Dental Leaders Podcast

Mahmoud Ibrahim, known as the "Occlusion Ninja," transforms the complex world of occlusion into practical, everyday dentistry wisdom. From nearly abandoning his dental career to becoming one of the UK's most sought-after occlusion educators, Mahmoud shares his journey of obsessive learning and the simple truth that changed everything: occlusion is just force management. He reveals common mistakes that plague restorative work, explains why your composite veneers might be chipping, and discusses his partnership with Jaz Gulati in revolutionising dental education. This conversation blends technical excellence with honest reflections on clinical errors, the pursuit of perfection, and finding meaning in both success and failure.In This Episode00:02:15 - Force management fundamentals00:08:25 - Bruxism00:18:20 - Restorations00:27:25 - Last tooth syndrome00:32:05 - Basic occlusal examination00:35:15 - Lab communication secrets00:42:20 - Awakenings, revelations, obsessions00:49:20 - Mentors and Jaz01:16:40 - Course development01:32:35 - Blackbox thinking01:38:55 - Ethics and motivation01:42:00 - Inspirational lectures, courses and papers01:51:05 - Fantasy dinner party01:54:40 - Last days and legacyAbout Mahmoud IbrahimMahmoud Ibrahim is a general dentist and renowned occlusion educator, widely known as the "Occlusion Ninja" from his collaborations with Jaz Gulati. Based in Birmingham, he's transformed from someone who initially wanted to escape dentistry into one of the UK's most respected voices in occlusal education. He co-created the popular OB (Occlusion Basics) course and runs the Bulletproof and Unshakeable live courses, focusing on making complex occlusal principles accessible for everyday dental practice.

In this powerful episode of the Dental Leaders Podcast, Prav sits down with Kiran Malviya, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Straumann Group EMEA.Kiran’s story is one of quiet defiance, cultural grace, and relentless ambition.From a traditional Indian upbringing in Nagpur to global leadership at Philips and now Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Straumann Group EMEA, Kiran has walked a path few would dare to take.In this deeply personal episode of the Dental Leaders Podcast, Kiran shares how she navigated an arranged marriage, strict family expectations, and the joint family system - not by fighting back, but by playing the long game with dignity and respect, guided by the strong values instilled in her by her parents.We explore how she built a thriving dental practice, pursued a full-time MBA with a 7-year-old at home, and entered the corporate world with no prior experience - ultimately landing in high-impact leadership roles on the global stage.She opens up about love, motherhood, leadership, ambition, and the deep meaning behind her tattoos.A raw, thoughtful, and truly original conversation.In This Episode00:00:05 - Potential vs performance00:05:25 - Childhood in Nagpur, India00:08:25 - Traditional Indian upbringing and gender roles00:11:05 - Early rebellion and feminist poetry00:16:20 - Arranged marriage system in India00:18:55 - Reverse engineering her marriage proposal00:21:45 - Philosophy on love and marriage00:24:00 - Dental school admission in India00:27:20 - Joint family dynamics and restrictions on working00:33:15 - Strategic navigation of family expectations00:36:05 - Financial challenges and seven-year plan00:39:10 - Decision to pursue MBA00:42:30 - Meeting her mentor at Philips00:44:25 - MBA experience and personality transformation00:48:35 - Move to Delhi and Phillips career00:51:00 - Learning sales and finding her niche00:57:45 - Leadership philosophy and authenticity01:08:25 - Cultural differences between Philips and Straumann01:13:25 - Player learner culture at Straumann01:15:20 - Work-life balance and working patterns01:18:10 - Challenges of being a woman leader01:22:55 - Future career aspirations01:26:55 - Transition from Philips to Straumann01:28:10 - Advice to younger self01:28:35 - The tattoo stories01:32:50 - Current living arrangement with husband01:39:15 - Definition of success01:45:15 - Last days and legacy01:47:35 - Fantasy dinner partyAbout Kiran MalviyaKiran Malviya is Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Straumann Group EMEA, where she is known for her decisive leadership, empathy, and ability to inspire cross-functional teams.She spent over a decade at Philips, leading across sales, marketing, and business development, with a strong focus on global key accounts and digital transformation.Originally trained as a dentist in India, she transitioned into the corporate world after earning her MBA from the Indian School of Business, and now leads with a powerful blend of strategy, heart, and authenticity.

