In this episode I’m joined by Paige Abbs, Practice Manager at Woodborough House Dental Practice in Pangbourne, Berkshire. 

Paige arrived three years ago from a corporate operations background and has since made a marked impact on a large, multi-disciplinary private practice. We talk career pivots, culture, systems and why the right kind of structure liberates people to do their best work.

Paige describes being recruited through networking rather than advertising — a reminder that, in 2025, great hiring is a relationship game. 

She shares why she instantly aligned with owners Nick Fahey and Sarah Fitzharris: a genuine, people-first culture coupled with a restless desire to keep improving.

We explore the “two culture shocks”: swapping South London for rural Oxfordshire, and stepping from corporate life into dentistry. 

Her verdict? Clinical technology is world-class, but the business infrastructure lags. She argues for more scalable processes and questions legacy norms (such as hourly pay for qualified clinical support staff), not to corporatise the profession, but to value skill and create consistency.

On leadership, Paige embraces my old triad — Mother Superior, Ward Matron and Sergeant Major — and explains why many practices over-index on kindness and under-deliver on boundaries. 

In a team of 40 with eight surgeries and 14 clinicians (GDPs, hygiene/therapy and specialists, with referrals), clarity of roles, simple rules and steady accountability prevent burnout and drift.

We also look ahead. Paige sees AI as an Industrial Revolution-level shift: brilliant for contemporaneous notes, compliance and freeing clinicians’ time—provided we protect humanity in the patient journey.

Her advice to practice managers for the next three years:

• Learn to have the difficult conversation — including with principals.
• Set boundaries and defend recovery time; model sustainable pace.
• Build trainable systems so knowledge outlives individuals.

If you enjoy the conversation, please share the episode with a colleague who’d benefit. Thanks for listening.

In this insightful and candid episode of Conversations with Chris, Chris Barrow speaks with Fiona Teasdale, Practice Manager at Myton Park Dental Centre. Fiona shares her inspiring career journey—from her early days helping in her family's hotel business in Scarborough to leading a successful dental practice in the North East.

Fiona discusses the transition from NHS to plan-based dentistry, the transformation she led upon joining Myton Park in 2023, and the challenges and rewards of implementing structured business systems in a previously manual environment. With a passion for leadership, team development, and business strategy, Fiona gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving role of a modern practice manager.

Chris and Fiona delve into topics such as leadership style, team cohesion, financial acumen, and the ongoing need for self-development and resilience in management roles. The episode offers both practical insights and emotional resonance for dental professionals—particularly practice managers navigating the complexities of their role.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Fiona’s early work ethic shaped by her family’s hotel business
• Her transition from retail into dental nursing and then into management
• The strategic and operational overhaul of Myton Park Dental Centre
• Building trust and buy-in from an existing team during periods of change
• The value of clear communication and training in driving performance
• Balancing clinical independence with structured business oversight
• Apprenticeships as a recruitment and development strategy
• The challenges of HR and the emotional labour of leadership
• The power of vulnerability and authenticity in management
• Fiona’s ongoing commitment to personal growth and team empowerment

Notable Quotes:

Who Should Listen:

• Dental practice managers
• Dental business owners
• Aspiring leaders in the dental sector
• Team leads and senior nurses
• Anyone interested in resilient leadership and effective change management

In this latest episode, Chris Barrow welcomes Dr Alec Granville, co-owner of a thriving Dublin-based dental practice, for an inspiring and candid conversation. Alec, joined in life and business by his wife Hannah, shares the fascinating journey from financial mathematics in New York and oil trading in London, to co-founding a successful private dental practice in Ireland.

Alec recounts the bold leap into dentistry at the age of 30, driven by a desire for autonomy and hands-on work. Together with Hannah, the couple navigated the turbulent waters of launching a squat practice during Ireland’s post-recession period. They took over an abandoned surgery, rebranded, and built from scratch, using flyer drops and community engagement to fill the appointment book.

Their unique alternating-day clinical schedule offers a masterclass in work-life balance, allowing both to remain hands-on with their young family while growing the practice. The conversation explores how they expanded into a purpose-built, five-surgery facility and successfully integrated another local practice – all while pursuing postgraduate training in endodontics and implants.

Chris and Alec delve into the operational structure of the practice, the impact of digital dentistry, and Alec’s optimistic view of future technology, including AI and robotics. The discussion highlights not just professional milestones, but a lifestyle built on considered choices, shared values, and long-term vision.

Listeners will take away key insights on building a sustainable, family-focused dental business, the importance of partnership, and embracing change while maintaining quality and community roots.

Tune in for an honest, insightful discussion filled with practical takeaways for dental professionals at any stage of their journey.

In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Chris, dental entrepreneur and leader Dr. Andrea Ubhi joins Chris Barrow to share the story of her remarkable journey—from building a successful multi-surgery practice to surviving cancer during a global pandemic, and now leading a purpose-driven life rooted in joy, service, and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

Business Brilliance: Andrea shares how she founded and grew Clock House Dental in York from scratch into a thriving 10-surgery practice before selling in 2014.

