Dental Leaders Podcast

Alex Hadley reflects on his journey from NHS dentistry to a thriving private practice, sharing insights on transitioning between roles, managing complex implant cases, and building patient trust through strong communication. 

He highlights the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing work across multiple practices, and the impact of entering private dentistry on professional growth.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:01:10 - Introduction and background

00:03:15 - Mentors and early experiences

00:07:30 - NHS challenges

00:11:50 - Transition to private dentistry

00:18:30 - Managing multiple practices

00:25:00 - Insights on implant dentistry

00:32:10 - Value of mentorship

00:42:35 - Approach to complex cases

00:57:00 - Challenges in patient communication

1:11:40 - Future plans and teaching aspirations

01:37:10 - Reflections and advice

About Alex Hadley

Alex Hadley is a private dentist with expertise in restorative and implant dentistry.

Dooroo Ihm shares his journey from growing up in South Korea to practising dentistry across Europe and eventually settling in London. He discusses his unique career path, the value of listening to patients, and the importance of patient-first care. Dooroo also reflects on navigating different healthcare systems, the challenges of moving internationally, and his passion for both technical excellence and patient communication.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:00:05 - Patient communication & first impressions
00:01:15 - Introduction and background
00:02:00 - Comparing South Korean and UK dentistry
00:03:30 - High-tech approaches in South Korea
00:06:00 - Moving to Germany for school
00:12:00 - Studying dentistry in Hungary
00:18:05 - Starting work in Ireland
00:23:15 - Lessons from a mentor in Ireland
00:28:10 - Transitioning to practice in London
00:32:25 - Specialising in endodontics
00:35:50 - Studying periodontics at Eastman
00:42:00 - Reflecting on patient care and ethics

About Dooroo Ihm

Dooroo Ihm is a London-based dentist known for his expertise in endodontics and periodontics. Originally from South Korea, Dooroo has practised in several countries, developing a patient-first philosophy and commitment to comprehensive care.

Steffen Decker shares his journey from adult orthodontics to a focus on paediatric and interceptive orthodontics, emphasising the importance of early intervention. He discusses the benefits of clear aligners for young children, how early treatment impacts overall health, and his belief in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to airway health. Steffen also reflects on the changes in orthodontics, advocating for education, and the significance of functional occlusion.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:00:05 - Combining orthodontic techniques
00:01:00 - Introduction and background
00:03:15 - Partnering with restorative dentists
00:05:40 - Shifting focus to children’s orthodontics
00:09:25 - Clear aligners for kids
00:14:15 - Health benefits of early orthodontics
00:19:50 - Changes in orthodontics
00:22:35 - Addressing airway and sleep issues
00:28:10 - Key growth markers in kids
00:34:00 - Training dentists on early intervention
00:43:05 - Preventing alignment issues early

About Steffen Decker

Steffen Decker is a renowned orthodontist known for his work in paediatric and interceptive orthodontics. Originally trained in adult orthodontics, he now focuses on early intervention for children and collaborates with other health professionals to improve airway health. Steffen is passionate about functional occlusion and advocates for greater education in the field.

Polly Bhambra, co-owner of the Tri Dental group, shares her journey from dental nurse to overseeing ten dental practices in the West Midlands. She discusses the importance of empowering dental nurses, creating a respectful work environment, and the challenges and rewards of managing a large team. Polly also talks about her family’s entrepreneurial background and the balancing act of building a dental group while raising a family.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:00:05 - Introduction and background
00:01:10 - Empowering dental nurses
00:04:00 - Career progression and training for staff
00:07:45 - Managing change and overcoming resistance
00:13:00 - Ideal practice model for growth
00:17:45 - Handling a large team
00:20:00 - Hiring and firing strategies
00:25:30 - Supporting associates
00:30:00 - Family influences and work-life balance
00:34:00 - Expansion plans and building a legacy

About Polly Bhambra

Polly Bhambra is a co-owner of Tri Dental, a group of ten practices in the West Midlands. Starting her career as a dental nurse, Polly now leads a large team, focusing on growth, staff development, and patient care. She is known for her commitment to creating a respectful and empowering workplace.

James Morrison shares his journey from NHS dentistry to becoming a private cosmetic dentist in Bristol. He discusses the shift to cosmetic work during COVID-19, challenges in managing patient expectations, and insights on the evolving role of social media in dentistry.

James opens up about his rare muscular condition and how it influenced his approach to work-life balance. He also shares valuable tips on patient communication and his streamlined consultation process.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:01:10 - Introduction and background
00:01:45 - Transition to cosmetic dentistry
00:02:55 - Handling patient expectations
00:03:45 - Differences in patient demographics
00:06:15 - Impact of social media
00:09:00 - Streamlined consultations
00:20:15 - Adjusting work-life balance
00:35:30 - Discovering muscular dystrophy symptoms
00:37:00 - Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy
00:41:00 - Navigating physical limitations in dentistry
00:42:05 - Growing the practice via Instagram
01:02:35 - Fantasy dinner party guests
01:05:10 - Reflections and advice

About James Morrison

James Morrison is a Bristol-based cosmetic dentist specializing in composite bonding and Invisalign treatments. Transitioning from NHS to private practice, he leverages social media to connect with patients and continues to excel despite facing personal health challenges.

