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Interference Cast – Protrusive Dental Podcast episodes
- Thinking About Teaching Dentistry? Here’s What You Need to Know First – IC076
Ever fancied teaching dental students part time… but no real idea how you’d actually get in?
Are you the kind of person teaching would energise — or quietly drain?
Is a PGCert in dental education actually worth it, or just wishy-washy theory?
And the honest question nobody asks out loud: does it pay anything?
This is an Interference Cast — the non-clinical arm of the podcast — with Dr Rima Hussain, a general dentist who teaches restorative dentistry to undergraduates at King’s a couple of days a week. It’s a candid look at what a career in dental education actually involves: how to get in, who thrives and who burns out, what the work is really like, and the honest truth about the pay and the rewards. The bigger theme: dentistry is a career you can mould in endless directions — and for the right person, teaching is one of the most energising of them.
https://youtu.be/DzmcM-SbD68Watch IC076 on YouTubeWhat You’ll Take From This Episode
The full self-assessment and the step-by-step route into a teaching role are in the Premium Notes. Here’s the shape of what we cover:
- Are you built for the classroom? — the two-camp self-check (energised vs drained) that predicts whether teaching will recharge you or wear you down.
- How to actually land a role — the ‘BDJ Jobs’ plus pick-up-the-phone route, and why “who you know” so often cuts through the application process.
- Relatability as a strength — why being closer to a student’s level can beat decades of experience for an absolute beginner.
- Back to basics — the “monkey see, monkey do” risk from YouTube and AI, and what the tutor’s real job becomes.
- The honest pay-and-balance picture — why you don’t do it for the money, what you do get, and how teaching and practice keep each other fresh.
Highlights of This Episode
- 00:00 Teaser
- 01:08 Should You Teach Dentistry? How to Know If It’s for You
- 04:39 How a General Dentist Gets Into Dental Education
- 06:15 Signs You’re Suited to Teaching Dentistry
- 08:52 Is a PGCert in Dental Education Worth It?
- 12:07 How to Land a Clinical Teaching Post at a Dental School
- 14:38 Why a Relatable Tutor Beats Decades of Experience
- 16:52 How Dental Students Have Changed Since COVID
- 19:20 Is Social Media and AI Helping or Hurting Dental Students?
- 21:55 Midroll
- 26:43 Why “Back to Basics” Beats Chasing Advanced Techniques
- 29:20 How to Get a Teaching (or Associate) Job: Pick Up the Phone
- 31:50 Why Dental Tutors Quit After Six Months
- 36:29 The Most Rewarding Part of Teaching Dentistry
- 38:46 Teaching, Practice and Pay: How to Avoid Burnout
- 44:39 Outro
From the Guest
Dr Rima Hussain is a general dentist who also teaches restorative (conservative) dentistry to undergraduates at King’s College London — a route she fell into via tutoring as a teenager and has been in since 2019. Her advice for anyone curious: you’re probably already teaching in some form, so try it; the worst case is you find it isn’t for you.
👉 Reach Rima on Instagram
References & Further Reading
Mentioned in this episode:
- Rath T. StrengthsFinder 2.0. Gallup Press, 2007. The strengths-assessment book referenced for the “Learner” theme and the idea of building your career around your natural strengths. “Learner” is one of its 34 themes; the assessment is now delivered as CliftonStrengths.
- BDJ Jobs. The British Dental Journal jobs board where clinical tutor and academic posts are advertised, usually with short application windows.
Want more?
If you enjoyed this episode, check out: 2 Years Out of Dental School – Insights for New Grads – IC066
#InterferenceCast #CareerDevelopment #BeyondDentistry
Listen, Subscribe, Earn CPD
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
Aim & Learning Outcomes
Aim: To help dentists evaluate a part-time career in dental education — what the role involves, how to obtain one, and how to sustain it alongside clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes — by the end of this episode, dentists will be able to:
- Identify the personal attributes and expectations that distinguish dentists who thrive in clinical teaching from those who do not.
- Describe the practical routes into a dental-school teaching post, including where posts are advertised and how a direct, proactive approach can work.
- Recognise the workload, financial and work-life-balance realities of part-time teaching, and strategies to avoid burnout while balancing teaching and practice.
44 min - Your Dental Assistant Can Make or Break You – IC075
The most important part of your surgery isn’t plugged in, mounted, or calibrated. It’s the person standing beside you.
Have you ever dreaded walking into a beautiful practice with lovely patients — purely because of who you share the surgery with?
What do you actually do, in the moment, when your assistant rolls their eyes at a request for rubber dam?
