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DENTOLOGY - The Business of Dentistry

DENTOLOGY - The Business of Dentistry

By Andy Acton and Chris Strevens

Andy and Chris discuss all things non-clinical in the dental world. Covering topics such as goodwill values, finance, marketing, how to buy and sell a dental practice, mindset, where to invest, team management issues, and many more!
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//Nicola Gore - Mentors E56

DENTOLOGY - The Business of DentistryAug 29, 2022

00:00
57:18
Brad Thornton - Personal & Business Growth E136

Brad Thornton - Personal & Business Growth E136

This week Chris and Andy chat with Brad Thornton, Principal of Ivory Dental Practice in Leeds and serial entrepreneur and investor.

Brad is no stranger to the Dentology podcast, having been a guest back in November 2021. 

In this latest episode he chats about entrepreneurship and balancing the need to stay at the forefront of clinical dentistry alongside developing broader business skills.

He shares his thoughts and advice on the importance of investing in non-clinical learning for both personal and business development. 

And finally, he talks about his recent achievement completing an MBA from the prestigious University College London, how this has supported him as a dental business owner and gives his top tips to anyone planning to buy a practice who may need to develop skills in this area.

 

Topics:

-  How do you define entrepreneurship?

-  How do you balance the need to ensure you stay at the forefront of clinical dentistry but also develop broader business skills?

- Does a lack of business competence make owning and running a practice more stressful?

- Why is investment in non-clinical learning important for your personal and business development?

- Your MBA achievement

-  How has this supported you in your role as practice owner?

- Any advice for those looking to buy a dental practice who feel they need to develop in this area?

- What are the most important skills for an entrepreneur to have?

Mar 25, 202433:46
Abhi Krishna - Imperfectly Perfect E135

Abhi Krishna - Imperfectly Perfect E135

This week Chris and Andy had the pleasure of chatting to Abhi Krishna, CEO of Carestack, the dental Practice Management Software company that has recently entered the UK market.

In this episode, Abhi talks about his childhood and growing up in India, his career and entrepreneurial journey and the stepping stones that led him to where he is now operating in the hi-tech and commercial world of the west.

He tells us more about Carestack, the problem it fixes in the UK dental sector and background to the strong company culture and vision. 

He also talks about the new tech such as AI that Carestack is harnessing to allow dentists to run more efficient dental practices, how clients (aka ‘partners’) are helping to develop the business and what he believes the future holds for Carestack.

 

Topics:

- Tell us about your childhood in India

- Your career journey & the stepping stones that led you to where you are today

- Carestack – what problem does it fix?

- The vision and culture of the business

- How is Carestack harnessing new tech to allow dentists to run more efficient dental practices?

- How do your clients (partners) help develop Carestack?

- What is imperfectly perfect?

- Why are you impatient?

- What one day in your life would you like to re-live?

- What does the future hold for Carestack?

- What does success look like for you?

- One learning from your entrepreneurial journey

Mar 18, 202401:06:36
Simon Thackeray - Saying it as it is E134

Simon Thackeray - Saying it as it is E134

This week’s guest is Simon Thackeray, Principal and Clinical Director of Thackeray Dental Care in Mansfield and Secretary of the British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD).

In this episode Simon chats about his childhood, the reasons why he decided to pursue a career in dentistry and talks about life as a practice owner having been running his own practice for some 27 years now.

Simon talks about why he decided to go fully private back in 2005, reflects on how since then, his practice has expanded and shares some of the learnings from his entrepreneurial journey.

He reflects on some of the key moments in his career where he’s seized opportunities, including his involvement in setting up the BAPD a few years ago.

Finally, he shares his thoughts on the future of dentistry, what things he would like to see change and how he feels social media could play a key role to advance the profession.


Topics:

 -        Tell us about your childhood and school years

-         Was dentistry always a calling for you from a young age?

-         Life as a practice owner

-         Your decision to go fully private back in 2005

-         Your learnings from your entrepreneurial journey

-         Any key moments where you took opportunities?

-         Your involvement in setting up the BAPD

-         What are your thoughts for the future of dentistry?

-         What one thing would you like to see change?

-         How do you see social media advancing the profession?

Mar 11, 202401:06:58
Lucie Simic - Obsess about Patient Loyalty E133

Lucie Simic - Obsess about Patient Loyalty E133

This week Andy and Chris welcome Lucie Simic to the Dentology Podcast.

Lucie is a well-known dental business consultant, trainer and speaker and has worked in the dental industry for nearly a decade, helping practices increase their turnover and deliver exceptional customer experience with five-star service.

In this episode she chats about her early career days working in journalism before moving over to work as a practice manager before moving on to undertake consultancy work with practices around the UK supporting them on their own journey.  Lucie shares her thoughts on how the role of a practice manager has changed over the years, how she feels the mood in dentistry is at present and considers the key things she believes practices need to focus on in 2024 to thrive.

Topics:

- Tell us about your childhood and your early career days as a broadcast and newspaper journalist

-  What did these industries teach you that’s proved to valuable transferable skills?

- Your first role in dentistry as a Practice Manager

-  How has this role since changed?

-  How do you gauge the mood in dentistry at present?

-  What is the key thing practices need to focus on in 2024 to thrive?

Mar 04, 202457:43
Ritesh Aggarwal 'Mentally Healthy Together' E132

Ritesh Aggarwal 'Mentally Healthy Together' E132

Our guest this week is Ritesh (Rick) Aggarwal, Principal dentist of Edge Dental in Sheffield and co-founder of Psynergy Mental Health, a business dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being culture of organisations.

In this episode he looks back on his early years and what his inspiration was for becoming a dentist.  He talks about the years he spent studying dentistry in Sheffield and how this time influenced his career path.

He goes on to explain more about his pathway to practice ownership and his ambitions to be a principal, as well as how he has created a positive culture within in his practice and how in part, this has led him to develop Psynergy Mental Health.

Finally, he tells Chris and Andy more about the links between a positive culture and mental health and the ways in which culture can be improved through a data driven approach.

