 02.00 - Catching up
05.55 - The Kiss plan
07.54 - The funding model
10.07 - Unexpected challenges
17.44 - Culture, pay and scale
28.24 - Expanding the team
32.48 - Timescales, focus and frustrations
39.20 - Money Vs missions
43.03 - Growing grey hairs and recruiting from outside dental
49.03 - Internal, external marketing and targets
53.23 - What makes a successful partner practice?
58.18 - Buying blind and rebranding
01.05.06 - Mistakes, weaknesses and things that go bump in the night
01.13.15 - Thoughts on the future
01.16.51 - Fantasy dinner party
About Dev Patel Dev Patel is the CEO and founder of Beauty Partners, now one of the UK’s fastest-growing dental groups.
He also founded the Brushlink smart toothbrush tech company and Dental Circle networking platform.
He was named 38th on a list of the UK’s most influential dentists. Dev lectures and mentors with the NHS’ Clinical Entrepreneur scheme and is also a member of the editorial board for Young Dentist magazine.
You wouldn’t know from chatting with Zain Rizvi that he used to be an average kid.
While studying at King’s, Zain took top awards, was invited to advise government policymakers and started a side hustle giving dental hopefuls a taster of life in the profession.
And he also found time to write and publish a book on what it takes to succeed at dental school.
In this episode, Zain reflects on his achievements so far and reveals what’s next for one of dentistry’s brightest young things.
“I want to be the best dentist in the world. I know it sounds ridiculous, but clinically, I want to be excellent and in that one per cent of dentists. That's where my passion and my ambition is at the moment”.
- Zain Rizvi
In This Episode 02.17 - Backstory
07.04 - University
11.46 - Politics
17.30 - Into dentistry and social media
23.03 - Downsides
26.33 - BACD
32.50 - Know the Drill: How to Succeed at Dental School
39.15 - Number 10
45.52 - Dental politics and impact
49.52 - Entrepreneurialism and future plans
59.53 - Blackbox thinking
01.08.39 - Last days and legacy
01.11.44 - On Islam
01.19.52 - Fantasy dinner party
About Zain Rizvi Zain graduated from King’s College London, where he was named Dental Student of the Year and earned the Rising Star scholarship from the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Zain now practices at Greenwich-based Merivale Dental Practice. His book Know the Drill — How to Succeed at Dental School is available on Amazon.
Outside of dentistry, Zain is a keen cricketer and footballer with an interest in politics and current affairs.
Ashkan Pitchforth jokes that he’d like to be remembered as the biggest dentist in the UK — but he’s already well on his way to achieving the title in more than one sense.
Since 2015, Ashkan’s established a dental empire incorporating more than 20 clinics and counting while still finding time to build the biggest biceps in the business.
Ashkan discusses how physical training instils a focused business mindset, reveals the source of his interminable drive and fills Prav in on plans for the future.
“Don't buy small and medium t-shirts because they make you look big. You have to train for a year or two, and when your arms are bristling through an extra-large triple extra-large, you’ll know you've got size. It's the same thing with dentistry. Don't jump into it. You've got to learn this is not a race. Life isn't a race, so don't treat it as one”.
- Ashkan Pitchforth
In This Episode 01.09 - Backstory
10.05 - Dental school
14.55 - Bodybuilding, mindset and discipline
23.46 - Building the empire
30.51 - Clinical to business
35.50 - Business and clinical black box thinking
42.23 - Business structure
47.25 - Training, intuition and mistakes
51.45 - Audacious goals
55.01 - Responsibilities
57.21 - Advice to young Ashkan
58.52 - Last days and legacy
About Ashkan Pitchforth Ashkan qualified in 2009 and set up South Cliff Dental Group in 2015. The group now consists of 23 practices across the South. In 2020, South Cliff was ranked 33rd in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 list of UK private companies with the fastest-growing sales.
Farhan Ahmed says growing up in a Glasgow cornershop instilled an unstoppable work ethic.
He’s come a long way since filling sacks of potatoes for dad. Farhan’s earned a name as one of the go-to clinicians for complex implant cases and is now one of the field’s most sought-after trainers and mentors.
In this episode, Farhan reveals what motivates his restless drive, discusses the mindset required to be an outstanding clinician and tells why he now feels more unstoppable than ever.
Enjoy!
“I'm an individual that looks back and says. ‘I've done that. What's next?’ I did dentistry school. What's next? I did medicine and worked as a doctor. What's next? Then oral surgery. What's next? Implants. What's next? More complex implants. Great. What's next? Start teaching this stuff...And now it's what's next? What's next?”
- Ferhan Ahmed
In This Episode 01.30 - Backstory
09.03 - Dentistry and medicine
13.35 - Scratching the itch
17.06 - What kids want
21.33 - Into implants
24.41 - Teaching and complex cases
32,22 - Self-development
33.51 - Ideal course candidates
40.18 - Promotion and cooperation
45.16 - Blackbox thinking
57.40 - Mentoring, encouragement and mini-mes
01.06.00 - Scottish identity
01.07.59 - Being Unstoppable — The Mindset of a Great Clinician
01.10.38 - Drive and purpose
01.22.23 - Fantasy dinner party
01.23.40 - Last days and legacy
About Ferhan Ahmed Ferhan Ahmed qualified from Glasgow University with a BDS in 2005 and went on to earn an MBChB at the University of Liverpool in 2012.
He has focused on training and research in oral and maxillofacial surgery and now carried out complex bone grafting, extra-maxillary implants, pterygoids and zygomatics.
He now teaches and mentors on dental implants and surgery.
In 2021, Ferhan published Being Unstoppable — The Mindset of a Great Clinician. The book is available on Amazon. The proceeds will help the Dental Aid Network build a dental clinic in Kashmir.
Farhan Ahmed says growing up in a Glasgow cornershop instilled an unstoppable work ethic.
He’s come a long way since filling sacks of potatoes for dad. Farhan’s earned a name as one of the go-to clinicians for complex implant cases and is now one of the field’s most sought-after trainers and mentors.
In this episode, Farhan reveals what motivates his restless drive, discusses the mindset required to be an outstanding clinician and tells why he now feels more unstoppable than ever.
Enjoy!
“I'm an individual that looks back and says. ‘I've done that. What's next?’ I did dentistry school. What's next? I did medicine and worked as a doctor. What's next? Then oral surgery. What's next? Implants. What's next? More complex implants. Great. What's next? Start teaching this stuff...And now it's what's next? What's next?”
- Ferhan Ahmed
In This Episode 01.30 - Backstory
09.03 - Dentistry and medicine
13.35 - Scratching the itch
17.06 - What kids want
21.33 - Into implants
24.41 - Teaching and complex cases
32,22 - Self-development
33.51 - Ideal course candidates
40.18 - Promotion and cooperation
45.16 - Blackbox thinking
57.40 - Mentoring, encouragement and mini-mes
01.06.00 - Scottish identity
01.07.59 - Being Unstoppable — The Mindset of a Great Clinician
01.10.38 - Drive and purpose
01.22.23 - Fantasy dinner party
01.23.40 - Last days and legacy
About Ferhan Ahmed Ferhan Ahmed qualified from Glasgow University with a BDS in 2005 and went on to earn an MBChB at the University of Liverpool in 2012.
He has focused on training and research in oral and maxillofacial surgery and now carried out complex bone grafting, extra-maxillary implants, pterygoids and zygomatics.
He now teaches and mentors on dental implants and surgery.
In 2021, Ferhan published Being Unstoppable — The Mindset of a Great Clinician. The book is available on Amazon. The proceeds will help the Dental Aid Network build a dental clinic in Kashmir.
Afsar Hussain is the first to admit that his grades weren’t the best when growing up in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
But a tough talk from mum and dad appears to have paid off — Afsar purchased his first practice just eight months into his VT year and has since grown the practice into one of South Yorkshire’s most successful.
He chats about turning the practice around with a shift from NHS to private practice and reveals what it takes to become one of Europe’s few Invisalign Apex providers
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.08 - backstory
03.35 - expectations vs reality
04.29 - Life lessons and motivation
12.22 - Work-life balance
15.49 - Practice purchase and expansion
18.39 - Mistakes along the way
21.16 - From NHS to private
25.51 - Building a team, motivation and management
31.04 - Therapists, associates and case ownership
35.54 - The therapist model
37.09 - Apex status
42.46 - Teachers and mentors
44.22 - Blackbox thinking
50.24 - Future plans and magic numbers
55.50 - Family life
58.54 - Management and leadership style
01.00.11 - Favourite treatments and finding training
01.02.48 - Legacy
01.04.59 - Fantasy dinner party
01.05.44 - Last days
About Afsar Hussain Dr Afsar Hussain purchased Hatfield Dental Care in Doncaster care in 2012, just eight months into his VT year.
He continues to practice at Hatfield, providing cosmetic dentistry, implants, anti-wrinkle injections and Invisalign. Under Afsar’s management, Hatfield has become one of Europe’s few Invisalign Apex practices.
When Alexandra arrived in the UK from Romania, she had no problem working her way up from the bottom. She took a role as a dental nurse before finding a position in a whitening clinic on Harley Street.
But it was here that things took an unexpected turn, resulting in a four-year legal battle that made Alexandra ask profound questions about her place in the profession she loves.
In this episode, Alexandra talks candidly about the experience and how it’s been the catalyst for exploring more colourful creative ventures.
Enjoy!
“I don't know what a successful dentist is…But whenever my patient leaves the clinic happy, I think that's a success”.
- Alexandra Luzinschi
In This Episode 02.25 - Backstory
07.13 - Dental school
09.16 - Coming to the UK
13.09 - First job
28.41 - Moving on
41.58 - Floristry
48.36 - Finding a new approach
58.36 - Coping with fallout
01.06.29 - Second skills
01.14.08 - Last days and legacy
About Alexandra Luzinschi Alex Luzinschi graduated from dental school in Romania before moving to the UK. She now divides her time between dentistry and floristry. She can be found on Instagram under the @alexinfloweland nickname.
Jana Denzel says his work ethic was informed by his parents, who fled civil war in Sri Lanka to make a new life in London.
He developed his marketing and social chops while running a fashion brand to fund study at dental school in Valencia. And, since graduation in 2019, he’s already made waves putting AI to use in radiography diagnosis while also finding the time to be named London’s Best Young Dentist.
Jana explains how all the hard work is his way of proving himself to mum and dad (and how his efforts to pay them back resulted in perforating mum’s tooth). Jana also talks about the value of networking, working with the legendary Miguel Stanley and how running with the wrong crowd almost ended the dream before it started.
Enjoy!
“The reason why I'm doing so much is because I really want to give back to my parents and to my family for everything they have done for me.”
In This Episode 02.00 - Backstory and the immigrant experience
11.23 - Study in Valencia
16.03 - Ambition
18.44 - Into VT and beyond
21.30 - Diagnosis AI
37.34 - Collaboration, communication and networking
41.14 - Work ethic and clinical practice vs entrepreneurship
47.15 - Best Young Dentist
54.06 - Black box thinking
01.01.09 - Miguel Stanley
01.07.50 - Last days and legacy
01.09.48 - Fantasy dinner party
About Jana Denzel Before graduating in dentistry from Universidad Europea, Valencia, Jana Denzel studied biology with psychology at the Queen Mary University of London. The twin areas of study led him to explore the link between dental, physical and mental health.
He is the clinical director of Manchester Imaging which develops innovative AI-based early diagnostic tools for dentistry.
In 2021, Jana was awarded the Dentistry Awards’ title of Best Young London Dentist.
Dentists are leaving the NHS in droves. In this week’s episode, Payman and Prav talk about what it takes to transition from the failing health service into private care.
They chat about some of the training on offer to help dentists get to grips to meet private patients’ expectations, strategies for retaining and transitioning NHS patients, fixing literal and metaphorical cracks - and much more.
There’s plenty for listeners who are already in the private sector, too. Prav and Payman go in-depth on tactics clinics can use to stand out from the competition in a crowded marketplace.
“NHS patients are coming through the door anyway. If one cancels, you'll get another one through the door. But with the private patients, it's a complete shift in mindset. You've now got to earn their business. They've got money in their pocket and they can choose to spend it wherever the hell they want.”
- Prav Solanki
In This Episode 01.00 - Training for transition
07.52 - Soft skills
12.23 - Reception and customer service
20.41 - Earning patients
23.15 - Fixing cracks and phone coaching
38.33 - USPs, decor and rapport
48.45 - Treatment plan acceptance
51.45 - The art of storytelling
53.27 - Putting training into practice
01.01.48 - The definition of success
When Nicola Gore found her squat practice taking off, she found a novel way of staffing the booming clinic - by persuading her husband to become a dental therapist.
She tells the whole story along with her heartbreaking decision to sell. And we’ll also hear how Nicola cut her teeth in the brutal make-or-break environment of a busy surgical ward before finally realising her dream of completing the MClinDent.
Nicola lifts the lid on her best selling book Dentistry in a Nutshell, co-authored with last week’s guest Raabhia Maan, discusses her time in Australia and much more.
Enjoy!
“I thought, ‘I can't do this anymore. This job is killing me.’ I lost so much weight and had so many sleepless nights learning to put vent-flows in, trying to find beds for trauma patients, opening the clinic on my own at three a.m to stitch people’s lips and thinking, ‘oh my god, how’s it going to turn out? Are they going to look OK or disfigured?’ It was a big learning curve, but when I left the place, I said, ‘you can proudly raise your head and say: ‘You are Nicola Gore now,’ because I went through it all.”
- Nicola Gore
In This Episode 02.55 - Backstory
13.55 - Guy’s
17.27 - VT, first boss and early work
24.32 - Oral surgery
31.45 - Australia
41.16 - An offer from London
47.25 - The squat
56.06 - From surviving to thriving
58.31 - Social media, sharing, training and support
01.13.56 - Blackbox thinking
01.22.27 - The next generation
01.24.11 - Dentistry in a Nutshell
01.30.40 - Last days and legacy
About Nicola Gore Nicola Gore qualified from Guy’s in 1993. She completed the MClinDent in 2000 and became a vocational trainer in 2004.
She is the owner of Totteridge Dental Studio and practices at Harrow Weald Dental Dental Practice, of which she is the former owner.
In 2021, she was highly commended at The Probe Dental Awards for her contribution to dentistry during the COVID 19 pandemic.
She runs an educational YouTube channel and is also prolific across social media. Nicola co-authored the bestselling Dentistry in a Nutshell textbook with fellow dentist and influencer Raabhia Maan.
She is a member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) and the British Society of Prosthetic Dentistry and president of the British Iranian Dental Association.
A dentist who’s nervous about dental appointments; a prolific content creator and social star who professes to be a private person; and a high achiever who reckons she’s the failure of the family. It would be fair to describe Raabhia Maan as something of an enigma.
Raabhia is perhaps best known as the social content creator who posts about everything from MRONJ to meditation.
She chats about motherhood, buying a practice and her textbook Dentistry in a Nutshell, which she co-authored with previous podcast guest Nicola Gore.
Enjoy!
“I was in my appointment with my dentist, and he was about to give me a filling and I said to him, ‘I'm going to be a dentist but I'm not going to be a scary one.’” And he just started laughing at me.”
- Raabiha Maan
01.12 - Busy busy!
04.13 - Backstory
11.19 - Dental school syllabus
14.10 - Into practice
19.08 - Content creation
27.45 - The gnash bash
32.10 - Practice purchase
39.20 - Being a mum
43.46 - Dentistry in a Nutshell
46.50 - Philanthropy and philosophy
52.11 - Blackbox thinking
01.01.00 - Dentistry, teaching and experience
01.06.46 - Boundaries and responsibilities
01.08.24 - Future plans
01.09.43 - Last days and legacy
01.11.35 - Fantasy dinner party
About Raabhia Maan Raabhia Maan graduated from Bart’s and the London School of Medicine with honours and quickly found her way into teaching as a dental foundation trainer for North East London. She also provides clinical mentoring for international dentists who relocate to the UK and gives regular lectures and webinars.
Raabhia is co-author of Dentistry in a Nutshell, a best-selling guide to dentistry, and regularly posts about dental topics on Instagram as @drraabihamaan where she has more than 10K followers.
Raabhia practices at Bridge Dental in Isleworth and has been shortlisted multiple several times for The Dentistry Awards’ Best Young Dentist title.
In the first podcast of 2022, we welcome composite king Matt Parsons to the show.
Matt practices in the world’s composite capital, Liverpool, where a strong social presence has made him one of the city’s most in-demand dentists.
Matt tells all about Liverpool life, dishing essential tips on composites, lifts the lid on his year in practice down under and reveals how an Instagram competition took his list to heady new heights almost overnight.
Enjoy!
“My friend Benji said to me one day: “I'm going to be a dentist when I'm older.” We were like 11 years old and I said, “cool, so do I…” And that was the day I decided.”
- Matt Parsons
In This Episode 02.21 - Backstory
05.46 - Dental school
07.15 - VT
09.08 - Australia
15.22 - Composites
23.05 - Instagram
33.11 - What patients want
45.48 - Composite milestones and technique
53.07 - Clinical tips
01.00.16 - Managing teams
01.03.36 - Blackbox thinking
01.11.46 - Confidence
01.15.45 - Parents and family
01.18.46 - Future plans
01.22.10 - Back teeth
01.25.04 - Contentment
01.27.34 - Last days and legacy
01.31.22 - Fantasy dinner parties
About Matt Parsons Matt graduated in 2013 from Liverpool Dental School, where he was elected student president.
He carried out VT training in North Wales. He gained membership of the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians, Glasgow, before travelling internationally and spending a year in practice in Melbourne Australia.
Upon returning to the UK in 2016, Matt developed an interest in cosmetic dentistry and composite bonding. His work has helped him develop a large Instagram following and he now teaches bonding to other dentists.
Matt practices at Duthie Dental in Liverpool and Ruh Dental in Manchester.
This isn’t the first conversation with a guest that hails from a family of dentists. But for Tom-Crawford Clarke, the connection is more than just a hand-me-down: Tom’s grandparents, mum, dad, sisters, uncles and cousins have all been in the profession.
As Tom looks back on a decade on dentistry, he chats with Payman about the pressures and pitfalls of working with relatives, his meteoric rise from VT to Harley Street and using social media to build a patient list.
He also dishes out essential tips on Invisalign treatment and reveals why a certain oft-divorced monarch would make the ideal dinner party guest.
Enjoy!
“Patients don't always know what they want. They come in asking for something and it's your job to educate them and show them that what they're asking for is not going to look right…You always want to have total confidence in what you're doing from the very start.”
- Tom Crawford-Clarke
In This Episode 01.43 - Backstory
07.33 - In the family
10.35 - From VT to Harley Street
18.35 - Advertising and social media
30.32 - Patient journey and workflow
39.37 - Implants
41.41 - Invisalign top tips
46.06 - Bonding
49.47 - Blackbox thinking
57.49 - Future plans
01.00.50 - Confidence and communication
01.04.11 - Small world
01.07.14 - GDC
01.10.35 - Leadership style
01.12.22 - A hypothetical day off
01.14.30 - Last days and legacy
01.18.04 - Fantasy dinner party
About Tom Crawford-Clarke Tom Crawford-Clarke graduated from Bristol University in 2010. He went on to gain a diploma in restorative dentistry with a special interest in endodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2014.
He has undertaken extensive training in restorative dentistry, implantology, Invisalign, orthodontics and composite dentistry.
Tom was named Best Young Private Dentist at the 2019 Dentistry Awards. He sits on the committee of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and currently practices on Harley Street.
If you’re one of the many listeners wondering where Prav has been hiding, all will be revealed in this week’s episode.
In this end-of-year special, Prav returns to let us know why the past three months have been the most stressful and intensive of his career.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a practice, or wondering how to start putting an exit strategy together, you won’t want to miss this one.
Enjoy!
“The best deal on the table is not the most money, the best deal on the table is the right deal for you”.
- Prav Solanki
In This Episode 01.52 - Where’s Prav been?
04.11 - The process and perfectionism
07.41 - Planning and goals
11.47 - Roles and responsibilities
16.47 - The exit process explained
22.25 - Options and getting the best deal
30.04 - Due diligence
39.15 - COVID, costs and practice growth
49.53 - Adapting to changing economics
57.37 - Fantasy dinner party
Alan Burgin is perhaps best known by his Instagram alter-ego, The Cornish Dentist, whose informative how-tos have earned Alan an impressive follower count among fellow professionals.
He sits down with Cardiff University alumni Payman to explain his journey to being one of the UK’s most promising young dentists and talks about life in Cornwall and early years in max-fax.
Payman also puts Alan on the spot about rubber-dam placement, suturing and composites.
Enjoy!
“The majority of my career and progression has basically been a series of high-pressure situations that are sink or swim, and so far I've been swimming. But some of them - I think - were close to the mark.”
- Alan Burgin
In This Episode 01.41 - Backstory
07.04 - Confidence
10.15 - Cardiff and dental school
14.09 - Max-fax and oral surgery
21.54 - Travel
27.43 - First job
29.28 - Implants
37.39 - Social media
44.40 - Cornwall
46.48 - Phobia and sedation dentistry
48.30 - Full-mouth dentistry and stabilisation
55.11 - Finding and teaching your niche
01.02.17 - Rapidfire top tips
01.06.39 - Blackbox thinking
01.17.18 - Future plans
01.19.20 - Last days and legacy
About Alan Burgin Alan graduated with honours from Cardiff University in 2012 and took on a post as a senior maxillofacial house officer at Newport Gwent hospital.
He practised in Wales and bath before settling in Cornwall, where he practices at Pure dental, focusing on full-mouth rehabilitation.
Alan has amassed 10K+ followers as Instagram’s The Cornish Dentist,
General dentist Victoria Sampson followed her big sister Ariane into dentistry but each has since walked their own path through the profession.
Ariane is an orthodontist, while Victoria is using the microbiome found in saliva to unite dentistry with general health.
The pair talk about their shared journey, discuss their passions and assemble the unusual guestlist for a fantasy dinner party.
