Episodes

  • Hygienist Zara Shirvani discusses her unconventional journey from genetics via acting to dental hygiene.

    Zara geeks out on guided biofilm therapy and discusses her unique approach to patient care.

    She shares insights on the importance of dental teams working together, her experience across multiple practices, and her views on evolving hygiene techniques.

    The conversation also explores her Iranian heritage, future career aspirations, including facial aesthetics, and her perspectives on professional development in dentistry.

    In This Episode

    00:01:00 - Introduction and backstory

    00:14:30 - Studying at Eastman

    00:18:30 - The hygienist’s experience

    00:26:30 - Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

    00:36:30 - Iran

    00:41:35 - Working with dental nurses and practice dynamics

    00:51:50 - Blackbox thinking

    01:11:35 - Patient education and oral hygiene

    01:19:55 - Future career plans

    01:24:10 - Career and people skills

    01:26:15 - Fantasy dinner party guests and advice

    About Zara Shirvani

    Zara Shirvani is a London-based dental hygienist who graduated from the Eastman Dental Institute in 2019 after studying genetics at Swansea University. She works across multiple private practices, is an ambassador for guided biofilm therapy, and is currently pursuing training in facial aesthetics.

  • Alex Hadley reflects on his journey from NHS dentistry to a thriving private practice, sharing insights on transitioning between roles, managing complex implant cases, and building patient trust through strong communication.

    He highlights the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing work across multiple practices, and the impact of entering private dentistry on professional growth.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    00:01:10 - Introduction and background

    00:03:15 - Mentors and early experiences

    00:07:30 - NHS challenges

    00:11:50 - Transition to private dentistry

    00:18:30 - Managing multiple practices

    00:25:00 - Insights on implant dentistry

    00:32:10 - Value of mentorship

    00:42:35 - Approach to complex cases

    00:57:00 - Challenges in patient communication

    1:11:40 - Future plans and teaching aspirations

    01:37:10 - Reflections and advice

    About Alex Hadley

    Alex Hadley is a private dentist with expertise in restorative and implant dentistry.

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  • Dooroo Ihm shares his journey from growing up in South Korea to practising dentistry across Europe and eventually settling in London. He discusses his unique career path, the value of listening to patients, and the importance of patient-first care. Dooroo also reflects on navigating different healthcare systems, the challenges of moving internationally, and his passion for both technical excellence and patient communication.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    00:00:05 - Patient communication & first impressions
    00:01:15 - Introduction and background
    00:02:00 - Comparing South Korean and UK dentistry
    00:03:30 - High-tech approaches in South Korea
    00:06:00 - Moving to Germany for school
    00:12:00 - Studying dentistry in Hungary
    00:18:05 - Starting work in Ireland
    00:23:15 - Lessons from a mentor in Ireland
    00:28:10 - Transitioning to practice in London
    00:32:25 - Specialising in endodontics
    00:35:50 - Studying periodontics at Eastman
    00:42:00 - Reflecting on patient care and ethics

    About Dooroo Ihm

    Dooroo Ihm is a London-based dentist known for his expertise in endodontics and periodontics. Originally from South Korea, Dooroo has practised in several countries, developing a patient-first philosophy and commitment to comprehensive care.

  • Steffen Decker shares his journey from adult orthodontics to a focus on paediatric and interceptive orthodontics, emphasising the importance of early intervention. He discusses the benefits of clear aligners for young children, how early treatment impacts overall health, and his belief in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to airway health. Steffen also reflects on the changes in orthodontics, advocating for education, and the significance of functional occlusion.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    00:00:05 - Combining orthodontic techniques
    00:01:00 - Introduction and background
    00:03:15 - Partnering with restorative dentists
    00:05:40 - Shifting focus to children’s orthodontics
    00:09:25 - Clear aligners for kids
    00:14:15 - Health benefits of early orthodontics
    00:19:50 - Changes in orthodontics
    00:22:35 - Addressing airway and sleep issues
    00:28:10 - Key growth markers in kids
    00:34:00 - Training dentists on early intervention
    00:43:05 - Preventing alignment issues early

    About Steffen Decker

    Steffen Decker is a renowned orthodontist known for his work in paediatric and interceptive orthodontics. Originally trained in adult orthodontics, he now focuses on early intervention for children and collaborates with other health professionals to improve airway health. Steffen is passionate about functional occlusion and advocates for greater education in the field.