Topics:

-  Your early years

-  What was your inspiration for becoming a dentist?

-  What was it like to study in Sheffield?

-  Tell us about your career pathway to practice ownership

-  How have you created a positive culture in your practice?

-  Development of Psynergy Mental Health

-  Is there a link between a positive culture and mental health?

-  Can culture be improved through a data driven approach?


Feb 26, 202401:03:03
Ashley Latter - Discuss fees with self-confidence E131

Ashley Latter - Discuss fees with self-confidence E131

This week we’re joined by Ashely Latter, author and experienced business trainer/coach.

Ashley has delivered over 34,000 hours of business coaching to the dental industry all over the world by coaching and developing their key salespeople and working with teams to develop sales and communication skills.

In this episode, Ashley talks about his early career and how he started working with dentists.

He reflects on his work as an author and in particular, proven techniques to discuss fees with self-confidence and sell dentistry ethically.

He shares key learnings from his entrepreneurial journey, talks about how the UK compares in terms of non-clinical aspects, and tells Chris and Andy more about his most recent book ‘The Practice Manager: Jugglers’ and how he believes the role of a Practice Manager has evolved today.

Topics:

-         Insights to your childhood and upbringing

-         Delivering your programme in 16 countries world-wide

-         Techniques to discuss fees with self-confidence

-         How to sell dentistry ethically?

-         Key learnings from your entrepreneurial journey

-         How does the UK compare?

-         Your most recent book

-         How has the role of a Practice Manager evolved?

Feb 19, 202430:23
Jonathan Webster - Reactivating Patients E130

Jonathan Webster - Reactivating Patients E130

This week Andy and Chris chat to Jonathan Webster, Managing Director of World of Mouth Marketing, a telemarketing business working solely with UK dental practices and dental groups.

In this episode, Jonathan chats about his early career days, how he started working in the world of direct marketing and telemarketing some 25 years ago and how this marketing approach has changed over the years. 

He talks about some of the global brands he has worked with during his career, shares his experience on how global brands differ from local businesses in terms of market positioning and considers if it is more complex today as a result of all the marketing channels available to us.

Finally, he shares more about the services offered by World of Mouth Marketing to UK dental practices and explains how this can make a big difference to a practice!

Topics:

- Your early work career and experience

-  Was direct marketing a different world when you started some 25 years ago?

- How do global brands differ from local businesses for market positioning?

- Has it got more complex today?

- Explain more about the services offered by World of Marketing

- How does this make a difference to a dental practice?

Feb 12, 202456:45
Bobby Bhandal - Design Your Own Future E129

Bobby Bhandal - Design Your Own Future E129

Our guest on the podcast this week is Dr Bobby Bhandal, founder of Avenue Dental Practice in Leamington Spa.

Bobby obtained his bachelor’s in dental surgery from the University of Birmingham in 2013 and is passionate about postgraduate education and training.  After university, he worked as an associate for approximately eight years, during which time he developed a specialist interest in implants and completed two years of dental implant training at the Campbell Academy.

In this episode he talks about those early career years and what drove him to move on from being an associate to designing his own squat practice.

He tells Chris and Andy about some of the highs and lows of his first year as a practice owner and explains about the course he now runs supporting others looking to follow a similar path.

 

Topics:

 Tell us about your time at Birmingham Dental School and your graduation in 2013

- Working as an associate and your specialist implant training

- Why did you move on?

- What led you to design your own squat?

- Almost one year on….how is it going?

- What are the non-clinical traits others would need to do something similar?

- Explain more about how you now help others follow a similar path

- What are the hard truths about owning a practice that associates might not understand?

Feb 05, 202448:60
Christina Radics - Living Through E128

Christina Radics - Living Through E128

This week we welcome Dr Christina Radics to the Dentology Podcast.

 

Christina is a Transformational Coach for dentists and dental professionals and a former practice owner.

 

Having started her dental journey in the early 2000’s, Christina talks to Chris and Andy about qualifying as a dentist in Sweden and her time at dental school before she decided to make the move to Spain to run her own practice. 

She talks openly about her experience as a practice owner, the impact ownership had on her own wellbeing and how this led to two periods of burnout, all of which prompted her to change her life and sell her practice. 

She shares some great tips on how others in similar situations can prevent burnout and shares her experience and insights on when it’s the right time to sell a dental practice.

Topics:

- Tell us more about your early dental career

- Did you get lots of hands-on experience at dental school?

- What was your motivation to live in Spain?

- How did practice ownership impact your own wellbeing?

- What was the build up to your periods of burnout?

- What prompted you change your life and sell your practice?

- Any tips for others on how to prevent burnout?

- Any insights for others on when to sell a practice?

Jan 29, 202456:36
Suganthan Mahalingam - More Than Words E127

Suganthan Mahalingam - More Than Words E127

Andy and Chris are joined this week by Dr Suganthan Mahalingam, a general dentist based in the London and Hertfordshire area.

In this episode, Suganthan talks about his work offering both NHS and private services to patients and his passion for writing.

He reflects on his childhood and how he decided on a career in dentistry despite always being more interested in words than numbers and science at school. 

And he goes on to talk about his passion for writing, shares his views on how the recent explosion of AI will influence copywriting going forward and explains more about the writing he loves to do that ranges from marketing messages to poetry and song lyrics!

Topics:

- Tell us about your childhood

- How did you decide on a career in dentistry?

- Explain more about your day to day work in a mixed practice in Hertfordshire

- What sort of writing interests you?

- The explosion of AI as a copywriting tool

- What sort of writing do you do?

- Within dentistry, is copywriting given the attention it deserves?

Jan 22, 202452:06
Tilly Houston - Your Network is Your Net Worth E126

Tilly Houston - Your Network is Your Net Worth E126

Andy and Chris are joined on the podcast this week by Dr Tilly Houston, general and cosmetic dentist and networker extraordinaire!

In this episode, Tilly talks about her family upbringing, her decision to become a dentist and her experience at dental school having only graduated from Bristol University in 2020.