And should you be friends with your assistant at all — or does that cross a line you’ll regret?
This is an Interference Cast — a non-clinical but deeply practical episode — with Dr. Sarah Braun, a dentist in Australia and a fellow Protrusive Guidance member who DM’d to suggest this very topic. No course, no book, nothing to sell: just two clinicians comparing notes (and the odd scar) on the one relationship that quietly shapes your whole working life. It sits inside this month’s theme of the relationships that support your career.
https://youtu.be/OyztRyPpcHMWatch IC075 on YouTubeWhat You’ll Take From This Episode
The full breakdown is in the Premium Notes; here’s the shape of the thinking that runs through the episode:
- Engagement is the whole game — the assistant relationship sets the mood of the room, the patient’s experience, and whether good people stay.
- Speak their language — appreciation only lands if it’s delivered in the form that particular person actually values.
- Appreciation is a verb — specific, named praise lands far harder than a vague “good job.”
- Let them, let me — you don’t control how someone reacts in the moment; you only control your response to it.
- Lead the room — dentistry is a performance, and the room takes its emotional cue from whoever is leading it.
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 TEASER
01:13 Why This One Relationship Can Make or Break You
03:49 A Non-Clinical Interference Cast: What to Expect
04:47 Meet the Guest: Nine Years In, City to Country
07:01 A Week in Private Practice
09:15 How Much Does the Dentist–Assistant Relationship Matter?
11:01 Engagement at Work: The Gallup Lens
12:30 People Remember How You Made Them Feel
14:21 When the Relationship Turns Toxic
15:23 The Power Imbalance You Might Not See
18:11 The First-Day Conversation
20:52 Keeping Your Assistant Engaged
22:23 Specific Praise Beats a Vague “Good Job”
23:55 Midroll
27:37 You Can Only Control Yourself
29:34 The Eye-Roll Moment: Let Them, Let Me
31:23 Off Days vs Patterns
32:12 Appreciation, Gifting & Speaking Their Language
35:32 Run the Relationship Like It Matters
36:48 Friends With Your Assistant, or Keep Your Distance?
39:08 A Best Friend at Work: The Engagement Link
41:15 Advice for New Grads: Start With Time Management
44:26 Teaching as a Tool: Show Your Working Out
48:05 Wrap-Up & a Healthy Debate
48:37 CPD Outro & the Protrusive VaultReferences & Further Reading:
Sources and further reading from this episode:
- Chapman G. The Five Love Languages. Northfield Publishing, 1992. The five ways people give and receive appreciation — words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, receiving gifts, and physical touch — applied here to the dentist–assistant relationship.
- Robbins M, Robbins S. The Let Them Theory. Hay House, 2024. The “let them / let me” reframe for releasing what you can’t control and owning your own response.
- Rath T. StrengthsFinder 2.0. Gallup Press, 2007. The CliftonStrengths assessment; “Learner” is one of its talent themes, referenced in the discussion of teaching as a way to engage your assistant.
- Gallup employee-engagement research. The Gallup Q12 engagement survey (including the validated “I have a best friend at work” item) and Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace reports. Source of the workforce-engagement framing in this episode. Exact figures vary by year — see Reviewer Note.
Want more?
If you enjoyed this episode, check out: How to Find a Mentor in 5 Seconds Flat! – IC058.
#InterferenceCast #CareerDevelopment #Communication #BeyondDentistry
Listen, Subscribe, Earn CPD:
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 & Learning Outcomes:
Aim: To help dental practitioners understand and strengthen the working relationship between dentist and dental assistant — recognising its impact on team engagement, patient experience and personal job satisfaction, and building practical habits to improve it.
Learning Outcomes — by the end of this episode, dentists will be able to:
- Explain how the working relationship between a dentist and a dental assistant affects team engagement, the patient experience, and clinician wellbeing.
- Identify practical strategies for communicating appreciation and recognition in ways suited to the individual, and for involving an assistant according to their preferences.
- Apply self-management and emotional-regulation approaches to leading the surgery and responding constructively to interpersonal friction.
48 min - Realism, Mistakes and Radical Honesty in Dentistry – IC074
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.
https://youtu.be/uTKaeewgrgEWatch IC074 on YouTubeKey Takeaways
- Social media has become a powerful tool for dentists to connect and share experiences.
- Mistakes in clinical practice are common and should be openly discussed.
- Rural practice may not always lead to higher income as expected.
- Success in dentistry is subjective and varies for each individual.
- Continuous learning and skill development are crucial for career growth.
- Financial freedom in dentistry is not guaranteed and varies widely.
