Dental Leaders Podcast

In this Dental Leaders episode, Payman sits down with Sam Cope, a dentist whose journey to dentistry began in physiotherapy. Known for his focus on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, Sam discusses the habits that keep his clinical days finely tuned, the influence of mentors, and his obsession with detail. He reflects on how his background in physio shaped his approach to patient care, back health, and long-term sustainability in dentistry. The conversation ranges from composite techniques and mental health to happiness, burnout, and redefining success. Honest, introspective, and often unexpectedly profound, this is an episode that challenges what it means to thrive in modern dentistry. In This Episode00:01:00 – Daily habits and preparation00:13:00 – Mentorship and clinical growth00:25:00 – Blackbox thinking: Mistakes & lessons00:35:00 – From physio to dentistry00:47:00 – Adversity and inner drive00:58:00 – Mental health and fulfilment01:10:00 – Dentistry, stress and back pain01:23:00 – Work-life balance philosophy01:36:00 – Living below your means01:48:00 – Fantasy dinner party guestsAbout Sam CopeSam Cope is a minimally invasive cosmetic dentist based at Love Teeth, known for his highly refined clinical systems and patient-focused care. Originally trained as a physiotherapist, he transitioned into dentistry after discovering a passion for aesthetic and restorative treatment. Sam combines his love for detail with a strong belief in reflection, mentorship, and doing fewer things, better.

Sarovi Davda, a general dentist with a special interest in periodontics, joins Payman for an insightful conversation about the evolution of periodontal treatment and the art of balancing professional expertise with personal growth. From her journey through dental school to establishing herself as a medico-legal expert witness, Sarovi shares candid reflections on career choices, parenthood, and divorce. Her passion for periodontics combines technical skill with psychological understanding, emphasising how patient motivation transforms treatment outcomes. Throughout the episode, Sarovi's spiritual outlook provides a refreshing perspective on finding meaning in dentistry and life beyond clinical practice.In This Episode00:01:40 - Practice limitation to periodontics and medico-legal work00:05:35 - Childhood and education journey 00:09:35 - Balancing career with parenthood 00:10:25 - Navigating divorce and personal growth 00:17:45 - Dental school experiences 00:26:20 - Discovering a passion for periodontics 00:32:50 - Clinical prognosis in periodontics 00:39:00 - Interdental brushing vs flossing debate 00:43:50 - Medico-legal expert witness work 00:51:20 - Preventing periodontal litigation 01:14:15 - Blackbox thinking01:27:50 - Fantasy dinner party 01:32:45 - Last days and legacyAbout Sarovi DavdaSarovi Davda is a general dentist whose practice is now completely limited to periodontics and medico-legal expert witness work. After completing her MSc in Restorative Dental Practice at the Eastman, she developed her expertise in periodontics under the mentorship of respected periodontists Phil Ower and Graham Smart. Sarovi divides her time equally between clinical periodontics and serving as an independent expert witness, bringing her evidence-based approach to both areas of her practice.

In this captivating episode, Payman Langroudi sits down with Bhavnish Waghela, owner of Natural Smiles practices in Leicester and Corby. Bhavnish shares his journey from NHS to private dentistry, discussing his philosophy of "Michelin-starred dentistry" and how his faith has guided significant business decisions. With refreshing candour, he explores the challenges of opening squat practices, his evolution as an implantologist, and the importance of balancing professional success with family life. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Bhavnish reveals how his cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs have shaped his approach to dentistry and practice ownership.In This Episode00:01:00 - Practice ownership00:03:15 - Michelin-starred dentistry philosophy00:05:30 - Patient experience and team training00:08:45 - Transitioning from NHS to private practice00:10:45 - Squat practice challenges00:15:35 - Community connections in Leicester00:17:35 - Faith's influence on business decisions00:24:45 - Questioning faith during difficult times00:27:15 - Work-life balance philosophy00:30:05 - Early life and dental education00:35:35 - First job experiences00:40:00 - Journey into implantology00:46:35 - Surgical temperament in implantology00:51:50 - Soft tissue management in implants00:56:00 - Digital guided surgery adoption01:01:40 - All-on-four marketing approach01:02:30 - Blackbox thinking01:09:10 - Associate selection and management01:18:20 - Future plans and potential retirement01:20:35 - Fantasy dinner party01:25:25 - Last days and legacyAbout Bhavnish WaghelaBhavnish Waghela is the owner of Natural Smiles dental practices in Leicester and Corby. With nearly 30 years in dentistry, he transitioned from NHS to private practice, focusing primarily on implant and restorative dentistry. Deeply connected to his Hindu faith and Indian heritage, Bhavnish balances his professional life with community involvement and family priorities.