Enjoy!
“I want world bacterial peace. That would be the dream.”
- Victoria Sampson
In This Episode 02.20 - Backstory
06.38 - Dental school
13.24 - Next steps
17.53 - Victoria talks microbiome research
27.42 - Ariane talks orthodontics and social media
41.00 - Blackbox thinking
54.49 - On regrets
58.05 - Ortho skills and ABB
01.02.59 - Invisalign
01.05.09 - World bacterial peace
01.08.49 - Last days and legacy
01.11.29 - Fantasy dinner parties
About Ariane and Victoria Sampson Sisters Ariane and Victoria Sampson are perhaps best known by their Instagram moniker, thedentalsisters.
They practice at London’s 38 Devonshire Street where Ariane is an orthodontist and Victoria focuses on general dentistry.
No one could accuse Jenni Kabir of being anything but quick off the mark in finding success. She purchased her first practice just six months after finishing VT and was considering retirement by the time she hit her mid-20s.
Jenny takes us through her impoverished upbringing in York, where she became a full-time young carer after her mother sustained life-changing injuries. She describes how she dealt with a shocking violation of trust from an associate, reveals why she often hesitates before treating lawyers and much more.
Enjoy!
“If you've heard of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, I really feel I’m at a point in my life where I've got enough...I want to give back and empower other people in whatever capacity I can.”
- Jenni Kabir
In This Episode 02.52 - Backstory
08.49 - Into dental school
11.29 - Adversity and confidence
14.02 - Leaving mum behind
17.17 - VT, first jobs and practice ownership
24.26 - Starting again
27.30 - North Vs South
29.27 - Building Fresh Dental
33.32 - A violation of trust
41.08 - Blackbox thinking
50.49 - Women and implantology
53.14 - On mentors
56.15 - Teaching, B&Bs, car washes and diversification
01.04.27 - Motivation and leadership
01.06.59 - Future plans and pride
01.09.36 - Last days and legacy
About Jenni Kabir Dr Jenni Kabir studied in Manchester, where she ran a chain of successful clinics before returning to her hometown of York to set up Fresh Smiles Dental Clinic.
She is one of the youngest dentists to be awarded DPDS postgraduate diploma from the University of Bristol and holds a diploma in implant dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons.
Jenni was selected to be the dentist for the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2001 and the London Olympic games in 2012. She is currently undertaking a masters degree in implantology.
This week’s episode starts with a content warning: When brewing tea, Tej Mell pours the milk first.
It’s just one of many tidbits the Yorkshire-based dentist lets us in on in a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from managing and motivating teams to the appreciation of clockwork and watches.
Tej tells us about starting his journey into implant treatment and why the third time was a charm when it came to finding success as a practice owner.
He also lifts the lid on his decision to stand in the upcoming BDA elections.
Enjoy!
“Why dentistry? I’ll be honest with you
In This Episode 02.27 - Backstory
05.48 - Superpowers
07.01 - First job, first boss, first practice
09.25 - Selling up
17.20 - Lessons learned
19.12 - Practice number two
23.35 - Third time lucky
26.51 - Time, peace and limitations
27.46 - Starting with implants
35.39 - Advice for new practice owners
41.41 - Firing
45.32 - Career progression, bonuses and motivation
53.28 - BDA elections and the future of NHS dentistry
01.04.20 - Watches
01.11.18 - Tea
01.12.30 - Last days, legacy and dinner guests
About Tej Mellachervu Dr Tej Mellachervu (Mell) graduated from Leeds University in 2001 and went into practice around Yorkshire before purchasing and selling two practices. He is now the principal dentist and owner of Crigglestone Dental Care in Wakefield, Yorkshire.
Almost fresh from dental school, this week’s guests are already sharing their work to help others learn.
“We’re not teachers,” say Balraj (Bal) Sohal and Kris Vekaria, who set up the Kaizen learning resource to share what they love most.
Kris and Bal let us in on how Kaizen came about and their plans for its future. The pair also talk about failed extractions, the pros and cons of learning on social media, meeting Maradona and more.
Enjoy!
“We're not really experts or trying to teach. We're just trying to share what we do on a daily basis, our mistakes and cases that go well...we don't want to come across as teachers. It's more just about providing free content and sharing the kind of the stuff we enjoy doing.”
- Bal Sohal
In This Episode 02.26 - First meeting
06.21 - Kaizen, teaching and sharing
13.11 - Finding an audience and keeping it simple
17.11 - Research
21.22 - Current practice
21.55 - Background stories
27.39 - Learning on social media
28.14 - VT year and COVID
33.20 - Blackbox thinking
54.33 - The future of Kaizen
56.37 - Fantasy dinner parties
01.04.58 - Where to find Kaizen
About Bal Sohal and Kris Vekaria Balraj Sohal and Kris Vekaria graduated from King’s College in 2019 and quickly went on to set up the Kaizen dental learning resource which shares bite-sized tips on treatment and techniques.
In this week’s solo episode, Prav talks about one of his favourite topics: Context and congruency in marketing.
Using real-life examples from his open practices, he explains why establishing context and congruency matter throughout the patient journey should be a priority.
He also dispenses actionable advice on how teams can use this powerful marketing hack to improve conversions and enhance the patient experience.
Enjoy!
“It's all about communication that has context, and that is congruent with previous conversations.”
- Prav Solanki
In This Episode 00.22 - An everyday example
04-56 - Stepping into patients’ shoes
14.57 - From online to real life
27.07 - Why it matters
Prav Solanki is a healthcare entrepreneur, marketer, dental practice owner and host of the Dental Leaders podcast. To ask Prav a question about context and congruency or other aspects of practice marketing growth, visit www.prav.com.
If you’ve been busy banking CPD hours, you may be familiar with this week’s guest. Jasmine Piran is a self-confessed course junkie who’s made a move from pupil to teacher.
She lets us in on life as a lecturer and provides insight into how a psychology degree and NLP training have helped her understand and connect with nervous patients.
Jasmine also lifts the lid on her time with celebrity dentist Uchenna Okoye, her interest in art and music, and more.
Enjoy!
“Isn't it a privilege that patients come and see us for elective treatment? The whole mood changes when someone comes in and you have to tell them they need a root canal treatment or an extraction, versus someone who comes to you and says: ‘please help me, I want you to help me improve my smile’. Already, that's a great energy space to be in.”
- Jasmine Piran
In This Episode 01.42 - Backstory
05.08 - Study at Guy’s
08.19 - Psychology, NLP and nervous patients
16.21 - Into practice
20.16 - Dental nursing
21.21 - Uchenna Okoye
24.41 - Trailblazing and work-life balance
25.59 - Principals Vs Associates
32.47 - Minimally invasive philosophy
36.03 - Learning and teaching
40.27 - Invisalign and orthodontics
43.53 - Blackbox thinking
51.06 - Ethics
52.51 - Perfection paralysis
55.27 - Teaching SmileFast
01.02.18 - Art, music and travel
01.05.11 - Last days and legacy
About Jasmine Piran Jasmine Piran qualified from Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ Dental Institute in 2001. She has since gained a Masters degree with distinction in restorative and aesthetic dentistry from the University of Manchester and also holds a degree in psychology.
She is an avid learner who has travelled to the US, Switzerland and Italy in pursuit of continuing professional development and has also studied extensively in the UK.
In addition to dental training, Jasmine has also gained NLP and hypnotherapy accreditation.
Here’s something you don’t find every day - a specialist orthodontist who’s still carrying out day-to-day cosmetic and restorative work.
This week’s guest, Josh Rowley, explains how and why the two go together hand-in-hand and tells how a once-in-lifetime alignment of the stars saw him take an unorthodox route to early specialist status.
Josh also lifts the lid on why he loves being an educator and lets us in on not one but two clinical errors that changed the way he does dentistry.
“Teeth are stupid. If you push on them hard enough and long enough, they will move. They don't know if they're being moved by a bit of plastic or a bit of wire.”
- Josh Rowley
In This Episode 01.00 - Backstory and parental influences
19.15 - Into dentistry and orthodontics
26.09 - Specialisms and marketing
31.49 - Josh’s practices
34.46 - Being an ortho-dentist
43.52 - Teaching and lecturing
54.49 - Blackbox thinking part one
59.11 - The patient journey
01.08.45 - Blackbox thinking part two
01.12.01 - Direct-to-consumer orthodontics
01.18.11 - Turkey teeth
01.24.49 - Last days and legacy
About Josh Rowley Josh Rowley graduated from The University of Dundee in 2014.
He was nominated for the Best Young Dentist award at Dentistry Scotland Awards in 2017 and 2018. He won the title in 2019 and was awarded Best Smile Makeover in 2020.
Josh is a member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
He is also a trainer with IAS Academy.
Prav and Payman are finally reunited this week to welcome Dr Slaine McGrath to the show.
Spending too much time in the dentist’s chair can be enough to put youngsters off dentistry for life. But the opposite is true for Slaine, who was inspired into the profession following a dental mishap early in life.
Slaine talks about the pros and cons of being one of Insta’s most prominent dentists, how she landed a job at a top Harley Street clinic just two years after graduating.
She also explains the magnetic pull of London and reveals her plans for a new clinic opening soon in Edinburgh.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.50 - Backstory
04.53 - Women in dentistry
06.36 - Work-life balance - a day in the life
10.18 - Dental school
12.51 - Into practice
19.47 - Social marketing
29.06 - Engaging with followers
32.22 - Lessons from top clinics
34.53 - Slaine’s vision
39.37 - Thoughts on Edinburgh
41.40 - Dark days and black box thinking
49.03 - Slaine’s top tips
56.15 - Last days and legacy
About Slaine McGrath Slaine McGrath qualified Trinity College Dublin and worked in the maxillofacial department of Galway University Hospital in Ireland before heading for the bright lights of London.
She spent time on Harley Street with Rüh dental, where she focused on Invisalign and cosmetic treatment.
Slaine sits on the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry committee and is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
She is currently embarked on setting up a brand new practice in Edinburgh.
The Great Escape with Geoff Stone “Follow your dreams,” says this week’s guest Geoff Stone - and no one could accuse him of failing to follow his own advice.
In a tale with more twists and turns than the best of Dickens, Geoff tells how he turned his back on a lucrative banking career to make a name as one of dentistry’s best latecomers.
There were highs, lows and more than a few crashes along the way.
Hit play to hear one of our most inspirational conversations yet and find out if it was all worth it for Geoff.
My grandfather always said: “We make our own prison walls. It’s up to us to break out.” I did, and it was hard.”
- Geoff Stone
In This Episode 01.12 - Backstory and banking
07.19 - Bonuses and finding life balance
17.38 - From banking to bar work and back to school
22.00 - Dental school and VT
28.07 - Family orthodontics
32.30 - Finding your rhythm
36.27 - Six Sigma and dentistry
40.17 - Two-tier dentistry
42.01 - On teaching and speaking
48.37 - Black box thinking
53.17 - Direct to consumer orthodontics and Turkey teeth
56.24 - Last days and legacy
About Geoff Stone Geoff Stone gave up a career in investment banking to complete his BDS at the University of Glasgow and went on to gain his MFDS from the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow.
He is an associate dentist working in a mixed practice in Stirling in rural Bannockshire. He is also a trainer and mentor with IAS Academy.
For Shazia Ahmed, the fight for justice runs in the blood. In this week’s episode, she tells how values of fairness were instilled from an early age and how that led to taking on a former employer at a tribunal.
It also saw Shazia providing support on Facebook for thousands of dental professionals who were shortchanged during the COVID crisis.
Shazia explains how the British Dental Action Group quickly grew far beyond its original scope, sets out her thoughts on NHS funding, contracts, reform and much more.
Enjoy!
“We've got to say, ‘look for God's sake, give us some respect’, and I don't think anybody is going to give it to us. We have to demand it. We have to come together and demand the contract that we want because, without us, there is no NHS contract at all.”
- Shazia Ahmed
In This Episode 00.40 - Backstory
05.23 - University
07.20 - An injustice
15.02 - BDAG and COVID
31.55 - NHS - contracts, funding and reform
43.55 - Why NHS dentistry?
45.20 - Being a woman in dentistry
50.22 - Regrets and darkest days
53.05 - Family life and setting an example
55.04 - Plans and predictions
57.20 - BDA elections
01.00.02 - NHS contract reform
01.04.29 - Last days and legacy
About Shazia Ahmed Dr Shazia Ahmed qualified from the University of Birmingham in 2002. She is an NHS associate in practice in the midlands.
During the COVID lockdown, Shazia set up a Facebook support group for dental professionals affected by contract changes, withheld payments and other disputes.
The group became the British Dental Action Group which campaigns to improve how NHS practice owners manage funding in relation to employees and associates.
In This Episode This week, Payman welcomes his first boss, an early mentor and friend of 30 years, Dr Nick Mohindra.
Nick recounts his early years at Edinburgh University, which preceded a career full of industry-changing firsts.
Nick was one of the first dentists to computerise his practice. He was also the first clinician to realise how inter-dental brushing trumps flossing in the fight against gum disease. But perhaps his most famous first was the realisation that the textbooks were wrong about denture patients.
Nick lifts the lid on how it felt waiting for science to catch up with his razor-sharp intuition, discusses his Oralift invention, and more.
Enjoy!
“Changing the profession is a big task, and if you’ve got the money, they listen more. ”
- Nick Mohindra
In This Episode 01.00 - Backstory
08.02 - Into dentistry
12.49 - Student life
15.01 - Into practice
19.32 - Changing the profession
32.17 - On optimism
36.06 - Oralift
46.11 - Rehab, rejuvenation, research
52.03 - Blackbox thinking & darkest moments
57.51 - The future of Oralift
01.05.07 - Last days and legacy
About Nick Mohindra Nick qualified from Edinburgh University and went on to practice in South Wales and Kent, where he spent ten years as a VT trainer.
An interest in facial pain led to a theory that facial height in denture patients could be increased by much more than was advised at the time and resulted in unexpected but profound rejuvenating effects.
Following his first research paper on the subject with Dr David Davis, Nick moved away from general practice to focus on rejuvenation through dentistry.
Nick established Added Dimension Dentistry on Wimpole Street in 1999, where he perfected his DentalFaceLift technique.
He also developed the Oralift appliance, which appears to reverse the signs of facial ageing.
Nick is a prolific lecturer who has spoken at the World Aesthetic Conference, the London Anti-Ageing Conference and the University of Florence.
Fix Up, Look Sharp! With Shiraz Khan This week’s guest is winner of the Fast Track 4 award for future leaders in dentistry. But this conversation proves that dentistry’s best-dressed Shiraz Khan is leading the way in so many ways right now.
Dentist, lecturer and trainer Shiraz reveals how he went into a high profile role almost fresh from dentistry school and talks life on the lecture circuit (and the nerves that go with it).
Shiraz also weighs in on the porcelain vs composites debate.
Enjoy!
“On my composite courses, I show the first-ever composite I ever photographed. And the reason I love doing that is that it brings me back to level pegs.”
- Shiraz Khan
In This Episode 01.06 - Backstory
09.26 - On dancing
15.13 - First job & inspirational mentor
16.41 - Lecturing & training
28.48 - Documenting cases
33.31 - Blackbox thinking
39.18 - Working with Koray Feran
47.00 - Composite Vs porcelain Vs edge bonding
57.53 - Putting training into practice
01.03.20 - The patient journey
01.08.34 - Consumer ortho, AI and Turkey Teeth
01.15.15 - Last days and legacy
About Shiraz Khan Shiraz Khan graduated from Birmingham Dental School in 2013 and trained in restorative dentistry at Croydon University Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’.
He is a prolific lecturer whose achievements include speaking at EXCIDA’s 75th national congress in Tehran.
In 2017, Shiraz was named Best Young Dentist at the Dentistry Awards and took the Rising European Star in Dentistry title in 2018. In 2019, Shiraz won the best restorative category at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards. He is also winner of the Fast Track 4 award, which recognises potential future leaders in dentistry.
Shiraz is director of the Young Dentist Academy and a trainer with IAS Academy. He practices at Devonshire Place clinic in Chelsea and Fulham.
This week, we continue our look back at conversations about social media, featuring Robbie Hughes, Rhona Eskander and other socialites.
The hour-long special is neatly bookended by talks with Manchester-based Kailesh Solanki and brother Prav, a marketing scientist and host of the show.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00:54 Kailesh Solanki
03:41 Richard Field
09:56 Rupert Monkhouse
14:48 Robbie Hughes
19:07 Rhona Eskander
30:38 Jason Smithson
38:37 Shaadi Manouchehri
47:46 Zayba Sheik
50:48 Nilesh Parmar
54:31 Prav Solanki
Love it or hate it, social media is now part of all our lives - especially dentists. Social media is a marketing machine, showcase opportunity, comms machine and much more besides.
Part one of our centenary show recaps on conversations about this revolution in dentistry, starting with the late and much-missed Anoop Maini.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01:01 Anoop Maini
06:42 Simon Chard
11:46 Mahmood Mawjee
17:24 Daz Singh
23:16 James Goolnik
26:04 Mahrukh Khwaja
30:13 Zainab Al-Mukhtar
35:16 Druh Shah
39:19 Neel Jaiswal
45:39 Vishaal Shah
53:25 Zaki Kanaan
57:14 Nikunj Sondagar
01:00:08 Victoria Holden
Over almost two years of podcasting and almost a hundred conversations with industry luminaries have made one fact clear: Minimally-invasive dentistry is here to stay.
In this week’s episode, we look back at highlights from some of our favourite conversations with proponents of the philosophy including Tif Qureshi, Robbie Hughes, Kunal Patel and many more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00:59 Tif Qureshi
06:28 Nik Sethi
08:38 Payman Sobhani
14:00 Richard Field
20:31 Robbie Hughes
25:26 Simon Chard
30:00 Zainab Al Mukhtar
32:08 Andrew Wallace
39:35 Benji Dhillon
43:25 Daz Singh
49:26 Elaine Mo
53:55 Gina Vega
01:00:45 Jason Smithson
01:04:14 Kunal Patel
01:08:36 Linda Greenwall
In the final episode of our two-part show with Ian Buckle, he talks about procedural and design-driven approaches to treatment and what it takes to become a complete GDP.
Ian reveals not just one but two memorable black-box moments and talks about replacement events, managing expectations, teeth from Turkey and much more.
Enjoy!
“If your patient doesn't clean their teeth or doesn't come regularly...you are cruising for a bruising.”
- Dr Ian Buckle
In This Episode 01.31 - Being a patient
04.42 - Procedure and design
10.42 - Replacement events
17.10 - Blackbox thinking
21.46 - Guarantees, expectations, limitations
36.39 - Teeth from Turkey
48.18 - Last days and legacy
About Ian Buckle
Ian qualified from Liverpool University in 1985 and spent time in NHS practice before setting up Buckle Advanced Dental Care in the Wirral.
He is a prolific educator who has run courses with The Dawson Academy and IAS Academy, who has also designed practical training on the core curriculum.
He is also a prolific international speaker who hosts regular study clubs and seminars.
Ian has committed to spending one-third of his time teaching and the remaining time in clinical practice.
He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), The British Dental Association (BDA) and the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI).
In the first episode of a special two-part show, Prav gets together with dentist, educator and rugby fanatic Dr Ian Buckle.
Ian talks about his early days in a Christian Brothers’ school and finding his feet in NHS practice.
Ian talks us through his conversion to aesthetic, cosmetic and minimally-invasive dentistry, the journey into teaching and his new Complete GDP training course with IAS Academy.
“When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”
- Ian Buckle
In This Episode 01.51 - Backstory
12.35 - Drive and motivation
19.59 - Dental school & education
26.34 - Highs and lows
29.37 - Into work
34.21 - A change of tack
44.51 - Complete dentistry & the cosmetic wave
50.51 - Into teaching
55.42 - Orthodontics and minimally-invasive restoration
58.12 - The Complete GDP
About Ian Buckle Ian qualified from Liverpool University in 1985 and spent time in NHS practice before setting up Buckle Advanced Dental Care in the Wirral.
He is a prolific educator who has run courses with The Dawson Academy and IAS Academy, who has also designed practical training on the core curriculum.
He is also a prolific international speaker who hosts regular study clubs and seminars.
Ian has committed to spending one-third of his time teaching and the remaining time in clinical practice.
He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), The British Dental Association (BDA) and the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI).
This week we look back at some of our favourite shows featuring the madmen and women for whom quantity counts every bit as much as quality.
Our conversations with multi-practice owners highlight the pros and cons of empire expansion, with plenty of tips and food for thought for both dentists and entrepreneurs alike.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00:00:22 - Adam Thorne
00:02:48 - Alfonso Rao
00:07:38 - Avi Sachdev
00:10:29 - Darren Cannell and Andy Stafford
00:14:40 - Dev Patel
00:20:48 - Elaine Halley
00:26:34 - Kailesh Solanki
00:32:23 - Kish Patel & Jin Vaghela
00:36:53 - Rahul Doshi
00:39:58 - Sameer Patel
00:46:33 - Sandeep Kumar
00:50:15 - Sia Mirfendereski
00:52:25 - Sofina Ahmed
00:57:19 - Uchenna Okoye
01:00:43 - Zayba Sheik
01:05:28 - Zuber Bagasi
01:11:42 - Jimmy Palahey
01:15:47 - Amit Patel
In this week’s special show, we take a retrospective look at some of the towering figures from implantology we’ve had the pleasure of chatting with so far.
You’ll hear hints, tips, career advice and much more from some of the field’s visionaries and leaders.
If implantology’s your thing, this is your show.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 00:58 - Alfonso Rao
04:29 - Andrew Dawood
08:38 - Andrew Moore
12:35 - Anil Shrestha
15:26 - Basil Mizrahi
19:44 - Fazeela Khan-Osborne
26:04 - Hassan Maghaireh
29:33 - Kailesh Solanki
34:43 - Koray Feran
40:38 - Nilesh Parmar
44:13 - Paul Palmer
46:48 - Zaki Kanaan
From humble beginnings as the son of a Sunderland shipbuilder, Michael Oliver might have gone into medicine had it not been for the sage advice of a GP.