- Networking and mentorship can significantly impact career progression.
- Social media can be leveraged to attract patients and build a personal brand.
Highlights of this episode:
- 00:00 Teaser
- 00:18 Introduction
- 02:24 Meet Dr Artem Mkrtichyan
- 05:27 Rejections And Resilience
- 09:03 Why Honesty Wins
- 10:58 Rural Dentistry Reality
- 14:58 Handling Online Criticism
- 16:01 Associate Vs Owner Myth
- 18:05 Midroll: Protrusive App
- 22:48 Dentistry Money Reality
- 26:57 Design Your Career Path
- 28:00 Standing Out In Saturated Markets
- 29:27 Content Marketing Strategy
- 31:46 Veneer Minimum Ethics
- 33:48 Final Advice And Community
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.
35 min - Better Dentistry Through Compassion (Not Just Technique) – IC073
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.
https://youtu.be/pNsW6AiWsWQWatch IC073 on YoutubeKey Takeaways
- Burnout often stems from perfectionism, shame, and constant self-criticism
- Many dentists tie their self-worth entirely to clinical performance
- Childhood experiences can shape how we respond to stress and pressure
- High-functioning anxiety is common but often goes unnoticed
- NHS-style time pressure and fear of complaints drive chronic stress
- Decision fatigue in dentistry significantly impacts performance and wellbeing
- Social media amplifies comparison and feelings of inadequacy
- There is a growing gap between expectations and real-world dentistry
- Compassion requires courage, wisdom, and commitment—not weakness
- Dentists are good at caring for patients but neglect self-care
- Accepting positive feedback is as important as improving weaknesses
- Emotional awareness is the first step to managing stress effectively
- A “compassion toolkit” helps regulate emotions in real-time clinical scenarios
- Sustainable dentistry requires prevention of burnout, not just coping strategies
- Team culture improves when you recognise the human behind the role
- Compassionate leadership still requires clear boundaries and accountability
Highlights of this episode:
- 00:00 Teaser
- 00:51 Introduction
- 07:50 What “Therapy” Means
- 11:43 Role of Childhood & Trauma
- 13:10 Therapists Need Therapy Too
- 14:40 Breakdown & Burnout in Dentistry
- 16:50 Causes of Burnout in Dentistry
- 19:50 Clinical Stress Factors
- 20:50 Decision Fatigue in Dentistry
- 23:35 Burnout in Modern Dentistry – Why More Now?
- 27:38 Midroll
- 30:59 Burnout in Modern Dentistry – Why More Now?
- 31:11 What is Compassion?
- 32:11 Lack of Self-Compassion in Dentistry
- 33:11 Three Directions of Compassion in Dentistry
- 35:11 Compassion Focused Dentistry (CFD)
- 39:11 Nervous System Awareness
- 41:31 Applying Compassion in DailyDental Practice
- 43:01 Compassion = Emotional Intelligence + Mindfulness
- 43:41 Compassion “Kit Bag”
- 45:11 Compassion in the Team
- 46:41 Creating a Compassionate Practice
- 51:51 Getting Started with Compassion
- 54:12 Outro
💡 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- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draditibhalla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/draditibhalla
- Dental Wellbeing Hub Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentalwellbeinghub
#InterferenceCast #BeyondDentistry
Want more?
Check out the episode with Marco Maiolino on perfectionism in dentistry – Stop Being a Perfectionist – it’s OK to Fail – PDP184This 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 –
- Recognise the role of emotional awareness and self-compassion in managing clinical stress
- Identify key contributors to burnout in modern dental practice
- Apply practical strategies to foster a compassionate and sustainable workplace
53 min - How Balancing Nutrition and Exercise Can Extend Your Dental Career – IC072
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.
https://youtu.be/kQu7rDlzT8kWatch IC072 on YoutubeKey Takeaways
- Health is a key pillar of career longevity in dentistry
- Many dentists sacrifice exercise and sleep during high-stress periods
- Short, consistent workouts are more sustainable than long, infrequent sessions
- EMS can be a useful time-efficient adjunct but should not replace a full training programme
- Strength, endurance, and mobility are all essential components of fitness
- Most dentists should start with small, manageable exercise habits and build gradually
- Deadlifts are beneficial but require proper technique and guidance
- Reformer Pilates is a practical option for improving posture and mobility
- Stretching provides short-term relief but must be combined with strengthening
- Most musculoskeletal pain in dentists is due to repetitive strain and weakness
- Movement and gradual strengthening are key to managing and preventing pain
- Ignoring early pain increases the risk of chronic, persistent symptoms
- Nutrition should be balanced and sustainable rather than extreme
- Protein intake is often insufficient in active individuals
- Supplements can support performance but should not replace a good diet
- Long-term success depends on prioritising health as part of professional responsibility
Highlights of this episode:
- 00:00 Teaser
- 00:53 Introduction
- 05:40 What is EMS Training?
