Dental Leaders Podcast
Prav Solanki & Payman Langroudi
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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/
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1 day ago
#147- Líder Dental! Sandra Garcia Martin
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.
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Aug 3, 2022
#146- Return of La Sape - Shiraz Khan
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.
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Jul 28, 2022
#145- Alfonso Rao - Why Not?
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.
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Jul 20, 2022
#144- What Katie Blake Did
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.
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Jul 13, 2022
#143- Impact! Loven Ganeswaran
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.
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Jul 7, 2022
#142- Both Sides of the Coin - Neil Gerrard
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.
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Jun 29, 2022
#141- Goodfella - Louis Mackenzie
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.
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Jun 22, 2022
#140- The Swan - Rajiv Ruwala
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.
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Jun 15, 2022
#139- Odd Tyke - Dominic O’Hooley
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.
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Jun 8, 2022
#138- Coming to America - Upen Patel
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, Upen 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.
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Jun 1, 2022
#137- Dreams in Moments - Mudasser Hussain
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 - Pr…
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May 25, 2022
#136- Recipe for Success - Rishi Nanavati
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 dinn…
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May 18, 2022
#135- El Presidente - Amit Patel
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…
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May 11, 2022
#134- Tasting Notes - Niall Hutchinson
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 H…
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May 4, 2022
#133- The Architect - Martina Hodgson
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…
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Apr 27, 2022
#132- Birthday Boy - Kailesh Solanki
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 w…
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Apr 21, 2022
#131- Persons of Note - Hannah Burrow and Jay Shah
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-keepin…
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Apr 13, 2022
#130- Citizen Ken - Ken Finlayson
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…
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Apr 7, 2022
#129- Boy Interrupted - Adam Naughton
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 -…
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Mar 31, 2022
#128- Tenfold Ambition - Martin Wanendeya
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
2…
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Mar 24, 2022
#127- Still Driving - Dev Patel (Part 2)
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 - Interna…
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Mar 16, 2022
#126- Know the Drill - Zain Rizvi
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 - E…
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Mar 9, 2022
#125- Dr Universe - Ashkan Pitchforth
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…
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Mar 2, 2022
#124 - Complex Character - Ferhan Ahmed
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 impla…
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Feb 24, 2022
#123- The Don - Afsar Hussain
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.…
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Feb 16, 2022
#122- Alex in Flowerland - Alexandra Luzinschi
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…
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Feb 9, 2022
#121- Fresh Prince of Valencia - Jana Denzel
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
16.0…
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Feb 3, 2022
#120- Leaving the NHS - Podcast Special
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.…
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Jan 26, 2022
#119- Gory Tales - Nicola Gore
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 l…
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Jan 19, 2022
#118- Content Creator - Raabhia Maan
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…
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Jan 12, 2022
#117- The Parsons Knows - Matt Parsons
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
0…
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Jan 5, 2022
#116- Ten Years a Dentist - Tom Crawford-Clarke
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…
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Dec 29, 2021
#115- Where’s Prav Been? End of Year Show
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
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Dec 23, 2021
#114 - The Cornish Dentist - Alan Burgin
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 stabilis…
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Dec 15, 2021
#113 - Doin’ it for Themselves - Ariane and Victoria Sampson
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, thedentalsis…
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Dec 9, 2021
#112- - Jenni Kabir
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 Denta…
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Dec 1, 2021
#111- Slow Learning with Tej Mell
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…
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Nov 24, 2021
#110 - Kaizen Monks - Balraj Sohal and Kris Vekaria
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…
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Nov 17, 2021
#109 - Solo Special: Context & Congruency
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.
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Nov 11, 2021
#108 - Course Junkie - Jasmine Piran
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.…
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Nov 3, 2021
#107 - The Ortho-Dentist - Josh Rowley
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 par…
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Oct 27, 2021
#106 - London Calling with Slaine McGrath
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 A…
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Oct 20, 2021
#105 - The Great Escape with Geoff Stone
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…
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Oct 13, 2021
#104 - A is for Action - Shazia Ahmed
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…
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Oct 6, 2021
#103 - Why Not? With Nick Mohindra
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.…
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Sep 29, 2021
#102 - Fix Up, Look Sharp! With Shiraz Khan
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…
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Sep 22, 2021
#101 - Social Media Leaders Part II
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
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Sep 15, 2021
#100 - Social Media Leaders Part I
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
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Sep 8, 2021
#99 - Minimally Invasive Leaders
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
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Sep 1, 2021
#98 - The Complete GDP - Ian Buckle Part Two
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.…
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Aug 25, 2021
#97 - The Complete GDP - Ian Buckle Part One
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 wi…
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Aug 18, 2021
#96 - Multi-Practice Leaders
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
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Aug 12, 2021
#95 - Implant Leaders: Implantology Special
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
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Aug 4, 2021
#94 - Canny Lad - Michael Oliver
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 cr*p 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 em…
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Jul 28, 2021
#93 - BDA PEC Election Bulletin with Jimmy Pallahey and Hannah Woolnough
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 - Navi…
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Jul 21, 2021
#92 - Celebrating Success with Nilesh Parmar
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 Parma…
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Jul 14, 2021
#91 - Gina Vega - Made in Mexico
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 - D…
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Jul 7, 2021
#90 - Greatest Hits Part II
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.