But medicine’s loss was dentistry’s gain. Michael talks about how it felt to be unexpectedly thrust into solo practice.
He talks us through moving into NHS practice back in the days when it wasn’t such a common move and lifts the lid on dentistry in the 1980s - cigarettes, ashtrays, spittoons and all.
Enjoy!
“I was crp at running my business in some respects. I ran it on feel...Now and then, I’d end up in my accountant’s office, with him saying: “Michael, what are you doing!” And he’d keep putting me back on track. I also had a great solicitor who limited my stupid ideas and said: “Michael, don’t do that!”*
- Michael Oliver
In This Episode 02.13 - Backstory
05.56 - Into dentistry
11.42 - Politics
15.08 - Into practice
22.52 - Expanding and going private
31.27 - Exit and aftermath
43.47 - Teamwork and empowerment
46.59 - Risk and marketing
56.09 - Photography
58.33 - Retired life
01.01.38 - Charity work
01.03.44 - Dark days
01.06.42 - Last days and legacy
About Michael Oliver Michael qualified from Newcastle Dental School in 1983 and worked as an associate with the late Donald Hudson. When Donald retired, Michael purchased a practice in East Herrington, which he developed into a multi-surgery clinic. Michael retired in 2018 and now spends more time on his hobby as a wildlife photographer.
In this week’s bulletin episode, we welcome back former podcast guest Jimmy Palahey and current British Dental Association (BDA) English council chair Hannah Wodrough.
The pair are both standing as candidates in the BDA’s Principal Executive Committee (PEC) by-election. Hannah and Jimmy explain why they are standing and set out their vision for the committee.
They also talk about why this year’s by-election could be one of the most significant in the BDA’s history.
To find out more about PEC candidates and read statements by each, visit www.bda.org/elections.
Enjoy!
If you are a BDA member, you will have had the stuff through the post with everybody’s statements on it. If you've thrown out, you will still be able to read those on the website, and then you need to find somebody that shares your values who can fight your corner if you don't want to do it yourself.
- Hannah Woolnough
In This Episode 00.17 - Hannah’s backstory
07.18 - Jimmy’s backstory
09.47 - Navigating organisations
14.02 - Jimmy and Hannah’s burning issues
18.23 - COVID and the NHS
30.48 - Vicarious liability and indemnity
38.46 - Prison dentistry
44.31 - Mending the cracks in dentistry
48.43 - Engaging the profession
56.13 - Other professional organisations
01.03.19 - Closing comments
About Jimmy Palahey and Hannah Woolnough Jimmy qualified at Leeds’ Dental Institute in 2004 and spent time in practice around the West Midlands. He is the clinical director of the JDSP group of clinics, which provided urgent care throughout the COVID pandemic. Jimmy is chairman of the Nottingham Local Dental Committee.
Hannah Woolnough works in general practice in Suffolk. She has spent time in community roles, including as a prison dentist.
She is a passionate advocate of reducing inequalities in access to dental care.
https://vimeo.com/580325628/a5143e3f05
Nilesh Parmar combines a love of implants with a passion for all things business, and his unabashed celebration of success has made him a divisive figure.
Nilesh recounts the transition from working as a ‘shed boy’ in his father’s practice to dental school before settling upon a career in implantology.
He also talks about his new indemnity venture, the intricacies of practice design and his other loves - fast cars and racing.
Enjoy!
“The full arch cases I like because there’s lots of blood. And the nurses like it!”
- Nilesh Parmar
In This Episode 02.14 - Backstory and university
11.23 - Postgrad
18.36 - Offering something different
22.25 - Same-day philosophy
23.59 - Pathways to greatness
27.22 - Practice design
32.05 - Fast cars
35.14 - Marriage and children
39.12 - Being Marmite
46.07 - MBA
54.00 - KOIs, DDS and indemnity
01.00.41 - A letter from the GDC
01.04.57 - Black box thinking
01.10.05 - The five-year plan
01.11.51 - Last days and legacy
About Nilesh Parmar Nilesh Parmar graduated youngest in his class at the Barts and London Dental School in 2004.
Following VT, he secured a role as senior house officer at Guy’s and King’s Hospital in Central London and later undertook an MSc in prosthetic dentistry at the Eastman Institute.
This was followed by a masters in clinical implant dentistry at Guy’s Hospital and an MBA from Imperial College Business School.
Nilesh practices at Parmar Dental and Sparkly Smile, and recently founded Dental Defence Society providing indemnity cover to dentists.
For many eight-year-olds, the smell of the clinic is enough to cause a lifelong aversion to dentistry.
But not for this week’s guest, Gina Vega. Gina dreamed of becoming a dentist after falling in love with the smell of clove oil as a young girl growing up in Mexico City.
A second love brought her to London in 2001 when she met her future husband while backpacking.
Gina talks us through going from dental nursing through the challenging International Qualifying Exam and into practice and ownership in the capital.
Along the way, she talks about family, work ethic, giving back through charity and much more.
Enjoy!
“When I was eight years old, I decided that I wanted to be a dentist. Don't ask me why - I'm almost sure it was the smell of the dental practice that my mom used to take me to when we were children. I just liked that smell.”
- Gina Vega
In This Episode 00.46 - Backstory
04.29 - University life
06.38 - Mexico City Vs London
12.14 - Nurse, dentist, owner
15.30 - Dentistry in Mexico
17.47 - Bishopsgate
23.01 - Roadblocks and backbones
28.16 - Tips, mistakes, incentives
31.37 - Top treatments
34.42 - Finding patients, keeping patients
40.38 - Future plans
43.31 - Family
46.21 - Work ethic
47.16 - Black box thinking
50.19 - Women in dentistry
53.48 - Giving back
56.42 - Award-winning dentistry
58.49 - Staffing and happy teams
01.05.16 - Exit
01.07.34 - Last days and legacy
About Gina Vega Gina Vega qualified from Universidad Tecnológica de México (UNITEC) and went into private practice in Polanco, Mexico City.
Gina moved to London in 2001 and took the International Qualifying Exam in 2004.
She is now the principal dentist and owner of Bishopsgate Dental Practice in London.
Gina is a member of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in the UK and the Mexican Talent Network.
The episode is a real who’s-who of UK dentistry. With more than half the year now passed (and what a year!) hosts Prav and Payman continue their look back at some of 2021’s greatest bits.
Among the highlights are thoughts on tax, the network effect, a candid look at a clinical mistake and much more.
Enjoy!
“There’s always something you walk away with at the end of an episode...it’s definitely the most enjoyable part of what I do for work.”
- Prav Solanki
In this episode 03.53 - David Ostaeyen
05.57 - Paul Palmer
10.13 - Fazeela Khan-Osborne
16.26 - Samir Patel
20.47 - Sandeep Kumar
27.02 - James Martin
31.41 - Darren Cannell & Andy Stafford
33.41 - Kish Patel & Jin Vaghela
43.13 - Hassan Maghaireh
47.16 - Sabir Sheikh
53.52 - Payman Sobhani
58.28 - Reena Wadia
01.02.13 - Rupert Monkhouse
About Prav Solanki and Payman Langroudi Prav Solanki and Payman Langroudi are hosts of the famous and fascinating Dental Leaders podcast.
This week, Prav and Payman reflect on past episodes. The podcast has hit a whopping 90 episodes, with an incredibly diverse group of guests who’ve chatted all things dentistry.
Hear the guys revisit some of the highlights and talk about some lessons they’ve learnt from their stellar lineup of dentists over the past few months.
This episode is part one of a special two-part series in which Prav and Payman will look back on the best moments of the Dental Leaders Podcast.
Enjoy!
“There are the two main camps that I'm seeing at the moment, people who are grabbing and running with it, and people who are just sort of saying “Hey, this is too much, we'll create a waiting list. We can't cope with growth. We won't scale. We'll just deal with it.” And they will be the same people in 12 months time or whatever who’ll be picking up the phone saying I need more patients.”
- Prav Solanki
In This Episode
02.56 - An influx of investing
07:00 - Nik and Sanjay Sethi
12.07 - Max Bazzucchini
22.32 - Shaadi Manouchehri
35:14 - Dev Patel
39:26 - Basil Mizrahi
42:17 - Richard Field
46:04 - Arthiff ‘Dr Hitman’ Daniel
53:35 - Elaine Halley
57:46 - Jaz Gulati
About Prav Solanki
Prav is Managing Director of healthcare marketing agency The Fresh and owns various dental practices across the country. He’s also a keynote speaker and dedicated family man.
About Payman Langroudi
Payman is a successful dentist and the Clinical Director of the international whitening brand Enlighten Smiles. He is a developer of multiple cosmetic dental products and is also Clinical Director of Mini Smile Makeover.
This week Prav and Payman don’t let the absence of a guest get in the way of insightful conversation.
Wearing his practice owner and marketer’s hat, Prav takes questions from Payman in an hour-long conversation covering everything from finding your brand voice to scaling practice with help from digital ads.
There’s tons to unpack - and enough advice on marketing and practice growth to give both new and seasoned dentists plenty of food for thought.
Enjoy!
“My role in this whole thing is to be a chameleon.”
- Prav Solanki
In This Episode 01.03 - So, you want a website?
08.38 - Being a chameleon
11.25 - Tone of voice
18-54 - Architecture and assets
21.29 - UX
23.22 - Working with busy dentists
28.05 - Goals and gold standards
36.10 - Humans, leads and CRMs
43.54 - Maybe later
51.10 - Scaling
56.09 - Targeting, PPC and Facewords
01.05.12 - Conversion rates and lead ninjas
About Payman and Prav Prav Solanki and Payman Langroudi are hosts of the popular and wonderful Dental Leaders podcast.
This week, we introduce Amit Patel to the show. Amit is a renowned dentist hailing from a family of successful dental professionals and he shares his insight into growing up in that world.
Hear Amit and Payman talk business in Brickfields and building bridges. Amit shares his experiences in Essex, Yorkshire and beyond, and also discusses the importance of working hard and playing hard.
Enjoy!
“There's always been people, you know, trying to put doom and gloom on it. But, yeah, I love my job. I love working my hands. I love talking to people. I love communicating with patients. And I just think it's a very rewarding profession, to be sure.”
- Rupert Monkhouse
In This Episode
03.49 - Growing up in Essex
06:33 - Leeds is in Bristol
10.20 - Yorkshire education
11.41 - The Dental Network
15:37 - Choosing business partners
20:30 - Qualifying
25:05 - Being a junior
28:44 - Getting your head down
32:46 - Choosing the right courses
35:27 - Timing courses
40:49 - Having a dad in dentistry
42:57 - Lockdown impacts
44:49 - The MAGDS exam
50:09 - Talking business
52:36 - Being the principal dentist
56:13 - Brickfield’s
01:05:07 - Building bridges
01:22:02 - Family life
01:25:23 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Amit Patel
Amit graduated from the University of Leeds with a Merit of Distinction in the Examination of Clinical Dental Practice. He then completed the postgraduate Membership of Joint Dental Faculties examinations and the prestigious Diploma in Implant Dentistry with the Royal College of Surgeons England.
Following this, he completed the 1-year Foundation in Implant Dentistry supported by the International Team for Implantology and also completed a four years masters programme in fixed and removable prosthodontics.
Amit is an Educational Supervisor for East of England and train newly qualified dentists and was shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Young Dentist category at the Dentistry Awards.
In 2015 he won Highly Commended Best Young Dentist South Region and In 2017 and Young Dentist of the Year at the Dental Awards.
We’re pleased to have Dr Rupert Monkhouse on this week’s show. Rupert’s growing reputation in the world of dentures has led him to become pretty influential as we talk dentistry and Instagram.
Hear us chat about the ins and outs of prosthodontics, the ideal methods and techniques to create the most beautiful dentures and the best ways to communicate with patients.
Rupert shares his experiences in travelling, coaching, swimming and the big switch from NHS to private practice.
Enjoy!
“You know, for any patient, psychology is really, really important... It's all about sort of drip-feeding your thoughts throughout it. If you tell them it might be a mistake at the start it's consented. You know, if you say after the fact, then you're making excuses.”
- Rupert Monkhouse
In This Episode
01.16 - Growing up in the Midlands
02:29 - An athlete’s mindset
05.12 - A change of pace
08.59 - 543
16:22 - Prosthodontics
18:10 - Building good habits
23:01 - Ideal materials
25:29 - Gingival focus
31:55 - Travelling
34:59 - Going into teaching
37:53 - Pushing yourself
39:25 - Opening a practice
43:51 - NHS to private
46:05 - The psychology of the patient
48:35 - TMJ
52:02 - From Worcester to the big city
55:28 - Having a partner in the profession
56:43 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Rupert Monkhouse
Rupert is from Worcester and qualified from King’s College in London. He then spent some time in Hull as part of his foundation training before moving back to West London where he still lives today.
Rupert’s main interest lies in prosthodontics where he plans to train further. His reputation as ‘The Denture Guy’ is partly thanks to his growing following on Instagram where he has set the standard for clinical photography as well as quality prosthodontics.
Away from dentistry, Rupert enjoys travelling, photography and swimming, which he still coaches. You can follow Rupert on Instagram at @dentistrupert and follow the Dental Leaders Podcast at @dentalleaderspodcast.
This week’s show features Harley Street Periodontist, teacher and entrepreneur Dr Reena Wadia.
Reena chats about London life and her journey to running her own business on Harley Street as well as sharing an invaluable insight into reaching for the stars.
Hear Reena cover life as a specialist periodontist, managing social media, building your own business and a successful personal brand.
Enjoy!
“If you don't enjoy something, there's no point doing it, like find something you enjoy and make that your career and make that your life”
- Reena Wadia
In This Episode
02.00 - London living
04:05 - Last years of uni
05.08 - Giving 100%
06.36 - Specialising in perio
12:28 - Dedication to study
17:00 - The most junior periodontist in the country
18:16 - Building a network
22:35 - Cosmetic perio
27:49 - Going into business
31:44 - Team values
38:15 - Finding balance
44:07 - Direct patient marketing
45:50 - Teaching
53:04 - Perio and the industry
01:00:06 - Genetics
01:02:43 - Owning a product
01:04:28 - Social media influence
01:09:23 - Paid media
01:11:42 - Being vegetarian
01:13:42 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Reena Wadia
After being a high achiever during her studies at Barts, she undertook a four-year specialist course at King’s College which she passed with distinction.
She also spent time as Senior House Officer at Guy’s Hospital and split her time between restorative and oral surgery.
Now working as an associate specialist at King’s College Dental Hospital, Reena is also based at RW Perio on Harley Street where her practice is limited to periodontal care.
We’re super excited to welcome onto this week’s show wavemaker and Harley Street cosmetic dentist, Payman Sobhani.
Payman talks about success on Instagram, DJing in Ibiza and running an award-winning practice.
Hear Payman cover the art of composite bonding, making memories at uni and working with family on Harley Street.
Enjoy!
“Someone's coming to you in pain, you've got them out of pain at a time when you didn't have space to do it, and then I might do something weird, just be like, you know, don't worry about it. Don't pay for it this time. Just bring me someone else...”
- Payman Sobhani
In This Episode
02.52 - Uni up North
06:31 - Having a brother on Harley Street
11.19 - Not having a closing time
18.18 - Qatar Embassy
19:33 - Beginning a business
24:26 - One-man-shows on Harley Street
25:20 - Bromley
29:43 - DJing
33:04 - Ibiza
33:30 - Dental beauty
35:50 - 49/51 split
39:08 - Portfolio critique
42:10 - Spotting potential
47:11 - General dentistry
50:42 - Implantology
54:24 - Staying within your scope
01:01:47 - Being a clinical director
01:09:44 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Payman Sobhani
Payman qualified from Leeds Dental School in 2012 and held two associate positions in Stevenage and Harley Street. Payman’s interests lie in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Payman is a member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry and is the Clinical Director of Dental Beauty in Bromley and is also practising at 104 Harley Street, London.
We’re pleased to welcome onto this week’s show a multi-practice owner, entrepreneur and family woman Zayba Sheikh.
Zayba’s eye for marketing and business has seen her rise to the top with practices in Fleet Street, Nottinghill and Manchester.
Hear Zayba cover social media presence, opening her first practice and supporting future dental stars.
Enjoy!
“I'm obsessed with what I do, whether it's healthy or not healthy, it's an obsession. And sometimes the best people that are the most successful are the ones that are really weirdly obsessed with what they do.”
- Zayba Sheikh
In This Episode
01.40 - Growing up in London
04:25 - The flexibility of dentistry
07.29 - Children and holistic practice
11.18 - Opening the first clinic
15:22 - Being a good motivator
22:52 - Life coaching
25:37 - A football analogy
28:20 - Hiring right
30:22 - Social media presence
32:49 - Brand recognition
38:55 - Supporting young dentists
43:56 - Being in the present
48:26 - A day in the life
54:58 - Mother figures
58:22 - Travelling
01:00:00 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Zayba Sheikh
Zayba qualified from the University of Birmingham in Dentistry and is a member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery.
Zayba plays a vital role in the development of the Healthcare Division of Sheikh Holdings as well as being a board member and principal investor.
Zayba has always put others first and is a Trustee of Cosaraf Charitable Foundation. She also created her own dental charity with Smita Mehra called the Neem Treet Foundation.
This week’s guest is international lecturer, teacher, implantology expert and all-around nice guy Dr Hassan Maghaireh.
Hassan shares his invaluable insight into the world of implantology. Plus, we take a look into his teachings at the British Academy of Implant and Restorative Dentistry.
Hear about Hassan’s love/hate relationship with social media and his passion for education and quality.
Enjoy!
“When it comes to implant dentistry, it's all about planning, planning, planning, planning and sharing that plan with your mentor, discussing and double-checking. Have no ego; whenever you get ego playing, that's when things go wrong.”
- Hassan Maghaireh
In This Episode
03.23 - Jordan to Cairo
05:04 - Hospital life
06.52 - Parental influence
05.56 - Results day
08:27 - Parental Advice
10:49 - Starting in implant dentistry
13:34 - Going global
16:10 - Providing quality
23:02 - Patient research
29:51 - Being a rounded GDP
36:10 - Spotting issues early
42:29 - BAIRD
46:38 - Batman & Robin
54:31 - Structuring pricing
58:22 - Travelling
59:56 - Social media
01:02:08 - Work/life balance
01:10:51 - Mentoring
01:14:04 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Hassan Maghaireh
Hassan Maghaireh is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and has completed years of rigorous training in various maxillofacial units.
He holds a Clinical Master’s degree in Implant Dentistry from the University of Manchester won the best clinical presentation award in 2008.
Hassan is the head of the scientific committee at the British Academy of Implant & Restorative Dentistry and works on private implant referrals in Leeds and Northern Ireland.
He is a frequent author of dental literature, the editorial director of Smile Dental Journal and is a sought-after lecturer nationally and internationally. He is also on the editorial board for the European Journal of Oral Implantology.
Expanding your business empire by three times is no mean feat. But, that’s just what this week’s guests did - and then some.
We’re happy to welcome Dr Kish Patel and Dr Jin Vaghela as they share their valuable insight on successfully going into business as best friends and running not one, not two, but 12 practices.
Kish and Jin discuss their achievements in dentistry as well as their passion for growth. The Londoners also tell us about their journey from university parties to creating a harmonious work/life balance.
Enjoy!
“The thing is, with a lot of young dentists, they sometimes want to get on the practice ladder just to have that practice underneath their belt and say, I own practice. We're trying to try to help spread the knowledge and say, look, guys, your why has to be really, really on point when you're buying a practice. You have to do it for the right reasons.”
- Kish Patel
In This Episode
01.03 - DJing and free rides
02:15 - Choosing dentistry
05.04 - The game plan
05.56 - Results day
08:27 - Parental Advice
10:23 - Mentors
11:39 - We keep growing
13:53 - Buying a practice
17:20 - Approaching business together
18:31 - Strengths & skillsets
24:07 - Caring for your team
26:09 - Expanding
28:33 - Opportunities in a pandemic
32:49 - Stress management
35:33 - Recharging
37:52 - A day in the life
44:00 - Networks
49:30 - Educating dentists
51:28 - Marketing
55:26 - Symposiums
58:52 - Having confidence
01:01:57 - Forging relationships
01:09:00 - Three pieces of wisdom
01:10:33 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Kish Patel and Jin Vaghela
Kish and Jin both qualified from Guys Kings, London in 2007. The pair met on their first day of university and went into business together from an early point in their careers. Together, the pair now own Smile Clinic Group which currently boasts 12 practices.
Kish is a member of the Faculty of Dental Surgeons at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and works in General Practice.
Jin holds a fellowship of the Higher Education Authority, membership of the Dental Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh as well as membership of the Joint Dental Faculties of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons England.
In this episode, we welcome insight from Darren Cannell and Andy Stafford into building successful practices and turning old friends into business partners. Darren and Andy discuss their successes in dentistry, including running practices and giving patients quality treatments.
Darren and Andy also tell us about their journey from university to set up their own business in a Grade 2 listed building in Newcastle.
Enjoy!
“We wanted to deliver a level of dentistry that we thought wasn't available in the region at a time when there were big practices in Liverpool and Manchester and London. We looked and thought there isn't a landmark practice in Newcastle that was offering this really, really high-level service. So from the start, our vision was, let's just do unbelievable dentistry, let's have a surrounding that that looked like Harley Street.”
- Andy Stafford
In This Episode
01.51 - Meeting one another
08:07 - Uni life and study
08.49 - Going into business with freinds
09.59 - Finding direction
13:06 - Heading to the North East
14:44 - Buying a Grade 2 listed building
22:04 - Mentors
26:16 - Hiring right
29:15 - Approaching problems together
34:35 - Splitting responsibility
37:38 - Invisalign
39:28 - Expanding
41:42 - Opportunities in a pandemic
45:17 - Work-life balance
46:44 - A day in the life
51:52 - Outside dentistry
57:53 - Dental trends
59:20 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Darren Cannell and Andy Stafford
Andy Stafford
After graduating from Newcastle University in 2001, Andy pursued a career in private restorative/cosmetic dentistry. He has managed a chain of successful teeth whitening clinics across the North of England.
