Dentistry is changing fast — from new technologies and practice models to the growing focus on oral-systemic health. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Abdi Sameni, Clinical Associate Professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, founder of the Los Angeles Dental Symposium, and practicing clinician at WLA Dental Center in West Los Angeles. Known internationally for his work in dental photography, esthetics, and interdisciplinary care, Dr. Sameni brings decades of experience and perspective to what it takes to make a lasting impact in today’s profession.

We cover:

• How dentistry has evolved and where it’s headed

• How dental photography can improve diagnostics, treatment planning, and case acceptance

• The real effect of DSOs on dentists and what it means for your future

• What makes the LA Dental Symposium a standout event for clinicians

• The critical connection between oral health and systemic health you can’t ignore

This episode is a must-listen for dentists who want to stay competitive, sharpen their skills, and build a career that lasts — while making a bigger impact on patients and the profession.

Learn more:

• Dr. Abdi Sameni's WLA Clinic: https://www.wladentalcenter.com/
• IG: @insta_abdis
• LA Dental Symposium: https://www.ladentalsymposium.com/

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Ever wonder how some dentists break into high-income, oversaturated markets—and thrive?

Dr. Rhonda Kalasho (@dr.rhondakalasho⁠) did exactly that. She built and scaled TruGlo Modern Dental with locations in Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Hollywood, defying the odds by establishing a luxury brand that attracts loyal patients without relying on insurance-based volume.

In this episode of Teeth Matter, Dr. Kalasho shares:

• How she opened three premium practices in ultra-competitive zip codes

• Her exact strategy for acquiring new patients through a dental membership model

• Why she’s against in-house financing—and what she offers instead

• The dark side of dental practice acquisitions and what you’re not being told

• What it really takes to stand out when everyone’s already doing veneers, injectables, and smile makeovers

This is a masterclass for young dentists and dental entrepreneurs looking to grow strategically, build a bold brand, and make an impact—even in the most saturated markets.

Learn more about Dr. Kalasho & TruGlo Modern Dental:
www.truglomodern.comIG: @truglomodern

IG: @dr.rhondakalasho

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In Part Three of our series with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. (@drnavedfatmi), we dive into the side of dentistry no one wants to face—but everyone needs to understand: malpractice and ethics. Dr. Fatmi, who was appointed in 2015 as the youngest dentist ever to serve on the Florida Board of Dentistry, offers an inside look at what actually gets dentists into trouble, the blind spots many overlook, and how to protect your license—and your reputation.

We explore:

• Common patterns behind board investigations and malpractice claims

• The legal gray zones dentists don’t even realize they’re in

• Why proper documentation and patient communication are your best legal armor

• How to handle pressure when patient satisfaction clashes with ethical care

• What dentists misunderstand about the role of the Board—and how it's not just about punishment, but protection

Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned practice owner, this episode will change the way you think about risk, responsibility, and the ethics that shape your career.

To learn more about or connect with Dr. Naved Fatmi, go to:

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.healthandwellness-dentistry.com/⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠⁠@drnavedfatmi⁠⁠

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In Part Two of our conversation with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. (@drnavedfatmi), we dive into the real-world business of dentistry—beyond the operatory. We unpack what sweat equity actually means, how to approach job interviews with the right mindset, and why treatment planning is one of the most valuable (and overlooked) skills in building trust and case acceptance. Dr. Fatmi also breaks down how your lifestyle choices and personal priorities—like choosing to live in a high-cost city—can directly impact your earning potential. From location to lifestyle, these decisions often determine not just your quality of life, but how much you actually take home. Whether you’re navigating your first associate position or rethinking how you run your practice, this episode offers grounded advice with long-term impact.

Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. (⁠@drnavedfatmi⁠)—a practice owner, educator, and former Chair of the Florida Board of Dentistry. Appointed in 2015 as the youngest board member ever, Dr. Fatmi brings deep experience from both the operatory and the regulatory level.

To learn more about or connect with Dr. Naved Fatmi, go to:

• Website: ⁠https://www.healthandwellness-dentistry.com/⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@drnavedfatmi⁠

_______

Don't miss out on these deals:

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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What happens when a new grad skips residency and buys a practice? What do DSOs really offer early-career dentists—and what do they take away? And how do you stay ethical in a system that often puts production before patients?

In this episode, Teeth Matter host Ellie Halabian sits down with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. (@drnavedfatmi)—a practice owner, educator, and former Chair of the Florida Board of Dentistry. Appointed in 2015 as the youngest board member ever, Dr. Fatmi brings deep experience from both the operatory and the regulatory level.

Together, we unpack:

• 🎓 Residency vs. Private Practice: Which path builds a stronger foundation?

• 🏢 The DSO Dilemma: Do they help or hinder your clinical growth?

• 📚 CE That Sticks: How to actually apply what you learn.

• 🧠 Understanding Your Demographic: Why your patient base should drive your business strategy.

• 💸 Financial Security: What it really looks like in today’s dental economy.

