Why does dentistry on social media look so perfect?

Are those flawless before-and-after cases the reality of everyday practice—or just the highlight reel?

And why aren’t we talking more openly about the failures, frustrations, and imperfect outcomes that every dentist experiences?

In this episode, Dr Artem Mkrtichyan joins Jaz for a refreshingly honest conversation about the realities of modern dentistry. Known for his candid and relatable social media posts, Dr. Artem has built a following by sharing what many dentists think—but rarely say out loud: dentistry is hard, results aren’t always perfect, and social media often paints an unrealistic picture of the profession.

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

If this episode resonated with you, don’t miss “I Committed Fraud – Learn from My Mistakes” – PDP248

#InterferenceCast #BeyondDentistry

This episode is not eligible for CPD/CE points, but never fear, there are hundreds of hours of CPD waiting for you on the Ultimate Education Plan.

Is burnout inevitable in dentistry?

Why do so many high-achieving dentists still feel unfulfilled?

Are we too harsh on ourselves without even realising it?

And what if the way we speak to ourselves is the real problem?

In this episode, Jaz sits down with Dr Aditi Bhalla—a Prosthodontist and Integrative Psychotherapist, with over 15 years in dentistry and extensive training in mental health, mindfulness, and movement—to explore compassion-focused dentistry. They unpack burnout, perfectionism, fear-driven practice, and how understanding your mind could be the key to a sustainable, fulfilling career.

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

💡 Want to improve your wellbeing and prevent burnout?
Dr Aditi Bhalla runs free workshops and resources via the Dental Wellbeing Hub. You can also explore her work and sign up through her website: draditibhalla.com

#InterferenceCast #BeyondDentistry

Want more?
Check out the episode with Marco Maiolino on perfectionism in dentistry – Stop Being a Perfectionist – it’s OK to Fail – PDP184

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and D

AGD Subject Code: 770 Self-improvement

Aim: To explore the principles of compassion-focused dentistry and how emotional awareness, self-compassion, and team dynamics can improve clinician wellbeing and reduce burnout.

Dentists will be able to –

Are you sacrificing your health for your patients?

Are your neck and back quietly dictating how long you can practise?

Do you skip workouts because you “don’t have time”?

And what if your career ended—not by choice, but because your body gave up first?

In this episode, Jaz is joined by Fraser Smith, a sports scientist and nutrition expert, to break down what dentists actually need to do to stay healthy, pain-free, and practising for longer. From EMS training and realistic exercise routines to nutrition and injury prevention, this is a practical guide to protecting your most important asset—your health.

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

💡For tailored support with strength, posture, and long-term health,  check out Vive Fitness 

Want more?

Check out episodes on health and longevity in dentistry: My Neck, My Back (Fix Your Posture While Removing Plaque!) – PDP220

#InterferenceCast #BeyondDentistry

This episode is not eligible for CPD/CE points, but never fear, there are hundreds of hours of CPD waiting for you on the Ultimate Education Plan, including Premium clinical walkthroughs and Masterclasses.

(This episode discusses suicide prevention and mental health. It does not include graphic details, but please listen with care. If this topic feels close to home, consider pausing and reaching out to someone you trust or a mental health professional.)

Why does dentistry have such high levels of stress and burnout?

Why do so many clinicians feel isolated despite working in busy practices?

What are the early warning signs that a colleague might be struggling?

And what can you actually do — practically — if someone is in crisis?

In this powerful and deeply important episode, Professor John Gibson shares his personal story and the mission behind the Canmore Trust. The conversation explores suicide prevention in dentistry, how to recognise warning signs, and the simple but life-saving actions every clinician should know.

Key Takeaways

Highlight of this episode:

Learn more about mental health in Dentistry:

Check out more episodes on mental health, burnout, and wellbeing in dentistry.

PDP185 – Mental Health in Dentistry

IC040 – Overcoming Adversities

💙 Support and resources
If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, explore the Canmore Trust for practical support and guidance:
👉 thecanmoretrust.co.uk

👉 The Canmore Trust Podcast

They also offer helpful resources and podcasts focused on suicide prevention and mental well-being for healthcare professionals.

➡️General Dental Council – Mental Health and Well Being in Dentistry: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

#InterferenceCast #Communication #BeyondDentistry

This episode is eligible for 0.5 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B

AGD Subject Code: 770 Self Improvement (Mental Health / Stress Management)

Aim: To enhance clinicians’ understanding of suicide risk within dentistry, including contributing factors, warning signs, and practical approaches to supporting colleagues, fostering open conversations, and creating a mentally healthy workplace.