He has used virtually all teeth whitening systems on the market today and has a portfolio of over 500 completed whitening procedures to date. He co-founded both The Cosmetic Dental Clinics in Durham and the heart of Newcastle with Darren Cannell.
Darren Cannell
Darren Cannell also graduated from Newcastle University Dental School in 2001. After graduating, he was awarded the prestigious James Coltman Award, an individual honour awarded for overall skill in Operative Dentistry.
He became an established restorative/cosmetic dentist, working out of two very successful practices across the North West. He co-founded both The Cosmetic Dental Clinics in Durham and in the heart of Newcastle with Andy Stafford.
In this episode, we welcome expert insight from James Martin into growing investments and trading in stocks and shares. James discusses his successes with Bitcoin and Crypto and his day job as a dental associate.
James also tells us about his journey from Northern Ireland to Leeds, setting up his own podcast and creating engaging courses.
Enjoy!
“You know, Father Ted. That is like the zenith of comedy in Ireland. OK, and whilst I'm not saying that people in England, you know, they don't get it or they don't like it, but I don't know if you quite call it the pinnacle of comedy, this very there's other things like I don't really know. I think I really like Peepshow. I think that's the pinnacle of comedy..”
- James Martin
In This Episode
01.51 - Northern Ireland to Leeds
03.31 - Yorkshire Culture
06.08 - Learning dentistry
07.26 - The basics of investment
08:41 - Trading
13:26 - Reading recommendations
15:02 - Diversifying your portfolio
18:52 - Bitcoin
22:07 - The value of money
24:03 - Legitimisation
28:22 - Starting in Bitcoin
32:37 - Time frames
34:25 - Spread betting
36:57 - To own or not to own
39:21 - Being a happy associate
41:42 - Tax
45:20 - ISAs
53:35 - Wrong wallets
56:57 - General dentistry
01:07:00 - Enlighten
01:01:18 - Dentists Who Invest podcast
01:07:07 - Investment tips
01:10:10 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About James Martin
James Martin is a 29-year-old GDP who founded the online community and podcast Dentists Who Invest.
After training at Tipton, James has proven to be hugely dedicated to his work achieving a PGCert in restorative and pending PGDip in operative dentistry after CoViD-19 restrictions are alleviated.
Working in private practice from a young age allowed him to gain a broad depth of experience far beyond what could be expected of a typical GDP. These treatments include treating the organic causes of TMD (not just automatic referral), full mouth rehabs, clear aligners, experience with CADCAM and Enlighten whitening and much more.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing football, going to the gym and reading as well as socialising with friends and family.
In this episode, we welcome insight into growing business values from Sandeep Kumar. Sandeep discusses his successes with Invisalign, House of Fraser and his multiple practices up and down the country.
Sandeep also tells us about his journey from Punjab to the UK, setting up MiSmile and prioritising health and family.
Enjoy!
“And I remember after year 12, me and my dad and my brother were sitting, and we couldn't get our head around - what shall we do? Do I want to do engineering? Do I want to do medicine? Or want to do dentistry? And I still remember that day I called my mum while I was there and I said, “Mum, we don't know what to do.” And mum said, “I always wanted one son to be an engineer and one to be a doctor, but the rest is up to you. It's up to you.”
- Sandeep Kumar
In This Episode
01.48 - Growing up in Punjab
08.15 - Learning the trade
10.28 - Coming to the UK
14.15 - Adjusting to the UK
16:08 - Starting in dentistry
20:38 - Birmingham Dental Hospital
26:55 - Setting up your practice
32:09 - Adding value to your practice
33:12 - Opening a second practice
36:22 - Invisalign
40:43 - House of Fraser
43:19 - Finding the confidence to be ambitious
46:36 - Managing multi-sites
50:50 - MiSmile
58:41 - MiSmile Academy
1:04:20 - Quitting clinical dentistry
1:08:49 - A day in the life
1:13:43 Legacy & last days on Earth
About Sandeep Kumar
Sandeep qualified as a dentist in India and moved to the UK in 1999. He gained his GDC registration in 2000 and bought his first dental practice in 2003.
Thirteen years later, he now works in both the Private and NHS sectors. He runs one of Birmingham’s largest NHS practices and owns the brand Smile Stylist, which has multiple locations across the UK and MiSmile. He also runs the UK’s first Invisalign only clinic and the MiSmile Invisalign Network, comprising independent dental clinics across the country.
Sandeep became certified with Invisalign in 2007 and is now one of Invisalign’s leading providers in the UK, submitting over 400 cases per year. He’s also one of the UK’s only Diamond Providers.
Highly regarded by Align Technology, he often speaks in clinical on marketing roles and shares his Invisalign journey and experience with fellow practitioners.
In this episode, we welcome insight into the world of business in dentistry from Sameer Patel. Sameer is the Clinical Director of renowned Elleven Dental Wellness Clinic in London and shares his views on company ethos and being successful in the business of dentistry.
Sameer also tells us about his love of cricket, how to chose the right associates and runs us through how he approaches managing patient experience.
Enjoy!
“Stick to your protocol, stick to the system, stick to what you do and try not to go out of that too much, because actually, that's when you produce the best clinical dentistry.”
- Sameer Patel
In This Episode
01.14 - Dentistry vs cricket
08.40 - Parenting
12.00 - Race
20.50 - Australia
17:55 - The business of dentistry
26:32 - Running a practice
32:37 - The patient experience
39:09 - True north
41:20 - Book recommendations
46:43 - Treating everybody
50:41 - Sticking to protocols
52:44 - Dental Entrepreneurial Programme
1:00:32 - Daily life
1:04:16 - Choosing associates
1:06:59 - Company culture
1:08:26 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Sameer Patel
After qualifying from the University of Birmingham, Sameer was awarded the Centenary Prize and was nominated for the Clinical Excellence Award. Whilst working in practice, he continued his postgraduate education at Oxford University before moving to Guy’s Hospital, London. Sameer was awarded, by examination, Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in London.
He worked in Sydney, Australia, both in practice and in hospital, before returning to the UK to become a partner at Blandy House Dental Practice. He’s completed training in Implantology at the Eastman Hospital and is a member of the International Team for Implantology.
Sameer enjoys comprehensive dentistry for all ages and is a certified Invisalign practitioner, providing invisible orthodontics for teenagers and adults. He enables a more conservative smile makeover.
Sameer was the recent Chairman of the Reading Section of the British Dental Association and is the current official dentist for the PCA, Professional Cricketers Association.
In this episode, we welcome insight into implantology from Fazeela Khan-Osborne. Fazeela discusses her successful work from hospitals to private practices on Harley Street.
Fazeela also tells us about her experiences of racism, sexism and divorce as well as the uplifting legacies of her parents.
Enjoy!
“And I would say to my students, this is a service in our culture, to bow your head and serve someone is not to demean yourself. It's like the highest form of love. And so I believe that I really believe that. And so for me, that's what the ethos of this clinic is about.” - Fazeela Khan-Osborne
In This Episode
01.06 - West Indies to the UK
07.35 - Why dentistry?
12.37 - Hospital politics
14.50 - Women in dentistry
17:55 - Business in the West End
23:47 - Getting motivated
26:03 - The patient experience
32:13 - Changing lives
37:40 - Failures club
40:39 - Treatment processes
45:39 - Daily life
52:35 - Children & personal life
57:31 - Dentistry on social media
1:02:10 - Dealing with loss
1:05:02 - The next five years
1:07:19 - Legacy & last days on Earth
About Fazeela Khan-Osborne
Fazeela’s extensive career has gained her an admirable reputation among some of Harley Street’s best. After qualifying from the Royal London in 1994, she continued her training in Oral Surgery and completed her Master’s degree in Restorative Dentistry with Distinction.
Fazeela writes for numerous journals, lectures on Implant Dentistry worldwide and is positioned on several editorial boards. Fazeela is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology as well as being a tutor on the Diploma of Implant Dentistry at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.
She is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology and the British Association of Aesthetic Dentistry. Fazeela currently works at The One-To-One Dental Clinic on Harley Street - a multidisciplinary aesthetic and implant dental clinic with a full dental team.
In this episode, we welcome the industry insight of Paul Palmer. Paul covers his successful work in academia while juggling Guys Hospital, consultancy and private practice as well as explaining how he spots the potential in promising students.
Paul also covers the evolution of his experience from dealing with failed implants to selecting the right patients and what happens when routine cases spiral into court cases.
Enjoy!
“At the end of the day, you've got to be able to be confident in your own ability and working within your own ability. That is what we try and instil in our students and the people we work with. Because once you lose that insight, life gets difficult and dangerous for all of us.”
- Paul Palmer
In This Episode
01.15 - The Fur Trade Legacy
05.20 - Paul’s Introduction to Implants
12.26 - Dealing with Failure
19.17 - Spiralling Cases
26:44 - Advice for Young Implantologists
31:34 - Spotting Talent
37:24 - Efficacy in Procedures
49:36 - Balancing Workload
55:26 - Zygomatic Implants
57:31 - Legacy & Last Day on Earth
About Paul Palmer
Paul graduated with his BDS from the London Dental Hospital in 1986. From there, he gained his MSc in Periodontology at UMDS Guys Hospital and has since been working in part-time private periodontal practice.
He has a membership in Restorative Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He is an examiner for the Diploma in Implant Dentistry for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and was on the Specialist Advisory Board for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
He currently provides implant treatment for complex cases and teaches implant dentistry to post-grad students. Having worked with various implant systems, he lectures nationally and internationally on the topic.
Paul has a particular interest in bone augmentation and non-invasive sinus grafting techniques.
This week, Prav and Payman take a deep dive into a different side of dentistry as they delve into the numbers with accountant David Hossein.
David tells our hosts how it was that he came to specialise in dental and healthcare accountancy.
He talks about some of the most common financial mistakes made by dentists, old and new - dispensing a boatload of financial wisdom along the way.
Enjoy!
“Banks love dentistry. They will give you money.”
- David Hossein
In This Episode 01.04 - Backstory
06.27 - Structures
10.55 - COVID accountancy
14.06 - Starting out
16.47 - Beyond business
18.25 - Theoreticals
38.12 - What dentists should know better
44.02 - On tax avoidance and tax efficiency
51.55 - Out of the office
52.37 - Last days and legacy
About David Hossein Manchester-born David Hossein is a chartered accountant specialising in the dental and healthcare sectors. He practices with the Macclesfield-based Bennett Brown firm of accountants.
Podcasting’s friendliest rivalry gets an airing this week as Payman chats with Jaz Gulati.
Fans will know Jaz as the host of the Protrusive podcast - but this chat reveals there’s much more to unpack.
Jaz talks about the joys of hosting Protrusive, life in Singapore, inspirational teachers and much more.
Enjoy!
“'ll never forget that moment I got my first gold star at age six, and from there, I was addicted to achievement, and that's been a big driver for me. I just want to constantly do things.”
- Jaz Gulati
In This Episode 02.25 - Podcasting
04.38 - Enthusiasm and ambition
10.02 - Specialising
16.14 - Inspiration
19.55 - Singapore
26.58 - Education
33.37 - Protrusion Podcast
43.15 - In practice
51.03 - Global brand
54.35 - Black box thinking
57.49 - Being a tough guy
01.03.15 - Best. Episode. Ever
01.06.02 - Imposter syndrome
01.09.44 - Last days and legacy
About Jaz Gulati Dr Jaz Gulati graduated with honours and distinction from the School of Clinical Dentistry in Sheffield in 2013.
He is the winner of the Tom Pitt-Ford prize for excellence in orthodontics and the NSK prize for oral medicine. He is also a runner up of the Harley Street Young Endodontist award.
Jaz has travelled extensively, undertaking training in Singapore, Australia, Scandinavia and Dubai.
He is the host of the Protrusive clinical dentistry podcast.
Dr Elaine Halley has been involved with the BACD since its inception. She was not only an early president but also the association’s first accredited female member.
Elaine was also among the first UK dentists to offer patients an enhanced experience with her early adoption of spa dentistry.
She talks about setting precedents; the highs and lows of being a female in the profession; and practice ownership.
Elaine also reveals some of the books and lectures which have inspired her journey - and much more.
Enjoy!
“I remember people saying most new businesses fold within the first 12 months, so I'd get to 12 months saying, "Right, phew." And then it would be, but most businesses fold within the first three years, and then most don't make it to five years. I remember each of those milestones, thinking, "Oh my God, when can I feel like I've made it?”
- Elaine Halley
In This Episode 00.45 - Women in dentistry
06.58 - Backstory
10.55 - Going cosmetic
14.50 - Practice ownership
34.03 - Books and lectures
38.45 - BACD
43.51 - Black box thinking
50.46 - Teaching
53.17 - Pain-Free Dentistry
55.01 - Last day and legacy
About Elaine Halley Dr Elaine Halley graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1992. She was president of the BACD in 2008-09 and went on to become the association’s first female accredited dentist in 2010.
Elaine serves on the editorial board of Private Dentistry and Aesthetic Dentistry Today magazines and a judge of the Scottish Dental Awards.
Since 2012, Elaine has worked with Christian Coachman as a Digital Smile Design (DSD) instructor. She is a prolific author whose published works includes articles on DSD, practice management and clinical case studies.
She is also a prominent dental lecturer and educator.
Arthif Daniel spends his nine-to-five looking after teeth and his weekends knocking ‘em out.
Arthief’s double life as a well-regarded super-welterweight boxer and dentist has earned him the nickname Dr Hitman.
He chats to Prav and Payman about success in the ring and in practice - highlighting some of the surprising parallels between the gentleman’s sport and dentistry.
Arthif lets us in on his highs and lows and talks about the mental preparation and mindset it takes to live life in the ring.
“Fighters are like sharks. We smell fear. So, just like sharks, when they smell blood in the ocean, they're on you. It's the same thing. You show a glitch. It's in your eyes. It's in the body language. It's anything of that sort. And we will feed on it.”
- Arthif ‘Dr Hitman’ Daniel
In This Episode 00.40 - The boxing dentist
08.59 - Training regime
15.31 - Psychology
26.27 - Physical chess
31.28 - Nutrition
37.44 - Prime time
43.04 - Parallels
49.29 - Being competitive
51.24 - Faith and mindset
56.33 - Highs and lows
59.22 - Hanging with heroes
01.07.04 - Travel
01.09.45 - Last day and legacy
About Arthif Daniel Dr Arthif Daniel graduated from King’s College London in 2008 and went on to practice in Birmingham and Manchester.
He spent time as a senior house officer in restorative and oral surgery at Guys and St Thomas and has taught primary dental care at King’s College.
Arthif is also a professional welterweight boxer whose dental background has earned him the nickname Dr Hitmann.
This week’s guest is the youngest member to achieve British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) accreditation.
And he is just getting started.
Multi-award-winning Dr Richard Field talks about his early training with the great Christopher Orr and discusses his laser-sharp focus.
He also lets us in on high-profile associate work at Elleven Dental on Harley Street, his recent move to the southwest and much more.
Enjoy!
“I get very tunnel-vision when I'm working. Nothing else exists. Just the teeth.”
- Richard Field
In This Episode 01.54 - Backstory
09.06 - BACD and VT
17.37 - On courses
21.29 - Management
27.52 - Large sums of money
33.58 - Aesthetics vs functional
36.27 - Drive
38.05 - Social media
44.18 - Elleven Dental
46.37 - Bristol
52.24 - Blackbox thinking
55.19 - Last day and legacy
About Richard Field Dr Richard Field graduated from the University of Glasgow with honours in 2011. He completed his foundational year in Surrey and gained a postgraduate certificate in primary care dentistry from the University of Kent.
He is the youngest member to have been accredited by the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and winner of several awards including Best Young Dentist 2014 and Most Influential Dentist 2015.
This week we welcome one of the most prominent names in restorative dentistry and prosthetic dentistry, Dr Basil Mizrahi.
Basil talks about the differences between dentistry in the UK, US and native South Africa, and tells us how building extraordinary interpersonal relationships with patients has helped him maintain a reputation as one of the profession’s most thorough and exacting practitioners.
Basil also lets us in on his lecturing with the Eastman Institute and namedrops some the inspirational teachers and mentors who have helped shape his stellar career.
Enjoy!
"You're going to hate me halfway through treatment, you're going to be cursing...You're going to wish you'd never come here. I'm going to get you out at the end, and you're going to love it.”
- Basil Mizrahi
In This Episode 00.48 - A day in the life
02.27 - Early years and backstory
12.18 - On Gerry Chiche
13.22 - US Vs UK and SA
19.07 - Day-to-day
24.37 - Black box thinking
26.41 - Patient journey
45.39 - Early adoption Vs traditional WoW
50.45 - Perfectionism
58.57 - Training and mentors
01.14.45 - What most dentists don’t know
01.18.43 - Best bits
01.20.09 - Last day and legacy
About Basil Mizrahi Dr Basil Mizrahi is a specialist in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics and widely recognised as one of the field’s most eminent practitioners.
Basil is an honorary clinical lecturer with the Eastman Dental Institute and one of only a few UK dentists to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics.
In less than a decade since graduating from dental school, Dev Patel has already achieved enough to fill several careers.
He lets us in on the entrepreneurial mindset that fueled the founding of diverse dentistry tech and social businesses. He talks us through what it takes to crack the US market and describes the pains of securing the funding needed to make it work.
Enjoy!
“You’ve got to risk everything every day.”
- Dev Patel
In This Episode 00.25 - Backstory
06.25 - The Dental Circle
09.12 - On partnerships
14.21 - The portfolio
18.21 - Funding
26.48 - Cracking the US
37.33 - In practice
49.41 - COVID
55.03 - The plan
57.06 - Black box thinking
01.01.34 - Last day and legacy
About Dev Patel Dev Patel is founder and CEO of Dental Beauty Partners, one of the UK’s fastest-growing dental groups.
He is also the founder of award-winning smart toothbrush tech company Brushlink and co-founder of the Dental Circle online networking platform.
Dev achieved 38th place on the list of most influential UK dentists and was named Best Young Dentist at the Dental Awards 2016.
Dev is a national lecturer and a mentor for NHS England’s Clinical Entrepreneur Scheme. He also sits on the editorial board of Dentistry.co.uk and Young Dentist magazine.
Despite being a relative newcomer to dentistry, Shaadi Manouchehri is fast gaining a name as one of the industry’s prolific young talents.
Fellow podcaster Shaadi shares the secrets behind her meteoric rise on social media; talks candidly about her rocky start in dentistry with a VT role from hell and lets us in on how her guide to getting into dental school became a surprise hit.
Enjoy!
“I've learned a lot about other people and their experience doing the podcast. I genuinely enjoy them. So, similar to what you were saying, it's like you're having a conversation and you just happen to press record.”
- Shaadi Manouchehri
In This Episode 01.18 - Backstory
03.12 - I’m going to be a dentist
05.55 - How to Get into Dental School
08.15 - Life at Queen Mary
11.01 - Into VT
13.49 - The job from hell
19.02 - Greener grass
21.07 - Teeth and Tales
29.47 - Social media
38.45 - Productivity
42.45 - Black box thinking
43.52 - The dark side of social
47.47 - The plan
52.12 - Women in dentistry
56.54 - Last day and legacy
About Shaadi Manouchehri Shaadi Manouchehri graduated with BDS honours from Barts and the London School of Dentistry before completing training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
She also has completed dental foundation training in North East London, followed by training in paediatric and restorative dentistry at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Shaadi is a prolific author whose writing appears in the British Dental Journal. She is CEO and co-founder of the Dentappy online dental platform and committee member of the Iranian Medical Society charity.
Shaadi is also the host of Teeth and Tales podcast.
A phone call from out of the blue marked an unexpected entry into the world of dentistry for this week’s guest.
Dental mergers and acquisitions specialist Max Bazzucchini tells us how he became one of the profession’s most trusted valuation advisors.
He shares his thoughts on the UK market and dispenses some insider tips and wisdom for both buyers and sellers.
“If you are in the moment - in the present moment - and you work very hard, you can have it all.”
Max Bazzucchini
In This Episode 00.48 - Backstory
10.03 - Love at first sight
15.54 - An offer you can’t refuse
20.49 - A kid in a candy store
26.08 - Growing value
30.17 - The valuation process and EBITDAR
36.41 - Lending and purchasing
42.23 - The art of the deal
50.54 - The COVID effect
55.08 - On flipping
59.08 - Buying and selling mistakes
01.01.16 - Thinking of Italy
01.09.09 - Last day and legacy
About Max Bazzucchini Max Bazzucchini gained business studies qualifications in Perugia, Italy, and completed physiotherapy studies at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
Following the purchase and sale of a gym in Italy, Max became a certified business valuer in the dental sector.
In 2008, he joined ADP Group as head of mergers and acquisitions, supporting the purchase of 132 practices.
Max is currently a director and partner of Pluto Partners - a specialist healthcare valuation and advisory business based in Kent.
After graduating in 1994, Sanjay Sethi quickly made a name as a leader in aesthetic dentistry. So, when brother Nik graduating almost two decades later in 2009, expectations were high.
In this week’s episode, Payman gets the brothers together for a frank conversation on their early years; how each followed their own unique career path; the highs and lows of working together, and much more.
Enjoy!
“I think really we've been, on balance, really good because we have our own strengths. And yeah, there'll always be some differences we'll have along the way, and I'm not going to deny that. But on par, it's sorted out on the day and we just move on. We have a laugh. We have a great time together!”
- Sanjay Sethi
In This Episode 01.08 - Backstory
07.54 - On excellence
09.54 - Influence and associations
19.02 - Heroes
20.27 - Sharing work
23.55 - Square Mile
25.38 - Expectation, motivation and inspiration
35.51 - Buying in
38.55 - Friends vs colleagues
40.40 - Dark times and COVID
41.20 - Pricing
46.53 - Teaching and lightbulb moments
50.00 - Clinical mistakes
54.30 - New practise
57.44 - On family
58.46 - Digital dentistry
01.06.51 - Predictions
01.17.52 - AEsethiX
01.20.28 - Last days and legacies
Since launching the show way back in June 2019, we’ve had the privilege of chatting with some of dentistry’s most inspirational figures.
