DENTOLOGY - The Business of Dentistry

In this short and final message, Andy and Chris take amoment to say a sincere thank you to everyone who has supported Dentology.What began during the COVID lockdowns, inspired by the riseof Clubhouse conversations, has grown into something far beyond what any of uscould have imagined - over 200 episodes filled with inspiring stories, honestconversations, and unforgettable guests.From Andy and Chris: ‘thank you for listening, forsharing, and for being part of something special.’Here’s to the next exciting project!

THE CURTAIN CALL....Welcome to a very special milestone edition of Dentology -our 200th, and final, episode.  To mark the occasion, Andy and Chris chat with a guest who epitomises wisdom, longevity, and impact in the dental profession – Dr Stephen Hancocks OBE.A dentist, publisher, speaker, and storyteller, Stephen hasspent over 20 years as the Editor-in-Chief of the BDJ Portfolio, shaping thewritten voice of British dentistry. He was awarded an OBE in 1997 by HerMajesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to the dental profession – an honourfew in the field receive.In this celebratory episode, Stephen talks about his earlylife and what set him on the path to dentistry, as well as how his globaltravels and long editorial career have influenced his thinking. He shares howhe’s balanced clinical credibility with publishing leadership and reflects onthe changes – and constants – in dentistry over the decades.He also talks about his MA in Advanced Theatre Practice, hislove of storytelling, and how the art of performance has shaped his writing,speaking, and perspective on the profession and talks about the moment hereceived his OBE.Stephen offers thoughtful insight on several topics thathave been discussed previously on the podcast, including:The power of community in overcoming professional isolationThe role of journalism in tackling mental healthHow publications can support financial literacyThe balancing act of authenticity and brandingThe future of sustainability in dentistryAnd what it takes to succeed in entrepreneurial andnon-clinical venturesStephen Hancocks is a very fitting guest for our 200thepisode - this is an inspiring conversation with one of dentistry’s most influential and eloquent voices.

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris arejoined by Dr Shalin Kapoor - dentist, entrepreneur, and pioneer.A graduate of Guy’s Hospital, Shalin talk about how theirrelationship began, their early career paths, and what led them to take theleap into practice ownership with the creation of their first New York DentalOffice (NYDO) practice in the early 2000s.They talk about the string of successful squats they havecreated over the years and explain how they have managed to balance businessgrowth with family life, and how working so closely together has requiredboundaries to carve out non-dental time.The couple have also played a long-standing role in publicdental health by supporting the NHS 111 dental line, offering advice and triageduring out-of-hours care. They share what a typical day looks like at thecentre and why it continues to be an important part of their work.Finally, Shalin talks about his recent diagnosis with ADHD anddiscusses how this discovery has impacted his routines and how it has given himnew insight into his strengths, challenges, and the way he approaches business,dentistry, and life.Topics:-         How did you meet?-         Is there dental history in your families?-         Tell us about your early career paths.-         Explain about setting up your first New York Dental Office back in theearly 2000’s-         Did you also see yourselves being principals?-         What was the driver to create your own practice?-         Did you have your family at this time and how did you manage all of this?-         How many squats have you created over the years?-         For many years you’ve both provided support on the 111-support line ondental issues – when did you start this?-         What does a typical day at the 111 centre look like?-         How do you manage working together and ensure you separate work andfamily time?-         Shalin: tell us about your recent diagnosis with ADHD – did this come asa surprise, or did it make sense?-         What was the spark to get tested?-         How has this impacted your daily routine? -         Have you had other dentists reach out to you as they’ve identified traitsin themselves?

