Dental Leaders Podcast

Dental students Lwai Almasri and Saif Mukadam discuss their journeys into dentistry, their experiences at King's College London, and their creation of the UK Dental Students network. The conversation covers Saif's unique path from professional football to dentistry, the challenges of dental school, and their ambitious plans for organising a "Top 50 Dental Students" event. They provide valuable insights into modern dental education, including the impact of online learning and the competitive nature of dental school. In This Episode 01:30 - Backstory 05:15 - Student life 16:45 - Family background 19:25 - Living in London 24:15 - UK Dental Students Network 31:25 - Clinical experience 55:25 - Top 50 Dental Students plans1: 20:00 - Goals and aspirations 1:34:35 - Family and siblings About Lwai Almasri and Saif Mukadam Lwai Almasri is a third-year dental student at King's College London whose parents are both dentists. Saif Mukadam took an unconventional path to dentistry, first pursuing a career as a professional footballer at Walsall FC for two years before joining King's College London as a dental student, where he and Lwai co-founded the UK Dental Students network, now the largest community of dental students in the country.

Rhona Eskander and Payman chat with Adeola Gboyega, a renowned makeup artist and beauty expert with over a decade of industry experience. The conversation delves deep into representation in the beauty industry, mental health challenges content creators face, and the evolution of social media's impact on business. Adeola shares her journey from traditional education to becoming a successful makeup artist and content creator while discussing important topics like the pay gap for black creators and the importance of authenticity in building a community. In This Episode 00:01:45 - Backstory 00:03:30 - Early career 00:04:55 - Beauty standards 00:09:30 - Social media and the beauty industry 00:11:20 - Reflections on Black Lives Matter 00:12:25 - Ethnicity and pay gaps 00:15:00 - Nigeria and Nollywood 00:20:35 - Therapy and mental health 00:36:05 - The beauty industry 00:42:35 - Content creation 00:52:15 - Future plans and closing thoughts About Adeola Gboyega Adeola Gboyega is a seasoned makeup artist and beauty expert with over a decade of industry experience. She is known for her skin-first philosophy and collaborations with prominent beauty brands, including Bobbi Brown and Pat McGrath. As a successful content creator and beauty educator, she has built a devoted community of "glow getters".

Emerging dental leader Yewande Oduwole shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming an award-winning dentist in the UK. She opens up about her challenging childhood, faith-driven approach to life, and her mission to increase representation in dentistry through social media and the Black Dental Network. The conversation spans her innovative approach to dental practice, her social media influence, and her experiences with brand partnerships while touching on valuable clinical insights and lessons learned from early career challenges. In This Episode 00:01:50 - Backstory 00:24:45 - Dental school 00:27:55 - Building a personal brand 00:29:25 - Early work 00:34:00 - Foundation training 00:39:35 - Current practice 00:52:35 - Social media 00:56:00 - Brand partnerships and ambassador roles 01:05:55 - Blackbox thinking 01:15:35 - The Black Dental Network About Yewande Oduwole Yewande Oduwole is an award-winning dentist and influential voice in UK dentistry. She is known for her work in increasing representation within the profession through social media and as a core member of the Black Dental Network. A graduate of Peninsula Dental School, she has established herself as a respected clinician at Two Green Dental while also serving as a brand ambassador and mentor.

Anushika Brogan, owner of Mirror Dental Studios with 42 practices and over 200 dentists, shares her remarkable journey from a single practice owner to one of the UK's most successful dental entrepreneurs. She discusses her business philosophy, leadership approach, and personal experiences while offering valuable insights into managing a large dental organisation. The conversation touches on both professional challenges and personal growth, including her experiences with divorce, parenthood, and maintaining a work-life balance. In This Episode: 00:03:25 - Leadership styles and staff management 00:13:35 - Managing a large group 00:21:20 - Work-life balance 00:29:15 - Management challenges 00:39:45 -Practice acquisition 00:49:50 - Growth and expansion 01:01:05 - Relationships, family and culture 01:16:55 - Mental health and personal growth 01:25:35 - Closing questions About Anushika Brogan Anushika Brogan is one of the UK's leading dental entrepreneurs and the owner of Mirror Dental Studios, a network of 42 dental practices across the south of England.