Whether you're a student, a new grad, or a practice owner, this episode gives you a rare look into the intersection of dentistry, leadership, and long-term career thinking.

To learn more about or connect with Dr. Naved Fatmi, go to:

• Website: https://www.healthandwellness-dentistry.com/
• Instagram: @drnavedfatmi

_______

Don't miss out on these deals:

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

In this episode of Teeth Matter, we sit down with Dr. Paresh Shah (@drpareshshah) —a respected Canadian dentist, educator, and international speaker—to explore what comprehensive dentistry really looks like in practice. Now leading his third practice, Dr. Shah says he's finally getting to practice the way he wants to - connecting function, esthetics, and long-term health.

We dive into how this approach shows up in his treatment planning, his collaboration with specialists, and how he gets full team buy-in. He also opens up about where he’s growing now: learning to be a better mentor—to his team, his colleagues, and the next generation of dentists. Whether you're a few years in or leveling up into leadership, this episode offers real insight into the mindset it takes to build a fulfilling, long-term career.

What You'll Learn:

• What comprehensive dentistry really means today

• How to lead collaborative care without losing direction

• Simplifying complex cases for patients

• What mentorship looks like in a modern practice

• Building a strong clinical culture through communication

To learn more about Dr. Paresh Shah, check out:

• Instagram: @drpareshshah
• Website: DC Dental Clinical

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of Teeth Matter, we're joined by Dr. Tejas Patel (@tejaspateldds)—a nationally recognized cosmetic dentist based in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Patel shares how he carved out his niche in cosmetic dentistry and transformed his traditional practice into a boutique, high-demand smile studio.

You’ll hear:

• How and why he pivoted fully into cosmetic dentistry

• The bold decision to eliminate hygiene and insurance—and what that meant for his growth

• The underestimated power of social media for attracting ideal patients

• What not to do in cosmetic dentistry (mistakes most dentists don’t realize they’re making)

• The truth about prepless and no-prep veneers

• How he stays motivated after two decades in practice—and how you can too

If you're serious about building a brand, attracting high-value patients, and practicing on your own terms, this conversation is a blueprint worth hearing. DM us your thoughts—what’s your niche and how are you leaning into it?

🎧 Listen now, follow @teethmatterpod and @drtejaspatel for clips, takeaways, and extra content.

• 
  
• Veneer Course

What does it take to build one of the most respected dental labs in Beverly Hills? In this episode of Teeth Matter, I interview Sam Alawie (@sam_alawie) —CEO of Magne Education (@magneeducation) and co-founder of Beverly Hills Dental Lab (@beverlyhillsdentallab)—about the future of dental technology and what dentists and dental technicians must know to stay ahead.

We dive into:🔹 European vs American dental technician certification—what matters more in 2025🔹 The founding story behind Beverly Hills Dental Lab🔹 Digital workflow & the new era of CAD/CAM dentistry🔹 Real talk on dentist-technician communication & case collaboration🔹 Why dental photography is no longer optional—it's a clinical tool🔹 Straight-shooting advice for dental lab owners and dental entrepreneurs

If you're a cosmetic dentist, prosthodontist, dental technician, or practice owner, this episode is your blueprint for smarter lab partnerships and better patient results.

For more information about Magne Education, check out: https://magneeducation.com/

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Adcox (@the.remote.orthodontist) —board-certified orthodontist, Clinical Director of Remote Care at Smile Doctors, and founder of The Remote Orthodontist. He’s not just talking about the future of ortho—he’s building it.

We dive into how he’s using remote monitoring and digital workflows to transform patient care and practice performance. Dr. Adcox shares how optimizing his schedule has opened up chair time for patients who truly need in-person care—and how that efficiency gives him more time for what actually matters: his family and his freedom.

You’ll learn:

• How to streamline your workflow without sacrificing quality

• Real strategies for billing and getting paid for remote care

• Why “doing more with less—but better” isn’t just a mantra—it’s a growth move

• How leveraging tech can reduce burnout and increase freedom

• The mindset shift from busy to intentional

If you're a dentist or specialist ready to level up your systems, reduce wasted time, and still grow—this one's for you.

🔗 Learn more: theremoteorthodontist.com

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠

__________________________

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In this episode of Teeth Matter, I sit down with Dr. Craig Spodak (@craigspodak) , a third-generation dentist and owner of Spodak Dental Group, to discuss the evolution of dentistry and the realities of practice ownership.

As the co-founder of Bulletproof Dental Practice and co-author of The Bulletproof Dental Practice, Dr. Spodak shares insights on building a resilient, efficient, and profitable practice. We dive into what it means to be a "bulletproof" dentist, the difference between vision and goals, the psychology of success, and the role of self-development, continuing education, and so much more.

We also explore how associates can apply these principles to build a strong foundation for their careers. Whether you're a new dentist or a seasoned practitioner, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for your career.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

Connect with Dr. Craig Spodak:

• Instagram: @craigspodak

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If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠

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