Dentists will be able to –

Are AI receptionists here to take over your practice?

How do they actually work, and what can they do—or not do—for your team?

Could they make life easier for staff without replacing humans, or are they just a gimmick?

In this episode, award-winning dentist and marketing expert Dr. Grant McAree joins Jaz to break down AI receptionists. Together, they explore what an AI receptionist really is, how it integrates with your practice, and the compliance and legal considerations every dentist should know.

They also dive into the bigger picture—who these systems are really for, how patient interactions are managed, and a live demonstration of an AI receptionist in action that shows exactly what it can—and can’t—do for your practice.

Key Takeaways:

YouTube Highlights:

Unlock the future of patient consultations! 🎯

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Check out RoboReception—an AI receptionist and lead tracker that captures interactions and streamlines practice workflow.

If you want to dive deeper into AI, check out Practical AI for Dentistry – Save Time, Achieve More

#InterferenceCast #BeyondDentistry

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes A

AGD Subject Code: 550 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RELATIONS

Aim

To understand the role, capabilities, compliance requirements, and practical integration of AI reception systems in dental practices.

Dentists will be able to –

Can AI really help you communicate better with patients?

What if you could audit your own consultations and discover which words, pauses, and stories increase treatment acceptance?

Dr. David Amador joins Jaz for a fascinating episode exploring how AI can transform the way we interact with patients. From auditing conversations to radiographic interpretation, they break down practical applications that improve both communication and patient care.

They also discuss how storytelling, patient trust, and ethical use of AI all come together to boost treatment acceptance — showing that AI isn’t here to replace us, but to make us better.

Key Takeaways

Highlight of the episode

AI isn’t the future — it’s your next teammate.

Imagine: while you focus on patient care, AI records your consults, summarizes them, audits your communication, and helps interpret radiographs.

Plaud.ai makes note-taking automatic. Overjet makes diagnostics and patient communication crystal clear.

Check out Midtown Dental Studio — where cutting-edge technology meets genuine care. 

If you found this episode valuable, don’t miss PS015: Communicating Fees, Treatment Plans, and More

#InterferenceCast #CareerDevelopment #Communication

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes A and B

AGD Subject Code: 550 – Practice Management and Human Relations

Aim: To explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to audit communication, enhance storytelling, and improve patient conversion while maintaining patient-centered care.

Dentists will be able to –

Are you a high-earning dentist… living paycheck to paycheck?

Do you ever feel financially stretched – despite earning well?

Are you trapped in dentistry’s “golden handcuffs”?

And what would your life look like if you worked because you wanted to… not because you had to?

In this rare solo episode, Jaz steps away from occlusion and restorative dentistry to talk about something just as important: personal finances and career security for dentists.

After going deep down the money rabbit hole — reading books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Simple Path to Wealth, and I Will Teach You To Be Rich — Jaz shares how his upbringing, early career decisions, and financial education shaped his beliefs about wealth, freedom, and dentistry.

This isn’t financial advice.
It’s a mindset shift.

And for many dentists, it might be the most important episode you hear this year.

Your day list reflects your earning power.

The work you do each day quietly sets the limits of what you can earn.

Exams and single-surface composites create one kind of ceiling; comprehensive cases, ortho, rehab, sedation, and complex restorative work create another.

Upskilling changes that ceiling and gives you far more control over your financial future.

Want more mindset shifts like this?
AskJaz — your on-demand dental brain — is built into the Protrusive App.

Key Takeaways

Highlights of This Episode:

00:00 Why talk about money on a dental podcast?
04:12 Perspective and gratitude as dentists
10:45 The 45% paycheck-to-paycheck poll
16:20 Associates vs principals — the reality
22:34 Lifestyle creep explained
27:18 Golden handcuffs in dentistry
31:10 Growing up with financial scarcity
40:02 Investing in yourself early in your career
47:55 Index funds and financial resilience
55:20 The 20% happiness illusion
01:02:18 Defining your rich life
01:08:42 Action steps and reflection

#PersonalFinances 

This episode isnot eligible for CPD/CE points, but never fear, there are hundreds of hours of CPD waiting for you on the Ultimate Education Plan.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out IC022 – Income for Dentists and Jaz’s Top 10 Financial Literacy books inside Protrusive Guidance.

