The TechDental Podcast

EPISODE SHOW NOTESTitle: AI Doesn’t Fix Chaos — It Exposes It: The Clarity Blueprint with Alexander Michael GittensIn today’s episode, global strategist and AI researcher Alexander Michael Gittens joins me to break down one of the most important truths in modern dentistry:AI doesn’t solve chaos. It multiplies it.Across 400+ organisations and billions in value created, Alexander has seen the same pattern repeat:clarity, character and culture determine whether AI accelerates performance — or exposes every weakness in your operation.This conversation goes deep into strategy, trustworthy AI systems, scaling DSOs, valuation psychology, and the mindset that separates fragile organisations from scalable ones.If you’re a practice owner, DSO leader or operator navigating AI transformation, this is one of the most important episodes you’ll listen to this year.What You Will LearnClarity, operations & the “Clarity Gap”:Why undocumented workflows silently destroy ROIHow fragmented habits cause DSOs to lose control as they growThe difference between roles, responsibilities and outcomesWhy clarity is the real engine of scale — not technologyTrustworthy AI & system design:Why AI exposes your operational weaknesses before improving anythingHow “human-in-the-loop” and “feedback-loop” models reduce riskWhy clean, consistent data is non-negotiableHow AI amplifies culture — good or badScaling DSOs & multi-site organisations:Why AI fails without mapped workflowsHow to design systems that can be copied and pasted across sitesWhy private equity buys trust, not just profitHow micro-behaviours inside practices compound into valuation outcomesLeadership, mindset & performance:Why culture determines whether teams accept or resist transformationThe link between character, consistency and EBITDAHow to align change with outcomes staff already care aboutHow clarity turns leadership into a scalable disciplinePersonal philosophy and resilience:How Viktor Frankl’s work shaped AMG’s leadership worldviewWhy life is “10% what happens and 90% how you respond”The formula for being the “Best Possible Me × Biggest Positive Impact”How to choose what to say yes to — and eliminate everything elseKey Quotes“AI doesn’t fix chaos — it exposes it.”“Trust is competence × character × consistency.”“Clarity is the bridge between confusion and scale.”“Every action should be treated like it’s the only thing your legacy is judged on.”“AI will multiply your culture before it ever improves your operations.”Timestamps00:00 Intro01:00 Alexander’s journey from global strategy to AI research02:00 What separates scalable vs fragile organisations03:20 Why clarity is the foundation of all transformation05:00 AI reveals your operational weaknesses06:00 Trustworthy AI: human-in-the-loop & feedback-loop models08:30 The “I-AMG” digital twin & quality scoring framework10:00 The Clarity Gap inside DSOs12:00 How to build repeatable, copy-and-paste systems14:00 Private equity, trust and valuation psychology17:00 The cultural impact of AI19:00 Why teams resist change21:00 Aligning technology with staff outcomes23:00 Mindset, purpose and Viktor Frankl28:00 The formula: Best Possible Me × Biggest Positive Impact33:00 How to choose what to say yes to36:00 Strategy, AI & human performance37:00 Where to connect with AlexanderAbout the Guest – Alexander Michael GittensAlexander Michael Gittens is a global strategist, researcher and thought leader whose work has created billions in value across 400+ organisations worldwide. His expertise spans corporate strategy, machine learning and trustworthy AI systems designed for high-stakes decision-making.He is the creator of the “Clarity Gap” framework and the I-AMG digital twin model used to evaluate organisational excellence at scale.Connect with Alexander:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amgittensWebsite – https://www.rupertrodney.com/LinkedIn –https://www.linkedin.com/in/amgittens/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rupert-rodney/Links & ResourcesTechDental Podcast → https://www.techdental.comContact → info@techdental.comDentaCFO - https://www.dentacfo.comContact → info@dentacfo.comRate, Review & FollowIf this episode brought you clarity, share it with a dental leader who needs it. Follow the show for weekly episodes on AI, strategy and the future of dental business performance.

