Dental Leaders Podcast

Over a 50-year career, self-proclaimed benevolent battle axe Jenny Pinder was instrumental in shaping the face of UK dentistry as we know it today.    We chat with Jenny about her family’s generational background in dentistry, which helped shape her reputation as an early champion of women in the profession.   Jenny also spills the beans on her time at the GDC and shares some insight on the unique approach to treating nervous patients for which she is renowned.   Enjoy!       “Being non-judgemental is very, very important. A lot of dentists think that people who don't go to the dentist don't care, but actually that's not true for a great many people.” Jenny Pinder   In this Week’s Episode   00:30 - On early years and gender 14.44 - Tales from the GDC 21.58 - Oh Canada! 23.58 - NHS dentistry 29.54 - Dental phobia 42.51 - Being in charge 49.41 - Retiring 55.18 - Mental Dental 01.01.46 - Jenny’s worst mistake 01.05.13 - Advice to dentists   About Jenny Pinder Jenny qualified in dentistry in 1971 and went on to practice in the City of London. She gained additional qualifications in psychology and developed an interest in treating anxious patients.   She was a founding member of Women in Dentistry and has spent time working with numerous professional dentistry bodies.   Jenny recently retired and now spends much of her time on professional ancestry research.. 

This week Payman finds himself without co-pilot Prav as he takes a therapist’s view with Vicky Wilson.   They chat about the lot of hygiene therapists andwhy they are not always pushed to their full potential within the practice. The pair also talk about how dentists and hygienists can integrate better.   Also up for discussion is Vicky’s thought on her decade in practice in Dubai, the challenges of establishing a hygienists association, and much more.   Enjoy!    “Frequently, I talk to dentists. They're so pro-therapist, they work with therapists, they absolutely love their therapist. Then, we speak about do you really get all the roles or duties that a therapist can carry out? And they say, ‘actually, if I'm really honest, maybe not.’" Vicky Wilson   In this week’s episode 00.30 - Formative years 09.59 - Hygiene and hard knocks 15.20 - Therapist and hygienist-led practice 20.41 - On opinion leadership 31.40 - A decade in Dubai 42.40 - Synergy in practice 54.32 - On Prav’s behalf   About Vicky Wilson Vicky Wilson began her journey as a dental hygiene therapist at the Eastman Dental Hospital in 2001. She spent a decade in practice in Dubai and has worked in the UK in both NHS and private practice.   Vicky now spends much of her time as in a consultancy role. She is also a prolific public speaker, researcher, writer and host of the Smile Revolution Podcast.

This week, Payman and Prav talked with Rahul Doshi, cosmetic pioneer and founder of the groundbreaking Perfect Smile Studios.   The trio talk about the science and art of cosmetic dentistry, what it takes to be a clinical leader, team building and more.   Rahul also talks about his decision to join Dentex, as well as the board of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentists (BACD.)   Enjoy!    Rather than being demotivated about, "I could've done X, I could've done Y." You’ve got to say, "Right, how do I play these cards now and do well with them?" Rahul Doshi   In this episode 00.18 - Changing lives, exceeding expectations 07.25 - Art Vs science 14.54 - Mentors and going it alone 20.20 - Highs, lows and love at first sight 25.00 - Partners in practice 31.29 - Leadership, team building, hiring and firing 40.24 - Teaching photography 48.52 - Cosmetics, occlusion & learning curves 51.02 - Buying out and selling up 54.19 - Dentex & a day in the life 01.01.52 - On family 01.03.40 - BACD 01.11.00 - Doing it all again (and coming up trumps)   About Rahul Doshi Rahul Doshi founded the high-end Perfect Smile Studios cosmetic dentistry clinic alongside wife Bavna in Hertfordshire in 1994.    In 2017, Rahul’s commitment to the profession was recognised at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards with an accolade for his Outstanding Contribution to Dentistry.   He has now retired from clinical dentistry but continues to oversee the team at Perfect Smile Studios in a leadership role.

This week’s podcast had our hosts wishing they had more time. Prav and Payman chat with legend Linda Greenwall about the role of women in dentistry and her pragmatic approach to raising a family while in practice,   They also find out all about Linda’s charity work, and talk at length about why whitening may be one of the most neglected disciplines in all of dentistry.   Enjoy!    “No secrets. The secret is no secrets.” Linda Greenwall In this week’s episode 01.06 - Entering the family trade 03.55 - Women in dentistry 13.33 - On work-life balance 22.03  - What-ifs and creating a better now 36.42 - On whitening 59.26 - Looking back and speaking up 01.08.42 - Why no dentistry is the best dentistry 01.16.51 - Influence, leadership, vision and chill 01.28.56 - Linda Greenwall’s last day on earth About Linda Greenwall Third-generation dentist Linda Grenwall was born in Cape Town South Africa and graduated from Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in 1984.   She is a prolific lecturer on the international circuit on whitening and also runs a London-based multidisciplinary private practice.   Linda’s debut book, Bleaching Techniques in Restorative Dentistry won the award for Best New Dental Book 2001 and her latest book, Strategies for the Aesthetic Dental Practice was published recently by Quintessence.   Linda is founder and chair of the British Dental Bleaching Society (BDBS) which educates dentists on whitening and lobbies for science-based policy change.    In 2011, Linda launched the Dental Wellness Trust (DWT) charity, which raises awareness of oral health issues in less fortunate communities across the globe.

Dynamo, workaholic, insomniac, leader - all these terms and more apply to this week’s guest, Druh Shah.   The periodontist, educator and founder of Dentinal Tubules talks us through his early years and some of the formative experiences that were the making of one of dentistry’s true legends.   Druh also chats leadership, vision, values, overcoming adversity and much more.   Enjoy!   “Dentists were taught to deal with the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth. Ultimately...they think small, they think detailed, they think that bigger-picture thinking is missing. True leadership in dentistry's thinking leadership is, "here's a vision, let's go towards it."” Druh Shah   01.10 - Early life 10.25 - Work ethic and a message from Kenya 17.00 - Fighting hard, building opportunities 27.03 - On visionary thinking 31.45 - Leadership & disruption 34.38 - ‘Work-life’ balance - a misnomer? 40.28 - A day in the life 49.40 - Druh’s darkest day 59.16 - Love nor money 01.03.20 - A word for posterity  

About Anup Ladva   Talent is overrated. So says today’s guest, Dr Anup Ladva.   In this week’s episode, Anup talks us through turning around his bad-boy beginnings in Palmers Green to become owner of several successful clinics.    He also tells us about his love of tech, which he satisfies by helping clinics get started in digital dentistry - and by steering some exciting dental-tech startups.   Along the way, you’ll hear plenty of words of wisdom on management, motivation, running a practice and much more.   Enjoy!       In This Episode 0.58 - Mischief in Palmers Green 03:12 - Getting into dentistry 09.38 - Into practice 13.07 - Anud’s biggest influences 17:18 - Efficiency hacks 15:41 - Selecting practices and partners 33.10 - Getting kicked out of Tescos 37.57 - What’s important to Anup Ladva? 42.37 - Boards, bosses, buddies & bonuses 50.11 - Anup’s biggest mistake 58.37 - Digital dentistry 1.08.58 - Egg distribution 1.10.19 - Anup’s words of wisdom   About Dr Anup Ladva Since graduating from Kings College London in 2002, Anup has focused mainly on primary care dentistry.    He has developed special interests in occlusal rehabilitation and cosmetic dentistry and has trained in the US with MJDF and the Royal College of Surgeons. He is an examiner and clinical teacher at Kings College and a trainer for the eastern deanery.   Anup is a digital dentistry consultant who supports clinics to integrate new digital workflows. He is also an entrepreneur with involvement in new dental tech startups.

About This Episode   This week’s guest is proof that dentistry really does take all-sorts.    Former Green Beret Danny Watson was inspired to enter dentistry after witnessing military dentists at work in Afghanistan.   Against impressive odds, he secured a place at Manchester University and spectacularly burned his military bridges to attend.   Danny talks about his fortuitous first meeting with podcast host Prav, cross-fit, military life and his record-breaking highs and lows.      Enjoy!       So I phoned my missus on my 20-minute phone card...She was like, "You alright love? You okay?" I was like, “yeah all good...guess what..I want to be a dentist."  Danny Watson   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 practice 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.  

This week’s guest transcends the dental-leader label. A polymath and true giant of the field, Prof. Nairn Wilson takes us through the patents with which he helped turn ICI into one of dentistry’s leading players.   And that was just the beginning. Prof. Wilson shares how his refusal to be pinned down led to the creation of one of the most varied and impressive CVs in all of dentistry.   Enjoy!   A guy came in and he said, "We've looked at you with amazement. You put the money in the bank. Last year we made a clear five million profit…” And they said, "we're selling out to these Japanese people. You have a great night." Prof. Nairn Wilson In this Episode 00.50 - The early years 08.57 - On not working with dad 17.16 - Crossing the border 21.48 - A call from ICI 29.31 - A couple of chance encounters 34.57 - Industry, praxis & family 42.40 - Work Vs talent (and spotting the latter) 42.58 - Step into my office - tanked up in the War Museum 48.04 - Another fortuitous phone call 50.37 - Walking the regulation tightrope 59.40 - Mistakes, regrets & ear-to-ear crowns 01.02.51 - Another chance meeting 01.04.06 - LonDEC, MANDEC and a £20K scale & polish 01.12.31 - The College of General Dentistry 01.22.12 - Leadership & future dentistry 01.26.51 - On pursuing dreams & making a difference   About Prof. Nairn Wilson Prof. Nairn Wilson’s career includes time spent as Dean, Clinical Director, Pro-vice chancellor of Manchester University Dental Hospital and Head of King's College London Dental Institute.    Prof. Wilson has also spent time as President of the General Dental Council  and the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry. He was Co-chair of the Forum of European Heads and Deans of Dental Schools and 129th President of the British Dental Association.   From 1999-2003 he was President of the General Dental Council and was President of the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry from 2003 to 2005.    Prof. Wilson is a former Editor of the Journal of Dentistry and Quintessentials of Dental Practice and was Chairman of the Editorial Board for Primary Dental Journal and Dental Practice magazine.   He has published more than 250 original research papers and authored and edited more than 50 books.

