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  • In this powerful episode of Mind Movers, Rhona and Payman speak with Jacqueline Hurst, one of the UK's leading life coaches and mindset experts.

    Jacqueline shares her remarkable journey from addiction, anorexia and self-destruction to becoming a force for change who has helped thousands transform their lives.

    With raw honesty, she explains how she hit rock bottom at 25, found recovery, and developed her no-nonsense approach to mindset work.

    The conversation explores how our thoughts create our feelings, the importance of self-awareness, and why finding inner peace has become Jacqueline's definition of success after 22 years of sobriety.

    In This Episode

    00:01:35 - Introduction and background

    00:03:35 - Early struggles with addiction

    00:05:25 - Parenting impact without blame

    00:10:00 - Mindset management philosophy

    00:22:15 - Fight or flight responses

    00:29:10 - Rock bottom and turning point

    00:30:10 - Recovery through meetings

    00:39:35 - Thought patterns vs feelings

    00:49:10 - Relationships and emotional intelligence

    00:53:25 - Common limiting beliefs

    00:55:40 - Self-awareness techniques

    01:00:00 - Peace as true success 01:08:15 - Last days and legacy

    About Jacqueline Hurst

    Jacqueline Hurst is one of the UK's leading life coaches, a mindset expert and author of "How to Do You". After overcoming severe addiction issues and hitting rock bottom at age 25, she transformed her life and has now been clean for 22 years. Her straight-talking approach has helped over 9,000 clients break free from limiting beliefs and take control of their minds.

  • In this captivating episode of Dental Leaders, Payman sits down with specialist endodontist Ammar Al Hourani. Born in Syria and raised in Scotland, Ammar shares his journey from reluctant dental student to passionate endodontics specialist.

    The conversation weaves through his life-changing experiences in refugee camps, the challenges of specialist training, and his current success running courses in the UK and India.

    Throughout the discussion, Ammar offers valuable clinical insights on everything from diagnosis to obturation while reflecting on the importance of listening to one's gut instinct in both clinical practice and life.

    In This Episode

    00:01:55 - Scottish upbringing and cultural identity

    00:04:55 - Path to dentistry

    00:14:45 - Refugee camp experiences

    00:22:25 - Endodontic specialisation journey

    00:27:35 - Imposter syndrome and building a practice

    00:33:50 - Endodontic diagnosis tips

    00:36:15 - Access cavity preparation

    00:38:05 - Irrigation techniques

    00:41:35 - File systems and obturation

    00:45:40 - Coronal seal importance

    00:49:50 - Managing cracked teeth

    00:55:00 - Internal whitening techniques

    01:03:40 - NHS dentistry challenges

    01:08:40 - Continuing education courses

    01:28:10 - Blackbox thinking

    01:36:45 - Fantasy dinner party

    About Ammar Al Hourani

    Ammar Al Hourani is a specialist endodontist based in London. Originally from Syria but raised in Scotland, he completed his specialist training at Liverpool after working in various clinical settings. He now divides his time between clinical practice at multiple locations and teaching through "The Endo Guy," offering courses in both the UK and India.

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  • In this Dental Leaders episode, Payman sits down with Sam Cope, a dentist whose journey to dentistry began in physiotherapy.

    Known for his focus on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, Sam discusses the habits that keep his clinical days finely tuned, the influence of mentors, and his obsession with detail. He reflects on how his background in physio shaped his approach to patient care, back health, and long-term sustainability in dentistry.

    The conversation ranges from composite techniques and mental health to happiness, burnout, and redefining success. Honest, introspective, and often unexpectedly profound, this is an episode that challenges what it means to thrive in modern dentistry.

    In This Episode

    00:01:00 – Daily habits and preparation

    00:13:00 – Mentorship and clinical growth

    00:25:00 – Blackbox thinking: Mistakes & lessons

    00:35:00 – From physio to dentistry

    00:47:00 – Adversity and inner drive

    00:58:00 – Mental health and fulfilment

    01:10:00 – Dentistry, stress and back pain

    01:23:00 – Work-life balance philosophy

    01:36:00 – Living below your means

    01:48:00 – Fantasy dinner party guests

    About Sam Cope

    Sam Cope is a minimally invasive cosmetic dentist based at Love Teeth, known for his highly refined clinical systems and patient-focused care. Originally trained as a physiotherapist, he transitioned into dentistry after discovering a passion for aesthetic and restorative treatment. Sam combines his love for detail with a strong belief in reflection, mentorship, and doing fewer things, better.