In this week’s new-of-year special, we look back on some of the best answers to Prav’s final questions on legacy and advice for the next generation.
Kicking off with the legendary, late Anoop Mani we’ll hear words of wisdom from the dental leaders who’ve made the show possible over the past year.
Enjoy!
Where were you when Boris cancelled Christmas in 2020? Right here, catching up on dentistry’s finest podcast.
In this end-of-year special, Prav and Payman take look back on the annus horribilis that was 2020.
But it’s not all doom and gloom, and it isn’t long before our dental royals are round to talking shop, with conversations on management, hiring, firing, working with ninjas and much more.
Enjoy!
“I guess that thing our parents told us about people will always need teeth.”
- Payman Langroudi
In This Episode 00.34 - Cancelling Christmas
09.32 - Bust and boom
14.23 - Lockdown lessons
18.48 - Family values
24.41 - Ninjas
31.55 - Hiring
45.05 - Firing
52.29 - The third home
54.38 - Shining examples
59.58 - Wrapping up
This week’s guest is one of dentistry’s few true household names. Uchenna Okoye has found success as a cosmetic dentist and clinical director of London Smiling dental group.
But she is perhaps best known as the dental consultant on Channel Four’s Ten Years Younger program.
Uchenna tells us how it all started and we get round to discussing race and gender in dentistry, non-nonsense management and much more.
Enjoy!
“I don't understand the jealousy and all that nonsense. There's enough teeth for everybody.”
- Uchenna Okoye
In This Episode 01.12 - Backstory
05.19 - Race and gender
24.01 - Cosmetic dentistry
26.44 - TV and PR
32.21 - Fitting in
36.21- Patient journey
43.21 - Training
50.31 - Motherhood
55.34 - Day in the life
58.52 - Being strict
01.04.38 - Being a brand
01.14.25 - Last day and legacy
About Dr Uchenna Okoye Cosmetic dentist Dr Uchenna Okoye graduated from Guy’s Hospital, London.
She is perhaps best known for her role on Channel Four’s Ten Years Younger makeover programme and is a frequent contributor to radio and TV.
Uchenna is the clinical director of London Smiling Dental Group. She is a member of the American and British Academies of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) and former BACD board member.
Less than two years into his career, this week’s guest was on his way to being one of dentistry’s finest.
But Tom Youngs had other callings.
At age 28, he left dentistry to pursue ski instruction and life as an unpaid intern in tech startups.
Tom now works as a website analyst while developing his own online sustainable beauty business. He shares his story, regrets, wins and words of wisdom for anyone who’s ever wondered if there is life after dentistry.
“I kind of was like, okay, I'd like to go onto the next thing.”
- Tom Youngs
In This Episode 03.31 - Two degrees
07.48 - Into VT and ‘underground’ dentistry
13.38 - Aspiration and achievement
19.29 - The move from clinical
37.52 - Time for reflection
42.22 - Entrepreneurialism
48.39 - Regrets
53.53 - A day in the life
57.20 - Last day and legacy
About Tom Youngs Former biomedical scientist Tom Youngs spent two years in dentistry before moving into tech entrepreneurship.
He now works in eCommerce and is developing Vyable Beauty - an online sustainable beauty products retailer.
He runs a successful YouTube channel and writes a monthly newsletter at www.tomyoungs.co.
If anyone was born to be a dentist, it’s this week’s guest. Avi Sachdev is a surgeon with Croydon’s Gentle Dental Group, which he co-owns and runs with dad Kam, brother Mish and other family members. The eight-clinic group is the very definition of a family-owned business.
Avi lets us in on what working with family, talks us through life under lockdown and shares ideas about how UK dentistry could benefit from a more unified approach.
Enjoy!
“Always use Enlighten.”
- Avi Sachdev
In This Episode 29.00 - Family business
11.52 - Running the group
16.42 - Avi in lockdown
21.40 - New whys
24.20 - Acquisitions
28.06 - Family, roles and recruitment
31.54 - Advice to associates
37.49 - Clinical tips
41.25 - CEREC
43.34 - Blackbox thinking
54.18 - Croydon Dental Seminars
57.14 - In an ideal world
01.05.20 - No-fear mentality
01.07.40 - Avi’s plans
01.13.34 - Last day and posterity
About Avi Sachdev Avi Sachdev graduated from King’s College London and gained his MFDS from the Royal College of Surgeon in Edinburgh.
He went on to complete a master’s degree with the University of Kent. He is a surgeon at Gentle Dental, a family-owned group of eight clinics based in Croydon.
You’d never know that this week’s guest was a man without a plan when he first arrived on UK shores from native Italy some 11 years ago.
Since then, Dr Alfonso Rao has launched an expanding group of clinics and a dental training academy while also building a name as one of the Southwest’s foremost implant dentists.
And he’s achieved all of this before the age of 40, seemingly without ruffling a single feather.
We probe Alfonso on the secrets of his success, life in the UK, work-life balance and much more.
Enjoy!
“I don't really often like to be told what to do. If someone tells me and explains to me and I see the reason I'm fine. But if someone says, “you have to do that because it is the way you have to do it,” I'm not too good following.”
- Alfonso Rao
In This Episode 01.19 - Backstory
08.27 - Italy vs the UK
11.28 - Practice ownership, expansion and work-life balance
19.48 - Teaching
24.37 - The plan
29.00 - Associates
32.03 - On mistakes
37.09 - Out of the clinic
40.11 - Thinking of Italy
43.37 - USPs
45.08 - Exit strategy
46.21 - Last day on earth
About Alfonso Rao Alfonso Rao graduated from the University of Chieti in 2007 and spent time in practice in Italy before moving to the UK.
He opened a series of clinics in Bristol and Portishead which he later consolidated under the Apollonia Group brand.
He also founded the Delta Training Academy - a leading dental and implantology training centre.
Alfonso is a member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry and the Association of Dental Implantology.
He is also a key opinion leader and brand ambassador for Strauman, Geitlich, NSK and several other dental technology brands.
In the business of buying and selling practices, this week’s guest is the dental leader.
Back in 2000, Andy Acton co-acquired Frank Taylor & Associates (FTA), which he went on to grow into the UK’s leading name in dental practice acquisition, valuation, development and sales.
Andy takes us through the business’ early years, explains how COVID has effected the market and dispenses an encyclopedia’s-worth of wisdom on purchasing and growing practices.
Enjoy!
“The craziest situation I've ever had...is somebody bought a practice and - I kid you not - he went and changed his name by deed poll to the name of the person he bought the practice from.”
Andy Acton
In This Episode
00.55 - Buying the business
08.32 - The competition
14.11 - Selling for free
17.10 - Deregulation
20.45 - Signs and scenarios
27.42 - Deferred income
33.06 - COVID and acquisitions
40.43 - Then, now, growth
48.31 - Darkest day in business
52.16 - Squats, small practices ambition
01.02.14 - Super associates
01.04.23 - Owning a practice
01.06.03 - Last day on earth
About Andy Acton Entrepreneur Andy Acton is a director of the FTA group of companies providing business services for dentistry.
The group now incorporates FTA Finance, FTA Wealth and Management, FTA Law, FTA recruitment and FTA media.
Andy is also a popular public speaker on leadership, management and practice development.
Reader’s around orthodontics will be familiar with this week’s guest and author of one of the best blogs around.
Kevin O’Brien’s Orthodontic Blog is an exploration of orthodontic issues and debunking of some of the bad science,
These subjects are just a small part of today’s discussion. The professor emeritus in orthodontics and former dean of the University of Manchester talks us through his student days in the city. We also chat about the limitations of orthodontic training, the state of play in the UK Vs the rest of the world, and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.36 - Backstory
08.05 - UK Vs the US
11.06 - Deanery, teaching and academia
21.29 - GDC
27.13 - GDPs and ortho
34.02 - Aligner science and new treatments
41.42 - On limitations
44.26 - The blog
55.02 - Ortho for cosmetics and health
01.00.35 - The future of orthodontics
01.05.19 - A quick plug
01.05.34 - Last day on earth
When you look at trials of surgery, for example, it is not necessarily always the technique that comes up with the best results. It's the skill and the care of the surgeon. And that's the same with orthodontics.
- Prof. Kevin O’Brien
About Kevin O’Brien Prof. Kevin O’Brien is a former Dean and current professor emeritus in orthodontics at Manchester University.
He is also a former chair of the General Dental Council and the author of Kevin O’Brien’s Orthodontic Blog - an ‘occasionally irregular’ exploration of evidence-based orthodontics.
In one of our most packed episodes to date, we catch up with Love Teeth’s Kunal ‘Dr K’ Patel.
Kunal lets us in on his early days as an angry young man, his unusual entry to dentistry via training in the Czech Republic and how a seemingly routine job interview at his Cheam practice changed everything.
And it’s an unplanned double-bill as Kunal’s wife and co-entrepreneur Lucy Patel sets the record straight.
Enjoy!
We're like Pinky and the Brain. We wake up and say, "What's the plan today?" And he goes, "Take over the world."
- Lucy Patel
In This Episode 01.31 - Early years
06.50 - Reality Czech
13.53 - Back in the UK
17.56 - Purchasing a practice
22.07 - Making friends and influencing
26.26 - Love Teeth and being seen
35.46 - Building value
42.14 - Wedding Smiles
46.02 - On marketing
48.07 - Love at first sight
01.08.48 - Finding fame
01.18.34 - Lucy enters the fray
01.20.42 - Love at first sight - Lucy’s version
01.27.24 - Team happiness
01.32.05 - Future plans
01.36.40 - The Love Teeth experience
01.42.14 - Family life
01.49.44 - The question
About Lucy and Kunal Kunal Patel is the owner of Love Teeth dental clinic is Cheam Surrey. He is an Invisalign Diamond provider and a FastBraces Senior Master Affiliate. He also runs the successful Wedding Smiles brand.
Lucy Patel is a dental nurse, aesthetic therapist and manager at Love Teeth.
There’s no love like brotherly love. And there’s plenty on tap in this week’s episode, as we welcome Kailesh Solanki, brother of podcast host Prav.
Kailesh talks about his journey from growing up in Manchester in the shadow of his elder brother to forging his own path as one of the UK’s busiest and most prolific dentists.
Warning: As Kailesh lets us in on some of the secrets of his success, there will be expletives and maybe even some tears.
Enjoy!
“I made friends with my breadman who delivered bread at the shop, and one of his really close friends was a dentist. So he said, "Why don't you go and see my mate. He's a dentist, he does super well, he's got the best Mercedes in the golf club. The guy's chilling. He does two days a week." I was like: “Let's have a look.”
- Kailesh Solanki
In This Episode 00.51 - Backstory
15.04 - Into practice
21.32 - Kailesh’s secret
23.50 - A day in the life
28.47 - Being prolific, polymathic
36.22 - On failure, success and mentoring
47.06 - KissDental and family business
57.51 - A traumatic experience
01.06.08 - Future plans
01.10.41 - Efficiency hacks
01.16.53 - The dream
01.30.42 - Advice for the next generation
About Kailesh Solanki Kailesh Solanki graduated from Manchester University in 2003 and went on to gain implantology qualifications.
In 2005, Kailesh purchased a practice in central Manchester which he rebranded under the KissDental moniker and quickly expanded the clinic to a group of three.
Talk about a work ethic - this week’s guest redefines the term.
Facebook users may recognise Lauren ‘Sparkle’ Harrhy as the founding member of Mental Dental - a forum set up to support dentists with all aspects of mental health.
But that’s just one of many hats. Lauren tells us all about Mental Dental and her helpline charity Confidential. She lets us in on how her family background has shaped her philanthropic outlook and reveals how her own professional burnout inspired her to help others.
Lauren also tells us about her work within the BDA - and why it’s important to maintain a local outlook.
Enjoy!
“I like to be on the go. I like to help. If there's an opportunity, then I'll take it. Because I think that if we've got the option to help, if we've got the ability to help people, then we should.”
- Lauren Harrhy
In This Episode 00.59 - Family and backstory
13.08 - Lockdown and being in the thick of it
18.58 - Mental Dental
22.08 - Burnouts and breakdowns
27.45 - Confidential
35.11 - Switching off
37.33 - BDA
46.05 - Cardiff
50.31 - Contributing
54.34 - Lauren’s last day
About Lauren Harrhy Lauren Harrhy graduated from Cardiff University in 2009 and is now the owner of Sparkle Dental Centre in Pontypool, South Wales.
Lauren has helped to set up and run the Mental Dental Facebook group and Confidential charity helpline - both of which support dental professionals with mental health concerns.
Lauren is vice-chair of the British Dental Association’s (BDA’s) Young Dentists Committee and South East Wales representative of the BDA’s General Dentistry Practice Committee (GDPC). She also sits on the Welsh Dental Council.
In this week’s extra special episode, previous guest Druh Shah turns the tables on Prav and Payman, playing host while they take the hot seat.
And it turns out this isn’t the first time the pair have switched.
Before finding success as dental entrepreneurs and podcast hosts, Payman was all set for a career in general practice, while Prav seemed destined for great things in the world of research science.
Here they talk about making the switch, early days, inspiration and their respective journeys to becoming dental leaders in their own right.
Enjoy!
“This is a proper switch because [Prav] did a switch from pharmacology to marketing and Payman did the switch from dentistry to building a business and you guys have switched me into a host…”
- Druh Shah
In This Episode 02.31 - Backstories
24.36 - Down to business
39.32 - Influence and inspiration
48.23 - Starting Dental Leaders
57.19 - On fatherhood
01.00.26 - A peek into the future
About Prav and Payman Payman Langroudi started his early career as a dentist before creating leading whitening brand Enlighten.
Former research scientist Prav Solanki is the director of a national dental chain, a successful health and fitness brand and IAS Academy dental training institute. He is also director of The Fresh marketing and growth consultancy.
Prav and Payman are hosts of the Dental Leaders podcast.
The description of dynamo doesn’t quite do justice to this week’s guest, Zuber ‘Zubz’ Bagasi.
Bolton born and bred Zuber has already opened eight practices - all before age 40 and without ever borrowing a single penny.
And Zuber’s not about to stop.
He fills us in on future plans, lets us in on his inspiration and gives an insight into what it’s like being one of dentistry’s most driven.
Enjoy!
“If you have that structure, then you as a person, you've got a life. And what's more important in your life, is to make sure that you are enjoying it, that's the first thing. Otherwise, life's not worth living.”
- Zuber Bagasi
In This Episode 01.17 - Backstory
07.56 - Mentors
13.41 - Expanding the empire
20.50 - Systems and processes
29.27 - Work/life balance
37.10 - A scratch of the nose
40.34 - Get up and go
46.41- Higher purpose
52.00 - Future plans
58.50 - Advice for the next generation
About Zuber Bagasi Zuber Bagasi graduated from Birmingham University in 2005 and went on to found the Synergy dental group of practices.
He also developed the dental training platform SynTrain.
Zuber is a Member of the Joint Dental Faculty and holds PG Certs in implantology, restorative dentistry and facilitated learning in healthcare practice.
He continues to practice in his hometown of Bolton with the Synergy group.
Dentistry was always in the stars for today’s guest, Rob Jacobs.
Rob’s father Tony is a prominent dentist and founder of the GDPUK website and forum, so you could say dentistry was destiny.
In this episode, Rob gets geeky about his passion and specialism - endodontics. He also talks family and lets us in on what happened during hid dad’s recent brush with COVID.
Enjoy!
In This Episode 01.02 - COVID life and lockdown
02.17 - On dad and growing up
10.49 - What makes a great endodontologist?
15.21 - Insta-endo
19.01 - Heroics, referrals and day-to-day endo
25.42 - On pricing
32.17 - COVID and family values
46.30 - Future and practice ownership
51.03 - Rob’s black box moment
56.09 - To specialise or not to specialise?
01.02.15 - One thing you need to know about endo
01.07.16 - Rob’s last day on earth
About Rob Jacobs Mancunian Rob Jacobs gained his bachelor of dental surgery from Newcastle University in 2012 and went on to work in Manchester as a general dentist.
In 2015, Rob embarked on specialist training in endodontics at Liverpool University, where he also completed a doctorate-level research project on patient-reported outcomes.
Rob currently practices in Garstang, Lancashire.
This week, Prav and Payman have the privilege of chatting with a giant of implantology and restorative dentistry.
The great Koray Feran shares insight into his exacting work ethic and reveals how polymathic status has helped secure his position at the very top.
Koray also talks about patient-clinician alignment, his thoughts on the bees, butterflies and leeches in practice, and much more.
Enjoy!
“Now for me, generalism is the new speciality.”
- Koray Feran
In This Episode 00.36 - LCIAD
02.28 - Education and becoming polymathic
14.36 - Holistic planning - cost, benefits and considerations
24.42 - Trust and delegation
29.06 - Mistakes, patient alignment and psychology
33.31 - Associates & excellence
41.49 - Value and USPs
45.32 - Bees, butterflies and leeches
48.06 - Marketing
55.08 - Life outside the clinic
57.53 - Teaching vs clinical
59.34 - Last day on earth
About Koray Feran Koray Feran graduated from Guy’s in 1989, where he stayed until 1991 on as house surgeon in prosthetic dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
From Guy’s, Koray went on to practice in North London while completing an MSc in periodontology, also from Guy’s.
In 1993, he gained a restorative dentistry fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in England and has since pursued a special interest in complex multidisciplinary restorative work.
In 2005, Koray founded the London Centre for Implant and Aesthetic Dentistry (LCIAD).
He is also a successful lecturer and dental educator.
This week’s guest needs little in the way of introduction as Prav and Payman take a call from stateside and the legendary Dr Larry Rosenthal.
Larry talks about his rise to becoming one of the world’s best-known names and how a meeting with a bioengineer in his early career changed Larry’s life, in the process transforming the face of dentistry as we know it.
The trio talk ambition, happiness, success and what it means to rub shoulders with some of the world’s most influential people.
An episode not to be missed.
Enjoy!
“I didn't mean to transform the profession. I don't know if I did, I had some role in it, but I feel pretty good about it.”
- Larry Rosenthal
01.49 - Early years
06.18 - Porcelain laminates
16.47 - Innovation
20.26 - Rise to fame and life at the top
32.57 - Happiness and success
36.58 - When veneers fail
43.53 - The making of Mike Apa
54.57 - Zeitgeist
01.04.14 - Family and life in lockdown
01.10.37 - A day in the life
01.1404 - Larry’s last day
About Larry Rosenthal
New Yorker Dr Larry Rosenthal is perhaps the world’s foremost dentist. Dr Rosenthal completed his residency at the Montefiore Hospital before graduating from New York University in 1972. He is director of the Aesthetic Continuum at the Advanced Aesthetic Program of the university’s Rosenthal Institute, as well as at The Palm Beach College and the FMC/Eastman Dental College of London.
While Prav washes his hair this week, Payman plays host to ambitious young dentists Hassan Asad and Sorabh Patel.
The pair may be relative newcomers to the profession, but they’re already making big waves.
In April, disheartened by the lack of support for new and younger dentists, Hassan and Sorabh set up the Deciduous Facebook group, which quickly grew to a membership of thousands.
Here Hassan and Sorabh talk about the group. They also relate some of the challenges faced by graduates and reluctantly let slip some of their big plans for the future.
Enjoy!
“We want our members to feel safe. To feel like they can post cases and ask and get advice, and ultimately not feel like a shark pit is out there to bite them.”
Hassan Assad
In This Episode 00.54 - Deciduous group
08.26 - Thoughts on careers
12.23 - Soft skills and support
21.44 - Leaving Iraq
24.34 - Gold standards and tales of the GDC
30.52 - The Deciduous team
39.31 - Life in practice
43.26 - Coping through COVID
49.46 - Ambition
About Hassan and Sorabh Sorabh graduated from King’s College London and completed foundation training in Portsmouth. Hassan is a Leeds graduate, who found fame on social media as The Bearded Tooth Fairy.
In April 2020, Hassan and Sorabh founded the Deciduous Facebook group which now boasts over 2500 members. The group also has a growing presence on Instagram.
The energy is palpable this week as Prav and Payman welcome one of dentistry’s most recognisable voices.
Milad Shadrooh is perhaps better known as the Singing Dentist. In this episode he recounts his incredible journey from posting a single Facebook video to live TV appearances and worldwide fame.
Milad sheds some light on his study years and balancing his love of urban music with dentistry, and lets us in on his plans for the future.
Enjoy!
“Probably the biggest mistake was choosing dentistry in 1999 when I should have just stuck with the music, my friend! How did I overcome it? 15 years later, start singing about teeth.”
Milad Shadrooh
In This Episode 00.42 - Early years and dental school
05.30 - DJ-ing, MC-ing, music and study
16.30 - Into work and into business
23.00 - Mentoring and ortho
30.39 - On making mistakes
35.32 - Fame
55.29 - Family life
58.27 - Being an influencer
01.10.05 - Entrepreneurship and other projects
01.14.15 - Dealing with dark days
01.25.45 - Legacy
01.26.29 - Trolls and haters
01.32.56 - Last day on earth
About Milad Shadrooh Dr Milad Shadrooh graduated from London and St Barts in 2004.
He went on to practice at Chequers Dental Studio, which he later purchased.
Milad is perhaps best known as the Singing Dentist, whose viral pop parodies are enjoyed by millions of online viewers across the globe.
This week Prav and Payman connect with dentist and dentolegal professional, Dr Victoria Holden.
Victoria lets us in on life as a moderator on one of the UK’s busiest online dental forums and shares some of her experience working as a senior advisor with Taylor Defence Services - a legal defence company representing the dental profession.
The trio also discusses life under lockdown, women in dentistry and a whole host more.
Enjoy!