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris are joined by atrue innovator and leader in UK dentistry - Dr Rahul Doshi.A former practice owner, renowned cosmetic dentist, and nowa highly sought-after Strategic Profit Coach, Rahul has spent his careerblending clinical excellence with business acumen. From his early days as anassociate to his role as Clinical Director at Dentex Healthcare, his journey ispacked with insight, impact, and transformation.Rahul chats about his childhood and shares his experiences fromdental school, his leap into practice ownership, and how he came to be one ofthe pioneers of cosmetic dentistry in the UK.He talks about his work as founder of The Advanced TrainingInstitute, where he helped shape the way interdisciplinary dentistry ispractised today, and reflects on his time as the resident dental expert on Channel4’s 10 Years Younger, helping to bring dentistry into the public eye.Beyond the surgery, Rahul has made major contributions tothe profession - as President of the BACD, a founding board member of the BAPD,a Dentex clinical director, and a judge for the industry’s most prestigiousawards. He talks about his transition into coaching and consultancy alongsidehis wife Bhavna, and the practical steps practices can take to improve theirprofitability and performance.He shares his thoughts on growth, mindset, and whether theincreasing focus on the business side of dentistry is a good thing for the nextgeneration. Topics:-        Was there a time you can look back on yourchildhood and say this is why I am the person I am today?-        Is there a family history of dentistry orhealthcare that laid the path before you?-        Which dental school did you go to and what wasyour experience like back in your day?-        Talk us through your career highlights from yourfirst associate position through to being Clinical Director at DentexHealthcare?-        Explain more about being a founder of TheAdvanced Training Institute-        Where did you get your training and zest forthis aspect of dentistry which is so mainstream today?-        Tell us about being the dental expert on Channel4’s 10 Years Younger-        Was this a good move for exposure and business?-        Your non-clinical contributions to dentistry - Presidentof the BACD, a Private Dentistry and Dental Industry Awards judge, foundingboard member of the BAPD, and clinical director at Dentex.-        Do you enjoy the business side of dentistry asmuch as the clinical side? -        Is there a shift in dentistry for youngerdentists to get more involved on the business side earlier on in their careers?-        Is this a good thing?-        Working alongside your wife Bhavna-        What are the quick wins for many practice ownersto boost their profitability?-        What does growth mean and look like to you?-        What worries you about the future of dentistry?

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris sit down with atrue pioneer at the intersection of dentistry and technology – Aalok Y Shukla,CEO of Implement AI.Aalok looks back at his early years and tells Chris and Andyabout qualifying from King’s in 2003, and then how he spent over a decade inclinical practice, including more than seven years running Alkali DentalStudios – where his interest in using digital tools to elevate the patientexperience began to take form.He talks about the launch of Instant Dentist inOctober 2019, a digital dental wellness platform providing remote screeningsand consultations, and his currently role heading up ‘Implement AI’ – guidingbusinesses, including dental practices, on how to embrace AI solutions inpractical, meaningful ways. He answers a series of rapid-fire questions about AI and explainsclearly how he believes AI can genuinely improve care, streamline systems, andwhy it might also raise patient expectations. Topics:·        Tell us about your early years, includingqualifying from Kings in 2003 and being a practice owner until 2016.·        Were you always interested in leveraging thedigital side of dentistry to enhance the patient experience?·        Explain more about Instant Dentist – a digitaldental wellness platform which enabled remote screening & consultations. ·        Is it true that AI can think and feel just likea human?·        Will AI eventually replace all human jobs and wewill have mass unemployment?·        Is AI inherently biased and dangerous, no matterhow it is built?·        Can anyone build an AI that could beworld-changing – is it a bit like the wild west?·        Does more data always make an AI system smarter?·        What do we need and what’s the start point inassessing where AI can truly add value and not be a trendy bolt-on?·        What are the opportunities for dentists toimprove care?·        Is AI leading to increased patient expectations?

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 independent practices and dental groups streamline how they purchase supplies.Rasnaam chats about his early life, family background, what ultimately led him into the world of dentistry and who supported him early on.He shares how the unique pressures on principals – juggling clinical work with business demands – sparked the creation of Dentstock during the pandemic. He explains how the service works, how much time it saves, and why supply chain efficiency remains such a sticking point for so many practices.Finally, Rasnaam reflects on what stops some principals from embracing change – whether it’s mindset, leadership, or tech literacy – and what 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 in dentistry 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 to thrive? -         What sparked the flame for Dentstock?-         Can you talk us through how Dentstock helps practice owners with their purchasing of supplies?-         Why is it do you think that some practices struggle to embrace change while others adapt and thrive?-         Is it down to mindset, leadership, or just the comfort of sticking to what’s familiar, even when it’s inefficient? -         Is there a lack of tech understanding?http://wwwdentstock.co.uk

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?