Dental Leaders Podcast

How do dental practices stand out from the competition in a fiercely competitive marketplace that’s becoming more crowded by the day? Join Prav for an in-depth discussion of defining and leveraging your clinic’s unique selling points to design unique, memorable customer journeys and stand out from the competition. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:01:30 - TCO training—evolution and adaptation 00:09:00 - Creating unique patient journeys 00:17:25 - USP examples 00:20:30 - Leveraging USPs 00:26:15 - Consultation to closure 00:32:50 - Journey mapping and refinement About Prav Solanki Prav Solanki is a marketing scientist and dental growth specialist who has supported countless dental professionals and organisations to achieve stellar growth. He is a co-owner and director of IAS Academy and founder of The Fresh, the UK’s leading dental growth and marketing agency. His latest project, Leadflo, is described as the world’s most advanced CRM for dental clinics.

We reach way back into the archives this week with a look back at one of Payman and Prav’s favourite conversations with Green Beret-turned-dentist, Danny Watson. Danny looks back on his first meeting with Prav, recalls how seeing military dentists at work inspired him to join the profession, and discusses burning his military bridges in hot pursuit of his newfound passion. Enjoy! In This Episode 0.34 - Early years 07.27 - Army days 14.59 - Discovering dentistry 21.25 - Getting started and burning bridges 26.01 - The military mindset 36.19 - Highs and lows 44.47 - Lambos & love at first sight 48.28 - On PT 53.47 - New challenges 57.08 - Last day on earth About Danny Watson Danny Watson graduated from Manchester University in 2018 and went on to practise at Manchester’s Kiss Dental. Before becoming a dentist, Danny enjoyed a long and distinguished military career including service with the Green Berets and active service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is passionate about cross fit and personal training, and is the current world-record holder for the greatest distance travelled on the Concept-2 indoor rower in one minute.

Specialist orthodontist Annika Patek opens up about the challenges of dental study and practise for those who don’t fit the mould. The conversation delves into the challenges of being a career-focused woman in dentistry, including sacrificing family and relationships for speciality training. Annika discusses her experiences with marriage and motherhood while working as a specialist, the importance of mental resilience and camaraderie and support within the profession. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:25 - Backstoty 00:06:00 - Discovering dentistry 00:09:30 - Dental school 00:15:20 - General practice, VT and specialist training 00:22:10 - Conformity and non-conformity 00:25:58 - Family, study, and careers 00:34:10 - Ortho training challenge 00:40:20 - GDPs and ortho 00:44:25 - Marriage and motherhood 00:52:30 - Ortho highs and lows 00:54:05 - Support and camaraderie 00:57:00 - Mental resilience 01:00:00 - Lingual Vs Invisalign About Annika Patel Annika gained a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and postgraduate Masters in Orthodontics from King’s College London. She trained in maxillofacial and oral surgery and paediatric dentistry before completing specialist training in Orthodontics at Guy’s Hospital and the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. Annika has a keen interest in the intersection of science, orthodontics, and art.

Payman chats with the world-renowned professor Avijit Banerjee, who shares his journey in academia, discussing his research focused on applying scientific findings to patient care. As you’d expect from a polymathic mind like Prof. Banerjee's, the conversation ranges far and wide, covering challenges in dental education, the role of new technologies in diagnosis and the public's perception of fluoride. Prof. Banerjee also wisdom on clinical judgement, patient communication, the value of documenting cases, and much more. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:03:45 - Academia, research and curiosity 00:10:00 - Research, commercialisation and sharing 00:18:15 - Recent studies 00:28:11 - Oral health messaging 00:31:25 - Shift towards whole patient care and holistic dentistry in education 00:33:30 - Training: past, present, UK and abroad 00:42:20 - Advice for young dentists 00:43:20 - NHS funding 00:48:10 - International teaching and research 00:55:40 - Minimally invasive dentistry 01:16:40 - New technologies 01:20:10 - Danger of undertreatment 01:23:20 - Experimentation and evidence 01:26:05 - Bureaucracy and red tape 01:28:05 - Misunderstanding and misinformation 01:34:00 - Fluoride and fissure sealants 01:44:10 - Black box thinking 01:50:25 - Teaching style 01:51:25 - Fantasy dinner party 01:58:40 - Last days and legacy About Professor Avijit Banerjee Professor Avijit Banerjee, a global authority in minimally invasive dentistry, leads the Cariology & Operative Dentistry research program at King's College London Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences. He serves as Head of Conservative & MI Dentistry, Director of Education (UG), and Programme Director for the KCL distance-learning Masters in Advanced Minimum Intervention Dentistry. Banerjee's research focuses on MI operative caries management and adhesive dental biomaterials, resulting in over 120 publications and £2.5 million in research funding. He collaborates with international Industry partners as an R&D KOL and is the primary author of the widely respected text, Pickard's Guide to Minimally Invasive Operative Dentistry. Banerjee holds editorial positions in several prominent dental journals and maintains a specialist clinical practice in Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontics & Periodontics. He currently serves as the President of the BDA Metropolitan Branch Section.