Title:AI, Data & The Future of Scalable Dentistry with Ross Drynan (Henry Schein One)Episode SummaryIn this episode, Ross Drynan, Head of Partnerships at Henry Schein One, joins us to break down the real mechanics of digital transformation in dentistry. After 11 years inside one of the industry’s most influential software organisations, Ross has seen thousands of practices scale, stall, and reinvent themselves. This conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually drives performance: data quality, leadership, team engagement, and the right partnerships.We explore how AI is shifting from hype to measurable operational value, why data hygiene is now a strategic advantage, how cloud PMS ecosystems unlock innovation, and why people and behaviour change remain the hardest part of transformation. This is a practical, grounded and insight rich discussion for forward thinking dental leaders.What You Will LearnModern dental business transformation:Why consistency beats intensity in growthThe role of culture, team engagement and behavioural standardsThe two core KPIs that underpin every high performing practiceHow poor data hygiene blocks innovation and multiplies operational chaosAI, automation and the future of workflows:Where AI provides real value today inside dental practicesWhy AI cannot fix bad data and why data consistency is now essentialHow to use AI for admin reduction so humans can focus on patientsThe progression from LLMs to full ecosystem automationCloud PMS and the new innovation ecosystem:Why cloud unlocks integrations that legacy on premise systems cannotHow to migrate responsibly without disrupting patient trustHow DSOs can modernise at scale without “open heart surgery”The difference between specialised partners and PMS bloatLeadership and high performing teams:Why digital projects fail when humans are not preparedHow to build a vision and strategy with your teamThe importance of communication, training and shared purposeHow to eliminate friction by aligning people, workflows and missionKey Quotes“Technology is just a tool. What matters is leadership, vision and an engaged team.”“AI will touch everything in dentistry. Not next year, but definitely in the next 5 to 10.”“Without clean data, AI does nothing but multiply the chaos.”“You cannot be the best at everything. Partnerships are the growth engine for the next decade.”Timestamps00:00 Intro02:00 Ross on 11 years inside Henry Schein One03:20 What really drives practice performance05:40 Leadership, culture and behavioural standards06:50 No fluff business transformation09:40 Data hygiene and AI readiness10:20 Where AI provides value today12:30 The future of AI in dentistry15:20 Data consistency, cloud migration and modernisation20:10 Digital transformation for larger groups and DSOs25:00 Why software projects fail29:30 The 47 percent revenue uplift from integrated systems32:00 Partnerships, APIs and the new ecosystem35:00 Quick fire round39:00 Where to connect with RossAbout the GuestRoss DrynanHead of Partnerships, Henry Schein OneRoss has spent more than a decade helping practices modernise through technology, data standardisation and behaviour change. He works across cloud PMS, APIs, integrations and strategic partnerships that enable dental practices to innovate at scale. Connect with Ross on LinkedIn or through the Dentally Community.Links and ResourcesDentally Community: https://community.dentally.com/Henry Schein One UK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henry-schein-one-ukConnect with Ross on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-drynan/TechDental Podcast: www.techdental.comContact: info@techdental.comRate, Review and FollowIf you found this conversation valuable, share it with a dental leader who needs to hear it. Follow the show for weekly deep dives into AI, business intelligence and the future of dental practice performance.SEO KeywordsAI in dentistry, dental data analytics, cloud PMS, Henry Schein One, Dentally, digital dentistry, practice growth, dental leadership, dental automation, operational excellence, dental software integrations, dental business intelligence, practice performance KPIs.

