In this captivating episode of Dental Leaders, Payman sits down with specialist endodontist Ammar Al Hourani. Born in Syria and raised in Scotland, Ammar shares his journey from reluctant dental student to passionate endodontics specialist. 

The conversation weaves through his life-changing experiences in refugee camps, the challenges of specialist training, and his current success running courses in the UK and India. 

Throughout the discussion, Ammar offers valuable clinical insights on everything from diagnosis to obturation while reflecting on the importance of listening to one's gut instinct in both clinical practice and life.

In This Episode

00:01:55 - Scottish upbringing and cultural identity

00:04:55 - Path to dentistry

00:14:45 - Refugee camp experiences

00:22:25 - Endodontic specialisation journey

00:27:35 - Imposter syndrome and building a practice

00:33:50 - Endodontic diagnosis tips

00:36:15 - Access cavity preparation

00:38:05 - Irrigation techniques

00:41:35 - File systems and obturation

00:45:40 - Coronal seal importance

00:49:50 - Managing cracked teeth

00:55:00 - Internal whitening techniques

01:03:40 - NHS dentistry challenges

01:08:40 - Continuing education courses

01:28:10 - Blackbox thinking

01:36:45 - Fantasy dinner party

About Ammar Al Hourani

Ammar Al Hourani is a specialist endodontist based in London. Originally from Syria but raised in Scotland, he completed his specialist training at Liverpool after working in various clinical settings. He now divides his time between clinical practice at multiple locations and teaching through "The Endo Guy," offering courses in both the UK and India.

In this Dental Leaders episode, Payman sits down with Sam Cope, a dentist whose journey to dentistry began in physiotherapy.

Known for his focus on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, Sam discusses the habits that keep his clinical days finely tuned, the influence of mentors, and his obsession with detail. He reflects on how his background in physio shaped his approach to patient care, back health, and long-term sustainability in dentistry.

The conversation ranges from composite techniques and mental health to happiness, burnout, and redefining success. Honest, introspective, and often unexpectedly profound, this is an episode that challenges what it means to thrive in modern dentistry.

In This Episode

00:01:00 – Daily habits and preparation

00:13:00 – Mentorship and clinical growth

00:25:00 – Blackbox thinking: Mistakes & lessons

00:35:00 – From physio to dentistry

00:47:00 – Adversity and inner drive

00:58:00 – Mental health and fulfilment

01:10:00 – Dentistry, stress and back pain

01:23:00 – Work-life balance philosophy

01:36:00 – Living below your means

01:48:00 – Fantasy dinner party guests

About Sam Cope

Sam Cope is a minimally invasive cosmetic dentist based at Love Teeth, known for his highly refined clinical systems and patient-focused care. Originally trained as a physiotherapist, he transitioned into dentistry after discovering a passion for aesthetic and restorative treatment. Sam combines his love for detail with a strong belief in reflection, mentorship, and doing fewer things, better.

Sarovi Davda, a general dentist with a special interest in periodontics, joins Payman for an insightful conversation about the evolution of periodontal treatment and the art of balancing professional expertise with personal growth. 

From her journey through dental school to establishing herself as a medico-legal expert witness, Sarovi shares candid reflections on career choices, parenthood, and divorce. Her passion for periodontics combines technical skill with psychological understanding, emphasising how patient motivation transforms treatment outcomes. 

Throughout the episode, Sarovi's spiritual outlook provides a refreshing perspective on finding meaning in dentistry and life beyond clinical practice.

