DENTOLOGY - The Business of Dentistry

In this episode, Chris and Andy talk to Anushika Brogan about into her journey growing up on the Isle of Sheppey to becoming the CEO and founder of Damira, a successful dental practice group. Anushika shares her journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges, including navigating a difficult divorce while expanding her business, her initial career path in pharmacy and how a transformative work experience in dentistry solidified her passion for the field. She talks about the growth of Damira, challenges faced along the way, why it’s important to build a strong organisational culture and the importance of mentorship. She also reflects on the lessons learned from her experiences and her aspirations for the future.   Topics: -  Was there a time you can look back on your childhood and say this is why I am the person I am today? - You started out on the pharmacy route but then switched to dentistry – what was the reason for this? -  Did work experience play a part in this decision and is something that is available at Damira today? - Tell us about Damira. - How do you ensure the right culture, behaviours and ethos is delivered consistently across so many sites and people? - You say that Damira is all about support – what’s the balance between support for your team and support for patients? - If you could go back in time, where would you go, and would you change anything? - Do you find it easy to switch off from work? - Which is the critical skill to master as an entrepreneur? - What does success look like for you? -  How much of your personality drives the culture today?

In this episode, Andy and Chris explore the isolating nature of the dental profession and emphasise the importance of community and support among dentists. They discuss the mental health challenges faced by dentists, the need for open communication about both successes and failures, and the role of professional networks in fostering collaboration and growth. The conversation highlights how sharing experiences can lead to a more supportive environment, ultimately benefiting the entire profession.

In this episode of Dentology, Chris and Andy chat with Kirsty and Jim Hague, founders of Hague Dental.  They chat about their backgrounds, how they ended up working in dentistry, setting up their business together and the dynamics of running a family business. They share insights on the challenges of growing a business, how the business has evolved since the early days, and the importance of investing in quality staff. They also talk about their design philosophy in creating dental practices that prioritise aesthetics and comfort for both staff and patients and explain how dental practice design has changed over the years. Topics: - How did you meet and what’s your own family tree look like? - How did you end up in dentistry? - How do you manage the on/off switch of business when you get home? - What was Hague Dental like in the early days? - How has the company evolved? - What were the pain points in growing in the early days? - What extra challenges have you had in growing your business to this size? - Which are the most fun and the most challenging parts of what you do? - Is the traditional dental practice model still fit for purpose or are we entering a new breed of practice and owner? - Is equipment more or less reliable than it was in the past? - If a dentist is considering a new project, how soon should they engage with someone like yourselves? - If you can take only one learning from your entrepreneurial journey – what is it?

In this episode of the Dentology podcast, Dr. James Hunter shares his unique journey from a global upbringing to becoming a dentist. He discusses his early life in Singapore, Colorado, and Oxford, and how these experiences have shaped his worldview. He reflects on his transition from studying theology to dentistry, the challenges faced during his foundation training amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and his upcoming family move to Liberia to provide dental care in a country with a severe shortage of dentists. He talks about the political landscape of Liberia, the challenges of relocating with a family, the impact of dental practice on community health, and his plans to integrate family life within a new culture. Topics: - How did your early years set you up for the person you are today? -  What work did your parents do? - You studied at Cardiff Dental School but wasn’t your first degree, was it? -  Your Foundation Training year fell during the Covid lockdowns, how did this impact your ability to get some practical experience? - Tell us about the associate position at the practice in Cornwall and what dentistry is Cornwall is like? -  Tell us about your new adventure to the West African country of Liberia. How did this come about? - Talk us through the landscape of this country and what oral healthcare looks like? -  What do you think will be early challenges moving to the west coast of Africa? - What is the plan while you are there – treat or treat and train others? -  What will family life look like for you? -  How can people keep in touch with your experience?