  • Sarovi Davda, a general dentist with a special interest in periodontics, joins Payman for an insightful conversation about the evolution of periodontal treatment and the art of balancing professional expertise with personal growth.

    From her journey through dental school to establishing herself as a medico-legal expert witness, Sarovi shares candid reflections on career choices, parenthood, and divorce. Her passion for periodontics combines technical skill with psychological understanding, emphasising how patient motivation transforms treatment outcomes.

    Throughout the episode, Sarovi's spiritual outlook provides a refreshing perspective on finding meaning in dentistry and life beyond clinical practice.

    In This Episode

    00:01:40 - Practice limitation to periodontics and medico-legal work

    00:05:35 - Childhood and education journey

    00:09:35 - Balancing career with parenthood

    00:10:25 - Navigating divorce and personal growth

    00:17:45 - Dental school experiences

    00:26:20 - Discovering a passion for periodontics

    00:32:50 - Clinical prognosis in periodontics

    00:39:00 - Interdental brushing vs flossing debate

    00:43:50 - Medico-legal expert witness work

    00:51:20 - Preventing periodontal litigation

    01:14:15 - Blackbox thinking

    01:27:50 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:32:45 - Last days and legacy

    About Sarovi Davda

    Sarovi Davda is a general dentist whose practice is now completely limited to periodontics and medico-legal expert witness work. After completing her MSc in Restorative Dental Practice at the Eastman, she developed her expertise in periodontics under the mentorship of respected periodontists Phil Ower and Graham Smart. Sarovi divides her time equally between clinical periodontics and serving as an independent expert witness, bringing her evidence-based approach to both areas of her practice.

  • In this captivating episode, Payman Langroudi sits down with Bhavnish Waghela, owner of Natural Smiles practices in Leicester and Corby. Bhavnish shares his journey from NHS to private dentistry, discussing his philosophy of "Michelin-starred dentistry" and how his faith has guided significant business decisions.

    With refreshing candour, he explores the challenges of opening squat practices, his evolution as an implantologist, and the importance of balancing professional success with family life.

    Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Bhavnish reveals how his cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs have shaped his approach to dentistry and practice ownership.

    In This Episode

    00:01:00 - Practice ownership

    00:03:15 - Michelin-starred dentistry philosophy

    00:05:30 - Patient experience and team training

    00:08:45 - Transitioning from NHS to private practice

    00:10:45 - Squat practice challenges

    00:15:35 - Community connections in Leicester

    00:17:35 - Faith's influence on business decisions

    00:24:45 - Questioning faith during difficult times

    00:27:15 - Work-life balance philosophy

    00:30:05 - Early life and dental education

    00:35:35 - First job experiences

    00:40:00 - Journey into implantology

    00:46:35 - Surgical temperament in implantology

    00:51:50 - Soft tissue management in implants

    00:56:00 - Digital guided surgery adoption

    01:01:40 - All-on-four marketing approach

    01:02:30 - Blackbox thinking

    01:09:10 - Associate selection and management

    01:18:20 - Future plans and potential retirement

    01:20:35 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:25:25 - Last days and legacy

    About Bhavnish Waghela

    Bhavnish Waghela is the owner of Natural Smiles dental practices in Leicester and Corby. With nearly 30 years in dentistry, he transitioned from NHS to private practice, focusing primarily on implant and restorative dentistry. Deeply connected to his Hindu faith and Indian heritage, Bhavnish balances his professional life with community involvement and family priorities.

  • In this captivating conversation, young dentist Sarina Kiani shares her journey from GSK dental rep to working in two of London's most prestigious practices. Her remarkable story is one of resilience, authenticity and quiet confidence.