  • Polly Bhambra, co-owner of the Tri Dental group, shares her journey from dental nurse to overseeing ten dental practices in the West Midlands. She discusses the importance of empowering dental nurses, creating a respectful work environment, and the challenges and rewards of managing a large team. Polly also talks about her family’s entrepreneurial background and the balancing act of building a dental group while raising a family.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    00:00:05 - Introduction and background
    00:01:10 - Empowering dental nurses
    00:04:00 - Career progression and training for staff
    00:07:45 - Managing change and overcoming resistance
    00:13:00 - Ideal practice model for growth
    00:17:45 - Handling a large team
    00:20:00 - Hiring and firing strategies
    00:25:30 - Supporting associates
    00:30:00 - Family influences and work-life balance
    00:34:00 - Expansion plans and building a legacy

    About Polly Bhambra

    Polly Bhambra is a co-owner of Tri Dental, a group of ten practices in the West Midlands. Starting her career as a dental nurse, Polly now leads a large team, focusing on growth, staff development, and patient care. She is known for her commitment to creating a respectful and empowering workplace.

  • James Morrison shares his journey from NHS dentistry to becoming a private cosmetic dentist in Bristol. He discusses the shift to cosmetic work during COVID-19, challenges in managing patient expectations, and insights on the evolving role of social media in dentistry.

    James opens up about his rare muscular condition and how it influenced his approach to work-life balance. He also shares valuable tips on patient communication and his streamlined consultation process.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    00:01:10 - Introduction and background
    00:01:45 - Transition to cosmetic dentistry
    00:02:55 - Handling patient expectations
    00:03:45 - Differences in patient demographics
    00:06:15 - Impact of social media
    00:09:00 - Streamlined consultations
    00:20:15 - Adjusting work-life balance
    00:35:30 - Discovering muscular dystrophy symptoms
    00:37:00 - Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy
    00:41:00 - Navigating physical limitations in dentistry
    00:42:05 - Growing the practice via Instagram
    01:02:35 - Fantasy dinner party guests
    01:05:10 - Reflections and advice

    About James Morrison

    James Morrison is a Bristol-based cosmetic dentist specializing in composite bonding and Invisalign treatments. Transitioning from NHS to private practice, he leverages social media to connect with patients and continues to excel despite facing personal health challenges.

  • Rhona and Payman chat with Angus Pringle, a specialist orthodontist with a deep interest in mental health and suicide prevention.

    Angus shares his personal experiences with losing his brother to suicide. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the dental profession, touching on the need for compassion, open dialogue, and better support systems within the dental community and beyond.

    In This Episode

    00:02:35 - Cycling challenge

    00:05:25 - Safe spaces

    00:07:45 - Suicide, stigma, and mental health

    00:26:25 - GDC and mental health

    00:34:15 - Perfectionism

    00:41:35 - Politics and management

    00:43:55 - Supporting patients

    00:48:45 - Mental health language and conversations

    00:56:35 - The orthodontist’s perspective

    00:58:25 - Empathy and non-judgmental approaches

    01:04:35 - Egos and opinions

    About Angus Pringle

    Angus Pringle is a specialist orthodontist and mental health advocate practising in Winchester.

  • Former BACD president Andrew Chandrapal discusses his journey in dentistry, from his early days balancing dental school with music aspirations to becoming a respected clinician and educator.

    He shares insights on the value of humility in dentistry, the impact of social media on patient expectations, and the significance of building trust with patients.

    He also reflects on his experiences with the BACD and his approach to teaching.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    00:02:55 - Early years

    00:05:35 - Personal loss

    00:07:35 - Dentistry Vs music career

    00:09:40 - Ego and humility

    00:16:50 - Social media

    00:23:55 - Treatment planning and patient communication

    00:31:30 - Full mouth rehabilitation

    00:47:50 - Blackbox thinking

    00:55:05 - Teaching and education

    01:16:35 - BACD

    01:22:20 - Quick-fire questions

    01:27:25 - Fantasy dinner party

    About Andrew Chandrapal

    Andrew Chandrapal is an aesthetic and restorative dentist and former president of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).