In this episode, hosts Andy and Chris chat with Sarika Shah, a dentist and principal of Platinum Dental Care, discussing her remarkable journey from Kenya to the UK. Sarika shares insights about her childhood, the influence of her parents, her decision to move to England for education, and her eventual choice to pursue a career in dentistry. Sarika shares her journey from being an international student to becoming a successful dental practice owner. She discusses the importance of keeping options open during her education, the challenges she faced in securing a dental position, and the significance of mastering clinical skills before venturing into the business side of dentistry. Sarika emphasises the entrepreneurial spirit within the dental field and the transformation of her practice, Platinum Dental Care, into a thriving business. She also highlights the crucial role of dental care professionals and the need for collaboration within the dental team. Finally, she shares her personal journey of balancing family life with running a business and talks about the significance of self-care, personal leadership, and the need for mentorship and community support for women in dentistry. Topics: -  How did your parents set you up for the future given you grew up in Kenya and moved to the UK when you were 16 to finish high school? -  Did you always know you’d be a dentist? - You qualified from Manchester and then did your VT in Norwich – what was dental school like and why Norwich? - Did you seek out any business education in the early years? -  Were you always destined to be a principal? -  What more did you need that being an associate couldn’t deliver? -  What did the practice look like when you bought it compared to what you have now? -  Is there a general misunderstanding inside the profession (which impacts on patient understanding) of the value that therapists (and to a lesser extent hygienists) bring the party? -  Since buying your practice you’ve also become a mum, how did this change things for you? -  This year you launched Flourish as a Female – tell us about this?

Happy New Year from all at the Dentology Podcast.

Season's Greetings from all at the Dentology Podcast.

In this episode, hosts Andy and Chris chat with Reena Wadia, a renowned figure of authority across the global dental industry and Principal Periodontist and Founder of RW Perio, leading clinic for periodontal health located on 75 Harley Street. Reena talks about her journey in dentistry, the influences of her upbringing, and discusses her early aspirations. She reflects on her decision to pursue a career path specialising in periodontology and the challenges faced in setting up and marketing a specialist practice. She talks about her new book, The Perio Handbook and her work with the Perio School, the leading Global Teaching Academy for Periodontal Courses which she set up due to the increasing demand for training in periodontics. Topics: - Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? - You qualified from Barts and The London with the prestigious Gold Medal – what did your dental career look like in the early days? -  What was it about perio that caught your attention? -  What are the challenges you’ve faced marketing a specialist practice -  Your new book ‘The Perio Handbook’ – who is it for? -  Has the way perio is treated changed much over the years? -  Is gum aesthetics generally available as part of a wider aesthetic makeover or does it require a periodontist? - Tell us about the Perio School – is there a decent level of interest in perio and gums?

In this episode, hosts Chris and Andy chat to Stephen Kettle, a seasoned business professional with over 30 years of experience in the building maintenance industry and now a key figure in the dental fit-out niche. As the founder of Clover Dental Fit Out, Stephen took a bold step in launching his business during 2021, amidst the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic. Stephen talks about his childhood in Cheshire, the early influences in his life that have been pivotal to his career success and his decision to transition into the dental sector. He shares how he came to specialise in dental fitouts, the support he offers to aspiring dentists, key considerations for setting up a successful dental practice and the emerging trend of super clinics in dentistry.   He discusses the challenges and rewards of starting Clover Dental Fit Out during such a turbulent time and shares his insights on navigating the complexities of starting a dental practice. Finally, he talks about his experience with the Flying Start TV programme back in the late 90’s which provided him with valuable business mentorship.   Topics: -  Tell us about your childhood. What was your upbringing like? -  How did you come to be in the dental niche? -  Starting Clover Dental Fit Out: Was 2021 a great or tough time to start a new business? -  What are key differences between the dental niche and general businesses? -  What are the current trends in what new practices are looking for? -  When setting up a new practice we know how important the location is – do most clients come to you with a site they’ve committed to? -  Is there an optimal blueprint for a squat? -  What would you say are the 3 most important things if you right at the beginning of planning your squat? - In other countries (far east, USA etc) there are super-clinics with 20+ surgeries, do you see a time where UK dentistry could go down this path? - Tell us about your experience with the Flying Start TV programme in the late 90’s -  Based on your own experience - what are the most important skills for an entrepreneur to have?

In this conversation, hosts Andy and Chris delve into the significance of personal branding for dental professionals. They discuss how personal branding can enhance a dentist's professional identity, attract patients, and create a positive narrative in the industry. The conversation covers practical steps for building a personal brand, the role of social media, and the importance of authenticity in branding. They emphasise that personal branding is not just about marketing but about genuinely representing oneself and connecting with others in the dental community.