After watching this episode, you’ll understand exactly why owning your website matters. And here’s the good news: as a Protrusive community member, you can get 50% off your professional dental website – built specifically for associates who want to stand out.

👉 Claim your exclusive discount: protrusive.co.uk/website

Do you really need your own website as an associate, or is a strong Instagram profile enough? 

How do you build trust with patients before they even meet you? 

And how can you ensure you are visible to the patients who are now using AI tools like ChatGPT to find their next dentist? 

In this episode, digital marketing expert Rick O’Neill joins Jaz to discuss the evolving landscape of dental marketing. Together, they explore the “Zero Moment of Truth” and the 7–11–4 rule, explaining why a website is the only digital asset you truly own in a world of “rented” social media space. 

They also dive into the future of search, covering how to optimize your presence for both Google and AI, and why authentic video content is the ultimate tool for bridging the “belief gap” with prospective patients.

Key Takeaways:

Highlights of this episode:

🎉 Special Community Offer: 50% Off!
If you’re nodding along thinking “I need to get serious about my digital presence,” here’s your opportunity.

Protrusive community members get 50% off a professionally designed dental website

👉 Head over to: protrusive.co.uk/website
Activate your 50% discount and get your professional, patient-facing website up and running.

Check out my website to see what a modern associate website can look like.

Want more on building your dental brand? Don’t miss PDP037: Personal Branding for Dentists – Logos and Websites with Shaz Memon

#InterferenceCast #CareerDevelopment #Communication

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes B and C.

AGD Subject Code: 550 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RELATIONS

Aim: To understand the role of personal and practice websites in modern dentistry and how associates and principals can use digital tools to build trust, credibility, and patient engagement.

Dentists will be able to –

Did Triman ever buy his own camera setup?

Has he figured out which niche or specialty he wants to pursue?

Are molar endodontics and surgical extractions still his fear procedures?

And how’s he getting on with those tricky fee discussions and private patient conversations?

Dr Triman Ahluwalia returns for another catch-up — one year after stepping into his first associate position. In this episode, Jaz follows Triman’s journey from new graduate to confident young clinician, exploring what’s changed and what lessons he’s learned along the way.

From building confidence in complex procedures to improving communication and investing in the right tools, this episode is packed with insights every fresh grad and early-career dentist can relate to.

Takeaways

Highlights:

🎙️ Connect with Dr. Triman Ahluwalia:

Instagram: @drtriman

LinkedIn: Dr Triman Ahluwalia

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss Triman’s earlier appearance — I Interviewed a New Grad 7 Months Apart – First Year of Practice (IC052)

#InterferenceCast #Communication #CareerDevelopment
This episode isnot eligible for CPD/CE points, but never fear, there are hundreds of hours of CPD waiting for you on the Ultimate Education Plan, including Premium Clinical Walkthroughs and Masterclasses.

How do you balance a high-performance dental career with being an effective parent?

What strategies help you stay sane amidst the organized chaos of family life?

How can showing up as your best self benefit both your patients and your children?

Dr. Shandy Vijayan and Dr. Raabiha Maan join Jaz in this nonclinical episode to share their experiences of parenthood in dentistry. From the unique perspectives of two dentist-moms and the dad viewpoint, they discuss the real-life challenges of raising children while maintaining personal well-being.

They also share practical tips, book recommendations, and actionable strategies for self-care and emotional regulation—helping you create a balanced family life while thriving in your career.

During the episode, Jaz also mentions KARRI — a fun, screen-free voice messenger that helps kids stay safely connected with parents and friends, without social media or internet access.

Loved by kids. Trusted by parents. Get 50% off via: www.protrusive.co.uk/karri

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

Ready to take the next step?

Revive 2026 – A Wellness Event Like No Other (6 hours CPD)

🗓 Saturday 24th January 2026

📍 Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul’s, London

Revive 2026 is your invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect- a full-day experience designed for women in dentistry who are ready to start the year with purpose, calm, and clarity.

Loved this? Dive deeper into Parenthood and Dentistry – IC025 (Even If You’re Not a Parent!)

#InterferenceCast #BeyondDentistry #Communication

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcome: B

AGD Subject Code: 770 SELF IMPROVEMENT

Aim: To explore strategies for managing work-life balance in dentistry, focusing on early parenthood, emotional regulation, and professional sustainability.

Dentists will be able to –