She chats her involvement with the BACD and how thanks to this and the power of networking, she is now busy working across three different dental practices.

Finally, she goes on to talk about how she remains focused on adding to her still stack with courses and CPD and discusses the importance of communication when building a dental career.


Topics:

Tell us about your family upbringing and decision to become a dentist

- Your experience at dental school

- Your involvement with the BACD

- Current roles working across 3 practices

- Building a strong network 

- Courses and CPD

- The importance of communication when building a dental career

Jan 15, 202453:11
George Dandanov - My Digital Journey E125

George Dandanov - My Digital Journey E125

Our guest on Dentology this week is George Dandanov, dentist and founder of Smile Wide Ltd, a digital technology design company offering a high-quality and bespoke digital design service to dentists and dental professionals all across the UK and beyond.

In this episode George chats to Andy and Chris about his early career, having qualified as a dentist in Ukraine, moving to the UK and why he chose to settle in Newcastle.

He talks about his decision to set up his company, Smile Wide Ltd, during the covid lockdown, how this has grown over past few years and the work the company is now doing helping other dentists to achieve the results they want with their patients.

Finally, he goes on to talk about his plans for the future, where he sees his career progressing in the future and what’s next on the radar in terms of digital innovations!


Topics:

- Your early years

- Qualifying as a dentist in Ukraine

- Moving to the UK and settling in Newcastle

- Founding Smile Wide Ltd

- Explain how the company helps other dentists achieve results

- What’s next?

- Any plans for the future?

Jan 08, 202446:04
Happy New Year! E124

Happy New Year! E124

Happy New Year from the Dentology podcast team!


Jan 01, 202402:00
Merry Christmas from the Dentology Team E123

Merry Christmas from the Dentology Team E123

Merry Christmas from the Dentology Podcast Team!

Dec 25, 202302:09
Imaan Khalid - My Dental Community E122

Imaan Khalid - My Dental Community E122

Chris and Andy are joined this week by Imaan Khalid, dentist, BACD Young Membership Committee representative and General Secretary for the West Yorkshire BDA.

In this episode, Imaan talks about why she decided to follow a career in dentistry and what it was like finishing dental school in 2020 at the start of the covid pandemic.

She talks about her work in both general practice and hospitals, shares how these two experiences differed and the time she spends now supporting the BACD and Dentinal Tubules organisations.

She goes on to talk about what life is like as a young dentist, working as an associate in a mixed practice, and what her ambitions for the future are.

 

Topics:

- Why did you decide to follow a career in dentistry?

- Graduating in 2020 (the start of the covid pandemic)

- Working in general practice and hospital work

- Your commitment to the BACD and Dentinal Tubules

-  Life as a young, associate dentist

-  Tell us about your ambitions for the future

Dec 18, 202348:43
Shabnam Zai - Paying it Forward E121

Shabnam Zai - Paying it Forward E121

Our guest this week on Dentology is Shabnam Zai, co-founder of West House Dental, a private squat practice in Middlesex.

Shabnam talks to Chris and Andy about her childhood, her time at dental school and the reasons why she decided to study dentistry over everything else.

She talks about her early career working as an associate, her experience and the learnings gained along the way and the reasons why she decided to set up her own practice.

She tells us about the decision process she went through when deciding to become a practice owner, why she decided that the Pinner Memorial Park was the ideal location, and what the journey to practice ownership was truly like.

A great listen for all those looking to set up their own dream practice.

 

Topics:

- Tell us about your childhood

-  Why you chose to study dentistry

- Tell us about your associate career through to the decision to become a practice owner

- Your experience and learnings gained along the way

- Setting up a new practice

- The importance of location

- Being a practice owner

Dec 11, 202354:28
Gemma Barker - Very Public Relations E120

Gemma Barker - Very Public Relations E120

Andy and Chris are joined this week by Gemma Barker, founder and managing director of Barker PR.

As many of you will know, Gemma has been bravely documenting her breast cancer treatment and sharing her experiences with us all.

In this episode, she talks openly about her experiences, and everything she has had to contend with whilst being a wife, mum, multiple pet owner and business owner!

She talks about her work in the world of dentistry, how she started out her career, what the inspiration was to start her own company, Barker PR, and the many challenges she has faced along the way in the world of business.

Topics:

- Documenting your breast cancer treatment

- The reasons why you decided to record and share your experiences

- Pathway into dentistry

- What was the inspiration to start Barker PR?

- How tough did you find setting up a business from scratch?

- How do you manage the work/life balance?

- Dealing with your cancer diagnosis

Dec 04, 202357:11
Kaival Patel - The Kana Community E119

Kaival Patel - The Kana Community E119

Andy and Chris are joined this week by Kaival Patel, dentist and director of the Kana Health Group and Kana Dental Academy.

In this episode, Kaival chats to Chris and Andy about his dental career, working as an associate for the first seven years and completing a Masters in dental implants during that time.

He goes on to talk about his decision to buy his own practice – the first of many – and how he coped with the shift from being an associate to practice owner.

Kaival now owns a growing group of practices and leads a Dental Academy providing post-graduate diplomas so spends 100% of his time focusing on the businesses. He talks about his decision to step away from clinical work and the steps he had to take to get to where he is today.

A great episode – well worth a listen.

Topics:

- Your time at dental school and early career

- Your decision to buy your first practice

- The shift from associate to practice owner

- Why did you decide to step away from the clinical work?

- The stepping stones to get to where you are today

- Tell us about your current group of practices & the Dental Academy

Nov 27, 202354:16
Barry Oulton - The Confident Dentist E118

Barry Oulton - The Confident Dentist E118

Barry Oulton joins us this week on the podcast.

Barry is a dentist and leading inspirational business coach/mentor specialising in helping dental professionals bridge the communication gap.

Chris and Andy chat to Barry about his early career, what prompted him to study dentistry and look back on his career pathway through to practice ownership.  Barry has worked in both NHS and Private practices and having owned two practices, he has a wealth of experience to share.

Barry talks about his transition from associate to principal, reflects on how well he was prepared for the change and whether it was all he dreamt it would be.

He goes on to talk about his current coaching business, The Confident Dentist Academy, and the how the training he offers for both associates and practice owners.

Topics:

- A look back at your childhood

-  Studying dentistry at Leeds University

-  Tell us about your career pathway to practice ownership

-  How did you find the transition from associate to principal?

-  What did you enjoy most about owning a practice?

-  The Confident Dentist Academy

-  What advice would you give to improve someone’s communication skills?

Nov 20, 202301:02:56
Christian Henrici - The German Perspective E117

Christian Henrici - The German Perspective E117

This week Andy and Chris are joined by Christian Henrici, founder of Opti Health Consultancy, the largest dental consultancy in Germany.

In episode, Christian gives us an insight into his career, how he found himself working with the dental profession and his decision to set up the Opti Health Consultancy some 20 years ago. 

He outlines some of the key services the company offers to the German dental profession, reflects on how that offering has evolved over the years to match the market and talks about the Opti summer school programme that offers supports to the next generation of dental practice owners in the country.

Finally, he goes on to explain how the German market compares to the UK market and shares some interesting stats with Chris and Andy!

  

Topics:

-  Tell us about your background and career journey to date

-  How come you found yourself working with the dental profession?

-  Your decision to set up Opti 20 years ago.

-  Can you tell us the range of services you offer to the German dental profession?

-  Was there the existing demand for your services back then or did you create the market?

-  Market comparison: Germany v UK

-  Explain more about the OPTI Summer School programme designed to support the next generation of dental practice owners

Nov 13, 202301:04:16
//Victoria Sampson - Putting the Mouth Back in the Body E116

//Victoria Sampson - Putting the Mouth Back in the Body E116

Our guest this week is Dr Victoria Sampson, co-founder and principal at The Health Society in Mayfair, a multi-disciplinary health centre with oral health at its core and the first oral diagnostic centre in the world putting the mouth back in the body. 

Victoria chats to Chris and Andy about her inspiration for becoming a dentist and her dental school experience, having obtained her Bachelor in Dental Surgery from Barts and the London.

She talks about her career to date, her decision to move fully into private work, and the dental practice in Mayfair she has recently opened with her sister.  She explains what makes the practice different from others and reflects on what it’s like being a new practice owner.

She also talks about her decision to specialise in developing salivary diagnostics, microbiome testing and incorporating artificial intelligence into everyday care, an area in which she is now well-known both in the UK and worldwide.

 Topics:

 

- Was dentistry on the cards from a young age for you given you had your sister for inspiration?

- In what ways did you parents set you up for the person you are today?

- Is artistry featuring more heavily than ever before in dentistry?

- What was your dental school experience like?

- Was it a push (away from the NHS) and a pull towards private for you?

- Your work on the oral microbiome and salivary diagnostics.

- Where did you interest in this speciality area come from?

- Owning your practice, The Health Society.

Nov 08, 202352:53
//Nathan Welch - I Should Be So Lucky E115

//Nathan Welch - I Should Be So Lucky E115

Our guest this week is Nathan Welch, Practice Principal at Y Bont Faen Dental Centre.

Nathan chats to Chris and Andy about his career choice, why he settled on a career in dentistry and his time spent studying at Cardiff Dental School.

He goes on to talk his work, both private and NHS, and his decision to buy his practice back in 2021.

Having been a new practice owner for the past 2 years, Nathan talks about his time as a new owner, shares some of the many lessons/experiences he’s had to date and talks about his work as an educational supervisor for dental foundation training.

Finally, Nathan chats about his latest project setting up a new NHS squat practice and the activities that keep him busy away from dentistry.

Topics:

In what ways did you parents set you up for the person you are today?

If you had your time again would you still choose dentistry?

Time spent studying at dental school

- Becoming a practice owner in 2021

- What has practice ownership taught you so far?

- Being an educational supervisor for dental foundation training

- Tell us about your latest project, setting up a new NHS squat practice

- What keeps you busy away from dentistry?

Nov 08, 202353:33
//Cally Walker - Marketing Connections E114

//Cally Walker - Marketing Connections E114

Cally Walker, founder and director of Connect my Marketing joins us this week on the podcast. 

Cally is also a co-founder and director of Dental Mavericks, a UK based charity taking dentistry to areas where children and adults how no access such as Morocco, Lebanon and Greece.

In this episode, Cally talks about her career and marketing work with dental clients located in the USA, Canada and UK and chats about her experiences working remotely from her base in Malaga, Spain.

She tells Chris and Andy more about the data behind the marketing activities and campaigns she is working with her clients on, reflects on how she feels the use of social media has changed over the years and shares her thoughts on how she believes campaigns, and in particular dental marketing, will evolve in the future.

 

Topics:

-  What was your pathway into supporting dentists?

-  How come you have broadened your reach to both sides of the pond?

-  When Covid hit, were you more prepared for ‘remote working’?

-  Tell us about your marketing activities and campaigns.

-  What sort of data do you have?

-  What are the key areas dentists should focus on based on this data?

-  How have you seen the use of social media use change over the years?

-  How do you help your clients grow through increased conversions?

-  Do you see culture featuring more heavily in campaigns these days?

-  Where do you see the future of dental marketing going?

Nov 08, 202348:09
//Sam Jethwa - Sharing Knowledge E113

//Sam Jethwa - Sharing Knowledge E113

Our guest this week is Dr Sam Jethwa, award winning dentist and principal and founder of Bespoke Smile Cosmetic & Implant Clinic in Buckinghamshire. Sam is also Vice President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) and founder of the Bespoke Smile Academy.

Sam talks to Andy and Chris about his dental career journey and what inspired him to become a dentist - or more importantly, what inspired him to become an innovative cosmetic dentist delivering the highest level of aesthetic dentistry.

He chats about his years at dental school, how he spent his foundation year in Cornwall and his journey setting up the Bespoke Smile Academy in 2018, which now offers a full post-grad diploma, and also the Bespoke Smile Clinic in 2019.