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Jun 30, 2021
#89 - Reflecting on the Journey with Prav & Payman
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…
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Jun 23, 2021
#88 - Marketing Masterclass with Prav and Payman
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 Dent…
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Jun 16, 2021
#87 - Developing in Dentistry with Amit Patel
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 d…
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Jun 9, 2021
#86 - Making the Unsexy Sexy with Rupert Monkhouse
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
25:2…
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Jun 2, 2021
#85 - Earning and Learning with Reena Wadia
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…
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May 26, 2021
#84 - Making Waves with Payman Sobhani
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…
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May 19, 2021
#83 - Marketing, Multi-practices and Mothers with Zayba Sheikh
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…
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May 12, 2021
#82 - Inspiring the next generation with Hassan Maghaireh
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
4…
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May 5, 2021
#81 - Working Hard and Playing Harder with Kish Patel & Jin Vaghela
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 - T…
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Apr 28, 2021
#80 - Achieving the Dream with Darren Cannell and Andy Stafford
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.…
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Apr 21, 2021
#79 - Investing in Investing with James Martin
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 val…
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Apr 14, 2021
#78 - Building Business Beasts with Sandeep Kumar
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…
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Apr 7, 2021
#77 - The Business of Dentistry with Sameer Patel
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
1:0…
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Mar 31, 2021
#76 - Crazy Birds Fly High with Fazeela Khan-Osborne
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…
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Mar 25, 2021
#75 - The Perks of Perio with Paul Palmer
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 Work…
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Mar 17, 2021
#74 - Money Talks with David Hossein
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.
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Mar 10, 2021
#73 - Protruding with Jaz Gulati
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…
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Mar 3, 2021
#72 - Setting Presidents with Elaine Halley
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
3…
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Feb 24, 2021
#71 - In the Ring with Arthif ‘Dr Hitman’ Daniel
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
51.2…
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Feb 17, 2021
#70 - Tunnel Vision with Richard Field
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 certific…
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Feb 10, 2021
#69 - Basil Mizrahi - Dentist at the Last-Stop Saloon
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 - Ear…
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Feb 3, 2021
#68 - What’s Driving Dev Patel?
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…
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Jan 27, 2021
#67 - Telling Tales with Shaadi Manouchehri
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…
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Jan 20, 2021
#66 - Maximum Value - In Conversation with Max Bazzucchini
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 physio…
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Jan 13, 2021
#65 - Brothers in Arms - In Conversation with Nik and Sanjay Sethi
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…
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Jan 6, 2021
#64 - Last Days and Legacies - New Year Special
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!
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Dec 30, 2020
#63 - The Queens’ Speech - Prav and Payman’s End-of-Year Special
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
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Dec 23, 2020
#62 - Ten Years Younger - In Conversation with Uchenna Okoye
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 Youn…
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Dec 17, 2020
#61 - Factotum - In Conversation with Tom Youngs
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 developi…
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Dec 9, 2020
#60 - Gentle Giant - In Conversation with Avi Sachdev
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…
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Dec 2, 2020
#59 - Vita di Sorisi - In conversation with Alfonso Rao
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…
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Nov 25, 2020
#58 - Always be Closing - in Conversation with Andy Acton
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 associ…
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Nov 18, 2020
#57 - Step into My Office - A Conversation with Prof. Kevin O’Brien
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 te…
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Nov 11, 2020
#56 - Love at First Sight - In Conversation with Kunal and Lucy Patel
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 - Fut…
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Nov 4, 2020
#55 - Family Affair - In Conversation with Kailesh Solanki
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 m…
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Oct 28, 2020
#54 - Perpetual Motion - In Conversation With Lauren Harrhy
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.…
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Oct 20, 2020
#53 - The Old Switch-a-roo: In Conversation with Prav and Payman
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 Lan…
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Oct 14, 2020
#52 - Enter the Dragon with Zuber Bagasi
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 Universit…
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Oct 7, 2020
#51 - Endo-Geekery with Rob Jacobs
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.…
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Sep 30, 2020
#50 - Bees, Butterflies and Leeches: In Conversation with Koray Feran
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 s…
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Sep 23, 2020
#49 - Native New Yorker - In Conversation with Dr Larry Rosenthal
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 l…
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Sep 16, 2020
#48 - Evergreen - In Conversation with Hassan Asad and Sorabh Patel
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 COVI…
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Sep 9, 2020
#47 - The Singing Dentist - In Conversation with Milad Shadrooh
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…
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Sep 2, 2020
#46 - In Moderation - a Conversation with Victoria Holden
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.…
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Aug 26, 2020
#45 - UDC, AGPs and LDCs with Jimmy Palahey
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 den…
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Aug 19, 2020
#44 - Voice of Reason - In Conversation with Bertie Napier
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 N…
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Aug 12, 2020
#43 Adversity and Advantage with Dominic O’Hooley
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…
