At just 27, Ali Hashemizadeh is doing things most dentists twice his age haven't managed — two private associate roles, a growing reputation as an endodontist, and the kind of self-awareness that usually takes a decade to develop. 

In this episode, Payman sits down with the Newcastle-based, Aberdeen-raised, Iranian dentist to trace the path from a rocky first year on the NHS to finding his feet in private practice. 

Ali talks candidly about the complaint that rocked him early in his career, the perspective shift it forced, and why he's genuinely glad it happened. It's a conversation about curiosity, resilience, and the quiet power of just cracking on.

In This Episode

00:00:50 – Introduction: Ali Hashemizadeh

00:03:45 – Lifelong learning

00:07:25 – The future of dental events

00:14:30 – Optimism as a work philosophy

00:15:35 – NHS complaint, first job

00:19:40 – Resilience and perspective

00:21:10 – Going private early

00:22:25 – Becoming the endo guy

00:25:55 – Generalist or specialist?

00:26:50 – The disease of the twenties

00:28:30 – Iranian roots in Aberdeen

00:38:15 – Foundation year in London

00:40:55 – Outdoor pursuits and Ironman training

00:46:10 – CBCT and safe-ended files

00:50:05 – Endo, implants and aesthetics under one roof

00:52:00 – Treatment coordinators and ethical selling

00:57:15 – The value of mentorship

00:59:00 – Networking and landing the jobs

01:02:55 – The two practices compared

01:07:35 – Lucas Lassman and the most inspiring lecture

01:10:40 – Dental resources: YouTube and Instagram

01:15:10 – Being Mortal and Man's Search for Meaning

01:16:30 – Modern Wisdom and guilty pleasures

01:22:35 – Ten-year plan

01:27:40 – Fantasy dinner party

About Ali Hashemizadeh

Ali Hashemizadeh is a 27-year-old private associate dentist working across two practices in the northeast of England — Middleton Saint George Dental in Darlington and Ken Harris's clinic in Sunderland — where he has developed a particular focus on endodontics. Born and raised in Aberdeen to Iranian parents, he qualified from Newcastle University and completed his foundation year in London before heading back north.