Sam also chats about his positive use of social media, predominantly Instagram, to share details and information about his work.

Topics:

- Your early years

- Why did you become a dentist?

- Studying at Kings in London & your foundation year in Cornwall

- Setting up the Bespoke Smile Academy

- Starting the Bespoke Smile Clinic

- The Training Academy

- Are we moving more towards a profession of specialists?

- How do you find time away from your professional life to relax?

Nov 08, 202301:02:12
//Andy Acton & Chris Strevens - Timing Your Exit E112

//Andy Acton & Chris Strevens - Timing Your Exit E112

This week in the Dentology Podcast Andy and Chris discuss the best time to sell and exit your dental practice.

They chat about why there’s not one rule that fits all and why, in their opinions, the right time is purely dependent on you and your personal circumstances.   

They consider the key factors that you should take into account when you are planning your exit strategy and discuss why it’s important to plan so that you exit your business when the time, and value, are both right.

To hear more from Chris and Andy about why you should always have a robust plan in place for selling your dental practice, have a listen to this episode.

Nov 08, 202312:44
//Adrian Dray - AI is here to stay! E111

//Adrian Dray - AI is here to stay! E111

Our guest on the podcast this week is Adrian Dray, leading dental GDPR expert in the UK.

In this episode, Adrian chats to Chris and Andy about the new world of AI and shares his views on how it is impacting dentistry and our everyday lives.

He gives a quick rundown on how AI has developed, how it has exploded onto the scene a few months ago and talks about ChatGPT, what makes it special, why it’s caused such a big noise and discusses some of the other AI platforms out there.

Adrian shares his thoughts on how you can keep up to date in this emerging area, so you don’t get left behind, and considers the reputational issues that relate to AI, in the context of using generated content and ensuring it matches your personal ethos, values and approach.

 

Topics:

- What does AI look like today?

- Will it be different tomorrow?

- Why the big noise now?

- What made ChatGPT special?

- Other good AI platforms?

- How can you get involved in this emerging area so you don’t get left behind?

- Will AI become part of everyday lives?

- Are there reputational issues with AI?

Nov 08, 202359:01
//Sandeep Sadana - Sunny Outlook E110

//Sandeep Sadana - Sunny Outlook E110

Our guest on the podcast this week is Dr Sandeep Sadana (aka Dr Sunny!).

In this episode, he talks about his dental career and why he chose dentistry over being a doctor or lawyer.

He chats about his time at dental school, shares his top tips, explains more about the struggles he faced when starting out, his highs and lows in business and what changed back in 2018 that made him fall back in love with the profession.

He goes on to tell us about how he currently splits his time working 2 days a week in a dental practice and spends the rest on an official education programme, DRE – Direct Restorative Excellence – that aims to help dentists overcome restorative problems so they have less stress, earn more, delight their patients and get home in time for dinner with their loved ones!

Finally, he chats about nearly buying a dental practice and the reasons why he didn’t go through with the purchase, being an army reservist while at university and his frightening first parachute jump experience!!

 

Topics:

- Why did you chose to be a dentist?

- Your dental school experience

- Top tip for those still at dental school

- Explain more about your struggles with dentistry for the first 8 years

- What changed to make you fall back in love with the profession?

- How do you split your time?

- The DRE programme

- Your highs and lows in business

- Almost buying a dental practice

- Is there pressure in the profession to move from an associate to a principal?

Nov 08, 202301:00:31
//Dr Jason Wong - Leading Dentistry E107

//Dr Jason Wong - Leading Dentistry E107

This week we are delighted to be joined by Dr Jason Wong, interim Chief Dental Officer (CDO) at NHS England. 

Jason is Dentist and Partner at the Maltings Dental Practice in Grantham and was awarded an MBE for services to dentistry and oral health in 2020.

In this episode, Jason talks about his early years in dentistry, his pathway from graduation through to being a partner at the Maltings Dental Practice, a 12-surgery practice with 14-15 clinicians and as many again in the support team, and how he successfully manages a practice of this size given his other roles within dentistry.

Jason goes on to talk about the MBE award he received at Buckingham Palace and his recent appointment in dentistry as interim CDO - what the role entails, where it sits within the NHS and who sets the agenda.

He outlines some of the key challenges currently being faced, how, as part of his remit as CDO, these are being addressed and how his practice experience is helping him to bring broader insights to the office of the CDO.

This is a great episode - if you want to hear more from Jason, take a listen now!

 

Key topics:

-  Early years

-  Pathway from graduation to partner

-  Secret to managing a practice alongside other roles in dentistry

-  Receiving an MBE at Buckingham Palace

-  Appointment as interim CDO

-  What the role entails

-  Current challenges being faced

-  Has your practice experience helped you bring broader insights to the office of the CDO?

-  Looking ahead

-  Your eternal optimism

Nov 08, 202301:30:27
//Tif Qureshi - A True Pioneer E109

//Tif Qureshi - A True Pioneer E109

This week we are delighted to welcome Tif Qureshi as our guest. 

Tif is Chairman of the IAS Academy, an International faculty that provides mentored education for general dentists on a pathway from appropriate simple to comprehensive orthodontics, International Speaker, and Pioneer of Align Bleach and Bond.  He is also a past president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry with a special interest in simple orthodontics and truly minimally invasive dentistry.

In this episode, Tif chats to Chris and Andy about why he chose to follow a career in dentistry and what it was like being at dental school in the mid-90’s.

He goes on to chat about his career pathway over the years, the highs and lows of being the owner of Dental Elegance in Kent, and his pioneering work of the concept of progressive smile design through Alignment, Bleaching & Bonding.

Finally, he talks about his current role as Chairman of the IAS Academy and his goal teaching and empowering fellow dentists.

Nov 08, 202357:25
//Amit Patel - The Specialist E108

//Amit Patel - The Specialist E108

This week we are joined by Amit Patel, principal at Birmingham Dental Specialists and President of the Association of Dental Implantology.

In this episode, Amit chats about his time studying dentistry at the University of Liverpool and his decision to become a specialist periodontist.