    From knocking on 120 practice doors to secure her first private position to navigating challenges as a newly qualified dentist in high-end clinics, Sarina offers refreshing insights into building a successful career while maintaining mental wellbeing.

    Her philosophy of finding joy in small everyday moments and not tying self-worth to professional achievements resonates throughout this honest and engaging discussion about dentistry, personal growth, and the importance of being yourself.

    In This Episode

    00:01:25 - Introduction to Sarina Kiani

    00:01:35 - Landing prestigious jobs at Mehdi's and Rhona's practices

    00:04:35 - Working as a dental nurse during COVID

    00:07:10 - Journey to becoming a dentist

    00:10:40 - Resilience and not taking no for an answer

    00:13:50 - Source of resilience - her mother's story

    00:19:10 - Identity tied to academic performance

    00:23:45 - Quietly confident personality

    00:27:20 - Challenges of dental school

    00:31:35 - First jobs after graduation

    00:43:15 - Getting a job through persistence

    00:46:15 - Receptionists as gatekeepers

    00:54:50 - Painless injections as practice builder

    01:04:00 - Blackbox thinking

    01:16:20 - Social media as marketing

    01:24:25 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:30:05 - Last days and legacy

    About Sarina Kiani

    Sarina Kiani is a young dentist working in two prestigious London practices - Mehdi's Refreshed Dental in Twickenham and Rhona's Chelsea Dental Clinic. After working as a GSK dental rep, she pursued dentistry at King's College London, demonstrating remarkable persistence through multiple application rejections. With a philosophy centered on authenticity and understanding the human side of patient care, she's quickly established herself as a rising talent in private dentistry.

  • In this compelling episode of Mind Movers, Rhona Eskander sits down with Dr Philippa Kaye, a GP, author, and menopause expert who's become a powerful voice in medical communication.

    Their honest conversation traverses the landscape of women's health, from medical misogyny to the science of menopause.

    Dr Kaye shares her personal cancer journey with raw vulnerability, offering profound insights on resilience and self-discovery.

    The discussion challenges societal stigmas and highlights how historical biases continue to shape women's healthcare experiences today.

    In This Episode

    00:01:40 - Early life and medical career

    00:03:35 - The power of medical communication

    00:06:35 - Comparing dentistry and medicine as career paths

    00:12:40 - Medical misogyny and gender health gap

    00:21:05 - The origin of "hysteria" and medical sexism

    00:24:20 - Mind-body connection in medicine

    00:29:05 - Psychedelic medicine research

    00:33:55 - Personal cancer journey

    00:43:15 - Cancer rates and prevention

    00:47:40 - The pursuit of happiness vs. suffering for goals

    00:49:45 - Weight loss medications in society

    00:55:50 - Body image and societal standards

    01:05:25 - Menopause science and education

    01:09:10 - Factors affecting menopause timing

    About Dr Philippa Kaye

    Dr Philippa Kaye is a practising GP, author, and prominent medical communicator who specialises in women's health and menopause education. With her background from Cambridge and King's College London, she divides her time between clinical practice and media work, where she translates complex medical information into accessible language for millions through television appearances and books including "The Science of Menopause."

  • Payman chats with three dental professionals from mydentist—Claire Stenhouse, Parin Shah, and Alyssia Willis—each offering a unique perspective on working within a corporate dental environment. Claire shares how she expanded her role as a hygiene therapist into whitening and restorative procedures, while Parin reflects on her journey from owning a practice in India to adapting to the UK system. Alyssia discusses her transition from dental nursing to therapy and the opportunities available within corporate dentistry. The discussion covers corporate autonomy, misconceptions about working in a large organisation, handling patient complaints, career growth, and the evolving role of therapists. The trio also discuss clinical mistakes, managing work-life balance, and their thoughts on the future of corporate dentistry.

    In This Episode

    00:01:00 - Introduction to corporate dentistry

    00:12:30 - Expanding hygiene therapist roles

    00:25:10 - Parin’s move from India

    00:37:45 - Balancing NHS and private

    00:48:30 - Blackbox thinking: Clinical mistakes

    01:00:15 - Handling difficult patients

    01:12:50 - Corporate dentistry evolution

    01:25:20 - Private vs corporate careers

    01:38:15 - Career impact and legacy

    01:50:30 - Fantasy dinner party guests

    About Claire Stenhouse, Parin Shah & Alyssia Willis

    Claire Stenhouse is a hygiene therapist at mydentist in Skegness, where she has expanded her role beyond hygiene to include whitening and restorative treatments.