In This Episode

00:01:40 - Practice limitation to periodontics and medico-legal work

00:05:35 - Childhood and education journey

00:09:35 - Balancing career with parenthood

00:10:25 - Navigating divorce and personal growth

00:17:45 - Dental school experiences

00:26:20 - Discovering a passion for periodontics

00:32:50 - Clinical prognosis in periodontics

00:39:00 - Interdental brushing vs flossing debate

00:43:50 - Medico-legal expert witness work

00:51:20 - Preventing periodontal litigation

01:14:15 - Blackbox thinking

01:27:50 - Fantasy dinner party

01:32:45 - Last days and legacy

About Sarovi Davda

Sarovi Davda is a general dentist whose practice is now completely limited to periodontics and medico-legal expert witness work. After completing her MSc in Restorative Dental Practice at the Eastman, she developed her expertise in periodontics under the mentorship of respected periodontists Phil Ower and Graham Smart. Sarovi divides her time equally between clinical periodontics and serving as an independent expert witness, bringing her evidence-based approach to both areas of her practice.

In this captivating episode, Payman Langroudi sits down with Bhavnish Waghela, owner of Natural Smiles practices in Leicester and Corby. Bhavnish shares his journey from NHS to private dentistry, discussing his philosophy of "Michelin-starred dentistry" and how his faith has guided significant business decisions. 

With refreshing candour, he explores the challenges of opening squat practices, his evolution as an implantologist, and the importance of balancing professional success with family life. 

Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Bhavnish reveals how his cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs have shaped his approach to dentistry and practice ownership.

In This Episode

00:01:00 - Practice ownership

00:03:15 - Michelin-starred dentistry philosophy

00:05:30 - Patient experience and team training

00:08:45 - Transitioning from NHS to private practice

00:10:45 - Squat practice challenges

00:15:35 - Community connections in Leicester

00:17:35 - Faith's influence on business decisions

00:24:45 - Questioning faith during difficult times

00:27:15 - Work-life balance philosophy

00:30:05 - Early life and dental education

00:35:35 - First job experiences

00:40:00 - Journey into implantology

00:46:35 - Surgical temperament in implantology

00:51:50 - Soft tissue management in implants

00:56:00 - Digital guided surgery adoption

01:01:40 - All-on-four marketing approach

01:02:30 - Blackbox thinking

01:09:10 - Associate selection and management

01:18:20 - Future plans and potential retirement

01:20:35 - Fantasy dinner party

01:25:25 - Last days and legacy

About Bhavnish Waghela

Bhavnish Waghela is the owner of Natural Smiles dental practices in Leicester and Corby. With nearly 30 years in dentistry, he transitioned from NHS to private practice, focusing primarily on implant and restorative dentistry. Deeply connected to his Hindu faith and Indian heritage, Bhavnish balances his professional life with community involvement and family priorities.

In this captivating conversation, young dentist Sarina Kiani shares her journey from GSK dental rep to working in two of London's most prestigious practices. Her remarkable story is one of resilience, authenticity and quiet confidence. 

From knocking on 120 practice doors to secure her first private position to navigating challenges as a newly qualified dentist in high-end clinics, Sarina offers refreshing insights into building a successful career while maintaining mental wellbeing. 

Her philosophy of finding joy in small everyday moments and not tying self-worth to professional achievements resonates throughout this honest and engaging discussion about dentistry, personal growth, and the importance of being yourself.

In This Episode

00:01:25 - Introduction to Sarina Kiani

00:01:35 - Landing prestigious jobs at Mehdi's and Rhona's practices

00:04:35 - Working as a dental nurse during COVID

00:07:10 - Journey to becoming a dentist

00:10:40 - Resilience and not taking no for an answer

00:13:50 - Source of resilience - her mother's story

00:19:10 - Identity tied to academic performance

00:23:45 - Quietly confident personality

00:27:20 - Challenges of dental school

00:31:35 - First jobs after graduation

00:43:15 - Getting a job through persistence

00:46:15 - Receptionists as gatekeepers

00:54:50 - Painless injections as practice builder

01:04:00 - Blackbox thinking

01:16:20 - Social media as marketing

01:24:25 - Fantasy dinner party

01:30:05 - Last days and legacy

About Sarina Kiani

Sarina Kiani is a young dentist working in two prestigious London practices - Mehdi's Refreshed Dental in Twickenham and Rhona's Chelsea Dental Clinic. After working as a GSK dental rep, she pursued dentistry at King's College London, demonstrating remarkable persistence through multiple application rejections. With a philosophy centered on authenticity and understanding the human side of patient care, she's quickly established herself as a rising talent in private dentistry.

In this compelling episode of Mind Movers, Rhona Eskander sits down with Dr Philippa Kaye, a GP, author, and menopause expert who's become a powerful voice in medical communication. 

Their honest conversation traverses the landscape of women's health, from medical misogyny to the science of menopause. 

Dr Kaye shares her personal cancer journey with raw vulnerability, offering profound insights on resilience and self-discovery. 

The discussion challenges societal stigmas and highlights how historical biases continue to shape women's healthcare experiences today.

In This Episode

00:01:40 - Early life and medical career

00:03:35 - The power of medical communication

00:06:35 - Comparing dentistry and medicine as career paths

00:12:40 - Medical misogyny and gender health gap

00:21:05 - The origin of "hysteria" and medical sexism

00:24:20 - Mind-body connection in medicine

00:29:05 - Psychedelic medicine research

00:33:55 - Personal cancer journey

00:43:15 - Cancer rates and prevention

00:47:40 - The pursuit of happiness vs. suffering for goals

00:49:45 - Weight loss medications in society

00:55:50 - Body image and societal standards

01:05:25 - Menopause science and education

01:09:10 - Factors affecting menopause timing

About Dr Philippa Kaye

Dr Philippa Kaye is a practising GP, author, and prominent medical communicator who specialises in women's health and menopause education. With her background from Cambridge and King's College London, she divides her time between clinical practice and media work, where she translates complex medical information into accessible language for millions through television appearances and books including "The Science of Menopause."

Payman chats with three dental professionals from mydentist—Claire Stenhouse, Parin Shah, and Alyssia Willis—each offering a unique perspective on working within a corporate dental environment. Claire shares how she expanded her role as a hygiene therapist into whitening and restorative procedures, while Parin reflects on her journey from owning a practice in India to adapting to the UK system. Alyssia discusses her transition from dental nursing to therapy and the opportunities available within corporate dentistry. The discussion covers corporate autonomy, misconceptions about working in a large organisation, handling patient complaints, career growth, and the evolving role of therapists. The trio also discuss clinical mistakes, managing work-life balance, and their thoughts on the future of corporate dentistry.

In This Episode

00:01:00 - Introduction to corporate dentistry

00:12:30 - Expanding hygiene therapist roles

00:25:10 - Parin’s move from India

00:37:45 - Balancing NHS and private

00:48:30 - Blackbox thinking: Clinical mistakes

01:00:15 - Handling difficult patients

01:12:50 - Corporate dentistry evolution

01:25:20 - Private vs corporate careers

01:38:15 - Career impact and legacy

01:50:30 - Fantasy dinner party guests

About Claire Stenhouse, Parin Shah & Alyssia Willis

Claire Stenhouse is a hygiene therapist at mydentist in Skegness, where she has expanded her role beyond hygiene to include whitening and restorative treatments.

Parin Shah is a dentist who originally ran her own practice in India before moving to the UK. She shares insights on adapting to a new healthcare system and working within corporate dentistry.

Alyssia Willis transitioned from dental nursing to therapy, demonstrating the career growth opportunities within mydentist. She is passionate about expanding the therapist’s role and mentoring others in the field.

In this episode of Dental Leaders, Payman welcomes Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, to discuss the realities of corporate dentistry, leadership, and the evolving role of clinicians in large-scale dental organisations. Nyree dispels common misconceptions about corporate dentistry, emphasising the balance between clinical freedom and structured support. She shares insights into the challenges of managing thousands of dentists, the importance of mentorship, and the shift toward large multi-chair supercentres. With a career spanning both clinical and executive roles, Nyree offers a candid look at the business of dentistry, the future of NHS and private care, and the changes shaping the next generation of dentists.

In This Episode

00:01:00 - Misconceptions about corporate dentistry

00:02:30 - Clinical freedom vs. strategic partnerships in corporates

00:05:00 - Compliance, autonomy, and decision-making within mydentist.