“What I tell my kids...Treat everybody equally...Don't just take, take, take, be a giver as well as a taker. And the final thing, always brush your teeth.”
- Vikki Holden
In This Episode 00.38 - Life and lockdown
08.52 - Women in dentistry
16.03 - Law
27.29 - Workflows and running a practice
42.49 - Darkest days and silver linings
50.27 - Back to the beginning
01.04 - Regulation and litigation
01.10.18 - Last day and legacy
About Victoria Holden Victoria graduated from Sheffield University in 1999 and went on to work in general practice. She has been a partner at The Briars Dental Centre in Newbury since 2007.
Victoria holds the MFGDP(UK) Diploma in Implant Dentistry and Fellowship of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners from the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
She earned an LLM in medical law from Northumbria University and has acted as an expert witness in clinical negligence and fitness to practice cases.
This week, dentist Jimmy Palahey takes time out from his busy chain of Midlands practices to talk about the current state of play in COVID-era dentistry.
He shares some of his experiences as urgent dental care (UDC) provider throughout the worst days of the crisis and lets us in on how his mixed practice is balancing UDC with the demands of general post-lockdown operations.
Jimmy also lets us in on his thoughts about what’s next for the profession.
Enjoy!
“We're a pretty adaptable profession. And I think that we can adapt to whatever that gets thrown out...I think you just got to adapt to what's there.”
- Jimmy Palahey
In This Episode 00.37 - The mixed model
04.52 - Urgent care
11.55 - Managing the new normal
20.12 - Thoughts on the future
32.24 - Silver linings
About Jimmy Palahey Jimmy graduated from Leeds Dental Institute in 2004 and went on to practice in and around the East Midlands. He is currently clinical director of the JDSP group of clinics - an urgent dental care provider during the COVID crisis.
Jimmy is a Foundation trainer and member of the Royal College of Surgeons (England) and the British Dental Association. He is also chairman of Nottingham Local Dental Committee.
This week, we welcome British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD) co-founder and British Association Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) past president Dr Bertie Napier.
Bertie talks about his early years and dental training in apartheid-era South Africa, and the contrasts with life and practice in London.
Bertie also takes us through his involvement with the BACD and newly-formed BAPD.
He talks about his daughter’s decision to enter practice dentistry - how that has informed his views on women in the profession - and much more besides.
Enjoy!
“Do the right thing as though everyone is watching you, even when no one is watching you. You sleep better. The rewards follow.”
- Bertie Napier
In This Episode 01.22 - Early years
15.26 - UK and SA
33.03 - Cosmetic dentistry
35.53 - On diplomacy and fairness
42.52 - Associations and ambition
53.09 - BAPD
01.07.01 - Looking back
01.10.17 - Women (and daughters) in dentistry
01.19.05 - Advice for future generations
About Bertie Napier Dr Bertie Napier graduated from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa in 1988 and moved to London in 1998.
With business partner Odette Lazarus, Bertie took over 19 Bell Street dental practice in Hertfordshire in 2002, where he continues to practice today.
Bertie has been closely involved with the BACD since its inception, serving as president and on the board of directors. He has recently been instrumental in the formation of the BAPD.
Bertie is also editor of the International Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry (IJDC).
This week, Prav and Payman explore the meaning of life, the universe and everything with implant dentist Dominc O’Hooley.
In a wide ranging conversation, exploring mortality, longevity, family and more, Dominic talks candidly about turning some of life’s challenges to his advantage.
He tells how a serious cycling accident became an opportunity for introspection and self-improvement, and how autism can give him a cognitive edge.
As someone who’s studied the COVID crisis in depth, Dominic also shares his thoughts on the current state of play and how things might play out for the dental profession.
Enjoy!
“I would have liked to have been a philosopher, with hindsight. A lot of time thinking, writing, being on my own, and irritating a lot of people with my writing.”
Dominic O’Hooley
In This Episode 01.13 - Early life and diagnosis
15.20 - Choosing dentistry
18.47 - Dental school
20.20 - Pressure
22.23 - Dominic’s accident
33.46 - On mortality
40.45 - A difficult decision
50.16 - Longevity
01.00.02 - Clinical error
01.02.25 - Love of language
01.06.41 - Lockdown and regulation
01.19.57 - Posterity
About Dominic O’Hooley Leeds-born Dominic O’Hooley is an implant dentist with over a decade of experience in placement and restoration. He also carries out bone grafting, sinus surgery and bone regeneration.
Dominic enjoys close ties with the Association of Dental Implantology and the International team for Implantology.
He is a prolific lecturer and teacher for The Campbell Academy.
Dominic is also a widely-published author on dental subjects, whose articles regularly feature in dentistry.co.uk and other publications.
This week, Prav and Payman get wise to the world of Nikuj Sondagar and Saeid Haghri.
Nik and Saeid talk about their Wise 360 - a digital learning platform connecting dentists with training providers.
This relatively young pair has form - between them, they’ve already established several successful ventures including a dental social presence, marketing and development company and clever plaque-reduction tech.
They talk through the challenges of developing Wise 360 as excitement builds for the launch of the tech in a few weeks.
Enjoy!
“You get to a point where it's all about meeting the demand, demand, demand. And then you've met demand, what do you do after? You realise, I'm actually happy doing what I do.”
Nikunj Sondagar
In This Episode 00.49 - In the beginning
05.03 - Awards
07.54 - The Wise 360 concept
14.10 - Marketing and development
23.18 - Reviews
29.25 - Being in business
38.57 - Dental school and giving back
44.03 - The guide to purchasing a practice
51.51 - Why dentistry?
54.24 - Turning back time
About Nikunj and Saeid Nikunj Sondagar and Saeid Haghri are founders of the Wise dental brand including Wise 360 - a digital platform connecting dentists with training providers.
Zaki Kanaan might have been a banker if it wasn’t for an embarrassing incident as a small child. But banking’s loss in dentistry’s gain. In this week’s show, master of implants Zaki talks Payman through his early move from war-torn Beirut to London.
Zaki talks life at boarding school and later Guy’s, and explains how fate appeared to play a guiding role in his development as a dentist.
Prav couldn’t be here this week, so Payman single-handedly steers the conversation over wide-ranging topics.
Enjoy!
“Life is like sliding doors. The film where you either enter the tube and your life goes in one direction or another. Life, for me, is like that.”
- Zaki Kanaan
In This Episode 01.45 - Early years
14.42 - Good cop/bad cop
21.25 - On implantology
24.53 - Losing dad
28.32 - Chairman of the board
32.29 - Best bits
41.48 - Love and marriage
48.55 - From London to Weybridge
52.16 - On teaching & travel
01.01.49 - What motivates Zaki Kanaan?
01.03.11 - Legacy
01.07.10 - Mentors
About Zaki Kanaan Zaki Kanaan achieved a Masters Degree from Guy’s and St Thomas in 2001 and went on to complete diplomas in sedation and hypnosis. He also became a Licentiate of the Faculty of Homeopathy.
He has pursued an interest in implantology which saw him become the first UK dentist to carry out the All-on-4 procedure on live TV.
Zaki is past president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) and London Dental Fellowship and currently sits on the board of directors of the Association of Dental Implantology UK.
He also sits on the editorial board for the International Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry and is former editorial consultant for Dental Implant Summaries.
Zaki is a prolific figure on the international lecture circuit where he regularly delivers training on cosmetic and implant dentistry.
He has scooped a selection of top awards including UK Dentist of the Year2012. In 2015, Zaki was recognised for his outstanding contribution to dentistry at the Private Dentistry Awards. He is now on the awards’ judging panel and regularly features in industry lists of the UK’s most elite and influential dentists.
Today’s guest says he doesn’t think of himself as being a leader. But a few minutes into the episode, and it’s clear we could all have something to learn from Vishsaal Shah.
In 2017, an unsettling discovery at Visaal’s practice turned his world upside down, leading to regulatory investigations, lawsuits and more than a lifetime’s-worth of stress.
In this episode, Visshal gives us the lowdown. He also fills us in on his early years in Kenya, and how an extraordinary approach to life, which put friends and family firmly front and centre, has helped him through the many highs and lows.
Enjoy!
“If you constantly compete with others you become bitter, but if you compete with yourself you become better.”
- Visshal Shah
In This Episode 01.22 - Early years
16.43 - Odd jobs
28.31 - Graduation
35.16 - Into practice
42.41 - Give and take
53.05 - A life-changing discovery
01.22.37 - Vissaal’s advice
About Vishaal Shah Vishaal graduated from St Bartholomew's and The Royal London School of Medicine in 2003 and went on to spend seven years as an associate.
In 2020, he purchased a practice in Hoddesdon, which he transferred into the popular Dentality brand.
Vishaal has lectured for the BACD and BDA and has gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Bedfordshire. He is now an honorary clinical lecturer for undergraduates at St Mary’s and is working towards a Masters in Implant Dentistry at Edge Hill University.
This week, we welcome Sofina Ahmed. Things kick off with a conversation about how her father’s unconventional approach to business has informed her own entrepreneurial mindset.
And what a mindset! Sofia talks about the highs and lows of expanding a single practice into a nationwide chain with a rapidity that would make most of us wince.
Sofia also lets us in on why night time is the perfect time to practice, and how the idea became the cornerstone of her successful Night Dental brand.
Enjoy!
“The kind of dentistry I've done and the kind of business I've done is one that has actually helped our community and helped people, and I have made that kind of difference.”
- Sofina Ahmed
In This Episode 01.19 - Back story
11.30 - Night Dental concept
14.28 - Ethics, growth, positioning
20.50 - On management
29.13 - Covid & dynamism
35.05 - Ideas & execution
44.04 - Entrepreneurship, family & gender
48.44 - Highs and lows
55.51 - A day in the life
01.04.04 - Advice to young dentists & mental health
01.25.31 - Legacy
About Sofina Ahmed Sofina graduated from Birmingham University in 2006 and quickly realised she wanted her own practice.
She went on to set up the Night Dentist providing out-of-hours treatment in Birmingham. The concept proved extremely popular and the chain now has a presence across much of the UK.
This week, our hosts checked in with dentist, trainer and mentor, Andrew Wallace.
Andrew talks about his upbringing in Northern Ireland and lets Prav and Payman in on how an unusual odd-job helped him through university.
He shares his thoughts on the highs and lows of practice ownership and gives some practical advice for leaders facing the pain of firing staff.
No conversation with Andrew would be complete without touching on the dental training circuit, where Andrew is a familiar face thanks to his work with IAS Academy. He lets us in on his hectic travel schedule and shares tips for perfect presentation delivery.
Enjoy!
“The only reason that I feel I can stand up and talk about anything is because I'm passionate about it. When you have a passion for something it makes it much easier to talk about. Still that first couple of moments on the stage is challenging.”
- Andrew Wallace
In This Episode 02.02 - School, university, bouncing
16.51 - Transition and training
27.51 - Tech and diagnosis
33.15 - Practice ownership, hiring and firing
41.09 - Running with ideas
46.36 - Clinical errors
48.44 - Dealing with nerves
53.12 - Work-life balance
57.50 - Darkest days and future days
01.03.31 - Last day on earth
About Andrew Wallace Andrew Walace is one of Northern Ireland’s foremost orthodontists. He gained his Master of Clinical Dentistry in 2015 from King’s College London in 2015 and in the same year achieved full membership of the Faculty of General Practice for the Royal College of Surgeons.
Andrew is a prolific international lecturer on alignment and NI’s principal trainer for the Inman Aligner and ClearSmile straighteners. He also runs regular introductory talks and study clubs relating to orthodontics.
Andrew has been owner of Lisburn’s Bachelors Walk Dental practice since 2004 and is the current vice president of the European Society of Aesthetic Orthodontics.
This week, Prav and Paiman get to sit down one of their dental heroes - Andrew Dawood.
Andrew talks about early challenges setting up his West End practice and his thoughts on the pros and cons of investing in pioneering tech.
The trio also talk about the virtues of independent practices and how using the highest quality implant materials doesn’t always translate to a quality experience for the patient.
These are just a few of the topics touched on in a wide-ranging conversation with a true industry pioneer and one of the most accomplished implant specialists at work in the UK today.
Enjoy!
“We've tried all sorts of things in the past, but at the end of the day, keeping it simple is the way forward. Keeping teeth. That's keeping it simple. That's the way forward.”
- Andrew Dawood
In This Episode 01.07 - Backstory
09.28 - Building the practice
16.09 - Patient journey
21.06 - On consent
24.36 - Quality vs quantity
29.56 - Pioneering, early doctors & new tech
35.25 - Synergies & leadership
39.37 - Family & practice expansion
50.41 - Next moves and past mistakes
59.56 - Work-life balance
01.02.16 - Legacy and last day on earth
About Andrew Dawood Andrew grew up with ambitions of becoming a potter, but it was not to be. Instead, he graduated in dentistry from the Royal London Hospital in 1984 and went on to complete a Masters in conservative dentistry at Guy’s Hospital.
In 2000, Andrew was accepted onto the specialists register in both prosthodontics and periodontics. He went on to establish a reputation as one of the disciplines’ most accomplished practitioners.
Andrew was one of the first dentists to explore the potential of 3D printing in dentistry. He is founder of Digits2Widgets 3D printing and design studio for non-dental applications.
In this bite-size episode, we welcome aboard old friend Richard Howarth. Richard fills us in on how he made a roaring success of his SmileStyle brand after disillusionment almost made him put down his handpiece for good.
Richard also lets us know about why he eventually decided to exit the venture and fills us in on his latest incarnation as a PPE supplier and manufacturer who has literally turned the industry on its head.
Enjoy!
“I always say, I don't like big spiders. If you put me in a room with big spiders and gave me a very important message, I don't think I would take it on board.”
- Richard Howarth
In This Episode
00.17 - The SmileStyle story
12.16 - Journeys - patients and staff
21.26 - Exit this way
23.57 - The Provisage story
About Richard Howarth
Richard Howarth graduated from Turner Dental Hospital - part of Manchester University - in 1988 and later went on to found Stafford’s successful SmileStyle brand.
He is a trustee of the Dental Mavericks charity and regularly visits Morocco to carry out procedures for children with restricted access to dental care.
In 2020, Richard invented brought a new PPE visor to market, which he manufactures and distributes under the Provisage label.
Outside of the clinic, Richard is a keen sailor and watersports enthusiast.
This week, Prav and Payman welcome their old friend Jason Smithson to the show. Jason talks about his modest Yorkshire upbringing and lets us in on how he almost chose a very different career path.
Jason fills us in on how a lack of technical know-how almost stopped his lecturing career before it began, but didn’t stop him from becoming an early internet sensation.
“Just be yourself, nobody will criticise you for being yourself. Everybody's got something to offer, offer what you feel is right...and you'll always have an audience.”
- Jason Smithson
In This Episode
01.27 - The early years
21.27 - Life down South and Cornwall Independent Practitioners Group
27.45 - Teaching on the global stage
42.46 - Social presence
51.45 - Travel and work-life balance
01.06.54 - Lowest moments
01.14.38 - Dealing with stage fright
01.22.47 - Groupies
01.25.31 - Jason’s advice for young dentists
About Jason Smithson
Former Harley Street dentist Jason Smitsson now practices in Cornwall. He is one the UK’s best recognised dental educators who has trained over 15,000 dentists across the world during his 15-year career.
He is widely considered to be among the industry’s most authoritative voices on cosmetic dentistry. He has authored a book on crowns and is a regular contributor to dental journals. Jason is also recognised as a pioneer in the use of dental operating microscopes for teaching direct resin dentistry.
In addition to being a dental practitioner and educator, Jason is a medico-legal expert witness.
Dr Smithson is an ‘In Demand’ presenter and is perhaps the most prolific in the UK. He is considered by his peers to be an authority on aesthetic dentistry and has presented to audiences on every continent over the past 10 years. He is a true innovator and pioneered the use of Dental Operating Microscope in teaching Direct Resin Artistry to other dentists in the UK; he is the author of numerous articles and a book on crowns in aesthetic dentistry.
This week, Prav and Payan welcome rising social starlet Rhona Eskander to the show. Rhona talks about her mission to make dentistry accessible to all.
Rhona discusses the pros and cons of Instagram and her relationships with some of the net’s biggest influencers. She also educates Prav on Nevada’s Burning Man Festival and talks about her experiences providing vital dental care for refugees.
Enjoy!
“I believe that we're all human beings and if we can't treat each other as humans, then you're not going to get anywhere and you have to be brave enough to break those boundaries. Which is what I have been doing.”
- Dr Rhona Eskander
In This Episode 01.06 - Formative years
10.34 - Making dentistry accessible
16.02 - Empowering women & social media
27.23 - Confidence & feelgood factor
32.32 - Treating influencers
39.52 - Pärla
46.03 - The Chelsea look & the Chelsae practice
52.13 - Low moments & lessons
01.00.14 - Burning Man
01.04.38 - Working with refugees
01.10.04 - On legacy
About Rhona Eskander Rhona graduated from Leeds University and went on to complete vocational training in Kent where she won Best Case Presentation award for her complex restorative case. She has completed extensive postgraduate training including MJDF examinations and a year-long course in aesthetic dentistry with Dr Christopher Orr.
Platinum Invisalign dentist Rhona is prolific on social media and a high-profile face on the Instagram platform. She recently co-founded the Pärla ethical and environmentally-friendly toothpaste tablet brand.
This week, Prav and Payan welcome rising social starlet Rhona Eskander to the show. Rhona talks about her mission to make dentistry accessible to all.
Rhona discusses the pros and cons of Instagram and her relationships with some of the net’s biggest influencers. She also educates Prav on Nevada’s Burning Man Festival and talks about her experiences providing vital dental care for refugees.
Enjoy!
“I believe that we're all human beings and if we can't treat each other as humans, then you're not going to get anywhere and you have to be brave enough to break those boundaries. Which is what I have been doing.”
- Dr Rhona Eskander
In This Episode 01.06 - Formative years
10.34 - Making dentistry accessible
16.02 - Empowering women & social media
27.23 - Confidence & feelgood factor
32.32 - Treating influencers
39.52 - Pärla
46.03 - The Chelsea look & the Chelsae practice
52.13 - Low moments & lessons
01.00.14 - Burning Man
01.04.38 - Working with refugees
01.10.04 - On legacy
About Rhona Eskander Rhona graduated from Leeds University and went on to complete vocational training in Kent where she won Best Case Presentation award for her complex restorative case. She has completed extensive postgraduate training including MJDF examinations and a year-long course in aesthetic dentistry with Dr Christopher Orr.
Platinum Invisalign dentist Rhona is prolific on social media and a high-profile face on the Instagram platform. She recently co-founded the Pärla ethical and environmentally-friendly toothpaste tablet brand.
Many dentists feel they have been let down during the coronavirus crisis. Professional bodies were slow to speak up, delivering an ineffectual message to members when they finally did so.
The profession has not benefited from the government’s package of financial support for small businesses and insurers have proved that policies aren’t always worth the PDFs they’re written on.
This week, we meet Laith Abbas and Luke Thorley - two relative youngsters who are fighting back.
They reveal why they are leading a legal action against insurers and discuss how the crisis has been a catalyst for grassroots action with the formation of a new professional body representing private practices.
“[Coronavirus] is going to completely flip the whole landscape of dentistry. I don't think people quite realise that yet, because our attention at the moment is getting back to work. I can guarantee you, a year today, we are going to look back and think, "I can't believe how much has changed."
- Laith Abbas
In this Episode
01.25 - Business interruption legal action
21.22 - The British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD)
28.57 - COVID safety and returning to work
39.34 - On regulators
52.14 - BAPD vision for NHS treatment
About Laith Abbas and Luke Thorley
Laith Abbas is principal dentist and co-owner of Crouch Hall Dental Care. Luke Thorley is practice principal at Royal Wharf Dental in london.
The pair have been consistently outspoken about dental insurers’ response to the coronavirus crisis. They are leading a legal action against insurers which could involve more than 2000 UK dentists.
In this week’s bulletin, Prav and Payman quiz Dr Christopher Orr on what practical steps dentists must take upon emerging from lockdown.
Their wide-ranging discussion covers indemnity, protective measures and adopting a triage approach to inviting patients back to clinic.
They also tackle the difference between NHS and private practices, and how regulators and dentists might improve their response, if the unthinkable were ever to happen again.
“There's always been an element of risk in dentistry that existed long before COVID came along, and the question really is what do we do to really try and mitigate that risk?”
- Dr Christopher Orr
00.17 - What do dentists need to do before returning to work?
07.47 - On indemnity
10.23 - Regulation & communication
13.07 - Assessing by need
20.35 - Looking after staff and patients
23.44 - NHS practices
26.21 - Courses and education
27.52 - Preparing for a next time
36.46 - ‘Land-grabs’
39.03 - Protocols, PPE and purifiers
About Dr Christopher Orr Dr Christopher Orr is a cosmetic, aesthetic and restorative dentist whose past positions include president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Odontological Section of the Royal Society of Medicine.
He is also a former director of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and former course director for the MSc in Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry at the University of Manchester.
Christopher was named Private Dentistry magazine’s most influential private practitioner in 2013. He is a prolific international lecturer on dentistry and often features in the press, radio TV and online media.
Mark Topley spent time as a primary school teacher, drum tech and roadie before setting his sights on coaching in corporate social responsibility.
We are thankful he did. Mark talks us through his early work as CEO of Bridge2Aid, and how a financial fraud against the dental charity almost put a stop to its operations.
Mark also talks us through his decision to step away from Bridge2Aid after a decade at the helm - and how that eventually led to the corporate responsibility coaching work for which he is now known.
“We trained about 450 people, that's access to emergency dentistry for about four-and-a-half million people.”
- Mark Topley
In this episode
02.21 - Getting started
14.04 - Charities - competition and differentiation
20.00 - The Bridge2Aid model
32.10 - Facing down challenges
40.01 - Family life in Tanzania
44.21 - Endings and new beginnings
52.02 - CSR - WTF?