    Parin Shah is a dentist who originally ran her own practice in India before moving to the UK. She shares insights on adapting to a new healthcare system and working within corporate dentistry.

    Alyssia Willis transitioned from dental nursing to therapy, demonstrating the career growth opportunities within mydentist. She is passionate about expanding the therapist’s role and mentoring others in the field.

  • In this episode of Dental Leaders, Payman welcomes Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, to discuss the realities of corporate dentistry, leadership, and the evolving role of clinicians in large-scale dental organisations. Nyree dispels common misconceptions about corporate dentistry, emphasising the balance between clinical freedom and structured support. She shares insights into the challenges of managing thousands of dentists, the importance of mentorship, and the shift toward large multi-chair supercentres. With a career spanning both clinical and executive roles, Nyree offers a candid look at the business of dentistry, the future of NHS and private care, and the changes shaping the next generation of dentists.

    In This Episode

    00:01:00 - Misconceptions about corporate dentistry

    00:02:30 - Clinical freedom vs. strategic partnerships in corporates

    00:05:00 - Compliance, autonomy, and decision-making within mydentist.

    00:07:40 - Balancing corporate goals with clinical priorities

    00:09:30 - Private equity misconceptions: “Buy one, get one free” on fillings?!

    00:14:15 - The reality of NHS patient numbers and service demand

    00:17:30 - The 50/50 NHS-private revenue split and future of NHS care

    00:21:15 - Recruitment challenges, overseas hiring, and finding the right dentists

    00:25:50 - The rise of multi-chair supercentres and the shift from small practices

    00:28:00 - Blackbox thinking: handling mistakes and improving patient care

    00:35:30 - Managing the pressures of large-scale corporate dentistry

    00:38:00 - Last days and legacy: Nyree’s reflections on career impact

    00:45:10 - Fantasy dinner party: who would Nyree invite?

    About Nyree Whitley

    Nyree Whitley is the Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, overseeing clinical standards, development, and strategy for one of the UK’s largest dental groups. With a background in both clinical practice and executive leadership, she has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate dentistry, balancing the needs of clinicians with the operational goals of a nationwide brand. A passionate advocate for mentorship and professional growth, Nyree is committed to ensuring that dentists—whether newly qualified or experienced—have the right support, training, and opportunities to thrive.

  • Georgia Meacham opens up about her journey as a deaf model and actress, sharing her transformation from hiding her hearing aids to becoming a proud advocate for disability visibility.

    Through honest conversation with Rhona and Payman, Georgia reveals how embracing her identity has improved her mental health and inspired others. Her story touches on themes of authenticity, representation in media, and the importance of normalising difference in society.

    In This Episode

    00:01:35 - Early diagnosis and childhood experiences

    00:03:30 - Navigating mainstream education

    00:05:05 - Speech therapy and communication development

    00:07:00 - Family support and building confidence

    00:16:15 - Hidden struggles and career challenges

    00:25:10 - Mental health transformation

    00:31:00 - Discussion on privilege and responsibility

    00:41:35 - Breaking into modelling and managing rejection

    00:44:45 - Technology and accessibility in healthcare

    00:53:35 - Moments of feeling truly understood

    00:57:05 - Supporting the deaf community

    01:00:45 - Final thoughts on vulnerability and connection

    About Georgia Meacham

    Georgia Meacham is a model and actress who was diagnosed as deaf at 16 months old. Standing at six feet tall, she has worked in both commercial and catwalk modelling for nearly a decade. After years of hiding her hearing aids, Georgia has become a powerful advocate for disability visibility and mental health awareness, using her platform to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves.

  • In this deeply moving episode, Sharon Walsh shares her journey from being a successful private practice owner to experiencing a devastating personal and professional crisis that led to practice loss, divorce, alcoholism, and a seven-year GDC case.