He reflects on how he started Birmingham Dental Specialists as a squat some 10 years ago now, what drove him to starting his own practice and the time he has spent lecturing across the globe.

Finally, Amit talks about his support for the Wells on Wheels charity….from the annual congress dinner of the ADI through to shaving his head after raising an amazing £16k+!!!

 Key topics:

- Early years

- What was it that sparked your interest to study dentistry?

- Do you sense there is a desire among younger dentists to make a long-terms commitment in specialist areas?

- Starting a squat practice

- Lecturing international

- Charitable work in support of Wells on Wheels

Sep 11, 202301:04:26
//Martina Hodgson - Totally Driven E106
Aug 28, 202350:42
//Andy & Chris - Impact Valuations E105

//Andy & Chris - Impact Valuations E105

This week in the Dentology Podcast Andy and Chris discuss how a change to your business will always have an impact.


They look at how changes such as adding a new surgery, offering more high value treatments in-house or increasing your chair occupancy to name just a few could be ways in which you could double your dental practice value!

 

To hear more from Chris and Andy, have a listen to this episode.

Aug 21, 202312:21
//Mark Topley - Driven with Purpose E104

//Mark Topley - Driven with Purpose E104

Mark Topley, founder of Purpose Driven Business and UK dental industry leading authority on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, joins us this week on the podcast.

In this episode Mark chats about his early days working as a teacher and how the skills he learnt in teaching have provided invaluable today.

He talks about his change of career and how this saw him enter the dental sector, albeit in an interesting way, and his work today helping people to become great leaders and build purpose driven businesses with strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.

He reflects on what this looks like in a dental practice and considers, in his experience, how dentistry compares to the other sectors.

Finally, Mark lets us into a secret about his talents within the music world!

Topics:

- Tell us about your early days working as a teacher

What skills did teaching gift you that have proved to be valuable transferrable skills?

- Explain your career move into dentistry

- Tell us about your role today helping people become great leaders & build purpose driven businesses

- Explain what is meant by a business with strong ESG and CSR strategy?

What does this look like in a dental practice?

How does dentistry compare to other sectors?

- Are we in a time where a modern-day business has to create success that positively impacts their stakeholders, the environment, and their wider community?

Aug 14, 202358:01
//Suzy Rowlands - Boss Lady E103

//Suzy Rowlands - Boss Lady E103

This week we welcome Suzy Rowlands to the podcast.  Suzy is the Executive Administrator for the BACD (aka the engine that powers the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry).

In this episode Chris and Andy chat to Suzy about her childhood and why she chose dentistry as a career. 

She talks about her time working at the FDI World Dental Federation back in 1995, how she came to live in France for 18 months because of this job and her experience setting up a wine importing company!

Finally, Suzy talks about the BACD - from how she joined back in 2005 when a ‘cosmetic’ focussed association was a pretty new concept, leading on the back-office operations through to how it has evolved and grown into the community it is today.   

Topics:

- Tell us about your childhood

- Did dentistry choose you or did you choose it?

- Working at the FDI World Dental Federation

- Life in France for 18 months

- Running a wine importing company

- The BACD: early years

- Growth of the BACD and the community today

Aug 07, 202301:01:39
//Saba Arif - Better Business E102

//Saba Arif - Better Business E102

Saba Arif, founder and CEO of Smart Dental Compliance and Training joins us this week as our guest.

In this episode Saba talks about her time studying Biomedical Science at university after initially enrolling onto a dental nursing course and reflects on how she found her way into a career in dentistry by way of a Dental Service Manager role at Bupa managing multiple sites and dealing with compliance.

Saba shares more about whether the compliance issues that affect a large corporate provider are the same as for a smaller independently owned practice and goes on to tell us about her decision to start her own business, Smart Dental Compliance, and what the driver was behind the decision to go it alone. 

Finally, she chats about what the business looks like today, how the team help dental practice owners and whether the compliance aspects of running a dental practice really are getting more and more complex today.

Topics:

- Back to the beginning – growing up/childhood

- Did you ever consider dentistry as a career?

- Are the compliance issues that affect a large corporate the same as for a small, independent practice?

- The trigger to start your own business?

- Would you do it again?

- How does Smart Dental Compliance help practice owners?

- Are the compliance aspects of running a dental practice getting more complex?

Jul 31, 202351:35
//Miguel Stanley - Reflections & Vision for the Future (part 2) E101

//Miguel Stanley - Reflections & Vision for the Future (part 2) E101

The wait is over….

Part 2 of our podcast recording with Miguel Stanley, Founder & Clinical Director at White Clinic, is now available.

Just reminder of some of the topics Miguel chatted to Chris and Andy about across the two episodes: 

- His early years in dentistry

- The success of his career to date

- The importance of having a positive mindset

- Managing People and creating the right culture in the workplace

- Decision Making

- Life away from dentistry

Make sure you listen to them both!

Jul 24, 202348:55
//Miguel Stanley - Reflections & Vision for the Future (part 1) E100

//Miguel Stanley - Reflections & Vision for the Future (part 1) E100

We celebrate a milestone: our 100th episode!

To mark the occasion, our hosts Andy and Chris travelled to Portugal to meet with Miguel Stanley, Founder & Clinical Director at White Clinic.

They covered so many interesting topics during the conversation that we decided to keep it all and split it over two podcast episodes.

Topics covered across this episode and part 2 being released next week include:

- Miguel’s early years in dentistry

- The success of his career to date

- The importance of having a positive mindset

- Managing People and creating the right culture in the workplace

- Decision Making

- Life away from dentistry

Jul 17, 202301:02:20
//99 Episodes Recap - E99

//99 Episodes Recap - E99

It’s been a busy couple of years so this week we thought we’d look back over some of the previous episodes of Dentology.

And with some 99 episodes to choose from, we can’t obviously recap all of them, so here’s a quick look back at some of our episode highlights.

Thanks to all our guests so far.

Enjoy!