00:07:40 - Balancing corporate goals with clinical priorities

00:09:30 - Private equity misconceptions: “Buy one, get one free” on fillings?!

00:14:15 - The reality of NHS patient numbers and service demand

00:17:30 - The 50/50 NHS-private revenue split and future of NHS care

00:21:15 - Recruitment challenges, overseas hiring, and finding the right dentists

00:25:50 - The rise of multi-chair supercentres and the shift from small practices

00:28:00 - Blackbox thinking: handling mistakes and improving patient care

00:35:30 - Managing the pressures of large-scale corporate dentistry

00:38:00 - Last days and legacy: Nyree’s reflections on career impact

00:45:10 - Fantasy dinner party: who would Nyree invite?

About Nyree Whitley

Nyree Whitley is the Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, overseeing clinical standards, development, and strategy for one of the UK’s largest dental groups. With a background in both clinical practice and executive leadership, she has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate dentistry, balancing the needs of clinicians with the operational goals of a nationwide brand. A passionate advocate for mentorship and professional growth, Nyree is committed to ensuring that dentists—whether newly qualified or experienced—have the right support, training, and opportunities to thrive.

Georgia Meacham opens up about her journey as a deaf model and actress, sharing her transformation from hiding her hearing aids to becoming a proud advocate for disability visibility. 

Through honest conversation with Rhona and Payman, Georgia reveals how embracing her identity has improved her mental health and inspired others. Her story touches on themes of authenticity, representation in media, and the importance of normalising difference in society.

In This Episode

00:01:35 - Early diagnosis and childhood experiences

00:03:30 - Navigating mainstream education

00:05:05 - Speech therapy and communication development

00:07:00 - Family support and building confidence

00:16:15 - Hidden struggles and career challenges

00:25:10 - Mental health transformation

00:31:00 - Discussion on privilege and responsibility

00:41:35 - Breaking into modelling and managing rejection

00:44:45 - Technology and accessibility in healthcare

00:53:35 - Moments of feeling truly understood

00:57:05 - Supporting the deaf community

01:00:45 - Final thoughts on vulnerability and connection

About Georgia Meacham

Georgia Meacham is a model and actress who was diagnosed as deaf at 16 months old. Standing at six feet tall, she has worked in both commercial and catwalk modelling for nearly a decade. After years of hiding her hearing aids, Georgia has become a powerful advocate for disability visibility and mental health awareness, using her platform to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves.

In this deeply moving episode, Sharon Walsh shares her journey from being a successful private practice owner to experiencing a devastating personal and professional crisis that led to practice loss, divorce, alcoholism, and a seven-year GDC case. 

With remarkable candour, she discusses her path to recovery, spiritual awakening, and finding meaning beyond material success. 

Her story is one of resilience, acceptance, and the profound understanding that sometimes we must be completely broken to discover our true selves.

In This Episode

00:01:05 - Career beginnings and building a private practice

00:03:40 - Practice dynamics and associate challenges

00:07:05 - Passion for dentistry and professional development

00:12:50 - The catalyst for breakdown

00:15:00 - Mental health crisis and practice loss

00:20:15 - Descent into alcoholism

00:24:25 - Marriage breakdown and personal struggles

00:47:50 - Homelessness and hitting rock bottom

00:49:20 - Recovery and spiritual awakening

00:56:35 - Blackbox thinking

01:00:50 - The loneliness of dentistry

01:06:10 - Fantasy dinner party guests

01:13:00 - Last days and legacy

About Sharon Walsh

Sharon Walsh is a dentist who built a successful private practice near Rochdale after transforming it from "a shed" into a beautiful, patient-focused space. 

A passionate clinician with expertise in restorative dentistry and prosthodontics, she worked alongside some of UK dentistry's most respected figures. 

After experiencing a life-altering crisis in 2017, she has emerged with a deeper understanding of life's purpose and now shares her story to help others facing similar challenges.