    With remarkable candour, she discusses her path to recovery, spiritual awakening, and finding meaning beyond material success.

    Her story is one of resilience, acceptance, and the profound understanding that sometimes we must be completely broken to discover our true selves.

    In This Episode

    00:01:05 - Career beginnings and building a private practice

    00:03:40 - Practice dynamics and associate challenges

    00:07:05 - Passion for dentistry and professional development

    00:12:50 - The catalyst for breakdown

    00:15:00 - Mental health crisis and practice loss

    00:20:15 - Descent into alcoholism

    00:24:25 - Marriage breakdown and personal struggles

    00:47:50 - Homelessness and hitting rock bottom

    00:49:20 - Recovery and spiritual awakening

    00:56:35 - Blackbox thinking

    01:00:50 - The loneliness of dentistry

    01:06:10 - Fantasy dinner party guests

    01:13:00 - Last days and legacy

    About Sharon Walsh

    Sharon Walsh is a dentist who built a successful private practice near Rochdale after transforming it from "a shed" into a beautiful, patient-focused space.

    A passionate clinician with expertise in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics, she worked alongside some of UK dentistry's most respected figures.

    After experiencing a life-altering crisis in 2017, she has emerged with a deeper understanding of life's purpose and now shares her story to help others facing similar challenges.

  • From fleeing revolution-era Iran to building an eight-surgery practice in Norwich, Fariba Zolfaghari shares her remarkable journey of resilience and reinvention.

    Through arranged marriage, divorce, immigration, and starting over as a single mother, Fariba pursued her dental education in Sweden before establishing herself in the UK.

    She opens up about overcoming personal and professional challenges, including a difficult business partnership dissolution and bankruptcy, to emerge stronger.

    Today, she runs a thriving private practice while maintaining her passion for learning and digital dentistry.

    In This Episode

    00:01:50 - Backstory

    00:16:35 - Journey to Sweden as an asylum seeker

    00:19:35 - Dental education while raising two children

    00:41:35 - Starting practice in Norwich

    00:46:35 - Business partnership challenges

    00:57:25 - Navigating bankruptcy and rebuilding

    01:08:55 - Converting to private practice

    01:14:35 - Current practice focus and digital dentistry

    01:31:40 - Black box thinking

    01:37:35 - Fantasy dinner party guests

    About Fariba Zolfaghari

    Fariba is a dentist who qualified in Sweden in 1997 before moving to the UK, where she established her practice in Norwich in 2000.

    She holds a master's degree in orthodontics from Warwick University and has grown her practice into an eight-surgery facility.

    A champion of digital dentistry and continuing education, she focuses on orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth rehabilitation while mentoring younger dentists.

  • Nutritional scientist Dr Federica Amati shares her journey from aspiring medical student to becoming head nutritionist at Zoe.

    She discusses the importance of evidence-based nutrition, the challenges of public health communication, and the complexities of dietary advice in the age of social media.

    Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Amati emphasises the value of consistent, varied eating patterns and the critical role of prevention in public health.

    In This Episode

    00:00:25 - Introduction and early education background

    00:01:25 - Medical school aspirations and pivot to biomedical sciences

    00:08:25 - Career transition to public health and prevention

    00:16:25 - Journey through hospitality and marketing in New York

    00:21:45 - Return to academia and pursuing a PhD

    00:23:15 - Balancing motherhood with academic pursuits

    00:33:00 - Role at Zoe and nutrition science

    00:39:45 - Mediterranean diet and carbohydrate quality

    00:56:35 - Social media, nutrition misinformation, and professional responsibility

    01:08:35 - Perspectives on weight loss medication

    01:09:30 - Vision for the future of nutrition and public health

    About Federica Amati

    Dr Federica Amati is a nutrition scientist who holds a PhD in clinical medicine research and serves as the head nutritionist at Zoe. She combines her expertise in public health, medical science, and nutrition to promote evidence-based dietary advice. Currently, she holds a teaching role as the nutrition lead in the School of Medicine and works clinically as an AFN registered nutritionist.

  • Claire Nightingale, a consultant orthodontist and former practice owner, shares her remarkable journey through dentistry spanning over three decades.