Jul 10, 202349:55
//Hussein Shaffie - The Hungry Dentist E98

//Hussein Shaffie - The Hungry Dentist E98

This week’s guest is Hussein Shaffie, founder and principal dentist of The Sandford Implant and Cosmetic Centre and Bexleyheath Dental Practice.

In this episode, Hussein chats about his dental career and what sparked his interest in dentistry.

He reflects on life working as an associate and what prompted him to establish the two clinics.  He also talks about how he has built the two practices into the thriving and efficient businesses they are today that now employ a team of 80 people with 21 rooms between them, and how he manages to efficiently split his time working as a dentist and working on the business!

Aside from his dental career, Hussein is also a keen foodie and tells us about the YouTube channel he set up about 2 years ago to showcase his amazing culinary skills!

Topics:

- Tell us about your childhood

- What sparked your interest in dentistry?

- How long did you work as an associate?

- Founding The Sandford and Bexleyheath Dental Clinics

- How do you manage the two clinics efficiently?

- How do you split your time between working as a dentist and working on the business?

- Being a foodie

- Tell us about your YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing your culinary skills

Jul 03, 202348:27
//Andy Acton & Chris Strevens - Finding a Buyer for my Dental Practice E97

//Andy Acton & Chris Strevens - Finding a Buyer for my Dental Practice E97

This week in the Dentology Podcast Andy and Chris discuss the best ways to find a buyer for your dental practice.

They discuss the various options available to you when selling your practice, the importance of ensuring confidentiality throughout the sales process, and the starting point for selling. They also discuss more about selling via the open market as opposed to only selling your practice to a select group.

To hear more from Chris and Andy, have a listen to this episode.

Topics:

- Who would buy my dental practice?

- What buyers are out there?

- What options do I have for selling my dental practice?

- What’s the start point for selling?

- Confidentiality

- Open market vs preferred buyers

- Working with a dental sales agent?


Jun 26, 202312:39
//Tanay Kulkarni - Young & Ambitious E96

//Tanay Kulkarni - Young & Ambitious E96

This week’s guest is Tanay Kulkarni, a final year undergraduate dental student at King’s College, London, past President of King’s College London Dental Society and Partner at Bryant Dental, a group of innovative DenTech companies.

Despite only have just completed his finals, Tanay is already engrained within the dental community thanks to his amazing networking abilities and his forward-thinking approach.

In this episode, Tanay shares his recent experiences of dental school. He tells us more about some of the highs and lows of studying in London and shares his top tips on how to make the most of your time at dental school.

He also talks about being a partner at Bryant Dental, their new AI venture, Aura, and how this is going to shake up dentistry!

Topics:

- Why did you choose London for dental school?

- What drew you to dentistry?

- Your recent experience of dental school: highs & lows?

- What are your top tips to get the max overall experience?

- Would you change anything?

- Working with Bryant Dental

- Tell us about their AI venture – Aura?

- How will this shake up dentistry?

Jun 19, 202341:06
//Saima Butt - Family Values E95

//Saima Butt - Family Values E95

Saima Butt, Managing Director of On Hold Communications Ltd, joins us on the Dentology Podcast this week.

Saima talks to Chris and Andy about the early days building her career, her decision to enter the world of telecoms and why she decided to take the leap and set up her own marketing company, On Hold Communications.

She chats about the initial years running her own business, the ups and downs faced and what pushed her to focus on the dental sector as her niche. 

Saima also chats about her family values and culture and let’s us into a secret about what she always carries in her handbag!

Have a listen to the episode to find out more!

Topics:

- Your early years

- Insights into how your family work

- Graduating and entering the world of telecoms

- Setting up your own marketing company: what was the push and the pull?

- What were the early years like in business?

- Why did you choose dentistry as your niche?

- More about On Hold Communications Ltd

- Your family values & culture

- What do you always carry in your handbag?

Jun 12, 202349:03
//Shiraz Khan - Being Uncomfortable E94

//Shiraz Khan - Being Uncomfortable E94

Shiraz Khan, award winning dentist, joins us again this week and talks to Chris and Andy about his passion for motorsport.

In this episode, Shiraz tells us more about driving in the Porsche Club series from how he started through to where he is now. 

He talks about the lessons he’s learnt over the years in dentistry that he’s successfully able to apply in motorsport and reflects on the transferable skills between the two.

He also tells us about how success is measured in the field of motorsport, aside from just being on the podium at the end of a race and explains how working in a team environment in a dental setting has helped with his approach to driving.

This is a great episode so take a listen now!

 

Topics:

-  Tell us about driving in the Porsche Club series

-  Lessons from dedication and commitment in excellence in dentistry that apply in dentistry

-  Any transferable skills?

-  How do you measure success in motorsport?

-  Has working in a team environment in a dental setting helped with your approach to driving?

-  Has your driving experience added to your ability as a dentist?

-  What’s your relationship like with failure?

-  Would you recommend others to have a release away from dentistry?

Jun 05, 202351:37
//Andy Acton & Chris Strevens - EBITDA v Reconstituted Net Profit E93

//Andy Acton & Chris Strevens - EBITDA v Reconstituted Net Profit E93

This week in the Dentology Podcast Andy and Chris discuss EBITDA and Reconstituted Net Profit.

They go back to basics and explain what both these terms mean, how they are different and discuss why they are important in the world of dentistry.

To hear more from Chris and Andy, have a listen to this episode.

 

Topics:

-      What is EBITDA?

-      What does it mean?

-      Why is it important for dental practice owners?

-      What is Reconstituted Net Profit?

-      What is it and how does it differ?

May 29, 202318:04
//Shaz Memon - Wells on Wheels E92

//Shaz Memon - Wells on Wheels E92

Shaz Memon, founder of the Wells on Wheels charity, joins us again this week and gives us an update on the water wheel charity project that was started in June 2019.


In this episode, Shaz tells us more about some of the communities whose lives have been forever changed for the better because of water wheels and the ongoing work/aims for the charity.


He also shares a few details about his upcoming documentary ‘No Water Land’, the reasons behind the project, and how he made it all happen.