Simon Chard shares his journey through the challenges and triumphs of running a dental practice, his presidency of the BACD and thoughts on the potential of new technologies and methodologies in shaping the future of dentistry. His passion for personal development, both for himself and his peers, shines through as he discusses the potential for dentistry to improve lives. Enjoy! In This Episode 02.00 - Entrepreneurial challenges 15:25 - Personal development 22:00 - Family time and personal values 29.05 - BACD presidency and future teaching ambitions 00.31.15 - Digital dentistry material science 00.33.05 - Well-being and personal development 00.49.00 - Innovation, change and dogma 01.00:00 - Relationships and personal and professional growth 01.02.05 - Future trends 01.07.40 - Black box thinking 01.10.25 - Fantasy dinner party 01.14.00 - Last Days and Legacy About Simon Chard Cosmetic dentist and former president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Simon Chard, is passionate about using digital technology to simplify cosmetic and implant dentistry. He regularly teaches digital dentistry, dental photography and minimally invasive aesthetic techniques.

Reality star, TV presenter, and writer Amber Rose opens up about life as Love Island contestant and winner. Amber shares the story of how she was cast on Love Island and how subsequent attention and criticism led to what she considers her lowest point. Amber, always true to herself, shares her current career pursuits in entertainment, writing, and brand deals, the process of writing her first novel, and seeking opportunities that better align with her authentic self. Enjoy! In This Episode [00:02:05] Backstory [00:10:25] Love Island [00:30:00] Highs and lows [00:36:50] Friendship [00:39:40] ADHD [00:50:50] Social media, societal pressures and mental health [00:57:05] Authenticity [01:00:20] Career and plans [01:05:35] Reality TV [01:08:45] Longevity About Amber Rose Gill Amber Rose Gill is a TV personality and author famed for winning the fifth series of Love Island. In 2022, Amber released her debut romance novel, Until I Met You.

Payman chats with dental coach and communication expert Barry Oulton. Barry shares his journey into dentistry, despite his artistic nature, and how his father influenced his career choice. He discusses his education in the UK and the US, overcoming limiting beliefs and the challenges of running a practice. Enjoy! In This Episode [00:01:10] Backstory [00:09:05] Study [00:11:25] Journey to practice ownership [00:15:40] Personal life and personal development [00:28:40] Coaching greatness [00:33:20] Limiting beliefs [00:42:30] Patient journey and communication [00:51:50] Blackbox thinking [00:55:00] Practice management [01:07:05] NHS to private transition [01:09:40] State of the industry [01:15:20] Fantasy dinner party [01:17:15] Last days and legacy About Barry Oulton Dr Barry Oulton is a dentist, business owner, lecturer, coach, and mentor who has worked with Henry Schein, Septodont, DMG, S4S, Biohorizons, Bupa Dental, and Colosseum on B2B sales success in dentistry.