In this deeply personal episode of Mind Movers, hosts Rhona Eskander and Payman Langroudi speak with makeup artist Cinta Miller. The conversation explores Cinta's remarkable journey through profound personal losses, including the death of her mother and sister, a life-changing diagnosis at age 32, and her path to resilience. Despite facing significant challenges, Cinta shares how she maintained a positive outlook while building a successful career in the beauty and music industry. The discussion touches on themes of grief, authenticity, gratitude, and finding joy in life's ordinary moments. In This Episode 00:01:45 - Career and backstory 00:21:25 - Loss and grief 00:30:35 - Travel and transformation 00:43:35 - Early menopause 00:54:50 - Egg donation and preservation 01:00:35 - Relationship and marriage 01:03:00 - Industry insight 01:14:00 - Finding joy and positivity About Cinta Miller Cinta Miller is a globally recognised makeup artist with over 25 years of experience working with celebrity clients in music, television, and fashion. Beyond her successful beauty career, she has expanded into music management, leveraging deep industry knowledge and relationships built from working with artists from the ground up throughout their careers.

Veteran dentist Mark Becker looks back on a 30+ year career in dentistry. Mark recounts following in his father's footsteps to establishing a chain practices across London—and the challenges of transitioning from NHS to private care along the way. He also discusses the evolution of dental technology and his approach to patient care and practice management while sharing candid reflections on the challenges and rewards of the profession. In This Episode 00:02:10 - Backstory 00:04:35 - Dental school and early career 00:07:35 - Family experience 00:13:45 - Early work experience 00:15:30 - Practice ownership 00:17:05 - Group ownership 00:23:10 - Patient communication 00:31:35 - Dental technology 00:38:15 - Location strategies 00:44:45 - Managing staff and building teams 00:49:10 - Blackbox thinking 01:00:05 - Treatment planning 01:13:45 - Cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening 01:21:15 - Mental health in dentistry 01:23:35 - Last days and legacy About Mark Decker Mark Becker is a veteran UK dentist with over three decades of experience, following in the footsteps of his father who ran one of the first multi-practice dental chains in South Africa. After studying at Leeds University in the late 1980s, he has owned and operated several practices across London, including ventures in Ruislip and the West End, and now runs a modern private practice in Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

Hygienist Zara Shirvani discusses her unconventional journey from genetics via acting to dental hygiene. Zara geeks out on guided biofilm therapy and discusses her unique approach to patient care. She shares insights on the importance of dental teams working together, her experience across multiple practices, and her views on evolving hygiene techniques. The conversation also explores her Iranian heritage, future career aspirations, including facial aesthetics, and her perspectives on professional development in dentistry. In This Episode 00:01:00 - Introduction and backstory 00:14:30 - Studying at Eastman 00:18:30 - The hygienist’s experience 00:26:30 - Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) 00:36:30 - Iran 00:41:35 - Working with dental nurses and practice dynamics 00:51:50 - Blackbox thinking 01:11:35 - Patient education and oral hygiene 01:19:55 - Future career plans 01:24:10 - Career and people skills 01:26:15 - Fantasy dinner party guests and advice About Zara Shirvani Zara Shirvani is a London-based dental hygienist who graduated from the Eastman Dental Institute in 2019 after studying genetics at Swansea University. She works across multiple private practices, is an ambassador for guided biofilm therapy, and is currently pursuing training in facial aesthetics.

Alex Hadley reflects on his journey from NHS dentistry to a thriving private practice, sharing insights on transitioning between roles, managing complex implant cases, and building patient trust through strong communication. He highlights the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing work across multiple practices, and the impact of entering private dentistry on professional growth. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:01:10 - Introduction and background 00:03:15 - Mentors and early experiences 00:07:30 - NHS challenges 00:11:50 - Transition to private dentistry 00:18:30 - Managing multiple practices 00:25:00 - Insights on implant dentistry 00:32:10 - Value of mentorship 00:42:35 - Approach to complex cases 00:57:00 - Challenges in patient communication 1:11:40 - Future plans and teaching aspirations 01:37:10 - Reflections and advice About Alex Hadley Alex Hadley is a private dentist with expertise in restorative and implant dentistry.