Chris O'Connor opens up about his journey from academic burnout to building Incidental, sharing hard-won insights about workaholic tendencies, clinical mastery, and the realities of running a dental supply business. This episode explores the darker side of perfectionism, the complexity of clinical decision-making, and how childhood experiences shape professional drive. O'Connor discusses everything from innovative matrixing techniques to the emotional toll of litigation, offering a brutally honest perspective on modern dentistry practice.In This Episode00:01:00 - Newcastle move 00:01:45 - PhD research 00:03:00 - Clinical trials 00:11:15 - Career transition 00:15:10 - Workaholic tendencies 00:16:45 - Family background 00:21:25 - Workflow obsession 00:24:30 - Russian sanctions 00:26:30 - Founding Incidental 00:31:05 - Clinical weaknesses 00:36:25 - Patient experience 00:42:35 - Customer relationships 00:47:05 - Marketing approach 00:54:10 - Teaching philosophy 00:57:10 - Product development 01:02:30 - Regulatory challenges 01:04:20 - Parenting struggles 01:07:15 - Rubber dam techniques 01:12:35 - Matrix systems 01:19:50 - Blackbox thinking 01:25:25 - Complex cases 01:32:35 - Pricing structure 01:42:35 - Best lecture 01:46:50 - Future aspirations 01:48:15 - Fantasy dinner party 01:50:25 - Last days and legacyAbout Chris O'ConnorChris O'Connor is a dentist, dental supplier, and product developer based in Newcastle. He co-founded Incidental, a dental supply company known for innovative matrixing solutions and educational courses. A former clinical academic, Chris spent eight years at Newcastle Dental Hospital conducting research and teaching before transitioning to practice and business.

Prav returns to host this deeply personal conversation with Rob van Geffen, Chief Marketing Officer at Straumann, who shares his extraordinary journey from a carefree childhood in the Netherlands to leading one of dentistry's most influential organisations.In this deeply personal conversation, Rob explores how energy shapes every interaction, why vulnerability became his greatest leadership strength, and how a men's group 19 years ago transformed his approach to fatherhood and business. He reveals the challenges of letting go, both as a parent and leader whilst maintaining the authentic connections that drive Straumann's family culture. This isn't just a story about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about discovering that true leadership starts with understanding yourself.In This Episode00:00:05 - Children as mirrors of our bright and dark sides 00:06:10 - Father's death and the gift of presence 00:09:00 - Father Fire: men's emotional development 00:13:45 - Everything is energy philosophy 00:19:10 - Leading through energy and memorable experiences 00:26:25 - Vulnerability as leadership strength 00:28:15 - Letting go of sons 00:38:10 - Career journey from trenches to boardroom 00:55:05 - Blackbox thinking 01:01:35 - Joining the Straumann family 01:28:20 - Culture as competitive advantage 01:33:40 - Play learner philosophy 01:35:40 - Physical fitness and morning routines 01:44:00 - Last days and legacy 01:51:45 - Fantasy dinner partyAbout Robert van GeffenRobert van Geffen is the Chief Marketing Officer at Straumann, where he leads a global marketing and commercial excellence team of more than 100 people. Together, they animate the heartbeat of the customer journey and create smiles and confidence for millions of customers worldwide.A proud father of three sons, Rob combines sharp business acumen with a deep belief in emotional and energetic intelligence. His leadership is rooted in authenticity and guided by heart-led values that bring out the best in people and performance alike.

Kiran Shankla's journey reveals the transformative power of persistence paired with strategic self-reflection. From a sports-loving teenager who initially resisted academic pressure to a multi-award-winning dentist specialising in minimally invasive techniques, her story demonstrates that success often comes through consistent effort rather than natural talent. Through setbacks in Australia, rigorous postgraduate training at the Eastman, and building expertise in ICON treatment, Kiran shows how embracing continuous learning and maintaining perspective can lead to both professional achievement and personal contentment. Her approach to balancing clinical excellence with work-life harmony offers valuable insights for dentists navigating their own career paths.In This Episode00:01:25 - Awards motivation and tactics 00:07:40 - Award application strategies 00:11:30 - Childhood ambition and sporting background 00:14:25 - Grammar school decisions and academic awakening00:16:35 - Career-defining phone call about dentistry 00:18:10 - University challenges and determination 00:21:45 - Foundation training in Slough 00:26:25 - Australia adventure and reality check 00:31:05 - Eastman Masters journey 00:38:10 - Patient communication and treatment planning 00:42:15 - Key opinion leader opportunities 00:50:40 - Continuing education philosophy 00:55:20 - ICON treatment expertise 01:07:00 - Blackbox thinking 01:16:35 - Fantasy dinner party 01:18:30 - Last days and legacyAbout Kiran ShanklaKiran Shankla is a multi-award-winning general dentist with a Masters in Restorative Dentistry from UCL Eastman. Based in Reading, she works across multiple practices focusing on minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She serves as a Key Opinion Leader for DMG and SDI, with a focus on ICON infiltration therapy and teaching dentists across the UK whilst maintaining a commitment to high-quality patient care.