  • Payman Langroudi sits down with Dr. Zohaib Ali, a specialist prosthodontist and leader in the bio-emulation movement in the UK.

    They discuss Dr. Ali's journey in dentistry, his experiences with various dental techniques and technologies, and his thoughts on education and patient care.

    The conversation covers everything from the challenges of NHS dentistry to the importance of clear communication with patients and the future of digital dentistry.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    00:02:35 - Bio-emulative dentistry

    00:07:15 - From Ireland to the UK

    00:11:55 - Dental education

    00:16:35 - Injection moulding techniques

    00:21:25 - Financial crisis

    00:24:35 - Specialisation

    00:29:55 - Mental health awareness in dentistry

    00:38:35 - Education, communication, and patient autonomy

    00:49:50 - New technologies

    00:54:55 - Responsibility

    01:00:25 - Education: quality and variety

    01:11:50 - Patient communication and treatment planning

    01:19:35 - The Bio-emulation symposium

    01:53:05 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:54:30 - Last days and legacy

    About Zohaib Ali

    Zohaib Ali is a specialist prosthodontist interested in bio-emulative dentistry.

  • Dr Devinia Lavan-Iswaran (known as Coco) shares her inspiring journey from surviving domestic abuse to rediscovering herself and thriving as a dentist and mentor.

    She discusses her multicultural upbringing, experiences in boarding school, and how she rebuilt her life and career after leaving an abusive marriage.

    Coco offers insights into resilience, the importance of self-worth, and her passion for helping others through dentistry and charitable work.

    In This Episode

    00:05:00 - Backstory

    00:13:35 - Boarding school

    00:24:05 - Study

    00:26:50 - Early career

    00:39:35 - Marriage, abuse and turning point

    01:00:30 - Rebuilding

    01:09:35 - Finding joy in dentistry

    01:19:15 - Creating positive experiences for patients

    01:25:45 - Blackbox thinking

    01:29:10 - Charity work

    01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party

    About Coco

    Coco qualified from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1995. She currently works in private practice in Holborn, London.

  • Payman Langroudi meets Awaz Sharief, a young dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics.

    Awaz shares her journey, personal challenges, and innovative approach to minimally invasive endodontics treatments.

    The conversation covers clinical techniques, personal growth, faith, and the importance of emotional awareness.

    In This Episode

    00:02:24 - Pulpotomy approach

    00:05:35 - Back story

    00:21:25 - Faith, belief, and finding meaning

    00:24:35 - Personal growth

    00:31:55 - Narcissism and emotional suppression

    00:37:35 - Dentistry and teaching

    00:43:45 - Work-life balance

    00:55:50 - Women in dental education

    01:01:10 - Fantasy dinner party and life advice

    About Awaz Sharief

    Awaz Sharief is a Greater Manchester-based dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics.

  • In this insightful episode, Dru Shah, a specialist periodontist and founder of the Dentinal Tubules network, discusses the state of dental education, personal growth, and the challenges facing the dental profession.

    He shares his views on leadership, the importance of trust in dentistry, and the need for a more patient-centric approach. Dru also touches on broader societal issues, including multiculturalism and social integration.

    In This Episode

    00:02:00 - Authenticity

    00:04:35 - Reading and learning

    00:07:10 - Repetition

    00:08:35 - The challenge of engagement

    00:16:35 - Learning styles

    00:22:50 - Dentinal Tubules

    00:25:55 - CPD and commoditisation

    00:29:25 - Relationship-building

    00:35:25 - Leadership and team management

    00:41:35 - Awards and humility

    00:44:45 - AI learning

    00:52:50 - Career planning

    00:57:50 - Dentinal Tubules Congress and future plans

    01:03:55 - Unrest in the UK

    01:15:55 - Multiculturalism, integration and breaking down barriers

    About Dru Shah

    Dhru is a specialist in periodontics and the CEO of Dentinal Tubules, an online training platform for dentists across the globe.