01.05.14 - On teamwork
01.10.58 - Mark’s last day on earth
About Mark Topley
Mark’s early professional background is in teaching and community project management. He also worked in charity startups and has toured the US and Europe with bands as a production manager.
A chance encounter in 2003 led to him working in Tanzania alongside the founders of dental charity Bridge2Aid. He spent a decade as CEO of the charity before advising businesses on corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Faced with a lack of clear advice, guidance and representation, dentists have taken the unprecedented step of forming a new association.
The British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD) started out as an online grassroots movement in response to the COVID-19 crisis and quickly gained a huge following.
In the first of our topical buletin shows, Prav and Pay are joined by BAPD co-founders Jason Smithson and Bertie Napier, alongside implant dentist Dominic O’Hooley, who co-authored a report on AGPs and infection.
They talk about the science of transmission, the need for better industry representation and much more.
“One of the things I'll be looking for is a GDC that's by dentists for dentists. So that wet-finger dentists are integral and central to the regulatory process for dentists in the U.K. And I'll leave it at that.”
- Dominic O'Hooley
00.38 - Welcome to our guests
02.38 - Aerosols and viral transmission
10.02 - Precautions and public perception
21.02 - Airborne threat
27.04 - Dentists and infection rates
32.43 - The pathway back to work
37.59 - Private dentistry and representation
54.25 - Silver linings
1.00.41 - Back to work
Social distancing prevented Prav and Payman from being together in person this week, but it didn’t stop our hosts hearing from three true dentistry leaders.
In this fascinating roundtable, Prof. Nairn Wilson makes a welcome return to the show, joined by Dr Anthony Kilcoyne and Prof. Mike Lewis.
The trio discuss their predictions for dentistry in the post-COVID landscape and talk about what role the profession might play in the nation’s recovery.
“People have heard me lecture in the past, heard me say: “Why aren't dentists used for things like winter flu vaccination and so on? We are properly trained healthcare professionals.” Better us than the army doing this testing. These poor guys in the army that are recruited into this, they don't know one end of a swab from another…”
- Prof. Nairn Wilson
In this bulletin:
00.00 - Notes on a crisis
23.39 - Meet the guests
25.39 - Post-lockdown kickstart
33.51 - Corridors of power - a view from inside
43.24 - COVID and oral hygiene - the link
01.08.58 - Psychology and SOPs
This week, we caught up with dentist and pistonhead Neel Jaiswal. Neel talks about his early years and introduction to the craft, as well as his hopes for the future.
We also got to chat with Neel about one of his biggest passions - fast cars.
Recently, Neel has been dividing his time between clinical practice and work with Professional Dental Indemnity - an insurance company he set up to service dentists. Neel shares some of the unique insights he has gained through PDI, as well as his thoughts on some of the regulatory and legal challenges faced by today’s clinicians.
Enjoy!
“Look after your health, have the right people around you, do the right thing, support each other.”
- Neel Jaiswal
In this week’s episode
01.58 - Early years
17.16 - Passion for cars
32.32 - Private practice
38.24 - On Pankey, Spear and networking
42.09 - Ambience, communication and rapport - tips for practice
49.41 - Pet peeves and key mentors
53.49 - In ten years time
54.58 - Professional Dental Indemnity
01.08.00 - Highs and lows
01.13.14 - Spinning plates
01.16.30 - Health
01.17.56 - Legacy
01.19.09 - Complaints and the GDC
01.26.24 - Tips for a 20-year-old Neel
About Neel Jaiswal
Following graduation from Birmingham University in 1996, Neel has practised in the UK and Australia
He has trained at the Eastman Institute, the Royal College of Surgeons and the Spear Dental Institute in Arizona, US.
Neel was UK director of the Dentinal Tubules, co-founder of the British Academy of Microscope Dentistry and founder of the Turbine social and educational events group for dentists.
Neel is now director of Professional Dental Indemnity insurance set up to serve the dental profession.
Over a 50-year career, self-proclaimed benevolent battle axe Jenny Pinder was instrumental in shaping the face of UK dentistry as we know it today.
We chat with Jenny about her family’s generational background in dentistry, which helped shape her reputation as an early champion of women in the profession.
Jenny also spills the beans on her time at the GDC and shares some insight on the unique approach to treating nervous patients for which she is renowned.
Enjoy!
“Being non-judgemental is very, very important. A lot of dentists think that people who don't go to the dentist don't care, but actually that's not true for a great many people.”
- Jenny Pinder
In this Week’s Episode
00:30 - On early years and gender
14.44 - Tales from the GDC
21.58 - Oh Canada!
23.58 - NHS dentistry
29.54 - Dental phobia
42.51 - Being in charge
49.41 - Retiring
55.18 - Mental Dental
01.01.46 - Jenny’s worst mistake
01.05.13 - Advice to dentists
About Jenny Pinder
Jenny qualified in dentistry in 1971 and went on to practice in the City of London. She gained additional qualifications in psychology and developed an interest in treating anxious patients.
She was a founding member of Women in Dentistry and has spent time working with numerous professional dentistry bodies.
Jenny recently retired and now spends much of her time on professional ancestry research..
This week Payman finds himself without co-pilot Prav as he takes a therapist’s view with Vicky Wilson.
They chat about the lot of hygiene therapists andwhy they are not always pushed to their full potential within the practice. The pair also talk about how dentists and hygienists can integrate better.
Also up for discussion is Vicky’s thought on her decade in practice in Dubai, the challenges of establishing a hygienists association, and much more.
Enjoy!
“Frequently, I talk to dentists. They're so pro-therapist, they work with therapists, they absolutely love their therapist. Then, we speak about do you really get all the roles or duties that a therapist can carry out? And they say, ‘actually, if I'm really honest, maybe not.’"
- Vicky Wilson
In this week’s episode
00.30 - Formative years
09.59 - Hygiene and hard knocks
15.20 - Therapist and hygienist-led practice
20.41 - On opinion leadership
31.40 - A decade in Dubai
42.40 - Synergy in practice
54.32 - On Prav’s behalf
About Vicky Wilson
Vicky Wilson began her journey as a dental hygiene therapist at the Eastman Dental Hospital in 2001. She spent a decade in practice in Dubai and has worked in the UK in both NHS and private practice.
Vicky now spends much of her time as in a consultancy role. She is also a prolific public speaker, researcher, writer and host of the Smile Revolution Podcast.
This week, Payman and Prav talked with Rahul Doshi, cosmetic pioneer and founder of the groundbreaking Perfect Smile Studios.
The trio talk about the science and art of cosmetic dentistry, what it takes to be a clinical leader, team building and more.
Rahul also talks about his decision to join Dentex, as well as the board of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentists (BACD.)
Enjoy!
Rather than being demotivated about, "I could've done X, I could've done Y." You’ve got to say, "Right, how do I play these cards now and do well with them?"
- Rahul Doshi
In this episode
00.18 - Changing lives, exceeding expectations
07.25 - Art Vs science
14.54 - Mentors and going it alone
20.20 - Highs, lows and love at first sight
25.00 - Partners in practice
31.29 - Leadership, team building, hiring and firing
40.24 - Teaching photography
48.52 - Cosmetics, occlusion & learning curves
51.02 - Buying out and selling up
54.19 - Dentex & a day in the life
01.01.52 - On family
01.03.40 - BACD
01.11.00 - Doing it all again (and coming up trumps)
About Rahul Doshi
Rahul Doshi founded the high-end Perfect Smile Studios cosmetic dentistry clinic alongside wife Bavna in Hertfordshire in 1994.
In 2017, Rahul’s commitment to the profession was recognised at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards with an accolade for his Outstanding Contribution to Dentistry.
He has now retired from clinical dentistry but continues to oversee the team at Perfect Smile Studios in a leadership role.
This week’s podcast had our hosts wishing they had more time. Prav and Payman chat with legend Linda Greenwall about the role of women in dentistry and her pragmatic approach to raising a family while in practice,
They also find out all about Linda’s charity work, and talk at length about why whitening may be one of the most neglected disciplines in all of dentistry.
Enjoy!
“No secrets. The secret is no secrets.”
- Linda Greenwall
In this week’s episode 01.06 - Entering the family trade
03.55 - Women in dentistry
13.33 - On work-life balance
22.03 - What-ifs and creating a better now
36.42 - On whitening
59.26 - Looking back and speaking up
01.08.42 - Why no dentistry is the best dentistry
01.16.51 - Influence, leadership, vision and chill
01.28.56 - Linda Greenwall’s last day on earth
About Linda Greenwall Third-generation dentist Linda Grenwall was born in Cape Town South Africa and graduated from Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in 1984.
She is a prolific lecturer on the international circuit on whitening and also runs a London-based multidisciplinary private practice.
Linda’s debut book, Bleaching Techniques in Restorative Dentistry won the award for Best New Dental Book 2001 and her latest book, Strategies for the Aesthetic Dental Practice was published recently by Quintessence.
Linda is founder and chair of the British Dental Bleaching Society (BDBS) which educates dentists on whitening and lobbies for science-based policy change.
In 2011, Linda launched the Dental Wellness Trust (DWT) charity, which raises awareness of oral health issues in less fortunate communities across the globe.
Dynamo, workaholic, insomniac, leader - all these terms and more apply to this week’s guest, Druh Shah.
The periodontist, educator and founder of Dentinal Tubules talks us through his early years and some of the formative experiences that were the making of one of dentistry’s true legends.
Druh also chats leadership, vision, values, overcoming adversity and much more.
Enjoy!
“Dentists were taught to deal with the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth. Ultimately...they think small, they think detailed, they think that bigger-picture thinking is missing. True leadership in dentistry's thinking leadership is, "here's a vision, let's go towards it."”
- Druh Shah
01.10 - Early life
10.25 - Work ethic and a message from Kenya
17.00 - Fighting hard, building opportunities
27.03 - On visionary thinking
31.45 - Leadership & disruption
34.38 - ‘Work-life’ balance - a misnomer?
40.28 - A day in the life
49.40 - Druh’s darkest day
59.16 - Love nor money
01.03.20 - A word for posterity
About Anup Ladva
Talent is overrated. So says today’s guest, Dr Anup Ladva.
In this week’s episode, Anup talks us through turning around his bad-boy beginnings in Palmers Green to become owner of several successful clinics.
He also tells us about his love of tech, which he satisfies by helping clinics get started in digital dentistry - and by steering some exciting dental-tech startups.
Along the way, you’ll hear plenty of words of wisdom on management, motivation, running a practice and much more.
Enjoy!
In This Episode
0.58 - Mischief in Palmers Green
03:12 - Getting into dentistry
09.38 - Into practice
13.07 - Anud’s biggest influences
17:18 - Efficiency hacks
15:41 - Selecting practices and partners
33.10 - Getting kicked out of Tescos
37.57 - What’s important to Anup Ladva?
42.37 - Boards, bosses, buddies & bonuses
50.11 - Anup’s biggest mistake
58.37 - Digital dentistry
1.08.58 - Egg distribution
1.10.19 - Anup’s words of wisdom
About Dr Anup Ladva
Since graduating from Kings College London in 2002, Anup has focused mainly on primary care dentistry.
He has developed special interests in occlusal rehabilitation and cosmetic dentistry and has trained in the US with MJDF and the Royal College of Surgeons. He is an examiner and clinical teacher at Kings College and a trainer for the eastern deanery.
Anup is a digital dentistry consultant who supports clinics to integrate new digital workflows. He is also an entrepreneur with involvement in new dental tech startups.
About This Episode
This week’s guest is proof that dentistry really does take all-sorts.
Former Green Beret Danny Watson was inspired to enter dentistry after witnessing military dentists at work in Afghanistan.
Against impressive odds, he secured a place at Manchester University and spectacularly burned his military bridges to attend.
Danny talks about his fortuitous first meeting with podcast host Prav, cross-fit, military life and his record-breaking highs and lows.
Enjoy!
So I phoned my missus on my 20-minute phone card...She was like, "You alright love? You okay?" I was like, “yeah all good...guess what..I want to be a dentist."
- Danny Watson
In This Episode
0.34 - Early years
07.27 - Army days
14.59 - Discovering dentistry
21.25 - Getting started and burning bridges
26.01 - The military mindset
36.19 - Highs and lows
44.47 - Lambos & love at first sight
48.28 - On PT
53.47 - New challenges
57.08 - Last day on earth
About Danny Watson
Danny Watson graduated from Manchester University in 2018 and went on to practice at Manchester’s Kiss Dental.
Before becoming a dentist, Danny enjoyed a long and distinguished military career including service with the Green Berets and active service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is passionate about cross fit and personal training, and is the current world-record holder for the greatest distance travelled on the Concept-2 indoor rower in one minute.
This week’s guest transcends the dental-leader label. A polymath and true giant of the field, Prof. Nairn Wilson takes us through the patents with which he helped turn ICI into one of dentistry’s leading players.
And that was just the beginning. Prof. Wilson shares how his refusal to be pinned down led to the creation of one of the most varied and impressive CVs in all of dentistry.
Enjoy!
A guy came in and he said, "We've looked at you with amazement. You put the money in the bank. Last year we made a clear five million profit…” And they said, "we're selling out to these Japanese people. You have a great night."
Prof. Nairn Wilson
In this Episode 00.50 - The early years
08.57 - On not working with dad
17.16 - Crossing the border
21.48 - A call from ICI
29.31 - A couple of chance encounters
34.57 - Industry, praxis & family
42.40 - Work Vs talent (and spotting the latter)
42.58 - Step into my office - tanked up in the War Museum
48.04 - Another fortuitous phone call
50.37 - Walking the regulation tightrope
59.40 - Mistakes, regrets & ear-to-ear crowns
01.02.51 - Another chance meeting
01.04.06 - LonDEC, MANDEC and a £20K scale & polish
01.12.31 - The College of General Dentistry
01.22.12 - Leadership & future dentistry
01.26.51 - On pursuing dreams & making a difference
About Prof. Nairn Wilson
Prof. Nairn Wilson’s career includes time spent as Dean, Clinical Director, Pro-vice chancellor of Manchester University Dental Hospital and Head of King's College London Dental Institute.
Prof. Wilson has also spent time as President of the General Dental Council and the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry. He was Co-chair of the Forum of European Heads and Deans of Dental Schools and 129th President of the British Dental Association.
From 1999-2003 he was President of the General Dental Council and was President of the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry from 2003 to 2005.
Prof. Wilson is a former Editor of the Journal of Dentistry and Quintessentials of Dental Practice and was Chairman of the Editorial Board for Primary Dental Journal and Dental Practice magazine.
He has published more than 250 original research papers and authored and edited more than 50 books.
Dental Practice Built By Nurturing Relationships
If your marketing relies heavily on through word of mouth, even at this time of digital age; by no means, you touch everyone with what you do.
This holds true for our guest today.
Dr. Paul Abrahams is the owner of Smilemore Dental Care in St Johns Wood since 1993. A small private practice dedicated to providing high-quality dentistry with an emphasis on dedicated personal care and attention.
Paul has wide experience in providing cosmetic dentistry and has attended many post-graduate courses in furthering his knowledge. He is currently vice-president of the Board of Directors of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentists. His specialization includes: Cosmetic Dentistry - Porcelain Veneers, cosmetic braces, tooth whitening.
Those of you who are starting, tons of life's lessons you will learn from this episode with Paul.
And get a load of wisdom, from the time he started out and after 30 years in practice to selling his practice.
Hear Paul as he dive deep on life’s lessons that you can learn from may it be personal or career life.
Are you in the moment asking yourself if it is time to sell your practice, this episode is for you. Find out how he makes the transition easy.
Enjoy!
I think it came naturally to me, but learning how to deal with people in the dental situation is key. A lot of people are struggling with them. It's probably one of the biggest factors; a patient putting trust in you. Sometimes there are loads of dentists out there who may have the same clinical skills as you, if not better. - Paul Abrahams
What you will discover from this episode:
03:21The time in his life he ever thought he'd become a dentist
12:42 Recounting the time when he was in the university taking up dentistry
17:09 Why communication is important with patients
18:25 The biggest clinical mistake he made
26:47 Will AI replaces dentists in the future?
29:18 Why he is having a relaxed environment at work
31:50 The relationship that should exist between the subordinate and people in the leadership position
35:58 US vs UK teeth; the difference between American and British patients
37:33 How to instill his own principles to his people
43:49 How he takes time off from work
52:29 His advice on how to stay grounded as a dentist
Connect with Paul Abrahams:
Smilemore Dental Care
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
What would you do when your professional capacity as a dentist is being questioned?
What if you are accused of doing something unethical against a patient? That is one thing that would shake you to the core.
But this man’s response was of holding his ground and letting the truth unfold on its own and proved the accuser of maliciously inventing stories against him.
This guest for today indeed went through this, but all's well that ends well.
Sia Mirfendereski qualified from the Royal London Hospital in 1991 and received his Masters at the Royal London Hospital in Gerodontology in 1995 and is currently working as a principal at Wimpole Dental Office and Dulwich Dental Office. He has formerly held the position of Honorary Associate Clinical Professor at The University of Warwick and Honorary Clinical Teaching Fellow in Education and Development at the same institute. A strong advocate for preventative care and fundamental adherence to Duty of Care, he involved his students in all aspects about ultimate patient satisfaction. His professional interests and expertise focus on Prosthodontics (registered with the GDC - Specialist in Prosthodontics) as well as Minor Oral Surgery and former contract holder in oral surgery.
Sia also does dental consultancy for Chelsea Football Club, and he is the chairman of the British Dental Bleaching Society. He has lectured extensively regarding dental bleaching in the UK and internationally.
So much to learn on this episode as he relates his dental journey from the time he was at school to the time he owned practice, and have done consultancy.
How he handles the struggles and triumphs is something that you can apply in your own life.
He’s been through tough times in his practice. Sia overcomes his adversities. There are pure nuggets of wisdom with which you can pick up.
Enjoy!
As I always do, I sit back and I don't react with an email or pick up the phone and start ranting and raving. I've learned that through managing a High Street practice, digest the information because the first thing that will come out of your mouth is usually the wrong thing. - Dr. Sia Merfendereski
What you will discover from this episode:
04:52 What made Eddie Lynch a big factor of influence on his dental career
08:02 When did he decide to own a dental practice
12:54 Sia’s marketing strategy that kickstart the growth of his business
14:42 The reason why he sell his dental practice
16:15 Sports and Dentistry; how he made these two worked together
29:18 The best and worst thing about working in Wimpole street
36:13 Sia’s person-centered care approach in his NHS practice
40:35 How to recruit and hire top quality staff
41:56 Why he considers himself a “Google boss”
46:50 What could he have done differently early on in his career
48:15 How he handle the personal attack held against him
Connect With Sia Mirfenereski
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
"Become what you see in the world." As a crusader for veganism and animal rights, Keval has a great belief that this is the way to go to counter climate change and carbon footprint.
The adage best personifies this guest for this episode.
Keval Shah joined the practice in 2010. He graduated from Guy's King's and Thomas' Dental Institute in 2006 and worked in practice for a year before working as a Senior House Officer in Lincoln and Kettering in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department.
This was followed by a year of training in Special care Dentistry in Northampton, where he treated patients with special needs and dental phobia. He went to work in a village in rural India, helping people with their dental problems. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive dentistry and cosmetic treatment and hopes to train further in providing simple orthodontic treatment.
When out of work, he reads extensively about nutrition and its healing potential. He is a consistent crusader for animal rights and helps organise events related to environmental conservation. Swimming and keeping fit, and spending time with loved ones are what he enjoys the most.
Join Keval as he gets passionate about his own beliefs and preference about veganism and animal rights.
Learn why there is this burning desire in him about delivering his message for everyone to go vegan and respecting animal rights.
Keval gets his message across, especially in how being vegan has given him optimal results in his health issues.
He discusses how this lifestyle translates to saving the world. For him, veganism will save us from water shortage and hunger.
It is his life-long mission for everyone to be made aware that veganism saves the world from climate change.
Let's dive deep into the conversation.
Enjoy!
It is about going on the journey and realizing that there is so much we can do to change. Taking those steps, you are becoming part of a healing planet. Because we have burned it a lot and it's time to start healing again by finding our way back to living simply. - Keval Shah
What you will discover from this episode
04:08 Keval’s simple childhood years, family background, and life in Kenya
06:49 What is the principles and history of Jainism
07:44 How he was brought up to be vegetarian
15:27 Why he stopped eating meat and started being vegetarian again
23:09 The inconvenient truth about the free-range animals, and humane killing of animals
37:55 Can going vegan cut off your carbon footprint
42:21 How does he combine his veganism belief and dental practice
45:48 Will going vegan prevents climate change
48:43 What pushes him to become a vegan crusader
50:36 How can we urge dentists fight to reduce the carbon footprint
01:05:18 How to start transitioning to a vegan diet
Connect With Keval Shah:
Bushey Dental Surgery
Animal Interfaith Alliance
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Today’s guest is one of dentistry’s polarising figures.
As a youngster, Liverpool lad Robbie Hughes made his living knocking teeth out in the ring. These days - although still a relative newcomer - he is one of cosmetic dentistry’s most-recognised faces.
His Dental Excellence and Millionaire Smiles brands represent a paradigm shift in high-end dentistry.
Love him or hate him, Robbie isn’t going anywhere just yet. In one of our most open and engaging podcasts so far, Robbie takes us from Wavertree beginnings to ambitious plans for the future, giving us an insight into the tenacious mindset that is helping him bridge the two in style.
Enjoy!
About Dr Robbie Hughes
Former kickboxing world champion Dr Robbie Hughes graduated with honours from the University of Liverpool in 2008, taking with him an array of prestigious awards for academic and clinical performance.
He went on to pursue a special interest in cosmetic dentistry which is realised in his successful Dental Excellence and Millionaire Smiles brands.
He has undertaken training with some of dentistry’s leading lights and gained postgraduate certificates and diplomas in smile makeovers, full mouth reconstructions, orthodontics and composite bonding techniques.
“Yeah, I think the word obsession is the right word....I always have this vision in my mind, and these visions don't go away. It's the person that I am, I always have a new vision, a new goal. And I try to break down that big picture into small stepping stones and I become obsessed with that stepping stone until I meet it and then I want to go to the next one.”