Rhona catches up with long-time friend Sarita Stefani, co-founder of Amelis, a platform that makes egg freezing and fertility treatments more accessible and affordable for women. They delve into Sarita's remarkable journey as a female entrepreneur, highlighting her resilience and determination, especially during the challenging fundraising process while pregnant. The conversation also explores the societal impact of Amelis, shedding light on the increasing popularity yet lingering stigma around egg freezing, the high costs involved, and how Amelis is championing women's health by providing transparency and education. Enjoy! In This Episode [00:01:40] - Backstory [00:04:10] - Working in finance [00:08:25] - Gender pay gap [00:14:15] - Female representation [00:16:55] - Founding Amelis [00:22:00] - Fertility—personal and social perspectives [00:30:30] - The male fertility factor [00:32:55] - Egg freezing and age [00:36:20] - Personal experience [00:37:55] - Affordability and accessibility [00:44:05] - Fundraising and entrepreneurial journey [00:57:05] - Plans and ambitions [01:00:20] - Competition and popularity [01:03:55] - The increasing popularity of egg freezing in recent years [01:07:15] - Global Dental Collective [01:09:00] - Dentistry and mental health [01:11:30] - Finding Amelis online About Sarita Stefani Women’s Health Ultimate Role Model winner 2024, Sarita Stefani, is the CEO and founder of Amilis, which supports women through the egg-freezing process. She is also an angel investor in life sciences, healthcare and medtech.

Payman reunites with bestie and occasional show host Prav Solanki for a long-awaited update on his mission to bring effortless enquiry conversion to dental clinics. Prav briefs us on the story of Leadflo from its early barebones launch to becoming the most advanced dental CRM on the market. Packed with Prav’s trademark insight on sales psychology, the conversation covers the challenges of software development, nuances of the buyer journey, and how Prav’s practice experience as a practice owner and marketer have informed Leadflo’s painstaking design. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:01:41 - Where’s Prav been? 00:03:50 - Intro to Leadflo 00:06:18 - User experience 00:08:22 - Response, follow-up and warming 00:16:40 - Messaging 00:21:44 - Long-term buyer journeys 00:27:09 - Sales process psychology and consistency 00:32:28 - Onboarding and simplicity 00:35:46 - Emotional intelligence, cadence and frequency 00:39:23 - Personal experience 00:41:22 - Product development About Prav Solanki Prav Solanki is a marketing scientist and dental growth specialist who has supported countless dental professionals and organisations to achieve stellar growth. He is a co-owner and director of IAS Academy and founder of The Fresh, the UK’s leading dental growth and marketing agency. His latest project, Leadflo, is described as the world’s most advanced CRM for dental clinics.

Dental technician Simon Caxton shares his unconventional path into dental technology, describing his hands-on learning style, passion for the craft, and drive to excel. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the current landscape of dental labs in the UK. We explore the challenges in finding skilled technicians, the transformative impact of digital technologies, and the value of collaboration and communication between dentists and technicians. Enjoy! 00:02:40 - Backstory 00:16:10 - Establishing a lab 00:24:30 - Challenges 00:42:15 - Dentist-technician relationships 00:49:15 - Anatomy and workflow 00:52:25 - Skills and training 00:56:40 - Blackbox thinking 01:03:40 - Business exit 01:08:20 - Aspirations 01:12:40 - Techniques and workflow 01:17:25 - Fantasy dinner party 01:21:25 - Last days and legacy Simon Caxton is a dental technician and director of the Romford-based Simplee Dental Ceramics laboratory. In This EpisodeAbout Simon Caxton Simon Caxton is a dental technician and director of the Romford-based Simplee Dental Ceramics laboratory.

This week’s episode reaches spots other podcasts miss as Payman sits down with dentist-turned-inventor Michael Alatsaris. Michael shares his journey from a dissatisfied clinician and practice owner to a fulfilled product designer and entrepreneur, discussing the highs and lows of the painstaking process of bringing an innovative new toothbrush to market. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:30 - Choosing dentistry 00:06:40 - Practice purchase 00:16:25 - Challenges of practice ownership 00:22:25 - Exit 00:27:00 - Product design 00:30:50 - Problem-solution 00:38:25 - ErgoProx 00:44:00 - Prototyping and tooling 00:51:10 - Going to market 00:56:15 - Execution Vs ideation 01:03:40 - Challenging the status quo 01:05:35 - Blackbox thinking 01:08:10 - Marketing and trajectory 01:09:09 - Fantasy dinner party 01:12:02 - Last days and legacy About Michael Alatsaris Former dental practice owner Michael Alatsaris is the inventor of the ErgoProx toothbrush for cleaning mesial and distal surfaces next to spacing.

