Dr Sandeep Kumar is back with a special BONUS EPISODE of the Mastering your Invisalign Business Podcast, recorded LIVE at theMiSmile Conference 2023! Sandeep welcomes Andy Acton - FTAGroup, Justin Leigh - Focus 4 Growth, Dr Sam Hainsworth - SmileStylist, and Laura Johnson - MiSmile Business Development Manager to the stage. Sandeep chats leadership, running an Invisalign-centred practice, and the business value of Invisalign.

On today’s podcast I am joined by someone who has influenced my business life more than he probably realises! I first met Michael Smith back in 2011 when he was Director of Sales for Align and I was really pushing my Invisalign journey forward.  We very quickly realised we ‘got each other’ and Michael’s belief and support with my idea to launch an Invisalign only clinic is something I am eternally grateful for!

He further supported my vision to launch the MiSmile Network and his business advice and mentorship over the years has been invaluable.

Although Michael doesn’t work for Align now, we regularly keep in touch and I’m excited to see where today’s discussion takes us.

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And how’s life out on the West Coast of the US?

So can you take us back to the beginning of your career - how did you end up in the medical device industry?

And tell me about your roles at Align - you must have seen some incredible innovation over the years?

You’re now CCO at Sonendo - tell us a little bit about the company, and your view on the role of technology in dentistry.

The future of dentistry - what’s next?

What’s the best bit of advice you’ve been given during your career?

Any memorable people you’ve worked with or come across that have influenced your journey?

I know you’re part of the 5am club - what motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

How do you manage your work-life balance, and do you have any advice for people who may be struggling to find that balance?

What are your interests outside of work?

The queen of TCO training!

Tell us how it all began Laura

You have found a niche in the market on Treatment Co-ordination, was there any specific interaction you had, that made you realise this was something that needed to be addressed?

Can you give us a summary of the approach you take to Treatment Co-ordinator training?

How was making the transition from in-practice management to consultancy work?

For any practice that is struggling with the TCO role, what would be the first thing you would suggest?

What are your views on virtual dentistry?

You have shared your love for podcasts, has there been any particular podcast that has really made you reflect on your habits or life?

How do you manage your work-life balance, and do you have any advice for people who may be struggling to find that balance?

What are your interests outside of work?

How do you feel women in Dentistry are being represented?

If you could go back and give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

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Combining the worlds of Marketing & Dentistry can be a daunting task - how did you get started?

Describe the mission behind RoboReception and what was the inspiration behind the idea?

You’ve spoken before about your mentor Professor Ross Hobson and how with his guidance and experience it changed the way you do dentistry. How important is it that we mentor each other in this industry & do you have any advice for our listeners who are looking for a mentor?

You started as a Dentist, and a highly successful one! What was the motivation to evolve into a Dental Coach?

What has been a career highlight so far for you?

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?

What are your views on virtual dentistry?

What’s the last TV show you saw that had you on the edge of your seat?

Sandeep sits down with Mumta & Amit Jilka, owners of Abbey House Dental. From a two surgery clinic in Staffordshire to being Invisalign Diamond Apex Providers, an amazing achievement that is just one of many!

He is a huge advocate of technology in dentistry and is also a mentor for other dentists in the dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.

His practice is based in a small town in Staffordshire, proof if anyone needs it, that you can make a success of Invisalign no matter where you are in the country.

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Firstly, a huge congratulations on achieving Diamond Apex status! It’s been an incredible pleasure to watch your journey.

Where did you start your dental journey? Did anybody inspire you to get into Dentistry?

You work alongside your wife Mumta - tell me how that works?!

When did you first discover Invisalign and recognise the opportunity it brings?

How does Invisalign fit into your cosmetic dentistry offering to patients?

You really transformed Abbey House from a 2 surgery clinic to what it is today, did you have a specific goal in mind for the practice?

I’m particularly interested in your story given the location of the practice.  You’re not in a big city centre location but still you’ve hit Diamond Apex - that’s such an inspiration.

What are your views on virtual dentistry?

What’s your split of time between clinical dentistry / business?

What are you looking forward to in the future - personally, or professionally?