Dooroo Ihm shares his journey from growing up in South Korea to practising dentistry across Europe and eventually settling in London. He discusses his unique career path, the value of listening to patients, and the importance of patient-first care. Dooroo also reflects on navigating different healthcare systems, the challenges of moving internationally, and his passion for both technical excellence and patient communication. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:05 - Patient communication & first impressions 00:01:15 - Introduction and background 00:02:00 - Comparing South Korean and UK dentistry 00:03:30 - High-tech approaches in South Korea 00:06:00 - Moving to Germany for school 00:12:00 - Studying dentistry in Hungary 00:18:05 - Starting work in Ireland 00:23:15 - Lessons from a mentor in Ireland 00:28:10 - Transitioning to practice in London 00:32:25 - Specialising in endodontics 00:35:50 - Studying periodontics at Eastman 00:42:00 - Reflecting on patient care and ethics About Dooroo Ihm Dooroo Ihm is a London-based dentist known for his expertise in endodontics and periodontics. Originally from South Korea, Dooroo has practised in several countries, developing a patient-first philosophy and commitment to comprehensive care.

Steffen Decker shares his journey from adult orthodontics to a focus on paediatric and interceptive orthodontics, emphasising the importance of early intervention. He discusses the benefits of clear aligners for young children, how early treatment impacts overall health, and his belief in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to airway health. Steffen also reflects on the changes in orthodontics, advocating for education, and the significance of functional occlusion. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:05 - Combining orthodontic techniques 00:01:00 - Introduction and background 00:03:15 - Partnering with restorative dentists 00:05:40 - Shifting focus to children’s orthodontics 00:09:25 - Clear aligners for kids 00:14:15 - Health benefits of early orthodontics 00:19:50 - Changes in orthodontics 00:22:35 - Addressing airway and sleep issues 00:28:10 - Key growth markers in kids 00:34:00 - Training dentists on early intervention 00:43:05 - Preventing alignment issues early About Steffen Decker Steffen Decker is a renowned orthodontist known for his work in paediatric and interceptive orthodontics. Originally trained in adult orthodontics, he now focuses on early intervention for children and collaborates with other health professionals to improve airway health. Steffen is passionate about functional occlusion and advocates for greater education in the field.

Polly Bhambra, co-owner of the Tri Dental group, shares her journey from dental nurse to overseeing ten dental practices in the West Midlands. She discusses the importance of empowering dental nurses, creating a respectful work environment, and the challenges and rewards of managing a large team. Polly also talks about her family’s entrepreneurial background and the balancing act of building a dental group while raising a family. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:05 - Introduction and background 00:01:10 - Empowering dental nurses 00:04:00 - Career progression and training for staff 00:07:45 - Managing change and overcoming resistance 00:13:00 - Ideal practice model for growth 00:17:45 - Handling a large team 00:20:00 - Hiring and firing strategies 00:25:30 - Supporting associates 00:30:00 - Family influences and work-life balance 00:34:00 - Expansion plans and building a legacy About Polly Bhambra Polly Bhambra is a co-owner of Tri Dental, a group of ten practices in the West Midlands. Starting her career as a dental nurse, Polly now leads a large team, focusing on growth, staff development, and patient care. She is known for her commitment to creating a respectful and empowering workplace.