 

Topics:

- The Wells on Wheels charity

- What did you set out to achieve?

- Are there some stories of how lives have been impacted/changed?

- Upcoming documentary ‘No Water Land’

- How did it come about and what were the challenges?

May 22, 202341:04
//Derek Uittenbroek - The Power of Attraction E91

//Derek Uittenbroek - The Power of Attraction E91

Derek Uittenbroek joins us this week as our guest.

Derek is the founder and CEO of Ignite Growth, leading healthcare marketing agency that specialises in helping business attract patients for high value treatments.

In this episode Derek chats about his childhood and looks back about his time studying at King’s College London.  He also reflects on his career journey from working in banking for a short period before moving on to work with the dental profession and eventually starting Ignite Growth back in 2017.

He shares more about the team at Ignite, how they work with dental practice owners to attract patients, nurture new opportunities and grow their business and shares his thoughts on future.

Topics:

-  Early career

-  Working with the dental profession

-  The Ignite Growth business: how did it start?

-  How does Ignite help dental practice owners grow their business?

- Have you seen a shift in patient buying requirements since 2017?

- What messages do patients respond well to?

- Is the clear aligner bubble like to burst, deflate or continue to be a great practice builder?

- Are practices good at nurturing new opportunities?

May 15, 202352:15
//Richard Marques - Red Carpet Treatment E90

//Richard Marques - Red Carpet Treatment E90

Dr Richard Marques joins us this week as our guest.

Richard is a well-known cosmetic dentist and director of ‘Dr Richard Clinics’, a private dental clinic in the Harley Street District of London W1.

In this episode he talks about his early dental career and how he became the ‘go to dentist’ for celebrities. 

He explains his reasons for specialising in cosmetic/restorative dental and facial aesthetics and talks about the highs and lows of building and running his own practice and his business journey to date, including how he created ‘Diamond Whites’ in 2012, a leading Invisible Aligner and Teeth Whitening brand, and the recent sale of the business to ‘Impress’, Europe’s #1 chain of orthodontic clinics, and joining them as Clinical Director.

A great episode to listen to.

Topics:

-         Was it always going to be dentistry for you?

-         Early dental career

-         How did you become the ‘go to dentist’ for celebrities?

-         Does treating high-profile patients bring its own challenges?

-         What led you to specialise in cosmetic/restorative dental and facial aesthetics?

-         What was the driver to create Diamond Whites?

-         Your business journey to date through to partnering with Impress?

-         The highs and lows of building and running your own practice?

May 08, 202352:22
//Oliver Pierce - Keeping it in the Family E89

//Oliver Pierce - Keeping it in the Family E89

Our guest this week is Dr Oliver Pierce, principal dentist and owner of Sutton Dental Practice in Hull.

In this episode Oliver talks about his childhood and growing up in Hull. With both parents’ dentists, he grew up among the profession and qualified in 2012 from Charles University in Prague before returning home to complete his dental foundation and join the family practice.

He reflects on the time spent working together as a family and his ambition to own his own dental practice which he successfully fulfilled in November 2020, just a few months after dental practices were allowed to re-open.

He talks about the early days as a practice owner, reflects on his best and worst days in business so far and shares a few tips and advice for others thinking about buying their own practice.


Topics:

-         What drew you to the profession?

-         Qualifying in the Czech Republic

-         Joining the family business & working together

-         Becoming a practice owner

-         Your best and worst days in business so far?

-         Key myths about owning a practice?

May 01, 202356:32
//Chris Baker - The Award Goes to... E88

//Chris Baker - The Award Goes to... E88

Hear from well-known dental marketing expert Chris Baker in this week’s episode of Dentology.

Chris is the owner of Corona Dental Marketing and has years of experience in marketing and PR in the dental sector. He has worked with many dentists on their plans to expand their practices through a variety of tools including branding, online strategy, social media marketing, PR, and advertising to name just a few!

In this episode Chris chats about his pathway through dentistry, how he has reached where he is today owning and running his own business and reflects on some of the challenges faced along the way.

He talks about his passion for sport (namely football and cricket) and shares his thoughts on the many learnings that can be drawn from sport into business.

Chris has also developed quite a knack over the years for helping dental practices win awards, so tells us more about this area of his work and shares his thoughts on what the biggest concerns are in dentistry at present.

Topics:

- Why dentistry?

- Comparables between sport and business life

- Corona Dental Marketing

- Challenges faced when starting up in business.

- Working with dental practices

- Support to win awards

- Biggest thing that worries you about dentistry at present?

Apr 24, 202343:21
//Milad Shadrooh - The Singing Dentist E87

//Milad Shadrooh - The Singing Dentist E87

This week’s episode is something a bit different and sees Chris and Andy chat to Milad Shadrooh at our first-ever ‘Dentology Live’ event. 

It was a fantastic evening, and we were delighted that so many guests were able to share the evening with us.

In this episode, recorded live at a prestigious venue in London, Milad talks about his background and early years in dentistry, his journey through dental school and his time spent running a successful practice, having been the principal of Chequers Dental Surgery in Hampshire since 2010.

And of course, we couldn’t not talk to Milad about his most public side…the Singing Dentist! 

He tells us more about his ambition to make dentistry fun and chats about the various parodies he has created which promote oral health in an entertaining way and the many amazing opportunities this role has given him.

This is a great episode, with a brilliant and entertaining guest - enjoy!


Topics:

- What do we need to know about you from your early years to understand the person you have become?

- Tell us about your dental career to date.

- What was your pathway from VT (as it was then) through to ownership?

- Is the cost of owning a dental practice worth it?

- What’s your highest and lowest point in business?

- Tell us about your most public side – the Singing Dentist

- Were you born an entertainer?

- Was 'Shape of You' (3.6m views) the tipping point when the Singing Dentist took off?

-  What were you looking to achieve as the Singing Dentist?

-  As a business owner have you been able to take any learnings from football/sport and use these in your practice?

-  What is the one activity you do that makes you the happiest?

Apr 17, 202301:02:05