In this episode, Dr Randeep Singh Gill sits down with Rasnaam Singh Tiwana, founder of Dentstock, to unpack how data, automation and AI are reshaping procurement, decision-making and operational efficiency in independent dental practices.Rasnaam shares the origin of Dentstock, built during the chaos of post-COVID supply chain disruption, and explains why procurement has remained overlooked for decades. He breaks down how practices routinely overspend, how small data points lead to huge operational wins, and why predictive, transparent, supplier-agnostic procurement is becoming a strategic superpower for the next generation of dental owners.This conversation goes deep into AI as a founder tool, the mindset required to build in the cognitive age, and what independents can learn from the corporate DSO playbook without losing their identity.What we coverWhy procurement has been overlooked and misunderstoodHow Dentstock helps practices save 15–25% on costsOperational blind spots in independent practicesHow small data points lead to large financial gainsThe rise of AI as a “co-pilot” in dental operationsHow to respect clinical freedom while improving efficiencyWhy corporates win on systems and dataHow independents can close the gap without losing cultureThe founder mindset needed to innovate in difficult timesRasnaam’s take on the future of procurement and automationKey insightsMost practices don’t know what they spend or whyCost control isn’t a spreadsheet task; it’s operational intelligenceAI is best used as an advisor, not an autonomous agentTransparency is the new currency in procurementCommunity-driven intelligence beats traditional supplier repsClinical freedom + data-driven decision-making = competitive advantageGuest Bio: Rasnaam Singh TiwanaRasnaam is the founder of Dentstock, a UK-based group purchasing and procurement optimisation company helping independent practices achieve DSO-level operational intelligence. He brings experience from clinical practice, health-tech and community leadership and is passionate about transparency, cost control and modernising dental operations.Connect with RasnaamWebsite: https://www.dentstock.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentstockConnect with TechDentalWebsite: https://www.techdental.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/techdentalmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-techdental-podcastEmail: info@techdental.comIf you enjoyed this episodePlease follow, rate and review The TechDental Podcast on Apple Podcasts. It helps more dental innovators find conversations like this.

Why fear something when it could be your biggest advantage? In this episode of The TechDental Podcast, Dr Randeep sits down with Sophie Lovett and Ashley King from Pearl AI, the world’s leading dental AI diagnostics company, to explore how technology is transforming patient trust, clinical accuracy, and global compliance. What You’ll Learn:How AI improves diagnostic accuracy while strengthening patient relationshipsThe critical role of trust, regulation, and transparency in AI adoptionWhy education—not resistance—is key to responsible AI integrationHow to introduce AI into your practice ethically and effectivelyThe leadership lessons behind Pearl’s global growthWhy the future of dentistry is collaborative, not automatedAbout the Guests:Sophie Lovett is the International Channel Sales Manager at Pearl AI, working with dental practices and partners across Europe to implement AI-driven diagnostic solutions. With a background in logistics and finance, Sophie bridges the gap between technology and patient care, helping clinicians integrate innovation responsibly.Ashley King is the Head of International Partnerships at Pearl AI, leading the company’s global expansion and compliance efforts. With experience in healthcare technology startups, Ashley specialises in aligning AI innovation with ethical, regulatory, and clinical standards to improve patient outcomes worldwide.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Dentistry is changing not only through digital tools but through a shift in how clinicians and founders think about time, trust, and technology.In this bonus conversation, Dr Randeep Singh Gill and serial entrepreneur Sergey Osipov, founder of Placy, go deeper into what AI means for the real world of practice building. Sergey draws on his experience in real estate and tech to explain how automation is transforming entire sectors, while Dr Randeep connects those lessons to the dental profession.They discuss how AI can reallocate human potential, moving team members from repetitive administrative work to strategic, revenue-driving roles. Both agree the true challenge is not replacing people, but helping them trust AI enough to use it fully.Dr Randeep also shares a behind-the-scenes look at building DentCFO, his AI-powered financial intelligence platform designed to give independent dental practices the same insights and capabilities as large corporate groups. He opens up about investing his own savings, working with fractional teams, and navigating compliance and scalability challenges in healthcare tech.They also touch on what success and sustainability mean for founders today, the long, often misunderstood journey of entrepreneurship, and how AI might shorten that path without stripping away the human element that makes it worthwhile.This is a rare and honest exchange between two founders at the frontier of AI, leadership, and trust.Bonus Episode Highlights00:02:10 Automation and the “High-Friction, Low-Judgement” RuleSergey describes how AI is transforming real estate by automating repetitive tasks. He introduces his concept of “high-friction, low-judgement jobs”—routine, manual actions like sending links or handling listings—which are the first to be automated. His perspective illustrates how industries beyond dentistry are preparing for similar workforce shifts.00:04:59 Founding Dent CFO: Building AI from the Ground UpDr Randeep shares his entrepreneurial journey behind DentaCFO, an AI-powered financial platform for dental practices. After a neck injury ended his clinical career, he channelled his industry knowledge into building a truly AI-first product from scratch, prioritising scalability, GDPR compliance, and