Rhona and Payman chat with Angus Pringle, a specialist orthodontist with a deep interest in mental health and suicide prevention. 

Angus shares his personal experiences with losing his brother to suicide. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the dental profession, touching on the need for compassion, open dialogue, and better support systems within the dental community and beyond.

In This Episode

00:02:35 - Cycling challenge

00:05:25 - Safe spaces

00:07:45 - Suicide, stigma, and mental health

00:26:25 - GDC and mental health

00:34:15 - Perfectionism

00:41:35 - Politics and management

00:43:55 - Supporting patients

00:48:45 - Mental health language and conversations

00:56:35 - The orthodontist’s perspective

00:58:25 - Empathy and non-judgmental approaches

01:04:35 - Egos and opinions

About Angus Pringle

Angus Pringle is a specialist orthodontist and mental health advocate practising in Winchester.

Former BACD president Andrew Chandrapal discusses his journey in dentistry, from his early days balancing dental school with music aspirations to becoming a respected clinician and educator. 

He shares insights on the value of humility in dentistry, the impact of social media on patient expectations, and the significance of building trust with patients. 

He also reflects on his experiences with the BACD and his approach to teaching.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:02:55 - Early years

00:05:35 - Personal loss

00:07:35 - Dentistry Vs music career

00:09:40 - Ego and humility

00:16:50 - Social media

00:23:55 - Treatment planning and patient communication

00:31:30 - Full mouth rehabilitation

00:47:50 - Blackbox thinking

00:55:05 - Teaching and education

01:16:35 - BACD

01:22:20 - Quick-fire questions

01:27:25 - Fantasy dinner party

About Andrew Chandrapal

Andrew Chandrapal is an aesthetic and restorative dentist and former president of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).

Payman Langroudi sits down with Dr. Zohaib Ali, a specialist prosthodontist and leader in the bio-emulation movement in the UK. 

They discuss Dr. Ali's journey in dentistry, his experiences with various dental techniques and technologies, and his thoughts on education and patient care. 

The conversation covers everything from the challenges of NHS dentistry to the importance of clear communication with patients and the future of digital dentistry.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:02:35 - Bio-emulative dentistry

00:07:15 - From Ireland to the UK

00:11:55 - Dental education

00:16:35 - Injection moulding techniques

00:21:25 - Financial crisis

00:24:35 - Specialisation

00:29:55 - Mental health awareness in dentistry

00:38:35 - Education, communication, and patient autonomy

00:49:50 - New technologies

00:54:55 - Responsibility

01:00:25 - Education: quality and variety

01:11:50 - Patient communication and treatment planning

01:19:35 - The Bio-emulation symposium

01:53:05 - Fantasy dinner party

01:54:30 - Last days and legacy

About Zohaib Ali

Zohaib Ali is a specialist prosthodontist interested in bio-emulative dentistry.

Dr Devinia Lavan-Iswaran (known as Coco) shares her inspiring journey from surviving domestic abuse to rediscovering herself and thriving as a dentist and mentor. 

She discusses her multicultural upbringing, experiences in boarding school, and how she rebuilt her life and career after leaving an abusive marriage. 

Coco offers insights into resilience, the importance of self-worth, and her passion for helping others through dentistry and charitable work.

In This Episode

00:05:00 - Backstory

00:13:35 - Boarding school 

00:24:05 - Study

00:26:50 - Early career

00:39:35 - Marriage, abuse and turning point

01:00:30 - Rebuilding

01:09:35 - Finding joy in dentistry

01:19:15 - Creating positive experiences for patients

01:25:45 - Blackbox thinking

01:29:10 - Charity work

01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party

About Coco

Coco qualified from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1995. She currently works in private practice in Holborn, London.

Payman Langroudi meets Awaz Sharief, a young dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics. 

Awaz shares her journey, personal challenges, and innovative approach to minimally invasive endodontics treatments. 

The conversation covers clinical techniques, personal growth, faith, and the importance of emotional awareness.

In This Episode

00:02:24 - Pulpotomy approach

00:05:35 - Back story

00:21:25 - Faith, belief, and finding meaning

00:24:35 - Personal growth

00:31:55 - Narcissism and emotional suppression

00:37:35 - Dentistry and teaching

00:43:45 - Work-life balance

00:55:50 - Women in dental education

01:01:10 - Fantasy dinner party and life advice

About Awaz Sharief

Awaz Sharief is a Greater Manchester-based dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics.