DENTOLOGY - The Business of Dentistry

In this episode of Dentology, Andy and Chris chat to MaggieAndi – a holistic dentist, practice principal, mother of three, and founder ofthe global Kids Go Free movement. Maggie chats about her childhood and her early years as adentist after qualifying at just 22. She credits her mentor, Dr NariMansukhani, for igniting her love for the profession and talks about how hisinfluence shaped her career from the very beginning.From her first roles in dentistry to becoming principal ofMill Hill Dental Practice – a surgery with over 110 years of history – Maggie talksabout her journey, including the challenges of balancing motherhood andbusiness ownership in a demanding profession.Digital dentistry has played a major role in Maggie’spractice, recognised in 2024 when she won Best Practice for Digital Innovationand Clinical Excellence. She chats about how digital tools fit alongside herholistic approach, and what more needs to be done to integrate lifestyle,mental health, and oral care into mainstream dentistry.Finally, she explains about her Kids Go Free initiative – apowerful movement she launched in 2020 to tackle the growing crisis inchildren’s access to dental care, aiming to enlist 5,000 dentists worldwide toopen their doors to young patients. Topics:-         Tell usabout your childhood - was there a time you can look backon your childhood and say this is why I am the person I am today?-         You qualified as a dentist as just 22 and credit your mentor Dr NariMansukhani - what did Dr Nari say which made dentistry so compelling?-         What was your career pathway from qualifying in 2003 through to owning MillHill Dental Practice?-         When did you start your family as this can be a hugely challenging partof dental careers for women?-         Did you get on board with digital revolution quite early on and how doesthis integrate with your holistic approach to dentistry?-         Is there enough being done around holistic dentistry and what are thebarrier to this being a more mainstream conversation?-         Tell us about your Kids Go Free movement -         How is it going and how dire is the situation for kids to get access todentistry?-         You are clearly very entrepreneurial – where does this come from and whatdrives you to keep innovating?-         What is your secret to finding time to do so much but also be so presentwith your family?

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris are joined by Rasnaam Tiwana, Founder and CEO of Dentstock, a procurement service helping independentpractices and dental groups streamline how they purchase supplies.Rasnaam chats about his early life, family background, whatultimately led him into the world of dentistry and who supported him early on.He shares how the unique pressures on principals – jugglingclinical work with business demands – sparked the creation of Dentstock duringthe pandemic. He explains how the service works, how much time it saves, andwhy supply chain efficiency remains such a sticking point for so manypractices.Finally, Rasnaam reflects on what stops some principals fromembracing change – whether it’s mindset, leadership, or tech literacy – andwhat it really takes to help practices thrive in a fast-evolving sector. Topics:-         What were your early years were like?-         Are there medics or dentist in your family tree?-         Before dentistry what did you career comprise of?-         So how did you get into dentistry?-         When you started indentistry who was kind to you?-         What role did you play at Bespoke Smiles?-         What did this insight to dentistry reveal about the challenges independentpractices face?-         Do you feel that it is getting harder for independent practice owners tothrive? -         What sparked the flame for Dentstock?-         Can you talk us through how Dentstock helps practice owners with theirpurchasing of supplies?-         Why is it do you think that some practices struggle to embrace changewhile others adapt and thrive?-         Is it down to mindset, leadership, or just the comfort of sticking towhat’s familiar, even when it’s inefficient? -         Is there a lack of tech understanding?

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris chat to one ofthe most recognised and multifaceted figures in UK dentistry – Dr Raj Rattan MBE.With a career that spans clinical dentistry, practiceownership, policy advising, writing, international speaking, and his currentrole as Dental Director, Raj truly embodies the idea of a portfolio career. Raj talks about why he chose dentistry, the memory of hisfirst patient, and his entrepreneurial drive that led to running threepractices.He reflects on the evolution of his career – how philosophy,mentoring, and policy have all played a part - and shares what mentoring reallymeans to him, and the importance of being supported early in your career.He also talks about his MBE for services to dentistry, arare and prestigious recognition, and what it was like to step into the Palaceto receive the honour.Topics:-         Tell usabout your background and childhood-         Why dentistry?-         Do youremember your first patient?-         Did youalways see yourself as a practice owner and dental entrepreneur?-         You describe yourself having a ‘portfolio career’ – is this stillpossible in dentistry today?-         Who was kind and mentored you at the beginning of your career?-         Talk us through the day you visited the Palace to receive your MBE award-         What is the current mood of the profession? Are you worried about it?-         What was the draw to magic & the Magic Circle for you?-         Who is your favourite magician?-         What are the most important skills for an entrepreneur to have?

This week Andy and Chris chat to Tejal Doshi.Tejal is an associate dentist and a podcaster, and while shemay not be a practice owner, her story resonates with so many in the profession– especially those navigating the early years of their career.In this episode, Tejal chats about the key moments thatshaped her journey, her career in dentistry and the highs and challenges oflife as an associate. She speaks openly about the times she’s felt overwhelmed andon the brink of burnout, and how a sabbatical in 2022 helped her to reset.Finally, she tells Chris and Andy about the podcast sheco-hosts with her sister, celebrating their shared heritage and bringingcultural stories to life. Topics:-         Tell usabout your childhood-         How was your time atdental school?-         What was your VT time in Berkshire like?-         When youstarted in dentistry who was kind to you?-         What ledto you taking a short sabbatical in 2022?-         What did you do with this time out?-         What do you think your life would look like without this break?-         Is this a pandemic in dentistry?-         Do you see loneliness in dentistry?-         Where does this loneliness and lack of willingness to be open and supportothers come from?-         Tell us about the podcast you host with your sister

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris arejoined by Catherine Rutland, a leading figure in UK dentistry whose career hasspanned clinical care, business leadership, and national policy.As Clinical Director for Simplyhealth and Denplan, and Director of Policy and Research for the Association of Dental Groups, Catherinebrings a wealth of insight into both the strategic and practical sides of theprofession.Catherine chats about her early life, including her timespent living in Kenya, and how those experiences helped shape who she is today.From studying at Leeds to her hospital years in Newcastle,and nearly two decades as a partner in a private practice in Berkshire,Catherine reflects on the lessons learned at each stage.She also talks about her current role and considers how thebusiness of dentistry is evolving. Finally, she shares her thoughts on the shift in partnershipmodels and how her role has changed over time. Topics:·          Tell us about your childhood and early years living in Kenya·          You went to Leeds University – what was this like?·          You were a House Office and then SHO in Newcastle – what did thishospital experience teach you?·          How was your experience as a partner in private practice for 19 years?·          What does your current role encapsulate?·          Is there an overlap between the business and clinical aspects of thebusiness?·          Do you miss treating patients?·          How has SimplyHealth changed over the past 15 years?·          You were also awarded a Fellowship of the College of GeneralDentistry in 2023 – so clearly a lifelong learner?·          What is the mood among the UK dental corporate market at present? ·          If you can take only one learning from across yourvaried dental career - what is it?

This week’s guest is someone who has continually pushed the boundaries of what dentistry can be – a clinician, an author, a leader, and an innovator – James Goolnik.James is the recent founder of Optimal Dental Health inMarylebone, past president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), head judge of the Private Dentistry Awards, and author of ‘Brush andKick Sugar’.In this episode, Chris and Andy chat to James about hisearly years and the childhood influences that shaped his path, before moving on to discuss how he found dentistry and whether it was love at first sight or something he grew into over time.James reflects on founding Bow Lane Dental Group tolaunching his latest venture, Optimal Dental Health.He talks about his passion for changing the narrative aroundsugar and shares more on some of the insights that have shaped his book and led to his new practice model – one that integrates dentistry with nutrition, health coaching, myofunctional therapy, and psychotherapy.He also chats about his trailblazing work in cognitivehealth. As the first and only UK dentist trained in the RECODE 2.0 Bredesen protocol for Alzheimer’s, James is leading the charge into new territory for the profession.Topics:-         Tell usabout your childhood.-         Why dentistry?-         Did you love it from dental school, or have you grown to love it?-         What was your career path up to the point where you founded Bow LaneDental Group?-         What was the inspiration for writing your book?-         How has the food industry seduced us to love sugar so much?-         What’s the safe alternative?-         What was the inspiration for your latest venture, Optimal Dental Health?-         How do the services offered join together to bring about optimal dentalhealth?-         What are some of the high-level connections between the mouth and bodythat will come as a surprise to some?-         Tell us about being the first and currently the only UK dentist to beRECODE 2.0 trained to use the Bredesen protocol to help treat Alzheimer’s andreverse cognitive decline. -         What was the thinking behind this extension to your professionqualifications?-         Is there a need to get more dental care professionals to ask more dietand lifestyle questions?

In this episode, Andy and Chris are joined by someone whobrings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and boundless energy to the world of dentistry – Dr Rana Al-Falaki.Rana is a specialist periodontist, an Optimal PerformanceStrategist, and the founder of MedDent – the Leadership and Wellbeing Academy.She’s also recently launched Breathe Dental Wellness – a name that already tells you a lot about her mission to bring balance and purpose into the profession.From being nudged into dentistry by her parents, to buildingand selling two specialist practices, to managing chronic illness and transforming that experience into a wellbeing movement – Rana’s story is nothing short of inspiring.She chats about her childhood and family life, some of herbig career decisions made at a very young age, her time at Barts, and her journey from startup to practice ownership of 2 specialist practices and finally, her decision to sell.She also talks about the NAIL-IT system – the framework shecredits for helping her through tough times – and her vision behind MedDent. Topics:-         Can you give us some context and tell us what your childhood was like andfamily life?-         Were you a willing party or were you pressganged into dentistry?-         Tell us about some of your big career decisions.-         Do you think young people have the necessary maturity or need ‘a push’ inthe right direction given the scale of this decision?-         You went to Barts? Was this an enjoyable experience?-         Who inspired you to follow this specialism?-         Tell us about setting up two specialist practices in 2004 and 2009 and sellingto Dentex in 2018.-         What was this journey from squat to exit like?-         What was the driver to sell? -         You credit the NAIL-IT system for getting you through tough times – whatis this?-          You are the founder of MedDent,the Leadership & Wellbeing Academy.-         What is the mission behind this venture? -         Tell us about Breathe Dental Wellness – is this part of MedDent?