Sarina Kiani shares her inspiring journey from dental rep to a young dentist in prestigious London practices. She emphasizes resilience and the power of authentic connections in building a successful career. From knocking on doors to secure her first job to navigating challenges as a new dentist, her story resonates with insights on mental wellbeing and personal growth. Sarina's philosophy encourages finding joy in small moments and embracing authenticity, making for a refreshing conversation about dentistry and self-worth.

In this compelling episode of Mind Movers, Rhona Eskander sits down with Dr Philippa Kaye, a GP, author, and menopause expert who's become a powerful voice in medical communication. Their honest conversation traverses the landscape of women's health, from medical misogyny to the science of menopause. Dr Kaye shares her personal cancer journey with raw vulnerability, offering profound insights on resilience and self-discovery. The discussion challenges societal stigmas and highlights how historical biases continue to shape women's healthcare experiences today.In This Episode00:01:40 - Early life and medical career 00:03:35 - The power of medical communication 00:06:35 - Comparing dentistry and medicine as career paths 00:12:40 - Medical misogyny and gender health gap 00:21:05 - The origin of "hysteria" and medical sexism 00:24:20 - Mind-body connection in medicine 00:29:05 - Psychedelic medicine research 00:33:55 - Personal cancer journey 00:43:15 - Cancer rates and prevention 00:47:40 - The pursuit of happiness vs. suffering for goals 00:49:45 - Weight loss medications in society 00:55:50 - Body image and societal standards 01:05:25 - Menopause science and education 01:09:10 - Factors affecting menopause timingAbout Dr Philippa KayeDr Philippa Kaye is a practising GP, author, and prominent medical communicator who specialises in women's health and menopause education. With her background from Cambridge and King's College London, she divides her time between clinical practice and media work, where she translates complex medical information into accessible language for millions through television appearances and books including "The Science of Menopause."

Payman chats with three dental professionals from mydentist—Claire Stenhouse, Parin Shah, and Alyssia Willis—each offering a unique perspective on working within a corporate dental environment. Claire shares how she expanded her role as a hygiene therapist into whitening and restorative procedures, while Parin reflects on her journey from owning a practice in India to adapting to the UK system. Alyssia discusses her transition from dental nursing to therapy and the opportunities available within corporate dentistry. The discussion covers corporate autonomy, misconceptions about working in a large organisation, handling patient complaints, career growth, and the evolving role of therapists. The trio also discuss clinical mistakes, managing work-life balance, and their thoughts on the future of corporate dentistry.In This Episode00:01:00 - Introduction to corporate dentistry00:12:30 - Expanding hygiene therapist roles00:25:10 - Parin’s move from India00:37:45 - Balancing NHS and private00:48:30 - Blackbox thinking: Clinical mistakes01:00:15 - Handling difficult patients01:12:50 - Corporate dentistry evolution01:25:20 - Private vs corporate careers01:38:15 - Career impact and legacy01:50:30 - Fantasy dinner party guestsAbout Claire Stenhouse, Parin Shah & Alyssia WillisClaire Stenhouse is a hygiene therapist at mydentist in Skegness, where she has expanded her role beyond hygiene to include whitening and restorative treatments.Parin Shah is a dentist who originally ran her own practice in India before moving to the UK. She shares insights on adapting to a new healthcare system and working within corporate dentistry.Alyssia Willis transitioned from dental nursing to therapy, demonstrating the career growth opportunities within mydentist. She is passionate about expanding the therapist’s role and mentoring others in the field.

In this episode of Dental Leaders, Payman welcomes Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, to discuss the realities of corporate dentistry, leadership, and the evolving role of clinicians in large-scale dental organisations. Nyree dispels common misconceptions about corporate dentistry, emphasising the balance between clinical freedom and structured support. She shares insights into the challenges of managing thousands of dentists, the importance of mentorship, and the shift toward large multi-chair supercentres. With a career spanning both clinical and executive roles, Nyree offers a candid look at the business of dentistry, the future of NHS and private care, and the changes shaping the next generation of dentists.In This Episode00:01:00 - Misconceptions about corporate dentistry00:02:30 - Clinical freedom vs. strategic partnerships in corporates00:05:00 - Compliance, autonomy, and decision-making within mydentist.00:07:40 - Balancing corporate goals with clinical priorities00:09:30 - Private equity misconceptions: “Buy one, get one free” on fillings?!00:14:15 - The reality of NHS patient numbers and service demand00:17:30 - The 50/50 NHS-private revenue split and future of NHS care00:21:15 - Recruitment challenges, overseas hiring, and finding the right dentists00:25:50 - The rise of multi-chair supercentres and the shift from small practices00:28:00 - Blackbox thinking: handling mistakes and improving patient care00:35:30 - Managing the pressures of large-scale corporate dentistry00:38:00 - Last days and legacy: Nyree’s reflections on career impact00:45:10 - Fantasy dinner party: who would Nyree invite?About Nyree WhitleyNyree Whitley is the Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, overseeing clinical standards, development, and strategy for one of the UK’s largest dental groups. With a background in both clinical practice and executive leadership, she has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate dentistry, balancing the needs of clinicians with the operational goals of a nationwide brand. A passionate advocate for mentorship and professional growth, Nyree is committed to ensuring that dentists—whether newly qualified or experienced—have the right support, training, and opportunities to thrive.