- 07:45 Get to know Fraser Smith
- 09:35 What’s the ideal health routine for Dentists?
- 11:56 Deadlifts for Dentists
- 15:01 Stretching & Posture Tips for Dentists
- 18:35 Midroll
- 21:56 Stretching & Posture Tips for Dentists
- 25:41 Balanced Nutrition
- 28:23 Protein Intake Suggestions
- 30:51 Back Pain Management
- 39:09 Outro
💡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.
38 min - Before the Breaking Point – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Dentistry – IC071
(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.
https://youtu.be/F8uWxhn3B8kWatch IC071 on YouTubeKey Takeaways
- Dentistry has a well-recognised issue with stress, burnout, and suicide risk
- Suicide is always multifactorial — never caused by a single event
- Toxic culture, including harassment and unrealistic expectations, contributes to distress
- Social media comparison can amplify feelings of inadequacy and isolation
- Dentistry is uniquely demanding — both intellectually and technically
- Mental health stigma prevents open conversations within the profession
- Neurodivergence is increasingly relevant and often underdiagnosed
- Perfectionism is a key risk trait linked to suicidal thinking
- Working below your moral standards creates significant psychological stress
- Warning signs include changes in temperament, withdrawal, and isolation
- Asking directly about suicide does not increase risk — it can save lives
- Use the “double bounce” approach: ask the question twice if needed
- If someone says yes, act immediately — hospital or emergency services
- You are not responsible for managing the crisis alone
- Early support includes sharing concerns and involving a trusted person
- GP support can be transformative and should not be delayed
Highlight of this episode:
- 00:00 Teaser
- 00:51 Intro
- 04:16 John Gibson Introduction
- 07:15 Understanding the Scale of Suicide in Dentistry
- 09:59 Why Suicide Happens in Dentistry
- 11:13 Key Risk Factors of Suicide in Dentistry
- 12:09 Social Media and Comparison
- 12:52 Isolation
- 13:04 Difficulty of Dentistry
- 14:03 Mental Health Stigma
- 15:22 Neurodiversity
- 18:18 Perfectionism and Moral Conflict in Dentistry
- 21:44 Recognising Warning Signs of Suicide
- 21:46 Midroll
- 25:07 Recognising Warning Signs of Suicide
- 26:21 How to Approach a Suicidal Colleague
- 28:49 Double Bounce Technique
- 30:44 If the Answer is YES
- 33:36 Support and Resources for Dentists
- 34:12 Key Suicide Prevention Steps
- 37:40 Creating a Supportive Workplace
- 39:18 Reflective Space
- 40:00 Daily Positivity Practice
- 42:46 Canmore Trust Podcast
- 42:59 Outro
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 –
- Recognise the multifactorial nature of suicide in dentistry and identify key contributing risk factors such as toxic culture, isolation, and stigma.
- Identify behavioural and emotional warning signs of suicide in dental professionals and apply appropriate communication strategies, including direct questioning and empathetic support.
- Implement practical steps to support colleagues in crisis and contribute to a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing.
44 min - I Tested an AI Receptionist… Here’s What Dentists Should Know – IC070
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.
https://youtu.be/Jx-0jOZG3lEWatch IC070 on YouTubeKey Takeaways:
- AI receptionists are evolving to provide better patient interactions.
- Data insights reveal significant gaps in patient communication.
- The technology is designed to assist, not replace human receptionists.
- AI can help streamline appointment bookings and patient inquiries.
- Understanding patient needs is crucial for effective AI responses.
- Customization of AI responses is essential for different practices.
- The future of AI in dentistry looks promising but requires careful implementation.
- AI should not be seen as a replacement but as a tool for efficiency.
- Compliance and data storage are critical in patient interactions.
- The integration of AI can lead to improved patient experiences.
YouTube Highlights:
- 00:00 Teaser
- 05:06 Meet Dr. Grant McAree
- 07:32 Grant’s Journey to AI
- 11:03 AI Gold Rush and Inequality
- 11:56 Interjection
- 14:01 AI Gold Rush and Inequality
- 15:59 Compliance and Legal Risks
- 18:42 What an AI Receptionist Does
- 20:54 Midroll
- 24:16 What an AI Receptionist Does
- 26:51 Comparing AI to Human Receptionists
- 32:47 Leads Data and Compliance
- 36:38 Future Adoption and Risks
- 42:46 Additional Features and Learning More
- 43:30 Jaz Call to AI Receptionist
- 46:01 Outro
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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 –
- Identify key functions and limitations of AI reception systems in dentistry.
