Dental Leaders Podcast

Pete Niesiolowski provides a glimpse into a dental journey that has taken him from the UK to Australia, and back.   Pete discusses life down under, the challenges of transitioning from NHS to private care, and thoughts on the overlap between implant provision and cosmetic dentistry.   Enjoy!    01.20 - Backstory 15.20 -  NHS to private practice 21.15 - Australia 27.00 -  Discovering cosmetic dentistry 29.30 - Practice ownership 31.30 - Implant journey, training and experience 51.15 - Blackbox thinking 01.13.20 - Fantasy dinner party 01.07.30 - Thoughts on the future About Pete Niesiolowski Dr Pete Niesiolowski graduated from King’s College London in 1997 with his bachelor of dental surgery degree. He has worked in general dental practice for over two decades, including eight years running a practice in Australia.  

Payman Langroudi sits down with Zak Kara, co-founder of Bounemoputh-based Smile Stories, to explore the philosophy and practices behind his success.    Zak shares insights into the importance of teamwork, thoughts on patient communication and why some conventional dental words and phrases off limits during patient consultations.   Zak also explores patient journeys, creating a practice ambience and his practice-growth philosophy.   Enjoy! In This Episode 01.00 - Private dentistry and the patient journey 04.55 - Smile Stories 11.00 - Patient selection 20.00 - Personal and professional background 28.40 - Comfort, ambience and atmosphere 32.21 - Banned words 36.10 - Practice management 01.10.00 - Practice growth 01.17.10 - Consultation and communication 01.57.25 - Leadership and structure 02.05.00 - Black box thinking 02.21.19 - Last days and legacy About Zak Kara Zak Kara is the co-owner of Bournemouth-based Smile Stories dental practice.

Emma Marshall, the CEO of Movement is Medicine, chats about the profound impact of movement on mental and physical health.    Emma shares her journey from facing severe health challenges and exploring various mainstream and alternative therapies to discovering the healing power of movement and dance.    She discusses the importance of integrating physical with mental health support and using movement as a vehicle for catharsis and trauma recovery.    Emma also touches on the societal pressures and misconceptions around health and advocates for more accessible and inclusive approaches to wellness practices.   Enjoy! In This Episode 00.40 - Emma’s story 12.41 - Alternative medicine 23.10 - Rhythm and healing 26.05 - Movement is Medicine 39.10 - Wellness and mental health 46.25 - Accessibility and socioeconomics 52.45 - Female perspectives 57:40 - Business and the rhythm of processes 01.01.00 - TED Talks and training for teachers​​. About Emma Marshall Emma Marshall is the founder and CEO of Movement is Medicine®, a neuroscientific technique for wellness and stress relief through music and dance.

Laura Horton relates her journey from dental nurse and TCO to practice owner and growth consultant.   Laura gives a clinic-eye view on the invaluable role of TCOs in shaping patient experience within the practice, shares wisdom on team growth and development, and discusses the highs and lows of practice ownership.   Enjoy!    In This Episode 00.50 - Backstory 07.00 - Nursing, TCO and consultancy 12.00 - Practice workflow insights 17.20 - Practice ownership 29.25 - Professional relationships and career development 35.00 - The TCO role 44.00 - Team training and development 01.26.00 - Friendship Vs professionalism 01.36.30 - Trust and karma 01.54.00 - Fantasy Dinner Party 02.01.10 - Last days and legacy About Laura Horton Former TCO and dental nurse Laura Horton owns and runs Flagstaff-based clinic Dental Smiles. She is the founder of Laura Horton Consulting, which provides practice growth and development support.   

Former boxer turned model Paul Sculfor opens up about addiction, sobriety, and the pressures of fame. He discusses the depth of addiction, self-acceptance, and the impact of transitioning from the ring to the catwalk. Paul shares insights on male mental health, self-image, and the importance of genuine self-discovery.

Sarika Shah shares her journey from Kenya to leading a successful dental practice in the UK, discussing patient care, practice growth, and obstacles. She explores the challenges faced by women in dentistry, reflecting on leadership, parenting, and continuous learning. Insights on mindset, self-leadership, and historical influences round out the engaging conversation.

Yolande Fisher shares her compelling journey from early childhood in Cameroon to successful practice in Bristol.    Her story unfolds from her early education and influences to the challenges and revelations she faced within the NHS and her transition to private practice.    Alongside her clinical pursuits, Yolande delves into the balance of motherhood, continuous learning, and the pursuit of personal fulfilment. amidst the evolving landscape of dentistry. In This Episode 01.30 - Back story 06.00 - Discovering dentistry 21.40 - The NHS Experience 27.15 - Motherhood, moving to Bristol, and family life. 37.00 - Learning and leading 42.10 - Social media  47.00 - Family 56:20 -  Privilege 01:11:20  - Black box thinking 01:24:00  - Continuous learning 01:19:40 - Practice ownership and partnerships 01.23.56 - Standout learning experiences 01.30.32 - Future 01.36.21 - Fantasy dinner party 01.40.16 - Last days and legacy About Yolande Fisher Yolande Fisher is a GDP practising at the Family Dental and Implant Centre in Bristol.  

Ellie Bratt joins Payman and Rhona for a chat about generational trauma, gender dynamics in the workplace and society, and the challenges and biases faced by women.    Ellie shares her personal and professional so far, discussing her entrepreneurial spirit and the founding of Sirens social media marketing agency. In This Episode   02.00 - Background 03.40 - Generational trauma 09.45 - School 12.00 - Gender dynamics and societal expectations 19.00 - Entrepreneurial journey 26.05 - Gender pay gap and workplace dynamics 36.30 - Sirens 41.05 - TikTok and social media 01.02.50 - Top tips About Ellie Bratt Ellie Bratt is an influencer, TikTok personality and founder of Sirens social media agency.  

Chris Tavares delves into philosophical and ethical aspects of dentistry, his experience as a member of The Jesuit Order, and its impact on his personal and professional development journey.    Chris also shares perspectives on teaching and mentorship, NHS Vs private practice, and the a-ha moments that have informed his practice. In This Episode 01.45 - Discernment, justification and philosophy 18.15 - Coming to the UK 22.39 - Vocation, study, first job 26.34 - The Jesuit Order 30.30 - Ethics and epistemology 45.43 - Black box thinking 53.16 - Highs, lows and a-ha moments 01.00.40 - Teaching 01.05.56 - NHS to private dentistry 01.09.50 - Staying solo 01.16.39 - Free time and family life 01.19.42 - Fantasy dinner party 01.22.06 - Last days and legacy About Chris Tavares Chris Tavares is a former member of The Jesuit Order. He now practices dental surgery in Derby, UK.  

The second part of our conversation with Len D’ Cruz delves into the emotional impact of clinical errors and explores the role of the BDA in supporting dental professionals when things go wrong.   Len also discusses his practice-growth journey so far and reveals why he still feels an affinity for NHS practice and patients. In This Episode 01:30 - BDA—role and challenges 14.16 - Stress, errors and impact 24:25 - Blackbox thinking 37:00 - Practice growth 45.46 - NHS practice 48.37 - Fantasy exit 53.03 - Practice management 55.06 - Getting involved 59.04 - Identity 01.00.52 - Fantasy dinner party 01.10.01 - Last days and legacy About Len D’Cruz Len D’Cruz is the head of indemnity at the British Dental Association. He heads a mixed NHS/private practice consisting of seven surgeries in Woodford Green, North East London. He also teaches the MA in Dental Law and Ethics program at the University of Bedfordshire.