Robbie Hughes
Show Contents
01.47 - Kickboxing and growing up in Wavertree
06.57 - Academia
11.23 - On dentistry and entrepreneurship
19.18 - The Dental Excellence concept
15.52 - Nitpicking and scaling practice
30.21 - Backtracking - Dental Excellence’s early days
37.16 - What’s driving Robbie Hughes?
39.34 - Robbie’s dental team
46.26 - Finding what you love
49.00 - Working with The Reds
54.34 - Dealing with stick
59.28 - Robbie’s marketing budget
01.03.38 - If the face fits
01.05.36 - Mistakes and mis-starts
01.10.15 - Work-life balance
01.15.13 - Robbie’s biggest clinical error
01.17.34 - Wise words
Connect With Robbie Hughes
Website
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
A rising star of a dentist is in the offing.
The guest we have today is putting to good use what she has learned running a restaurant business in the dental field. The entrepreneurial side of it has worked to her advantage in dealing with her role as a dental practitioner.
Dr. Elaine Mo is a general practitioner and a member of the Joint Dental Faculties of Royal College of Surgeons England. She has a wealth of knowledge in various aspects of Dentistry. With advanced training in Restorative Aesthetic Operative Dentistry, Endodontics and Anterior Alignment Orthodontics, Elaine also continued to work closely alongside some highly regarded clinicians to enhance her surgical and Implant related dental skills.
She graduated from Barts and the London and has developed her skills with extensive postgraduate education as a keen believer in maintaining up-to-date knowledge. This inspired her to travel internationally to hone her skills to be able to combine her multiple skill sets to offer her patients a wide range of options available focusing on rehabilitation of health and restoration of function and aesthetics with a minimally invasive approach.
And since this podcast is dedicated to helping you maximize your full potential, you will hear how Elaine uses her communication skills to establish a relationship with a patient.
Also, we dive into her biggest takeaways from her mentors that thought her how to persevere.
You’re not going to want to miss this episode!
There are a lot of dentists out there who, even though we're at the same level, but what makes it different is asking the patient how they are, their family, making them feel at home and actually being a person rather than their dentist. - Elaine Mo
What you will discover from this episode
05:11 The key to having a good relationship with your patients
07:46 Definitions, methods, and guide on how she does her consultation
10:27 Why does she implemented the “Ask 3 non-clinical questions” to your new patient
15:37 The importance of discussing health care costs with patients
18:28 Why does health care professionals need personal skills
19:45 The need to take your staff into the happiness equation along with the patients
28:37 Bad word of mouth stories about dentists
30:46 Lessons from the biggest clinical mistake she has made
37:53 Is now the perfect time for Elaine to start her own practice
43:54 As a mentee, she shares her mentors’ lessons of perseverance
50:28 The clinical hack that Elaine has developed
54:34 One big advice to the young generation of dentists
Connect With Elaine Mo
Ridgway Dental
Smile Hub
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
For some people, dentistry runs in the blood. And that’s definitely true of today’s guest, Zainab Al-Mukhtar, for whom formative years spent watching mum practise made the dental clinic feel like a second home.
Zainab talks about Instagram, motherhood and approaching cosmetic work as an artform. She also discusses the joy to be found in teaching others.
Enjoy!
“I want to continue doing what I'm doing, but just continue taking it to the next level each time. I am, where I am, really happy doing what I'm doing now. I just want to do more of it.”
Zainab Al Mukhtar
About Zainab Al-Mukhtar
Zainab graduated from Guy’s Kings & St Thomas with distinction in 2010.
She pursued an early interest in cosmetic dentistry, especially in the art of direct sculpting composite veneers and now holds a postgraduate certificate in aesthetic dentistry.
Keen artist Zainab now brings her eye to bear on facial aesthetic treatments and is a trainer and demonstrator with Oris Medical at the Royal College of General Practitioners
Zainab holds the Royal College of Surgeons Edingurgh’s Diplomate of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery and was awarded membership of the Joint Dental Faculties of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. She is also a member of the British Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Outside of dentistry, Zainab enjoys travel, drawing and spending time with family.
In this episode:
01:10 Growing up
05:30 Watching mum at work
11:31 Starting in practise
14:56 Business and entrepreneurship
17:57 Instagram
22:36 Women in dentistry
29:59 Aesthetics and art
34:00 Results and longevity
35:57 Personal development
41:08 Achieving work-life balance
44:09 Tips for being in business
48:59 Zainab’s biggest clinical mistake
50:15 Teaching aesthetics
Connect with Zainab:
Harrow on the Hill Clinic
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Knowing your ‘why’ always pushes you to be the best that you can be.
Today’s guest knows his why, and that makes him more determined than ever to do what he’s got to do.
In a slight departure for Dental Leaders, this week we chat to a leading light in aesthetics and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Benji Dhillon.
Alongside ep5 guest Mark Hughes, Benji is co-founder of Define Clinic, which is currently leading the way in non-invasive treatments.
Benji talks about his extraordinary sense of purpose and determination and gives us the lowdown on the latest trends in aesthetics.
“I'm a big believer that facial aesthetic treatments should be used in a way that no one knows you've had it done. And it's all about being age-appropriate.”
- Benji Dhillon
About Benji Dhillon
Benji Dhillon is a cosmetic surgeon, and clinical director and co-founder of Define Clinic, Beaconsfield.
He is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons and has undergone training in some of the UK’s leading hospitals.
Benji has also spent time as a medical director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for Allergan - the developers of Botox. He led clinical studies into anti-wrinkle injections and Juvederm fillers and implemented an international training program for safer aesthetics delivery.
He regularly speaks at international congresses and has published research in medical journals.
In this episode:
03:05 Learned values
23:53 Benji’s biggest mistake
28:20 The ethics of aesthetics
34:30 A confidence shaker
38:01 Benji’s business partnership
45:24 The top trend in aesthetics
56:12 Being the boss - the dos and don'ts of managing
59:30 Dentistry vs medical doctor
Connect With Benji
drbenjidhillon.com
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Mahrukh Khwaja is on a mission to empower women in dentistry - a quest borne out of dealing with difficult bosses and overcoming unhealthy relationships. In today’s episode, Mahrukh talks about why she feels something worth striving for - and why more women dentists should be celebrated. She also shares some thoughts on her other passions - mindfulness, meditation and the art of maintaining good mental health. Enjoy!
“In our profession, mental wellness is not always really focused on. I feel like burnout and stress is a common issue amongst dentists currently. Whenever I connect with other dentists, they will tell me about their story, and stress, burnout and long hours, and rumination over patient complaints is a common one that I'm hearing. If there was a way to support our profession - I'd love to really focus on that.” - Mahrukh Khwaja
About Mahrukh Khwaja
Since graduating from King's College in 2010, Mahrukh has dedicated herself to helping patients regain their confidence through cosmetic dentistry.
Mahrukh also holds a PSE in psychology - a qualification which helps her to build meaningful connections with patients and provide holistic treatment.
In this episode:
02:55 Empowering women in dentistry
08:57 Perfecting the work/life balance
11:03 Looking after mental health
16:04 How Mahrukh overcame a past relationship
30:41 The benefits of therapy
36:11 Female role models in dentistry
42:47 The importance of mindfulness
Connect with Mahrukh Khwaja:
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
The art of knowing when to let go is not something that comes easy.
However, when one of dentistry’s biggest influencers found that stress in his personal life was putting a dampener on professional success, he did just that.
We talk to James Goolnik about family, client relationships and why the multi-practice model isn’t for him.
Enjoy!
“The number one thing you have got to get is a relationship with your patient. Make sure there's a connection. Make sure there is trust and when things go wrong. Dentistry is not ideal. We are human. Everyone makes mistakes, something happens. But if you have a relationship with the patient, they know, like, and trust you, you can handle it.” - James Goolnik
About James Goolnik
James is a member of the British Dentistry of Occlusal Studies and British Dental Association and is a Dental Phobia certified dentist.
He has twice been listed in Private Dentistry’s poll of top 20 Elite Dentists and was voted the UK’s most influential person in Dentistry of 2011 and 2012 by trade magazine Dentistry.
He is a judge for both the Dental Industry Awards and the Dentistry Awards.
James lectures internationally and has delivered seminars on tooth whitening techniques, minimally-invasive dentistry, and dental marketing.
His book Brush is an Amazon bestseller and all profits go to Dentaid. He is currently working on a project tackling the use of sugar as a reward for children.
In this episode:
13:12 How determination and grit gets him into dental school
21:33 James’ career
25:51 Are dentists bad at business?
38:48 Client relationships
40:30 The multi-practice model
42:50 Patient marketing methods
45:36 How success affects family life
54:16 Two simple stress-relievers
57:47 James’ biggest mistake
01:02:46 Leading by example
01:09:54 Hiring and firing
01:11:59 The Rewards Project - shifting the rewards culture
01:19:02 Love, be loved and never stop learning
Connect With James Goolnik:
bowlanedental.com
YouTube
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Juggling a career and family life is never easy. Especially when you are one of the most sought after practitioners in your field.
But some are skilled enough to manage it - like today’s guest, Andrew Moore.
Andrew tells us all about his approach to the holy grail of achieving a healthy work-life balance and how he came to practice from a jealousy-inducing architectural gem.
He also talks about the buzz he gets from teaching and a case that made a dramatic impact on his patient’s life.
Enjoy!
“The key thing if you want to develop a practice is to get good at normal dentistry. Because you will need those skills. You need to see people. You don't go straight in. And I'm not saying you shouldn't have ambition, but I think sometimes you have to learn to deal with people before you start.” - Andrew Moore
About Andrew Moore
Andrew Moore graduated from Royal London Dental Hospital and quickly established a name as one of the UK’s leading cosmetic dentists. He has postgraduate training in orthodontics and oral surgery and holds a diploma in implant dentistry. Andrew is the owner of Advance Dental Clinic from where he holds remedial dental training. The clinic was named the best new practice, 2004, and was also given an award for design by the Royal Institute of British Architects..
In this episode:
02:12 The perfect environment for practice
13: 07 The power of delegating
15:03 Hiring process - an oft-overlooked trait
18:43 Achieving work-life balance
25:21 Getting into implants
35:13 A life-changing case
47:05 Teaching other dentists
Connect with Andrew Moore:
Advance Dental Clinic
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Do dentists sell a product or an experience?
Today’s guest has views on this question that serve up plenty of food for thought.
We talk to Daz Singh about the meteoric rise of his boutique Liverpool clinic Ollie and Darsh, taking plenty of conversational stop-offs along the way.
Enjoy!
“I wanted them to come in and see us. I wanted them to have the experience with us. I wanted them to go away talk about the experience they've had with us to their family and friends. So the knock-on effect would be is that we then had their families and friends who have been told that, you know, this person’s had a good experience at the clinic.” - Daz Singh
About Daz Singh
Daz Singh graduated Dentistry from the University of Liverpool in 2005 and went on to work in associate positions in Liverpool and Stoke.\
He also secretary to the European Society of Aesthetic Orthodontics, and a clinical instructor and mentor for Six-Month Smiles.
In 2008, alongside Sudarsh Naidoo & Suzy Gorman he opened Ollie & Darsh as a nouveau chic dental clinic in the heart of Liverpool.
In this episode:
02:18 Growing up in Saudi Arabia
13:57 Daz’s first job
23:25 Starting off in Liverpool
29:38 Promoting a new clinic
35:13 Strategies for collaboration
37:34 The growth of Ollie & Darsh
41:05 Word-of-mouth
01:15:18 Values vs price
Connect With Daz Singh:
Ollie and Darsh
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Can you manifest your own luck?
Adam Thorne is a firm believer that if you try hard enough to reach your goals, you’ll no doubt encounter a mentor who can help you get there.
Though it may seem a little spiritual, it rings true for the events that have unfolded in Adam’s life.
Adam Thorne is a Cosmetic Dentist at the Harley Street Dental Group. He talks about the trials and tribulations he underwent before finding his place at London’s most prestigious address.
Enjoy!
“I like people who are humble and they listen…they make very, very good dentists because they get to know the patient. They build the rapport and then there's a great relationship from there.”
- Adam Thorne
About Adam Thorne
Adam Thorne is a cosmetic dentist at the Harley Street Dental Group.
After graduating from the University of Bristol in 1997, he went on to study at institutions in the US, America, Asia and the Far East. Adam also studied at the renowned Pankey Institute in Florida.
He is an Invisalign® Platinum Elite dentist - a title held by only a handful of dentists in the UK.
In this episode:
05:11 Life before Harley Street
11:07 Getting patients through the door
15:44 Staying competitive in a saturated market
19:04 What makes a good dentist?
28:01 What would Adam have done differently?
35:46 Balancing work and home life
46:34 Top tips for orthodontic treatments
50:10 Making your own luck
Connect with Adam Thorne:
Website
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Our guest today is a cosmetic dentist, and founder of the famous Harley Street Dental Group and Define Clinic, Mark Hughes.
He unleashes wisdom on what it takes to get to achieve success by learning from setbacks to come through more determined than ever.
Mark also tells us all about his globetrotting years, and how a chance booking at a boutique hotel provided the inspiration for his upscale London practice.
Enjoy!
“To be successful, you have to care about people in dentistry, and for me, kindness and a desire to help people overrides everything else you can do.”
- Mark Hughes
About Mark Hughes
Award-winning Mark Hughes is a cosmetic dentist, founder, and clinical director at Harley Street Dental Group. He recently launched Define Clinic (his latest venture) in the heart of Beaconsfield which combines cosmetic dentistry with medical aesthetic treatments
He enjoys more than 20 years’ experience in practice, with more than 10 years spent on Harley Street working at the pinnacle of dentistry.
Since opening the Harley Street practice in 2003, Mark has devoted himself to achieving the highest possible standards in cosmetic work. He has achieved accreditation with UK and US cosmetic organisations, and he is passionate about helping patients lead more confident and fulfilling lives.
In this episode:
02:34 - The childhood years
06:04 - Choosing a career path
10:02 - University - highs and lows
11:10 - Mark’s travels
18:23 - Owning and growing a practice
26:15 - Working on strengths and weaknesses
33:21 - Boutique inspiration
34:58 - Define Clinic
38:13 - Choosing a business partner
41:18 - Mark’s educational program for dentists
55:43 - Mark’s biggest mistake
56:21 - A clinical tip
59:44 - Success stories
Connect With Mark Hughes:
harleystreetdentalstudio.com
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Would you give up a six-figure profession for a new career full of uncertainty?
For some, dentist-cum-motivational speaker Mahmood Mawjee’s transition to a new calling could seem like a waste of qualifications.
But dentistry's loss is the world's gain.
We hear why Mahmood made the leap, and take in some of his motivational secrets.
Enjoy!
“The biggest regret in life is living life on other people's terms and...no one regrets the things they did. They always regret the things they never did.” - Mahmood Mawjee
About Mahmood Mawjee
Mahmood Mawjee is an international motivational speaker, peak performance speaking coach, entrepreneur, and life-changer.
In a previous life, Mahmood was a dentist. However, he left practice and sought his life's mission to impact lives the world over.
In this episode
02:25 Mamood’s childhood
06:37 Building a coaching practice
10:51 A life-changing trigger
15:33 Leaving dentistry
21:24 Proving yourself
24:19 Overcoming fears
35:01 Mahmood’s step-by-step coaching process
37:07 A positive trait
55:43 Mahmood’s career advice
Connect With Mahmood Mawjee
Mahmoodmawjee.com
YouTube
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
In this episode, we dimmed the studio lights to bask in the glow of a true dentistry dynamo.
In 2011, Anil Shrestha was invited to take over the renowned Dr Micheal Wise’s Lister House Practice.
It wasn’t all plain-sailing. Anil talks us through the highs and lows, and tells us about the positive mindset that has helped him to get where he is today.
If you’ve ever wondered how to go from being a victim of circumstance to taking control of your own destiny, you need to hear this.
Enjoy!
The most successful people in practice are the ones that take responsibility. The most successful associates are the ones that treat the practice as if it was their own, as if they actually owned it. That doesn't mean usurping whoever's in charge, but actually taking ownership.
- Anil Shrestha
In this episode:
9:23 Achieving while finding time for others
13:29 Anil’s biggest mistake in dentistry
38:25 Solid referral practices
44:21 Positive mindsets
53:30 The value of empathy
1:03:00 The future of women in dentistry
Connect with Anil:
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Coming from a family of dentists, Simon Chard has been accused of starting out in the game with an unfair advantage.
In this episode, he talks about how he overcame negativity from fellow professionals to find success on his own terms.
Simon’s story is one of hard work and determination, and it’s also one of amazing pragmatism. He has used social media to turn himself into one of the industry’s most recognisable personal brands.
In an episode that will resonate with both old-school professionals and digital natives alike, Simon talks about engaging clients online, the problems facing young ‘upstart’ dentists and much more.
Enjoy!
"The ability to change someone's life and generate a positive impact - you don't get that in the majority of jobs. And that feeling is amazing. Dentistry is good in some ways because it grounds you and keeps you in a strong relationship with other human beings."
- Dr. Simon Chard
About Simon Chard
Cosmetic dentist and director of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Simon Chard graduated with Honours from King's College London Dental Institute in 2012.
He is a passionate proponent of using digital technology to simplify cosmetic and implant dentistry. Simon regularly teaches this alongside dental photography and minimally invasive aesthetic dental techniques.
In 2015, Simon was named Best Young Dentist UK and London at the prestigious Dentistry Awards.
In this episode:
4:42 - The impact of social media
6:38 - Diversifying by doing what you love
7:37 - Perceptions of Simon
8:02 - What not to engage in on social media
9:05 - Biggest weakness revealed!
12:54 - Coping with imposter syndrome
16:09 - Simon’s top three public speaking tips
21:17 - Choosing dentistry over pharmacology
26:40 - Taking over from mum and dad
30:27 - Digital vs traditional marketing
31:43 - Simon’s ‘unfair’ advantage
33:42 - Business challenges
34:33 - Business systems
39: 56 - Being an ‘Instagram dentist’
44:35 - Attitudes towards young dentists
50:22 - Social media - a double-edged sword
Connect with Simon:
Rothleylodgedentalpractice.co.uk
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Welcome to dentist, educator and former president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Tif Qureshi.
In this episode, Tif talks about his decision to follow a career in dentistry over medicine and the moment he realised that his practice could be a business as well as a treatment modality.
Tif’s impressive portfolio also includes directorship of the IAS training academy, through which he passes on his philosophy of simple, minimally invasive dentistry.
He talks about the academy, why teaching is so attractive to dentists and much more.
Enjoy!
I think we've got to be thinking about patients over a much longer period of time rather than a short ticket to get to success. It's a relationship. You look after them and you do the right thing for them all the way through. That's kind of our goal.
- Tif Qureshi
About Tif Qureshi
Tif Qureshi qualified from King’s College, London, in 1992 and has spent time as president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
He is the clinical director and CEO of IAS Academy - an international faculty providing mentored education for general dentists on a pathway from simple to comprehensive orthodontics.
Tif has a special interest in simple orthodontics and minimally invasive dentistry. His goals are to empower dentists to provide alternative techniques and support them in offering a wider variety of treatments.
Tif pioneered the concept of progressive smile design through alignment, bleaching and bonding. He is also an experienced teacher in the Dahl concept, which promotes minimally invasive, patient-centred dentistry.
In this episode:
4:50 - Dentistry or medicine?
20:43 - Why Tif advocates the Inman Aligner
27:19 - Can a general dentist be an orthodontist?
31:52 - Dentistry as a business
33:52 - Long-term vs short-term success
34:25 - Why IAS Academy works
39:42 - Assessment, diagnosis and third-party assessment plans
41:55 - Artificial Intelligence in dentistry
46:42 - Why dentists want to teach
49:57 - The influence of BACD
54:58 - Tif’s philosophy
57:49 - Causes of relapse
01:09:10 - Patient relationships
Connect With Tif Qureshi
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Episode #2: In this very special episode, we talk to one of dentistry’s most inspirational figures.
Recorded shortly before his tragic passing in the summer of 2019, the great Dr. Anoop Maini shares his recollections of growing up in London and going on to run three successful practices alongside wife Neera.
Always a family man, Anoop tells how he passed on his legendary work ethic to his children, and talks movingly about the passing of his father.
In an episode full of Anoop’s trademark wisdom, there’s much more to unpack - including his thoughts on the value of teaching others, and how a clinical error transformed his outlook forever.
Enjoy!
“To be successful in anything you’ve got to have someone behind you...you can’t do things on your own.”
- Anoop Maini
About Anoop Maini
Anoop Maini studied at King’s College before opening up his first practice in London. He went on to set up a further three successful dental practices, including Aqua Dental Clinic.
Anoop served as president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) as well as the European Society of Aesthetic Orthodontics (ESAO) – an organisation he helped found.
Away from his hands-on dentistry work, he had a passion for teaching and helped thousands of other dentists learn from his vast experience.
In today’s episode:
3:33 - Anoop’s London upbringing
9:22 - Shaped by the past
11:10 - Passing on the work ethic
16:20 - Love what you do
21:30 - A story about gaming
23:45 - On working with his wife
30:50 - A life-changing error
34:48 - Business development
39:20 - Anoop’s marketing tips for new dentists
45:00 - The two types of dentist
52:48 - Why teaching matters
58:18 - About the passing of his father
1:03:39 - His father’s legacy
1:06:57 - Life after death
1:09:00 - Legacy
Connect with Prav and Payman:
Website
Prav on Instagram
Payman on Instagram
Prav Solanki & Payman Langroudi, hosts of The Dental Leaders Podcast reveals their individual reasons which made them launch the show.
In this episode, you will discover how Prav was able to bounce back after a health scare situation. He also discusses where he gets the confidence to set up a business with no marketing background.
Not only that, Payman will also share how he struggles on the first four years of his business.
All of that and more are covered in great detail in this episode.
Connect with Prav
Website
Connect with Payman
Website