Mind Movers brings things home this week as Rhona has a heart-to-heart with her father, Dr Alex Eskander, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist. Dr Eskander shares his inspiring journey from Egypt to the UK, his experiences as a junior doctor in the NHS, and his transition to private practice. The conversation delves into important topics such as the importance of egg freezing, increasing rates of fertility issues, the psychological impact of infertility, and the option of adoption. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:01:45 - Backstory 00:05:50 - Journey to the UK and medical training 00:23:40 - NHS experience 00:35:30 - A love story 00:54:40 - Return to the UK 01:08:05 - Private practice 01:11:40 - Egg freezing and ovarian reserve 01:16:25 - Fertility and IVF 01:29:10 - Societal pressures 01:36:30 - Adoption 01:42:15 - Male infertility 01:44:25 - Dr. Iskander's experience with prostate cancer 01:48:15 - Advice for younger self About Dr Alex Eskander Dr Alex Eskander is an obstetrician, gynaecologist and assisted conception consultant. He is the co-director of The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy and founder of the Gynae Centre, London.

Selvaraj Balaji shares his journey from growing up in rural South India to the UK, where he is now a successful implant dentist at the helm of a small group of practices and implant training academy. Selvaraj discusses the challenges of getting started in the UK, the philosophy behind his Academy of Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation (ASHA) Club UK for advanced implant training and finding a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy! In This Episode 0:02:05: Backstory 00:04:00: Moving to the UK 00:24:00: Surgery to general practice 00:35:22: From VT to implantology 00:41:12: Practice purchase, management and growth 01:01:22: Family life 01:06:14: Teaching and ASHA 01:16:36: Blackbox thinking 01:19:17: Talent, mentorship and training 01:25:24: Ambition and plans 01:27:36: Last days and legacy 01:28:40: Fantasy dinner party About Selvaraj Balaji Implant dentist Selvaraj Balaji owns Buckinghamshire-based The Gallery and Meadow Walk dental clinics. He is also the founder of the Academy of Soft and Hard Tissue Augmentation (ASHA) Club UK for advanced implant training.

Take a deep breath and tune in as Jamie Clements explores the transformative power of breathwork Jamie shares his journey from the tech industry to breathwork coach and founder of The Breath Space, discussing the scientific and therapeutic aspects of breathwork for improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being. He offers practical advice for integrating breathwork into daily routines and insights into how it could improve focus and reduce stress in dentistry. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:05 - Importance and applications of breathwork 00:09:05 - Transition from tech 00:16:40 - Breathwork as business. 00:27:30 - Functional breathing 00:32:55 - Breathwork in dentistry 00:39:40 - Techniques for managing panic, anxiety, and stress 00:43:40 - Male mental health 00:54:35 - Self-soothing 01:19:35 - Personal growth 01:22:05 - Practical advice Jamie Clements Jamie Clements is a breathwork specialist and founder of The Breath Space. He has worked with entrepreneurs, politicians, and athletes to share the well-being benefits of breathwork and altered states of consciousness.

Pete Niesiolowski provides a glimpse into a dental journey that has taken him from the UK to Australia, and back. Pete discusses life down under, the challenges of transitioning from NHS to private care, and thoughts on the overlap between implant provision and cosmetic dentistry. Enjoy! 01.20 - Backstory 15.20 - NHS to private practice 21.15 - Australia 27.00 - Discovering cosmetic dentistry 29.30 - Practice ownership 31.30 - Implant journey, training and experience 51.15 - Blackbox thinking 01.13.20 - Fantasy dinner party 01.07.30 - Thoughts on the future About Pete Niesiolowski Dr Pete Niesiolowski graduated from King’s College London in 1997 with his bachelor of dental surgery degree. He has worked in general dental practice for over two decades, including eight years running a practice in Australia.

Payman Langroudi sits down with Zak Kara, co-founder of Bounemoputh-based Smile Stories, to explore the philosophy and practices behind his success. Zak shares insights into the importance of teamwork, thoughts on patient communication and why some conventional dental words and phrases off limits during patient consultations. Zak also explores patient journeys, creating a practice ambience and his practice-growth philosophy. Enjoy! In This Episode 01.00 - Private dentistry and the patient journey 04.55 - Smile Stories 11.00 - Patient selection 20.00 - Personal and professional background 28.40 - Comfort, ambience and atmosphere 32.21 - Banned words 36.10 - Practice management 01.10.00 - Practice growth 01.17.10 - Consultation and communication 01.57.25 - Leadership and structure 02.05.00 - Black box thinking 02.21.19 - Last days and legacy About Zak Kara Zak Kara is the co-owner of Bournemouth-based Smile Stories dental practice.