James Morrison shares his journey from NHS dentistry to becoming a private cosmetic dentist in Bristol. He discusses the shift to cosmetic work during COVID-19, challenges in managing patient expectations, and insights on the evolving role of social media in dentistry. James opens up about his rare muscular condition and how it influenced his approach to work-life balance. He also shares valuable tips on patient communication and his streamlined consultation process. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:01:10 - Introduction and background 00:01:45 - Transition to cosmetic dentistry 00:02:55 - Handling patient expectations 00:03:45 - Differences in patient demographics 00:06:15 - Impact of social media 00:09:00 - Streamlined consultations 00:20:15 - Adjusting work-life balance 00:35:30 - Discovering muscular dystrophy symptoms 00:37:00 - Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy 00:41:00 - Navigating physical limitations in dentistry 00:42:05 - Growing the practice via Instagram 01:02:35 - Fantasy dinner party guests 01:05:10 - Reflections and advice About James Morrison James Morrison is a Bristol-based cosmetic dentist specializing in composite bonding and Invisalign treatments. Transitioning from NHS to private practice, he leverages social media to connect with patients and continues to excel despite facing personal health challenges.

Rhona and Payman chat with Angus Pringle, a specialist orthodontist with a deep interest in mental health and suicide prevention. Angus shares his personal experiences with losing his brother to suicide. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the dental profession, touching on the need for compassion, open dialogue, and better support systems within the dental community and beyond. In This Episode 00:02:35 - Cycling challenge 00:05:25 - Safe spaces 00:07:45 - Suicide, stigma, and mental health 00:26:25 - GDC and mental health 00:34:15 - Perfectionism 00:41:35 - Politics and management 00:43:55 - Supporting patients 00:48:45 - Mental health language and conversations 00:56:35 - The orthodontist’s perspective 00:58:25 - Empathy and non-judgmental approaches 01:04:35 - Egos and opinions About Angus Pringle Angus Pringle is a specialist orthodontist and mental health advocate practising in Winchester.

Former BACD president Andrew Chandrapal discusses his journey in dentistry, from his early days balancing dental school with music aspirations to becoming a respected clinician and educator. He shares insights on the value of humility in dentistry, the impact of social media on patient expectations, and the significance of building trust with patients. He also reflects on his experiences with the BACD and his approach to teaching. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:55 - Early years 00:05:35 - Personal loss 00:07:35 - Dentistry Vs music career 00:09:40 - Ego and humility 00:16:50 - Social media 00:23:55 - Treatment planning and patient communication 00:31:30 - Full mouth rehabilitation 00:47:50 - Blackbox thinking 00:55:05 - Teaching and education 01:16:35 - BACD 01:22:20 - Quick-fire questions 01:27:25 - Fantasy dinner party About Andrew Chandrapal Andrew Chandrapal is an aesthetic and restorative dentist and former president of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).

Payman Langroudi sits down with Dr. Zohaib Ali, a specialist prosthodontist and leader in the bio-emulation movement in the UK. They discuss Dr. Ali's journey in dentistry, his experiences with various dental techniques and technologies, and his thoughts on education and patient care. The conversation covers everything from the challenges of NHS dentistry to the importance of clear communication with patients and the future of digital dentistry. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:35 - Bio-emulative dentistry 00:07:15 - From Ireland to the UK 00:11:55 - Dental education 00:16:35 - Injection moulding techniques 00:21:25 - Financial crisis 00:24:35 - Specialisation 00:29:55 - Mental health awareness in dentistry 00:38:35 - Education, communication, and patient autonomy 00:49:50 - New technologies 00:54:55 - Responsibility 01:00:25 - Education: quality and variety 01:11:50 - Patient communication and treatment planning 01:19:35 - The Bio-emulation symposium 01:53:05 - Fantasy dinner party 01:54:30 - Last days and legacy About Zohaib Ali Zohaib Ali is a specialist prosthodontist interested in bio-emulative dentistry.

Dr Devinia Lavan-Iswaran (known as Coco) shares her inspiring journey from surviving domestic abuse to rediscovering herself and thriving as a dentist and mentor. She discusses her multicultural upbringing, experiences in boarding school, and how she rebuilt her life and career after leaving an abusive marriage. Coco offers insights into resilience, the importance of self-worth, and her passion for helping others through dentistry and charitable work. In This Episode 00:05:00 - Backstory 00:13:35 - Boarding school 00:24:05 - Study 00:26:50 - Early career 00:39:35 - Marriage, abuse and turning point 01:00:30 - Rebuilding 01:09:35 - Finding joy in dentistry 01:19:15 - Creating positive experiences for patients 01:25:45 - Blackbox thinking 01:29:10 - Charity work 01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party About Coco Coco qualified from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1995. She currently works in private practice in Holborn, London.