  • Rhona and Payman chat with Levi Levenfiche, co-founder of PerfectTed, Europe's first matcha-powered energy drink company.

    Levi shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges of starting a business with family members, the impact of appearing on Dragon's Den, and the rapid growth of PerfectTed.

    The conversation covers various aspects of running a start-up, from product development and marketing strategies to managing team dynamics and personal mental health.

    In This Episode

    00:01:10 - Backstory

    00:04:35 - PerfectTed origins

    00:18:35 - Dragon's Den

    00:27:20 - Product growth

    00:31:50 - Business and family

    00:37:35 - Marketing and brand building

    00:41:55 - Perfect Ted roadmap

    00:46:35 - Personal challenges

    00:51:20 - Hiring and managing a growing team

    00:56:50 - Thinking big

    01:04:50 - Dentistry and confidence

    01:06:35 - Business mistakes

    About Levi Levenfiche

    Levi Levenfiche is the co-founder and managing director of the PerfectTed organic matcha energy drink brand.

  • Payman Langroudi chats with Giovanni Martino, a young Italian dentist practising in the UK. Giovanni shares his journey from studying dentistry in Italy to working in the NHS and private practice in the UK.

    Giovanni discusses the importance of continuing education, challenges and opportunities in dentistry and how his musical background has influenced his approach to dentistry.

    In This Episode

    00:03:55 - Background with the Delta Academy

    00:05:50 - Teaching and learning

    00:08:45 - Work and the UK

    00:14:00 - Music and dentistry

    00:21:10 - Patient communication

    00:28:25 - Study in Italy and Spain

    00:37:35 - DJing

    00:43:00 - Fatherhood

    00:51:30 - UK Vs Italian dentistry

    00:57:55 - Unrest in the UK

    01:04:35 - Patient-driven orthodontics

    01:15:45 - Adhesive dentistry and "aha" moments

    01:25:25 - Thoughts on practice ownership

    01:37:35 - Standardization and corporate dentistry

    01:40:10 - Blackbox thinking

    01:44:20 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:45:54 - Last day and legacy

    About Dr Giovanni Martino

    Dr Giovanni Martino graduated with a Diploma in Dentistry from the University of L'Aquila, Italy, in 2017. He now practices in Bristol, UK.

  • Payman Langroudi chats with May Firoozmand, a young dentist who recently qualified from Bulgaria. May shares her journey into dentistry, her experiences studying abroad, and her perspective on life and service shaped by her Baha'i faith. The conversation covers topics ranging from her dental education in Bulgaria to her charitable work and future aspirations in dentistry.

    In This Episode

    00:02:35 - Faith

    00:07:35 - Family influence

    00:14:50 - Study

    00:19:20 - Oral surgery

    00:23:25 - Bulgaria

    00:29:35 - Charity and community

    00:43:40 - Faith and personal loss

    00:49:15 - Oral surgery career paths

    00:54:15 - Mentoring and support

    00:57:30 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:00:25 - Last days and legacy

    About May Firoozmand

    May Firoozmand graduated in May 2024 from the Medical University Varna with a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine).

  • Dr Tara recounts her journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming a leading voice in sexual education and empowerment.

    The professor and sex expert shares her personal experiences with marriage, divorce, and finding a fulfilling relationship, while also delving into topics such as sexual mindfulness, the impact of cultural norms on relationships, and the complexities of infidelity.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    00:02:00 - Background

    00:04:35 - Religion, culture and sexuality

    00:08:35 - Body neutrality and body image

    00:16:50 - Academia

    00:20:20 - Sexual chemistry

    00:26:25 - Divorce and healing

    00:31:30 - Relationships and monogamy

    00:41:00 - Sexual mindfulness

    00:45:45 - Pornography and ethics

    00:52:50 - Toxic masculinity

    00:57:20 - Celebs Go Dating

    01:06:35 - Infidelity

    01:25:50 - Future plans

    About Dr Tara

    Dr. Tara is a tenured professor at California State University Fullerton, where she teaches relational and sexual communication and quantitative research. She is also a researcher and appears as a sex expert on the TV show Celebs Go Dating. Dr Tara is also the host of the Luvbites by Dr Tara Podcast.