Georgia Meacham opens up about her journey as a deaf model and actress, sharing her transformation from hiding her hearing aids to becoming a proud advocate for disability visibility. Through honest conversation with Rhona and Payman, Georgia reveals how embracing her identity has improved her mental health and inspired others. Her story touches on themes of authenticity, representation in media, and the importance of normalising difference in society.In This Episode00:01:35 - Early diagnosis and childhood experiences00:03:30 - Navigating mainstream education00:05:05 - Speech therapy and communication development00:07:00 - Family support and building confidence00:16:15 - Hidden struggles and career challenges00:25:10 - Mental health transformation00:31:00 - Discussion on privilege and responsibility00:41:35 - Breaking into modelling and managing rejection00:44:45 - Technology and accessibility in healthcare00:53:35 - Moments of feeling truly understood00:57:05 - Supporting the deaf community01:00:45 - Final thoughts on vulnerability and connectionAbout Georgia MeachamGeorgia Meacham is a model and actress who was diagnosed as deaf at 16 months old. Standing at six feet tall, she has worked in both commercial and catwalk modelling for nearly a decade. After years of hiding her hearing aids, Georgia has become a powerful advocate for disability visibility and mental health awareness, using her platform to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves.

In this deeply moving episode, Sharon Walsh shares her journey from being a successful private practice owner to experiencing a devastating personal and professional crisis that led to practice loss, divorce, alcoholism, and a seven-year GDC case.  With remarkable candour, she discusses her path to recovery, spiritual awakening, and finding meaning beyond material success.  Her story is one of resilience, acceptance, and the profound understanding that sometimes we must be completely broken to discover our true selves. In This Episode 00:01:05 - Career beginnings and building a private practice 00:03:40 - Practice dynamics and associate challenges 00:07:05 - Passion for dentistry and professional development 00:12:50 - The catalyst for breakdown 00:15:00 - Mental health crisis and practice loss 00:20:15 - Descent into alcoholism 00:24:25 - Marriage breakdown and personal struggles 00:47:50 - Homelessness and hitting rock bottom 00:49:20 - Recovery and spiritual awakening 00:56:35 - Blackbox thinking 01:00:50 - The loneliness of dentistry 01:06:10 - Fantasy dinner party guests 01:13:00 - Last days and legacy About Sharon Walsh Sharon Walsh is a dentist who built a successful private practice near Rochdale after transforming it from "a shed" into a beautiful, patient-focused space.  A passionate clinician with expertise in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics, she worked alongside some of UK dentistry's most respected figures.  After experiencing a life-altering crisis in 2017, she has emerged with a deeper understanding of life's purpose and now shares her story to help others facing similar challenges.

From fleeing revolution-era Iran to building an eight-surgery practice in Norwich, Fariba Zolfaghari shares her remarkable journey of resilience and reinvention.  Through arranged marriage, divorce, immigration, and starting over as a single mother, Fariba pursued her dental education in Sweden before establishing herself in the UK.  She opens up about overcoming personal and professional challenges, including a difficult business partnership dissolution and bankruptcy, to emerge stronger.  Today, she runs a thriving private practice while maintaining her passion for learning and digital dentistry. In This Episode 00:01:50 - Backstory 00:16:35 - Journey to Sweden as an asylum seeker 00:19:35 - Dental education while raising two children 00:41:35 - Starting practice in Norwich 00:46:35 - Business partnership challenges 00:57:25 - Navigating bankruptcy and rebuilding 01:08:55 - Converting to private practice 01:14:35 - Current practice focus and digital dentistry 01:31:40 - Black box thinking 01:37:35 - Fantasy dinner party guests About Fariba Zolfaghari Fariba is a dentist who qualified in Sweden in 1997 before moving to the UK, where she established her practice in Norwich in 2000.  She holds a master's degree in orthodontics from Warwick University and has grown her practice into an eight-surgery facility.  A champion of digital dentistry and continuing education, she focuses on orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth rehabilitation while mentoring younger dentists.