In this episode, Andy and Chris are joined by Steve Davey,practice growth and marketing consultant. Steve has over three decades of marketing expertise and followed afascinating journey that’s taken him from the leafy suburbs to the heart ofDevon, and from broader healthcare to a powerful niche within dentistry.Steve chats about the early influences that shaped hiscareer and the marketing truths he’s uncovered that most still overlook. With acareer that spans both offline and digital worlds, Steve shares what’s changed– and what’s stayed the same – in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.He also talks about how he found himself working with dentalpractices, how they can grow by focusing on their existing patient base, andwhy clear aligner marketing might just be the most crowded space of all. Plus, he also reflects on some of the current challenges indentistry… and there’s a bit of sports chat too. Topics:-         Tell us about your early years.-         Why did you move to Devon? What was the attraction to leave the leafysuburbs? -         What’s the one marketing thing you’ve figured out that most othersprobably haven’t?-         What has changed and what has stayed the same over this period?-         Are the broader healthcare needs the same as dentistry?-         How did you find yourself in the niche of dentistry?-         What’s your view on online vs offline marketing? -         From a marketing perspective is clear aligners a niche that isultra-competitive and challenging?-         In which ways do you help dental practices?-         Is there a trend in dentistry to attract new patients, and not givingattention to the 000’s they have already registered?-         Can most practices meet their growth goals through organic growth fromtheir existing patient base?-         From a dental viewpoint - what are you worried about at present?-         Which is your sport of choice?

Andy and Chris chat to Dr Adam Nulty in this latest episodeof the Dentology podcast.Adam, a true pioneer in digital dentistry, is a highlyexperienced clinician with a special interest in Restorative & AestheticDentistry, Digital Dentistry and Implantology and has been at the forefront ofadvancing technology in dentistry, shaping the way modern practices operatetoday.In this episode, he chats about his journey - from growingup in a household with a dentist father to becoming a leader in digitaldentistry. He explains what first sparked his passion for digital workflows,the impact of digital transformation on patient care, and how his vision led tothe creation of the International Digital Dental Academy (IDDA), the IDDA Lab,and an R&D centre.Beyond his clinical expertise, Adam is also an innovatorwith patents on several dental products and shares more about hisentrepreneurial mindset, the key skills he believes every business owner shouldmaster, and what truly makes him happiest. Topics:-         Tell us about your childhood and what family life in the Nulty householdlooked like?-         You father was a dentist – were you always destined to follow this path?-         Where was digital dentistry at the time you qualified?-         What was the spark that excited you about the application of digitaldentistry and it’s future impact?-         What is the biggest impact the digital transformation of dental practiceshas had to improve patient outcomes?-         Is your personal obsession with digital dentistry the driver to createthe International Digital Dental Academy (IDDA)?-         How does this differ from other (digital) labs?-         You’ve also create the KISS workflow – what is this?-         What was your journey from qualification through to owning Dentist On THEROCK & Digital Smile Studio?-         Would you do it the same again?-         What is the oneactivity you do that makes you the happiest?-         Which is the criticalskill to master as an entrepreneur?

In this episode of the Dentology podcast, hosts Andy and Chris chat to Bilal Ahmed, a chief accountant with a passion for financial literacy and a knack for breaking down complex money matters.Bilal shares his journey from growing up in a family business to navigating the complexities of accountancy and eventually finding his niche in the dental industry.  He chats about the state of financial literacy in dentistry - why so many professionals struggle with managing personal finances, tax planning, and budgeting, and why these crucial skills aren’t taught in schools or even business education. He also shares some of the financial pitfalls he’s seen dentists fall into and how a shift in mindset can turn tax from a burden into a tool for growth.With a strong presence on social media, Bilal has also built a reputation for making accountancy engaging and accessible. He explains more about his strategy for educating and demystifying financial topics online and discusses the balance between being data-driven and running a business with human intuition.Topics:-         Tell us about your childhood-         What was it aboutnumbers that inspired you to go deep and study accountancy?-         How did you happen upon the dental niche? -         What is your strategy with social media?-         What is your view on the general levels of financial literacy?-         Why is there such a lack of emphasis on manging your personal finances, how much tax will I pay, how much should I save, how do I budget and so on? In schools, dental schools, even business education.-         You must have seen some horror stories over the years, what pitfalls do dentists fall into?-         Discussing money and numbers tends to be a private matter in the UK, is this part of the issue with people getting into troubles?-         Tell us about the 3 principles your practice is built on?-         Does this purely apply to tax or general business advice?-         What is the crossover between being completely data-driven and the person running the business?-         What are the practical ways for dental professionals to shift from reactive to proactive planning?-         Is there a cultural mindset shift needed to not see tax not as a burden but as a natural part of a well-planned and thriving business?-         What keeps you busy away from work?