Simon Chard shares his journey through the challenges and triumphs of running a dental practice, his presidency of the BACD and thoughts on the potential of new technologies and methodologies in shaping the future of dentistry. His passion for personal development, both for himself and his peers, shines through as he discusses the potential for dentistry to improve lives. In This Episode 02.00 - Entrepreneurial challenges 15:25 - Personal development 22:00 - Family time and personal values 29.05 - BACD presidency and future teaching ambitions 00.31.15 - Digital dentistry material science 00.33.05 - Well-being and personal development 00.49.00 - Innovation, change and dogma 01.00:00 - Relationships and personal and professional growth 01.02.05 - Future trends 01.07.40 - Black box thinking 01.10.25 - Fantasy dinner party 01.14.00 - Last Days and Legacy About Simon Chard Cosmetic dentist and former president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Simon Chard, is passionate about using digital technology to simplify cosmetic and implant dentistry. He regularly teaches digital dentistry, dental photography and minimally invasive aesthetic techniques.

Emma Marshall, the CEO of Movement is Medicine, chats about the profound impact of movement on mental and physical health. Emma shares her journey from facing severe health challenges and exploring various mainstream and alternative therapies to discovering the healing power of movement and dance. She discusses the importance of integrating physical with mental health support and using movement as a vehicle for catharsis and trauma recovery. Emma also touches on the societal pressures and misconceptions around health and advocates for more accessible and inclusive approaches to wellness practices. Enjoy! In This Episode 00.40 - Emma’s story 12.41 - Alternative medicine 23.10 - Rhythm and healing 26.05 - Movement is Medicine 39.10 - Wellness and mental health 46.25 - Accessibility and socioeconomics 52.45 - Female perspectives 57:40 - Business and the rhythm of processes 01.01.00 - TED Talks and training for teachers​​. About Emma Marshall Emma Marshall is the founder and CEO of Movement is Medicine®, a neuroscientific technique for wellness and stress relief through music and dance.

Laura Horton relates her journey from dental nurse and TCO to practice owner and growth consultant. Laura gives a clinic-eye view on the invaluable role of TCOs in shaping patient experience within the practice, shares wisdom on team growth and development, and discusses the highs and lows of practice ownership. Enjoy! In This Episode 00.50 - Backstory 07.00 - Nursing, TCO and consultancy 12.00 - Practice workflow insights 17.20 - Practice ownership 29.25 - Professional relationships and career development 35.00 - The TCO role 44.00 - Team training and development 01.26.00 - Friendship Vs professionalism 01.36.30 - Trust and karma 01.54.00 - Fantasy Dinner Party 02.01.10 - Last days and legacy About Laura Horton Former TCO and dental nurse Laura Horton owns and runs Flagstaff-based clinic Dental Smiles. She is the founder of Laura Horton Consulting, which provides practice growth and development support.

Mindset coach, charity founder, model and former boxer Paul Sculfor discusses the challenges of transitioning from the ring to the catwalk and thoughts on self-acceptance, sobriety and the pressure of being in the spotlight. Reflecting candidly on his struggles with addiction, Paul talks reveals how sobriety has transformed his life and relationships, arguing passionately for the need for genuine self-discovery. In this Episode 01.00 - Backstory 11.50 - From boxing to modelling 23.55 - Coping mechanisms 33.20 - The ongoing impact of addiction 44.00 - Sobriety 47.00 - Substances Vs plant medicine 51.00 - The depth of addiction and personal harm 53.05 - Rehab 0.58.00 - Fame 1.02.40 - Modelling in the digital era 1.07.20 - Self-image and surgery 1.12.30 - Male mental health 1.17.20 - Stride Foundation UK 1.22.40 - Life advice About Paul Sculfor Paul Sculfor is an actor, model and mindset coach. He is founder of the Stride UK Foundation, which provides support to those affected by addiction.