  • Payman meets Kunal Thakker, the founder of Tooth Club, a rapidly growing dental practice group in the UK.

    Kunal shares his journey from a career in banking to disrupting the dental industry, discussing his approach to creating a patient-centric experience, scaling a dental business, and the challenges of maintaining quality while expanding.

    He offers insights into his marketing strategies, recruitment practices, and the importance of company culture in building a successful dental group.

    In This Episode

    00:04:35 - Backstory

    00:09:50 - From finance to dentistry

    00:21:10 - Tooth Club

    00:25:25 - Setting up squats

    00:31:25 - Recruiting and retaining

    00:37:35 - Measuring success

    00:43:00 - Painless injections

    00:49:55 - Management and structure

    00:57:30 - Marketing

    01:08:25 - Ethics and motivation

    01:25:35 - Blackbox thinking

    01:27:20 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:28:20 - Last days and legacy

    About Kunal Thakker

    Kunal Thakker is a former executive director at Goldman Sachs and the founder of Tooth Club—a membership-based chain of dental practices.

  • Payman Langroudi chats with Mark Allan, General Manager of Bupa Dental Care. Mark shares insights into leading one of the UK’s largest private healthcare organisations, discusses current challenges and opportunities in the dental industry, and offers valuable leadership advice.

    The conversation touches on corporate dentistry, talent acquisition, the importance of listening to frontline staff, and how tech is shaping the industry’s future.

    In This Episode

    00:00:55 - Dentistry—first impressions

    00:06:00 - Bupa's brand, reputation and impact

    00:10:30 - Organisation and structure

    00:14:15 - Recruitment and career progression

    00:24:50 - Frontline staff and corporate strategies

    00:28:35 - Dental insurance

    00:33:55 - Leadership approach

    00:38:35 - Work-life balance

    00:47:45 - Bupa's acquisitions and strategy

    00:52:50 - Data and AI

    01:06:35 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:14:35 - Last days and legacy

    About Mark Allan

    Mark Allan is the General Manager of Bupa Dental Care. Prior to this role, he served as General Manager for Business & Specialist Products in Bupa's UK Insurance business, responsible for the commercial leadership of business & specialist products, SME and corporate channels for private medical and dental insurance.

  • Manrina Rhode recounts her journey from practice fresh from dental school in high-end London clinics to owner and CEO of the upscale DRMR practice and medical skincare line.

    She discusses her experiences in cosmetic dentistry, teaching, product development, and practice management. Dr. Rhode also opens up about personal challenges, including divorce and loss, and how these experiences have shaped her both personally and professionally.

    In This Episode

    00:01:15 - Evolution of Veneers

    00:04:35 - Backstory and pursuing dentistry

    00:16:35 - Early career

    00:41:35 - Work ethic and generational differences

    00:54:50 - Personal Challenges

    01:07:00 - Practice ownership

    01:21:45 - Product development

    01:29:30 - Teaching and mentoring

    01:46:35 - Quick-fire questions

    01:50:50 - Fantasy dinner party

    01:51:50 - Last days and legacy

    About Manrina Rhode

    Manrina Rhode is a cosmetic dentist and founder of the DRMR dental clinic, aesthetic studio and medical skincare brand.

  • This week, we take a walk into the archives with a look back at an early conversation with a true dental leader.

    Andy Moore discusses balancing his stellar career with a healthy, happy home life, reveals the story behind his architecturally stunning practice, and gives a peek into hanging out with Richard Branson and Larry Page.

    Enjoy!

    In This Episode

    02:12 – The perfect environment for practice

    13: 07 – The power of delegating

    15:03 – Hiring process – an oft-overlooked trait

    18:43 – Achieving work-life balance

    25:21 – Getting into implants

    35:13 – A life-changing case

    47:05 – Teaching other dentists

    About Andrew Moore

    Andrew is a dentist, educator and owner of Advance Dental Clinic, which was given an award for design by the Royal Institute of British Architects.