    From her early experiences as a patient that sparked her interest in dentistry, through to her recent venture into stand-up comedy, Claire offers candid insights into practice ownership, clinical excellence, and embracing change in orthodontics.

    She discusses her transition from NHS to private practice, her pioneering adoption of Invisalign and digital dentistry, and her recent experience selling to a corporate group.

    In This Episode

    00:01:45 - Early career influences and becoming an orthodontist

    00:04:15 - Digital dentistry adoption and Invisalign journey

    00:09:35 - Evolution of aligner treatment

    00:12:15 - NHS training challenges and future of orthodontics

    00:33:25 - Practice ownership journey

    00:42:10 - Keys to running a successful business

    00:49:55 - Selling to a corporate group

    01:04:35 - Women's Dentist Network

    01:21:55 - Blackbox thinking

    01:24:00 - Life after practice sale

    01:57:15 - Stand-up comedy venture

    02:02:15 - Fantasy dinner party guests

    02:03:50 - Last days and legacy

    About Claire Nightingale

    Claire Nightingale is a consultant orthodontist at Watford General Hospital and private practitioner with over 25 years of specialist experience.

    A pioneer in digital orthodontics and remote monitoring, she successfully built and sold Queensgate Orthodontics while maintaining her NHS consultant role.

    Claire is actively involved in the Women's Dentist Network and recently embarked on a new chapter combining expert witness work with stand-up comedy.

  • In this engaging episode, longtime dental industry professional Joe Lovett shares his journey from his early days at FMC Publications to founding his own consulting business, Catalyst.

    He discusses the evolution of dental media, the importance of maintaining authentic relationships in business, and his passion for helping young dentists advance their careers.

    Through candid stories and reflections, Joe offers insights into corporate culture, ethical business practices, and the changing landscape of dental industry networking.

    In This Episode

    00:03:05 - Fitness and mental health

    00:07:40 - Business, sales and ethics

    00:10:50 - Early career

    00:24:30 - Fast Tracking Your Future

    00:33:50 - Dental and social media

    00:46:45 - Corporate culture

    00:56:50 - Consulting and relationship building

    01:17:35 - Career challenges and lessons learned

    01:24:10 - Looking ahead

    01:27:25 - Closing questions

    About Joe Lovett

    Joe Lovett is a prominent dental industry consultant and founder of Catalyst, specialising in helping international dental companies enter the UK market and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.

    With nearly two decades of experience in dental media and business development, beginning at FMC Publications in 2008, Joe has established himself as a trusted advisor and connector within the dental community.

  • After building a successful hospitality empire in London, including venues like Rum Kitchen and Island Poké, Alex Potter found himself feeling empty—despite external success.

    A profound spiritual awakening led him to leave his business empire and divorce, embarking on a path of self-discovery through breathwork, plant medicine, and coaching.

    Now, through his company Kaizn, he helps leaders reconnect with their authentic selves through innovative retreats and coaching programmes that blend ancient wisdom with modern practices.

    In This Episode

    00:00:40 - Early life and acting career

    00:05:35 - First entrepreneurial ventures in nightlife

    00:23:00 - Building the hospitality empire

    00:31:25 - Spiritual awakening through breathwork

    00:39:35 - Transitioning away from business success

    00:54:15 - Understanding Internal Family Systems

    01:10:15 - Rites of passage

    01:21:35 - The Kaizn approach to transformation

    01:24:25 - Holistic healing versus traditional therapy

    01:27:55 - Connecting with the inner child

    About Alex Potter

    A London native and former actor turned hospitality entrepreneur, Alex Potter built and ran multiple successful venues, including Rum Kitchen, Island Poké, and Ping.

    After experiencing burnout and a spiritual awakening, he trained extensively in coaching, breathwork, and plant medicine.

    Today, he runs Kaizn, an interdisciplinary coaching company specialising in transformative experiences and retreats.

  • Riaz Sharif shares his incredible journey from growing up in the foster care system to becoming a successful dental professional. He opens up about the challenges of his childhood as an orphan, his determination to pursue dentistry despite numerous setbacks, and his experiences studying abroad in Hungary and Slovakia.