Resilience in Crisis: Hear how Andrea faced a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis during the COVID-19 lockdown, managing her business while undergoing treatment and recovery.

Life Beyond Dentistry: With a renewed focus on balance, Andrea is now writing a leadership book, Lead from the Edge, and continues her charitable work with Asha Nepal, supporting trafficking survivors.

Purpose and Perspective: A powerful conversation on finding clarity, joy, and meaning in life’s most difficult moments.

Topics Covered:

• Andrea’s early life, education, and entrepreneurial upbringing
• Building and exiting a high-performing dental practice
• Navigating cancer, COVID, and cognitive recovery
• Outdoor life, writing, and maintaining wellbeing
• Ongoing advocacy and impact through charitable work in Nepal
• The upcoming release of Lead from the Edge

Andrea’s new book, Lead from the Edge, will be available within the next few weeks. Follow her blog and Instagram for updates—and stay tuned for Chris’s signed copy! @andreaubhi

Listen now to hear a story of courage, clarity, and leading with heart.

In this episode of Conversations with Chris, we welcome Alex Blake, the non-dentist co-owner and managing director of Blake Dental, a thriving independent private practice in Witham, Essex. Alex shares his fascinating journey from teaching mathematics to leading a dental business, bringing fresh perspectives on financial management, leadership, and sustainable practice growth.

Key Topics:

• From mathematics to management – How Alex transitioned from a decade-long teaching career into dental practice leadership.
• Practice growth – The journey of expanding Blake Dental’s private patient base 4.5x since 2019 while maintaining NHS services.
• Data-driven decision making – The role of spreadsheets, KPIs, benchmarking, and a traffic light system for effective management.
• Leadership & team development – Applying educational experience to team management, communication, and delegation.
• Work-life balance – Strategies for maintaining a sustainable workload and avoiding burnout.
• Advice for aspiring Practice Owners – Insights on financial literacy, networking, and continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways:

• Clear data tracking and financial planning are essential for long-term success.
• A structured leadership approach creates a productive and motivated team.
• Work-life boundaries and strategic delegation help maintain a healthy balance.
• Small, consistent improvements lead to significant practice growth.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Abeer Al-Adhami, the founder of Abi Dental in Sutton, Surrey. From surviving personal hardship to building a thriving boutique dental practice, Abi’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and perseverance.

She shares how her mother’s imprisonment in Iraq shaped her determination, her journey from Baghdad to the UK, and the challenges she overcame to establish her own dental practice from scratch. 

Abi also opens up about balancing motherhood, running a business, and her plans for the future, including expanding Abi Dental while staying true to her compassionate approach to dentistry.Join us for an uplifting conversation about personal growth, professional ambition, and the power of perseverance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• How Abi navigated adversity, including her mother’s imprisonment and emigrating to the UK
• The story behind Abi Dental and its unique, boutique approach to patient care
• Balancing clinical dentistry, business growth, and personal life as a mother
• Future plans for practice expansion and mentoring the next generation of dentists

Key Topics Covered:

• Abi Dental: A compassionate, patient-centred dental practice in Sutton, Surrey
• Early Life: Growing up in Baghdad, studying dentistry during the Iraq-Iran War
• Family Resilience: Her mother’s imprisonment and the strength it instilled in her
• Starting from Scratch: Moving to the UK in 2000 and building Abi Dental from nothing
• Work-Life Balance: Raising two children while growing a business
• Future Aspirations: Expanding the practice, mentoring associates, and supporting her son’s athletic career

Listen now for a story of courage, perseverance, and success against all odds.

In this episode of Conversations with Chris, we sit down with the inspiring Carol Somerville Roberts, the visionary founder of Evolve Dentistry in Portishead. Over the course of our conversation, we explore Carol’s journey from her childhood in Dublin to becoming a leading figure in private dentistry. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to building her ideal practice.

Carol shares how her path to success wasn’t always smooth. Born as the youngest of five children, she grew up in Dublin, attending a French-speaking school until the age of nine. Her academic journey included retaking A-levels after an initial setback and a gap year before pursuing her studies in dentistry at Bristol University. After starting her career in NHS practice, she transitioned to private practice in 2000, inspired by progressive models of dentistry like Paddi Lund’s and the insights gained from BACD conferences.

The founding of Evolve Dentistry in January 2009 marked a pivotal moment in Carol’s career. Opening as a private squat practice with just two chairs, Evolve was strategically located in Portishead—a town chosen for its growth potential and the presence of a Waitrose, which signaled the target demographic for her practice. The journey to launch wasn’t without its challenges, from complex lease negotiations to the demands of building out a brand-new practice. But Carol’s unwavering belief that failure wasn’t an option saw her through.