- Understand compliance and legal risks associated with AI in both NHS and private settings.
- Recognize practical strategies for integrating AI to support staff without replacing them.
45 min - How this Doctor is Using AI to Audit his Communication and Conversion! – IC069
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.
https://youtu.be/L38Hhu855RoWatch IC069 on YouTubeKey Takeaways
- AI is transforming the way dental practices operate.
- Storytelling is crucial for effective patient communication.
- Building a strong team culture enhances practice success.
- Data security is paramount when using AI tools.
- Continuous training is essential for team development.
- Patient engagement strategies can improve treatment acceptance.
- AI tools can streamline administrative tasks and improve efficiency.
- Understanding patient needs leads to better care outcomes.
- Effective marketing requires a solid online presence and SEO.
- Networking with other professionals can provide valuable insights.
Highlight of the episode
- 00:00 Teaser
- 00:34 Intro
- 02:23 Dr. Amador’s Background and Practice
- 08:14 Using AI for Decision Support
- 10:26 Leveraging AI for Communication and Training
- 15:57 Using AI for Patient Care and Diagnosis
- 21:37 Midroll 1
- 24:58 Using AI for Patient Care and Diagnosis
- 26:11 Leveraging AI for Dental Practice Efficiency
- 27:35 Midroll 2
- 30:20 Leveraging AI for Dental Practice Efficiency
- 32:44 Training and Scaling with AI Tools
- 33:45 Creating SOPs and Playbooks
- 36:53 Enhancing Patient Communication with Personalized Videos
- 40:36 Training and Data-Driven Growth
- 44:52 Outro
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 –
- Explain how AI tools can support communication, diagnosis, and patient understanding in dentistry.
- Demonstrate how storytelling and patient-centered communication influence treatment acceptance.
- Evaluate the ethical, professional, and practical considerations of integrating AI into dental practice.
44 min - Personal Finances for Dentists – Career Security, Investing & Your Rich Life – IC068
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.
https://youtu.be/4OXruGIdb_gWatch IC068 on YouTubeYour 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
- High income does not guarantee financial security.
- Dentistry can become “golden handcuffs” without asset building.
- Invest in yourself early — skill drives earning power.
- Lifestyle creep quietly erodes freedom.
- Financial independence means practicing because you want to.
- Define your rich life and align spending accordingly.
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.
48 min - Should Associates Have Their Own Website? – IC067
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?
https://youtu.be/7StOMRLqFuIWatch IC067 on YouTubeIn 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:
- Having a purpose beyond profit is crucial for success.
- The ‘I do, we do, they do’ model is effective for team growth.
- Patient behavior has evolved; they research extensively before choosing a provider.
- A personal website is essential for establishing credibility and trust.
- Visual content, including professional photography, enhances personal branding.
- Search engine optimization is vital for attracting local patients.
- Social proof, such as patient testimonials, is more impactful than before-and-after photos alone.
- Messaging is key; it should resonate with the target audience’s pain points.
- Dentists have a responsibility to educate the public about their services.
- Investing in digital marketing can yield measurable returns.
Highlights of this episode:
- 00:00 Teaser
- 00:47 Introduction
- 05:43 Introducing Rick O’Neill: Expert in Digital Presence
- 06:43 Insights from Richard Branson
- 10:15 Entry Into Marketing and Dentistry
- 13:25 Digital Assets for Associates and Practices
- 20:26 Key Elements of an Effective Associate Website
- 26:01 Search Optimization: Making Your Website Discoverable
- 26:48 Midroll
- 30:09 Search Optimization: Making Your Website Discoverable
- 32:40 Dentist’s Role in Content Creation
- 34:19 Importance of Social Proof in Dental Marketing
- 45:02 Building a Personal Brand with a Website
- 48:43 The Future of AI in Dental Marketing
- 52:35 Digital Solutions for Associates and Clinics
- 57:04 Resources for Principals and Associates
- 57:41 Outro
🎉 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 –
- Explain why a personal website is valuable for dentists and associates.
- Identify the key elements that make an associate website effective.
- Describe strategies to use digital assets, SEO, and content for patient trust and conversion.
56 min
About Interference Cast – Protrusive Dental Podcast
From the publisher's feed
by Dr Jaz Gulati