    In This Episode

    00:01:55 - Backstory

    00:08:35 - Boxing

    00:13:45 - Study

    00:19:00 - Personal challenges

    00:24:25 - Return to the UK

    00:29:10 -Social media presence and marketing

    00:47:45 - Blackbox thinking

    00:56:30 - Aspirations

    01.03.40 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:09:15 - Last days and legacy

    About Riaz Sharif

    Riaz Sharif is a UK-based dentist and finalist for multiple industry awards, including the Private Dentistry Awards. Riaz brings a unique perspective to dentistry shaped by his background in boxing and personal training, along with his commitment to mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.

  • In this solo episode of the Dental Leaders podcast, Prav Solanki reflects on the past year and shares his plans for 2025, focusing on personal growth, public speaking, and health and wellness.

    He discusses the challenges faced by dental practices in marketing and competition, emphasizing the importance of a robust sales process and conversion strategies.

    Prav highlights niche marketing opportunities, particularly for nervous patients and children's orthodontics, and predicts a positive trend in dental practice acquisitions for the coming year. He concludes with insights on evidence-based wellness and the importance of foundational health practices.

    In This Episode

    00:00 - Planning for 2025
    05:42 - Dental Marketing and Competition
    12:45 - Sales Process & Conversion Strategies
    19:03 - Niche Marketing
    26:37 - Future Trends in Dental Practice Acquisitions
    34:12 - Evidence-Based Wellness and Health Goals

    About Prav Solanki

    Prav Solanki is a marketing scientist and dental growth specialist who has supported countless dental professionals and organisations to achieve stellar growth.

    He is a co-owner and director of IAS Academy and founder of The Fresh, the UK's leading dental growth and marketing agency.

    His latest project, Leadflo, is described as the world's most advanced CRM for dental clinics.

  • Dentist and legal expert Simon Thackeray discusses his route from NHS to private practice, his involvement in dental politics, and his role as a founder member of BAPD (British Association of Private Dentistry).

    He offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by private dentists during COVID-19 and shares candid thoughts about the profession's future direction.

    The discussion covers everything from practice management and patient care to broader societal issues affecting dentistry.

    In This Episode

    02:00 - Backstory

    03:35 - BAPD formation

    07:45 - COVID - international approaches

    13:35 - NHS dentistry

    21:25 - Class and social mobility

    31:30 - Legislation and governance

    42:10 - Young dentists and private practice

    52:15 - Career and practice ownership

    54:35 - From NHS to private practice

    1:14:00 - Commoditisation and ethics

    1:21:45 - Education and public messaging

    1:26:35 - Blackbox thinking

    1:32:00 - Closing questions

    About Simon Thackeray

    Simon Thackeray is a prominent private dentist based in Mansfield who holds a master's degree in law and serves as a founder member of the British Association of Private Dentists (BAPD), which he helped establish during the COVID-19 pandemic. After qualifying in 1991, he worked in several NHS practices before purchasing his own practice and transitioning to fully private care in 2006.

  • Dental students Lwai Almasri and Saif Mukadam discuss their journeys into dentistry, their experiences at King's College London, and their creation of the UK Dental Students network.

    The conversation covers Saif's unique path from professional football to dentistry, the challenges of dental school, and their ambitious plans for organising a "Top 50 Dental Students" event.

    They provide valuable insights into modern dental education, including the impact of online learning and the competitive nature of dental school.

    In This Episode

    01:30 - Backstory

    05:15 - Student life

    16:45 - Family background

    19:25 - Living in London

    24:15 - UK Dental Students Network

    31:25 - Clinical experience

    55:25 - Top 50 Dental Students plans1:

    20:00 - Goals and aspirations

    1:34:35 - Family and siblings

    About Lwai Almasri and Saif Mukadam

    Lwai Almasri is a third-year dental student at King's College London whose parents are both dentists. Saif Mukadam took an unconventional path to dentistry, first pursuing a career as a professional footballer at Walsall FC for two years before joining King's College London as a dental student, where he and Lwai co-founded the UK Dental Students network, now the largest community of dental students in the country.