Over the last 15 years, Evolve Dentistry has grown organically, expanding to soon include four fully utilized treatment rooms. Carol attributes this success to a clear vision, tight financial control, and a focus on their unique offering rather than competing with others. Empowering her team has also been a cornerstone of Evolve’s culture, fostering autonomy and trust.

As Evolve looks to 2025, exciting developments are on the horizon. The fourth treatment room will be dedicated to facial aesthetics, and a remote office will allow the reception team to focus fully on in-practice patient care. Carol also plans to reintroduce enhanced patient experience elements, taking inspiration from her earlier influences. With a vision of stepping back from clinical work over the next 17 months, Carol is investing in her team’s growth to ensure the practice can run independently while maintaining its high standards.

Join us for this insightful conversation, where Carol reflects on the lessons learned, the milestones achieved, and the plans ahead for Evolve Dentistry. Whether you’re a dental professional or someone fascinated by entrepreneurial journeys, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

In this episode of Conversations with Chris, we sit down with Rachel Addison, the principal and owner of Cotteswold Dental Care in Gloucestershire. Rachel shares her incredible journey, from an unplanned start in dentistry to running a thriving 7-chair private dental practice. She opens up about the challenges of practice ownership, the impact of COVID-19, and how resilience and patient-focused care have driven her success.

Key Takeaways:

• Rachel's journey began with a dream of becoming a vet, but a pivotal experience in RAF dental training redirected her path to dentistry.
• Her career trajectory was reshaped by a car accident during her vocational training year, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
• Rachel’s decision to purchase Cotteswold Dental Care was driven by a desire to maintain independence from corporate dentistry, supported by her father’s business expertise.
• The pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity to redesign systems, boost efficiency, and focus on patient loyalty through membership plans.
• The practice has expanded significantly post-pandemic, growing from 5 to 7 chairs, with a strong emphasis on quality care and personalised service.

Topics Covered:

1. Rachel's Background
   • From Cheshire roots to Bristol University, discover what sparked her passion for dentistry.
   • How a car accident reshaped her career plans.
2. Journey to Practice Ownership
   • The unplanned opportunity to acquire Cotteswold Dental Care.
   • Navigating the transition to ownership with support from family expertise.
3. Navigating the Pandemic
   • Redesigning systems during COVID-19 for long-term efficiency.
   • The critical role of patient loyalty and membership plans in sustaining the practice.
4. Scaling the Business
   • Adding 2 new chairs to meet demand and improve the dentist-to-hygienist ratio.
   • Cultivating a strong brand around quality, personalised care.
5. Looking Ahead
   • Future goals to optimise operations and explore potential for expansion.
   • Balancing growth while maintaining a commitment to genuine patient care.

If you’re curious about the challenges and rewards of practice ownership, Rachel’s story offers invaluable insights into resilience, business growth, and the power of patient-focused care. Her journey is a testament to the importance of adaptability, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality dentistry.

Visit Cotteswold Dental Care to learn more about Rachel’s practice.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Subscribe to Conversations with Chris on your favourite podcast platform, and share this episode with anyone passionate about dentistry or small business success.

Get ready to be inspired! In this episode of “Conversations with Chris", I sit down with Bob To, a remarkable dental practice owner whose life journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of hard work.

Born in Hanoi, Vietnam in 1975, Bob's childhood was marked by conflict and hardship. His family, of Chinese-Vietnamese heritage, faced immense challenges during the China-Vietnam war, eventually leading them to seek a new life in the UK when Bob was just 12 years old.

From navigating a new language and culture to excelling in the UK education system, Bob's path to success was far from easy. But through sheer grit and unwavering support from his family, he achieved top marks in his A-levels and graduated from Birmingham University dental school. Today, he's the proud owner of a thriving dental practice in Berkshire.

But Bob's story is much more than just a tale of overcoming adversity. He's also a savvy businessman with keen insights into building a successful dental practice. In this episode, he shares invaluable advice for aspiring and current practice owners, emphasising the importance of:

• Mastering communication: Building strong patient relationships is crucial.
• Strategic investment: Prioritise equipment that enhances patient care, not personal luxury.
• Business acumen: Develop skills beyond clinical expertise to ensure practice growth.

Bob doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk. He's a firm believer in pushing boundaries, both personally and professionally. He even conquered the gruelling Marathon des Sables – six marathons in five days across the Sahara Desert!

Tune in to hear Bob's incredible story, learn from his hard-won wisdom, and discover his ambitious plans for the future, including expanding his practice and achieving even greater success in the dental field. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen to the podcast now using your usual podcast streaming service or via the player below. 

Join me for a very informal chat with Joel, who has been advising clients on purchases and sales since 2018 in Scotland and has been recently promoted head up the whole UK operation for Christie & Co Dental.

We discuss:

• The impending threat of a Labour Budget;
• How the activity in the market is shifting from corporates to smaller dental groups and independents - some remarkable statistics;
• Top tips for first-time buyers;
• Top tips for first-time sellers;
• A look at the orthodontic landscape;
• Multiples in the current market;
• The next 12 months.