robust data security. His story highlights resilience and the power of turning adversity into innovation.00:10:40 The True Cost of Building an MVPDrawing on his own startup experience, Sergey reveals the steep costs of developing an MVP (minimum viable product), estimating that even early-stage prototypes can exceed €500,000–€1 million. He notes that investors primarily back people rather than ideas at this stage, as tangible products barely exist. His comments emphasise the gap between AI hype and the financial realities of building real, scalable solutions.00:14:15 The Long Game of EntrepreneurshipReflecting on startup culture, Dr Randeep discusses how entrepreneurship is often romanticised as a quick win, when in reality, building something meaningful takes time and trust. He highlights the importance of nurturing markets, educating users, and earning credibility—reminding aspiring founders that sustainable success is a marathon, not a sprint.00:16:11 The Evolution of Start-Ups: From Servers to “LEGO-Style” CompaniesSergey compares launching a startup twenty years ago with today’s streamlined process. He recalls when founders had to manually configure servers and emails, whereas now platforms like Google Workspace and AWS make setup almost instantaneous. He celebrates the new “fractional approach”—assembling a company like LEGO using affordable, modular tools—which has democratised entrepreneurship.

As industries built on trust begin to intersect with artificial intelligence, new questions emerge about what should be automated and what must remain human. In this episode of The TechDental Podcast, Dr Randeep Singh Gill speaks with Sergey Osipov, co-founder of Placy AI and one of Europe’s most seasoned tech entrepreneurs, to explore how automation is redefining both real estate and dentistry. Drawing on his experience building and exiting multiple companies, including a billion-dollar prop-tech IPO, Sergey explains how AI agents are changing the way businesses operate, recovering up to 30% of lost leads, improving front-desk efficiency, and creating the transparency modern clients expect.Sergey shares why trust remains the greatest barrier to AI adoption and why simply adding tools will not deliver transformation. Together, they outline what an AI-ready business looks like: clear systems, measurable data, and a culture that balances automation with empathy. For dental leaders, this episode offers a grounded roadmap for building scalable, tech-enabled practices that keep the human touch at the centre of care.What You’ll Learn:How AI agents are redefining customer experience across real estate and healthcareWhy up to 30 per cent of leads are lost, and how automation can close that gapWhat it means to build a truly AI-ready practice rather than add another toolHow trust, transparency, and data discipline drive sustainable adoptionThe difference between replacing people and reallocating human focusWhy leadership mindset, not technology, determines the success of automationHow human connection remains the foundation of every future-proof businessAbout the Guest:Sergey Osipov is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and co-founder of Placy AI, a company transforming real estate through intelligent automation. With over twenty years of experience building and scaling tech ventures, Sergey has led companies across ad-tech, digital marketing, and prop-tech. He co-founded Cian, one of Europe’s largest real estate platforms, which achieved a $1.1 billion IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. Known for his ability to anticipate and act on industry shifts, Sergey has a track record of turning emerging technologies into practical, high-impact businesses. At Placy AI, he focuses on creating AI-powered agents that enhance efficiency, capture missed opportunities, and redefine how traditional service industries operate. Driven by curiosity and precision, Sergey continues to explore how human intelligence and artificial intelligence can work together to build smarter, more scalable enterprises.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Most dental students are focused on passing exams. Afeef Hadi is building platforms, hosting events, and leading teams while still in his second year at King’s College London. In this exclusive TechDental bonus episode, he explains the philosophy and systems behind that output, from moving the clock off his screen to enter 12-hour deep-work sessions, to switching between Einstein’s “objective time” and Bergson’s “experiential time” to stay both productive and fulfilled.Afeef also discusses his med-tech projects, including an AI-driven ambulatory blood pressure monitor, and how these experiences inform his vision for applying AI across both the clinical and business sides of dentistry. He sees AI not just in radiograph analysis but in treatment planning, phone systems, and business functions where young professionals can leverage technology to make smarter decisions earlier.Networking is another cornerstone of his approach. Having logged over 400 high-quality conversations, Afeef explains why the key to connection is understanding intention, not ticking off contacts. He also shares why dentistry can and should grow to the scale of pharmacy and veterinary medicine, with greater consolidation, investor appetite, and specialist hubs worldwide.This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how one young leader is reframing time, technology, and networks to shape the future of dentistry.About the GuestAfeef Hadi is a second-year dental student at King’s College London and co-founder of The Young Dentist, a fast-growing platform designed to bridge the gap between dental school and real-world practice. Beyond his studies, Afeef has led international med-tech projects, won innovation challenges, and hosted over 400 networking conversations to understand how health, business, and technology intersect. He has held leadership roles from Director of Finance at a Young Enterprise UK finalist company to coordinating international teams on AI-powered solutions. Afeef is passionate about helping young clinicians develop the non-clinical skills, from branding to business thinking, that will define the next generation of dental professionals.