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Aug 5, 2020
#42 Wise Guys: In Conversation with Nikunj Sondagar and Saeid Haghri
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…
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Jul 22, 2020
#41 - Sliding Doors - In Conversation With Zaki Kanaan
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
0…
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Jul 15, 2020
#40 - Family Values - In Conversation with Vishaal Shah
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…
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Jul 9, 2020
#39 - Round About Midnight - In Conversation With Sofina Ahmed
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 you…
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Jul 1, 2020
#38 - Jet-Setting with Andrew Wallace
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…
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Jun 24, 2020
#37 - Implant Hero - In Conversation with Andrew Dawood
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 -…
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Jun 17, 2020
#36 - Plain Sailing with Richard Howarth
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 a…
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Jun 12, 2020
#35 - Composite King - In Conversation with Jason Smithson
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 Corn…
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Jun 3, 2020
#34 - Burning Manbition - In Conversation with Rhona Eskander
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…
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May 27, 2020
#33 - Dental Leaders Bulletin - Business Interruption Insurance & the Imminent Return to Practice with Laith Abbas & Luke Thorley
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."…
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May 20, 2020
#32 - Dental Leaders Bulletin - Dr Christopher Orr on Preparing for Life After Lockdown
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…
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May 13, 2020
#31 - The Long Roadie to Responsibility - In Conversation with Mark Topley
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 pro…
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May 7, 2020
#30 Dental Leaders Bulletin - Interview with the BAPD - A New Voice for Private Dentistry
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…
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May 6, 2020
#29 Dental Leaders Bulletin - What is the Covid Exit Plan For Dentistry? - With Nairn Wilkson, Anthony Kilcoyne and Mike Lewis
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 or…
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Apr 29, 2020
#28 - Pretty Little Red Corvette - In Conversation with Neel Jaiswal
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 - Professiona…
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Apr 23, 2020
#27 - The Politics of Pulling Teeth - Needles, Nerves and NHS with Jenny Pinder
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…
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Apr 16, 2020
#26 - Dream Teams and Hygiene - A Therapist’s Perspective with Vicky Wilson
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…
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Apr 8, 2020
#25 - Great Expectations - In Conversation with Rahul Doshi
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…
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Apr 1, 2020
#24 - Good Will Whitening - In Conversation with Linda Greenwall
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 le…
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Mar 25, 2020
#23 - Nothing but the Tooth - a Conversation with Druh Shah
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…
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Mar 18, 2020
#22 - Boards, Bosses, Buddies & Bonuses - In Conversation with Anup Ladva
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 Lad…
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Mar 11, 2020
#21 - Pontoon Pyromania - Burning Bridges and Breaking Records with Danny Watson
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 gradua…
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Mar 4, 2020
#20 - Blood & Vulcanite - In Conversation with Prof. Nairn Wilson
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 cal…
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Feb 26, 2020
#19 - Selling Up, AI and Smiling More with Paul Abrahams
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…
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Feb 19, 2020
#18 - An Unlikely Match: Football & Dentistry with Sia Mirfendereski
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 as…
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Feb 12, 2020
#17 - Why Veganism Can Save The World From Climate Change: A Dentist's Perspective with Keval Shah
"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 fo…
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Feb 6, 2020
#16 - Rolling with the Punches - A Conversation with Robbie Hughes
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 Excellen…
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Jan 30, 2020
#15 - Today’s Special - Happy Patients, Happy Practice with Elaine Mo
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 h…
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Jan 23, 2020
#14 - Composites and Composition: Talking the Art of Cosmetic Dentistry With Zainab Al-Mukhtar
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 Roy…
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Jan 15, 2020
#13 - The Ethics of Aesthetics - A Chat with Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Benji Dhillon
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 hosp…
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Jan 8, 2020
#12 - Mental Health, Mindfulness and Empowering Women in Dentistry with Mahrukh Khwaja
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 co…
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Dec 11, 2019
#11- Learning When To Let Go with James Goolnik
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 perso…
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Dec 4, 2019
#10 - Hanging With Richard Branson, Chatting To Larry Page and Balancing Everything with Andrew Moore
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…
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Nov 27, 2019
#9 - Not Your Average Practice: The Daz Singh Experience
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 o…
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Nov 20, 2019
#8 - From Ferndown to Harley Street - Manifesting Your Own Luck with Adam Thorne
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 Inv…
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Nov 14, 2019
#7 - Marks of Excellence - Taking the Leap with Mark Hughes
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 pin…
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Oct 31, 2019
#6 - Motivating Billionaires And Finding Your “Why” with Mahmood Mawjee
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 Mahmoo…
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Oct 29, 2019
#5 - Working Your Way To the Top and Creating Your Own Luck with Anil Shrestha
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
1:03:0…
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Oct 13, 2019
#4 - Instagram Dentistry and Overcoming Good Luck with Simon Chard
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…
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Oct 13, 2019
#3 - Talking Ethics vs Profit with Tif Qureshi
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…
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Oct 11, 2019
#2 - The Value of Family and Following Your Dreams with the Late Dr Anoop Maini
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.
Ano…
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Jul 17, 2019
#1 - The Dental Leaders Podcast & Our Why
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
Instagram
Connect with Payman
Website
Instagram
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