Today’s guest is the Co-founder and CEO of Clear TPS, a team of orthodontic specialists providing Invisalign treatment plans across the world.

Sheldon Krancher has such an amazing insight into the Dental industry with his 25 years of experience, including working for Align Technology directly, it’s no wonder so mny practices work with him to optimise their profit potential through clear aligner solutions.

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Firstly, how is it in Texas today?  We’re competing with your temperatures I think - super hot here today!

So take me back to the beginning.  How did you get into dentistry?

And tell me a bit about your time at Align Technology?

Can you explain what Clear TPS is and just how much it can improve both the patient experience & its benefits to Orthodontists/Dentists.

Just how much efficiency can ClearTPS drive?

How important is it that the industry is open to new technologies, and what advice would you give to Dentists that might be nervous to change their processes?

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?

What are your views on virtual dentistry, and ensuring that we are still able to connect with patients in a virtual world?

What drives you?  Who motivates you?

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What a career - Tell us how you started?

How did you get into the Dentistry industry, and how did you realise there was a coaching gap?

What do you find are some of the biggest barriers for Dental staff, who find it challenging to market the field of Dentistry?

You have a wide range of courses for different audiences on your website coachbarrow.com,  is there one that you are the most proud of?

After such a long career - what has been a career highlight so far for you?

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?

From Cycling, marathons & Kilimanjaro! How do you manage your work life balance and make sure you get enough time to stay fit and healthy?

My guest today is a friend as well as the Clinical Director and owner of Newmarket Dental, a prestigious practice based in Norwich.

Dr Sameer Shah is an original member the MiSmile network joining in April 2015 and its been a pleasure to see the growth and development of the practice.

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So, take me back to the beginning - where did you start your dental journey? Did anybody inspire you to get into Dentistry?

When did you first discover Invisalign and recognise the opportunity it brings?

How does Invisalign fit into your cosmetic dentistry offering to patients?

What’s your split of time between clinical dentistry / business?

What in your opinion is the future of dentistry?

If you could submit a wishlist of enhancements for future Invisalign innovation, what would be on your wishlist?

How do you manage your work life balance and making sure you get enough time to stay fit and healthy?

You are always continuing your professional development and learning new skills - what’s next for you?

What have you learned from being in this field that people should know?

It gives me great pleasure to welcome a very well know name in the world of dentistry, Ashley Latter, an Ethical Sales & Communications coach with over 28 years in the industry!

Ashley has trained a phenomenal number of Dentists and team members, over 40,000 and counting, across the world with his industry expertise and knowledge and I know many practices believe their practice success is based on Ashley’s support.

Ashley hosts his own podcast alongside Chris Barrow, so today the tables have turned and its his turn to be a guest!

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Wow, you must have an incredible story to tell - tell us where it started?

One of your courses is the Ethical Sales & Communication course - did you expect it to be as successful and run for so many years?

What do you find are some of the biggest barriers for dental staff, who find it challenging to sell in the field of dentistry?

You have a wide range of courses for different audiences on your website ashleylatter.com,  is there one that you are the most proud of?

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?

What has been a career highlight so far for you?

You have a brilliant podcast with Chris, “Two reds are better than one”, has there been any particular podcast that has really made you reflect on your habits or life?

How do you manage your work life balance and make sure you get enough time to stay fit and healthy?

I know you’re a keen music fan - what’s the best concert you have ever been to?

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Justin Leigh, founder of Focus4Growth, a consultancy dedicated to coaching and mentoring within the dental industry.

I’ve been lucky enough to work with Justin in the last couple of years and his understanding of the market, coupled with his consultative approach has without doubt kept me focused.

And on top of all that, he is one of the nicest guys I know!

Welcome Justin! Firstly a sales coach - how on earth did you get into dentistry?

Describe the mission behind Focus4Growth and what was the inspiration behind the idea?

What inspired you to publish your book “Inspire, Consult, Sell”?

What has been a career highlight so far for Focus4Growth?

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?

You founded Walk & Talk 4 Men; a walking group for men. Talk us through the changes and benefits you have seen and why this is such an important cause for you?