Mahsa Balaie embodies the truth that sometimes life's biggest detours lead to its greatest destinations. From engineering to Spain, from associate to practice owner, her journey reveals the power of diving in completely when opportunities arise. Through personal struggles, professional challenges, and the complexities of balancing motherhood with business ownership, Mahsa demonstrates that success isn't about avoiding difficulties—it's about swimming through them with determination. Her story resonates with anyone juggling multiple life transitions whilst building something meaningful, proving that the most common stories in dentistry are often the most inspiring ones.In This Episode00:02:15 - Half marathon metaphor and life philosophy 00:04:30 - Fitness transformation journey00:08:20 - Health wake-up call and surgery 00:13:30 - All-in personality and engineering background 00:16:35 - Mental health struggles and Spain escape 00:19:35 - Learning Spanish and dental assisting 00:22:30 - Materials engineering experience 00:26:25 - University pathway and parental guidance 00:29:15 - Valencia dental school experience 00:34:45 - Spain versus UK dentistry comparison 00:38:10 - Clinical development and treatment philosophy 00:43:35 - Meeting husband and family planning 00:48:10 - Practice acquisition and patient communication 00:50:05 - Business ownership challenges 00:53:25 - Maternity leave difficulties and staff management 00:58:10 - Hiring and firing experiences 01:06:30 - Team building and staff incentives 01:13:45 - Blackbox thinking 01:24:25 - Fantasy dinner party01:26:45 - Last days and legacyAbout Mahsa BalaieMahsa Balaie is a general dentist and practice owner in Tunbridge Wells. After completing a dental materials engineering degree, she studied dentistry at the University of Valencia, working as a dental assistant whilst learning Spanish. Following five years as an associate in Portsmouth, she purchased her current practice, where she focuses on aesthetic dentistry whilst balancing the demands of motherhood and business ownership.

Doctor Solmaz Samae embodies the power of authenticity in dentistry—someone who speaks her truth with refreshing honesty. From building a successful business empire in Iran to studying dentistry in Latvia at 30, her unconventional journey reveals what happens when passion meets persistence. Now practising across multiple settings whilst building a thriving YouTube presence, Solmaz demonstrates that happiness in dentistry comes from genuinely caring about the patient experience. Her candid reflections on everything from charity work motivations to the challenges of mixed NHS-private practice offer valuable insights for dentists navigating their own paths to contentment and success.In This Episode00:01:40 - Current life satisfaction 00:02:40 - Six-pack goal and fitness routine 00:05:35 - Working across multiple practices 00:10:40 - Corporate versus independent experiences 00:16:05 - Communication versus clinical skills 00:20:15 - YouTube content creation journey 00:23:25 - Persian content and safety concerns 00:28:15 - Facial aesthetics expertise 00:31:05 - Hair loss treatments and personal experience 00:34:50 - Treatment philosophy and patient selection 00:40:45 - Blackbox thinking 00:46:35 - Turbulent journey to dentistry 00:53:50 - Business ventures in Iran 00:55:45 - Studying dentistry in Latvia 01:00:30 - Advantages and challenges of studying abroad 01:11:00 - Vision for dream practice 01:16:25 - Charity work in refugee camps 01:22:25 - Fantasy dinner party 01:24:30 - Last days and legacyAbout Solmaz SamaeDoctor Solmaz Samae is an aesthetic dentist and facial aesthetics practitioner working across multiple practices in London. After building successful businesses in Iran, she pursued dentistry at RSU in Latvia, graduating in 2018. She combines clinical practice with content creation through her Persian YouTube channel and runs a facial aesthetics clinic on Harley Street with her sisters.