Payman Langroudi meets Awaz Sharief, a young dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics. Awaz shares her journey, personal challenges, and innovative approach to minimally invasive endodontics treatments. The conversation covers clinical techniques, personal growth, faith, and the importance of emotional awareness. In This Episode 00:02:24 - Pulpotomy approach 00:05:35 - Back story 00:21:25 - Faith, belief, and finding meaning 00:24:35 - Personal growth 00:31:55 - Narcissism and emotional suppression 00:37:35 - Dentistry and teaching 00:43:45 - Work-life balance 00:55:50 - Women in dental education 01:01:10 - Fantasy dinner party and life advice About Awaz Sharief Awaz Sharief is a Greater Manchester-based dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics.

In this insightful episode, Dru Shah, a specialist periodontist and founder of the Dentinal Tubules network, discusses the state of dental education, personal growth, and the challenges facing the dental profession. He shares his views on leadership, the importance of trust in dentistry, and the need for a more patient-centric approach. Dru also touches on broader societal issues, including multiculturalism and social integration. In This Episode 00:02:00 - Authenticity 00:04:35 - Reading and learning 00:07:10 - Repetition 00:08:35 - The challenge of engagement 00:16:35 - Learning styles 00:22:50 - Dentinal Tubules 00:25:55 - CPD and commoditisation 00:29:25 - Relationship-building 00:35:25 - Leadership and team management 00:41:35 - Awards and humility 00:44:45 - AI learning 00:52:50 - Career planning 00:57:50 - Dentinal Tubules Congress and future plans 01:03:55 - Unrest in the UK 01:15:55 - Multiculturalism, integration and breaking down barriers About Dru Shah Dhru is a specialist in periodontics and the CEO of Dentinal Tubules, an online training platform for dentists across the globe.

Rhona and Payman chat with Levi Levenfiche, co-founder of PerfectTed, Europe's first matcha-powered energy drink company. Levi shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges of starting a business with family members, the impact of appearing on Dragon's Den, and the rapid growth of PerfectTed. The conversation covers various aspects of running a start-up, from product development and marketing strategies to managing team dynamics and personal mental health. In This Episode 00:01:10 - Backstory 00:04:35 - PerfectTed origins 00:18:35 - Dragon's Den 00:27:20 - Product growth 00:31:50 - Business and family 00:37:35 - Marketing and brand building 00:41:55 - Perfect Ted roadmap 00:46:35 - Personal challenges 00:51:20 - Hiring and managing a growing team 00:56:50 - Thinking big 01:04:50 - Dentistry and confidence 01:06:35 - Business mistakes About Levi Levenfiche Levi Levenfiche is the co-founder and managing director of the PerfectTed organic matcha energy drink brand.

Payman Langroudi chats with Giovanni Martino, a young Italian dentist practising in the UK. Giovanni shares his journey from studying dentistry in Italy to working in the NHS and private practice in the UK. Giovanni discusses the importance of continuing education, challenges and opportunities in dentistry and how his musical background has influenced his approach to dentistry. In This Episode 00:03:55 - Background with the Delta Academy 00:05:50 - Teaching and learning 00:08:45 - Work and the UK 00:14:00 - Music and dentistry 00:21:10 - Patient communication 00:28:25 - Study in Italy and Spain 00:37:35 - DJing 00:43:00 - Fatherhood 00:51:30 - UK Vs Italian dentistry 00:57:55 - Unrest in the UK 01:04:35 - Patient-driven orthodontics 01:15:45 - Adhesive dentistry and "aha" moments 01:25:25 - Thoughts on practice ownership 01:37:35 - Standardization and corporate dentistry 01:40:10 - Blackbox thinking 01:44:20 - Fantasy dinner party 01:45:54 - Last day and legacy About Dr Giovanni Martino Dr Giovanni Martino graduated with a Diploma in Dentistry from the University of L'Aquila, Italy, in 2017. He now practices in Bristol, UK.