Dental Practice Built By Nurturing Relationships   If your marketing relies heavily on through word of mouth, even at this time of digital age; by no means, you touch everyone with what you do.   This holds true for our guest today.   Dr. Paul Abrahams is the owner of Smilemore Dental Care in St Johns Wood  since 1993. A small private practice dedicated to providing high-quality dentistry with an emphasis on dedicated personal care and attention.   Paul has wide experience in providing cosmetic dentistry and has attended many post-graduate courses in furthering his knowledge. He is currently vice-president of the Board of Directors of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentists. His specialization includes: Cosmetic Dentistry - Porcelain Veneers, cosmetic braces, tooth whitening.    Those of you who are starting, tons of life's lessons you will learn from this episode with Paul.    And get a load of wisdom, from the time he started out and after 30 years in practice to selling his practice.    Hear Paul as he dive deep on life’s lessons that you can learn from may it be personal or career life.   Are you in the moment asking yourself if it is time to sell your practice, this episode is for you. Find out how he makes the transition easy.    Enjoy!   I think it came naturally to me, but learning how to deal with people in the dental situation is key. A lot of people are struggling with them. It's probably one of the biggest factors; a patient putting trust in you. Sometimes there are loads of dentists out there who may have the same clinical skills as you, if not better. - Paul Abrahams   What you will discover from this episode:   03:21The time in his life he ever thought he'd become a dentist   12:42 Recounting the time when he was in the university taking up dentistry   17:09 Why communication is important with patients   18:25 The biggest clinical mistake he made   26:47 Will AI replaces dentists in the future?   29:18 Why he is having a relaxed environment at work   31:50 The relationship that should exist between the subordinate and people in the leadership position   35:58 US vs UK teeth; the difference between American and British patients   37:33 How to instill his own principles to his people   43:49 How he takes time off from work   52:29 His advice on how to stay grounded as a dentist Connect with Paul Abrahams:   Smilemore Dental Care LinkedIn Connect with Prav and Payman:   Website Prav on Instagram Payman on Instagram

What would you do when your professional capacity as a dentist is being questioned?   What if you are accused of doing something unethical against a patient? That is one thing that would shake you to the core.   But this man’s response was of holding his ground and letting the truth unfold on its own and proved the accuser of maliciously inventing stories against him.   This guest for today indeed went through this, but all's well that ends well.   Sia Mirfendereski qualified from the Royal London Hospital in 1991 and received his Masters at the Royal London Hospital in Gerodontology in 1995 and is currently working as a principal at Wimpole Dental Office and Dulwich Dental Office. He has formerly held the position of Honorary Associate Clinical Professor at The University of Warwick and Honorary Clinical Teaching Fellow in Education and Development at the same institute. A strong advocate for preventative care and fundamental adherence to Duty of Care, he involved his students in all aspects about ultimate patient satisfaction. His professional interests and expertise focus on Prosthodontics (registered with the GDC - Specialist in Prosthodontics) as well as Minor Oral Surgery and former contract holder in oral surgery.   Sia also does dental consultancy for Chelsea Football Club, and he is the chairman of the British Dental Bleaching Society. He has lectured extensively regarding dental bleaching in the UK and internationally.   So much to learn on this episode as he relates his dental journey from the time he was at school to the time he owned practice, and have done consultancy.   How he handles the struggles and triumphs is something that you can apply in your own life.   He’s been through tough times in his practice. Sia overcomes his adversities. There are pure nuggets of wisdom with which you can pick up.   Enjoy!   As I always do, I sit back and I don't react with an email or pick up the phone and start ranting and raving. I've learned that through managing a High Street practice, digest the information because the first thing that will come out of your mouth is usually the wrong thing. - Dr. Sia Merfendereski    What you will discover from this episode:   04:52 What made Eddie Lynch a big factor of influence on his dental career   08:02  When did he decide to own a dental practice   12:54 Sia’s marketing strategy that kickstart the growth of his business   14:42 The reason why he sell his dental practice   16:15 Sports and Dentistry; how he made these two worked together    29:18 The best and worst thing about working in Wimpole street   36:13 Sia’s person-centered care approach in his NHS practice   40:35 How to recruit and hire top quality staff   41:56 Why he considers himself a “Google boss”   46:50 What could he have done differently early on in his career   48:15 How he handle the personal attack held against him    Connect With Sia Mirfenereski   LinkedIn   Connect with Prav and Payman:   Website Prav on Instagram Payman on Instagram