This compelling episode features Lala, the anonymous voice behind "Lalalaletmeexplain" - a former social worker turned influential author who's helped thousands recognise red flags and find their worth. Rhona and Payman explore deeply personal territory as Lala shares her childhood trauma, decade-long career in child protection, and the systemic failures she witnessed firsthand. The conversation weaves through heavy topics, including misogyny, male influencers like Andrew Tate, and the recent concerning developments in UK abortion rights. What emerges is a raw, unflinching look at how childhood experiences shape our adult relationships, why anonymity can be liberating, and how society's treatment of vulnerable people - from social workers to women seeking healthcare - reveals our collective blind spots.In This Episode00:02:45 - The birth of anonymity 00:04:40 - Why hiding can mean truth-telling 00:09:10 - When dads abandon and mothers struggle 00:15:15 - Forgiving the unforgivable 00:24:15 - From personal pain to professional purpose 00:28:40 - When systems fail the vulnerable 00:42:35 - Blackbox thinking 00:59:55 - Misogyny as cultural DNA 01:11:55 - The Andrew Tate problem 01:15:00 - When women turn on women 01:32:05 - Justice on trial 01:38:45 - Tracking women's bodies 01:47:15 - Healing through words 01:52:35 - Moving trauma through movementAbout LalaLala is a former social worker who spent over a decade in safeguarding, witnessing firsthand the realities of domestic abuse and child protection. She's now a best-selling author and one of the most important voices online when it comes to love, abuse, power and patriarchy. Operating anonymously through her platform "Lalalaletmeexplain," she helps people recognise red flags, establish boundaries, and understand their worth through truth and lived experience.

Andrew El-Khanagry's journey from anxious young associate to confident practitioner reveals the transformative power of purpose-driven dentistry. Five years out from dental school, this Egyptian-born dentist has navigated the challenges of perfecting his craft while building Mobile Smiles, a charity bringing dental care to underserved communities worldwide. Through candid conversations about clinical mistakes, the value of communication over technique, and finding balance between profit and purpose, Andrew shares insights that resonate with dentists at every stage of their careers. His story demonstrates how early setbacks can become catalysts for growth and why the best education sometimes comes from unexpected sources.In This Episode00:01:45 - Podcast listening habits 00:03:10 - Early life in Egypt and England 00:04:25 - Language barriers and adaptation 00:06:25 - Career influences and family guidance 00:08:00 - Dental school at Birmingham 00:09:45 - Academic challenges and friendships 00:11:30 - First job and PhD experience 00:13:50 - Staying versus moving practices 00:15:15 - Clinical anxiety and perfectionism 00:18:25 - Transition to private practice 00:20:25 - Communication skills training 00:25:00 - Patient relationships and continuity 00:33:20 - Mobile Smiles charity foundation 00:36:20 - International dental missions 00:43:10 - Cost-effectiveness of charity work 00:48:45 - UK-based charity initiatives 00:53:15 - Purpose versus profit in dentistry 00:54:30 - Instagram as dental education 00:56:40 - Career direction and specialisation 01:04:30 - Blackbox thinking 01:11:05 - Best educational experiences 01:21:00 - Trust-building in private practice 01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party 01:43:50 - Last days and legacyAbout Andrew El-KhanagryAndrew El-Khanagry is a general restorative dentist with a focus on prosthodontics, five years qualified from Birmingham Dental School. Born in Egypt and raised in Burton-on-Trent, he's the founder of Mobile Smiles, a UK-based charity providing dental care in underserved communities across Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, and South America.

Sonia Rajput shares her journey from being a self-described introvert from Birmingham to becoming a dentist at two of London's most prestigious dental practices. Throughout the conversation, she reveals how she balanced ambition with prioritising work-life balance, leveraging social media to advance her career despite her natural introversion. Sonia offers valuable insights into building a private dentistry career, discussing everything from clinical techniques to patient communication, while being refreshingly candid about her struggles, successes, and her approach to finding fulfilment both professionally and personally.In This Episode00:01:45 - Early career and self-perception 00:03:15 - Childhood and family background 00:05:00 - Choosing dentistry over medicine 00:06:25 - University experience at Birmingham 00:09:35 - Dental school challenges 00:10:15 - Professional ambition development 00:12:15 - First professional experiences 00:13:45 - Working at Scott Arms practice 00:18:00 - Aligning, bleaching and bonding focus 00:21:35 - Communication in private practice 00:23:30 - Landing prestigious jobs 00:29:30 - Social media marketing strategies 00:35:35 - Content creation process 00:42:55 - Current practice environments 00:56:45 - Blackbox thinking 01:07:05 - Facial aesthetics 01:11:45 - Career satisfaction and future plans 01:21:20 - Fantasy dinner partyAbout Sonia RajputSonia Rajput is a 29-year-old dentist who comes from a medical family but chose dentistry over her family's profession of medicine. Currently working with Mark Hughes in Beaconsfield and at London Smile Clinic with Tim Bradstock-Smith, she has a special interest in aesthetic dentistry and facial aesthetics. Despite describing herself as naturally introverted, Sonia has built a significant social media presence that has helped her secure positions at prestigious practices and develop her career.