Many dental students graduate highly skilled in clinical techniques but underexposed to the wider realities of business, technology and communication that shape modern practice. While education has advanced, too few opportunities exist for young clinicians to learn the professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to lead with confidence.In this episode of The TechDental Podcast, host Dr Randeep Singh Gill speaks with Afeef Hadi, co-founder of The Young Dentist and one of the most promising emerging voices in UK dentistry. Now in his second year at King’s College London, Afeef is already helping students bridge the gap between dental school and real-world practice through community, collaboration and technology. He shares how his experience developing an AI-powered documentation concept, MedEcho, shaped his belief that innovation can enhance patient care, and why communication, branding and networking are fast becoming core skills for the next generation of clinicians. From his reflections on student life at King’s to the growing appetite for technology among young professionals, Afeef offers a grounded perspective on how the future of dentistry is being built by those still in training.What You’ll Learn:Why The Young Dentist was created and the gap it addresses between education and practiceHow AI and digital innovation are helping shape the next generation of cliniciansThe role of communication and ethical selling in building patient trustHow networking and personal branding accelerate early career growthWhy non-clinical skills are as essential as clinical competenceWhat dental schools can learn from entrepreneurial thinkingHow curiosity and community are transforming the path from student to professionalAbout the Guest: Afeef Hadi is the co-founder of The Young Dentist, a fast-growing platform helping dental students and young professionals bridge the gap between education and real-world practice. A second-year dental student at King’s College London, Afeef is already recognised as one of the most promising emerging voices in UK dentistry, combining curiosity, communication and innovation to inspire his generation of clinicians. His early career includes co-developing MedEcho, an AI-powered documentation concept designed to streamline NHS note-taking and save clinical time. Beyond dentistry, Afeef has held leadership roles in student enterprise, reaching the UK finals of Young Enterprise and earning national recognition for sustainability and business innovation. He also holds Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Through The Young Dentist, Afeef champions the non-clinical skills that define modern dentistry in communication, technology and community. His work connects students, educators, and industry leaders, showing that the next generation of clinicians can lead with clarity and confidence long before graduation.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Adrian Dray, UK Director of Partnerships at CareStack and a compliance expert, shares insights on the evolving landscape of partnerships in dentistry. He emphasizes the shift from trade shows to digital platforms for relationship-building, likening modern supplier-DSO interactions to dating. Adrian highlights critical compliance measures, including managing ransomware risks and understanding hidden data liabilities. He also explores the implications of AI in dentistry, advocating for its benefits while underscoring the necessity of maintaining human interactions in patient care.

In a captivating conversation, Adrian Dray, UK Director of Partnerships at CareStack, shares his expertise in dental tech and compliance. He reveals how outdated systems hinder growth and create compliance risks for practices. Adrian discusses the advantages of CareStack’s cloud-native platform, which streamlines operations and enhances patient retention. He emphasizes the importance of tracking new patient call conversions and explains how AI telephony can expose gaps in growth. Insightful and practical, this talk is a must-listen for dental professionals seeking to scale.