Dental Leaders Podcast

Steffen Decker shares his journey from adult orthodontics to a focus on paediatric and interceptive orthodontics, emphasising the importance of early intervention. He discusses the benefits of clear aligners for young children, how early treatment impacts overall health, and his belief in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to airway health. Steffen also reflects on the changes in orthodontics, advocating for education, and the significance of functional occlusion. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:05 - Combining orthodontic techniques00:01:00 - Introduction and background00:03:15 - Partnering with restorative dentists00:05:40 - Shifting focus to children’s orthodontics00:09:25 - Clear aligners for kids00:14:15 - Health benefits of early orthodontics00:19:50 - Changes in orthodontics00:22:35 - Addressing airway and sleep issues00:28:10 - Key growth markers in kids00:34:00 - Training dentists on early intervention00:43:05 - Preventing alignment issues early About Steffen Decker Steffen Decker is a renowned orthodontist known for his work in paediatric and interceptive orthodontics. Originally trained in adult orthodontics, he now focuses on early intervention for children and collaborates with other health professionals to improve airway health. Steffen is passionate about functional occlusion and advocates for greater education in the field.

Polly Bhambra, co-owner of the Tri Dental group, shares her journey from dental nurse to overseeing ten dental practices in the West Midlands. She discusses the importance of empowering dental nurses, creating a respectful work environment, and the challenges and rewards of managing a large team. Polly also talks about her family’s entrepreneurial background and the balancing act of building a dental group while raising a family. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:00:05 - Introduction and background00:01:10 - Empowering dental nurses00:04:00 - Career progression and training for staff00:07:45 - Managing change and overcoming resistance00:13:00 - Ideal practice model for growth00:17:45 - Handling a large team00:20:00 - Hiring and firing strategies00:25:30 - Supporting associates00:30:00 - Family influences and work-life balance00:34:00 - Expansion plans and building a legacy About Polly Bhambra Polly Bhambra is a co-owner of Tri Dental, a group of ten practices in the West Midlands. Starting her career as a dental nurse, Polly now leads a large team, focusing on growth, staff development, and patient care. She is known for her commitment to creating a respectful and empowering workplace.

James Morrison shares his journey from NHS dentistry to becoming a private cosmetic dentist in Bristol. He discusses the shift to cosmetic work during COVID-19, challenges in managing patient expectations, and insights on the evolving role of social media in dentistry. James opens up about his rare muscular condition and how it influenced his approach to work-life balance. He also shares valuable tips on patient communication and his streamlined consultation process. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:01:10 - Introduction and background00:01:45 - Transition to cosmetic dentistry00:02:55 - Handling patient expectations00:03:45 - Differences in patient demographics00:06:15 - Impact of social media00:09:00 - Streamlined consultations00:20:15 - Adjusting work-life balance00:35:30 - Discovering muscular dystrophy symptoms00:37:00 - Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy00:41:00 - Navigating physical limitations in dentistry00:42:05 - Growing the practice via Instagram01:02:35 - Fantasy dinner party guests01:05:10 - Reflections and advice About James Morrison James Morrison is a Bristol-based cosmetic dentist specializing in composite bonding and Invisalign treatments. Transitioning from NHS to private practice, he leverages social media to connect with patients and continues to excel despite facing personal health challenges.

Rhona and Payman chat with Angus Pringle, a specialist orthodontist with a deep interest in mental health and suicide prevention.  Angus shares his personal experiences with losing his brother to suicide. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness in the dental profession, touching on the need for compassion, open dialogue, and better support systems within the dental community and beyond. In This Episode 00:02:35 - Cycling challenge 00:05:25 - Safe spaces 00:07:45 - Suicide, stigma, and mental health 00:26:25 - GDC and mental health 00:34:15 - Perfectionism 00:41:35 - Politics and management 00:43:55 - Supporting patients 00:48:45 - Mental health language and conversations 00:56:35 - The orthodontist’s perspective 00:58:25 - Empathy and non-judgmental approaches 01:04:35 - Egos and opinions About Angus Pringle Angus Pringle is a specialist orthodontist and mental health advocate practising in Winchester.

Former BACD president Andrew Chandrapal discusses his journey in dentistry, from his early days balancing dental school with music aspirations to becoming a respected clinician and educator.  He shares insights on the value of humility in dentistry, the impact of social media on patient expectations, and the significance of building trust with patients.  He also reflects on his experiences with the BACD and his approach to teaching. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:55 - Early years 00:05:35 - Personal loss 00:07:35 - Dentistry Vs music career 00:09:40 - Ego and humility 00:16:50 - Social media 00:23:55 - Treatment planning and patient communication 00:31:30 - Full mouth rehabilitation 00:47:50 - Blackbox thinking 00:55:05 - Teaching and education 01:16:35 - BACD 01:22:20 - Quick-fire questions 01:27:25 - Fantasy dinner party About Andrew Chandrapal Andrew Chandrapal is an aesthetic and restorative dentist and former president of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).

Payman Langroudi sits down with Dr. Zohaib Ali, a specialist prosthodontist and leader in the bio-emulation movement in the UK.  They discuss Dr. Ali's journey in dentistry, his experiences with various dental techniques and technologies, and his thoughts on education and patient care.  The conversation covers everything from the challenges of NHS dentistry to the importance of clear communication with patients and the future of digital dentistry. Enjoy! In This Episode 00:02:35 - Bio-emulative dentistry 00:07:15 - From Ireland to the UK 00:11:55 - Dental education 00:16:35 - Injection moulding techniques 00:21:25 - Financial crisis 00:24:35 - Specialisation 00:29:55 - Mental health awareness in dentistry 00:38:35 - Education, communication, and patient autonomy 00:49:50 - New technologies 00:54:55 - Responsibility 01:00:25 - Education: quality and variety 01:11:50 - Patient communication and treatment planning 01:19:35 - The Bio-emulation symposium 01:53:05 - Fantasy dinner party 01:54:30 - Last days and legacy About Zohaib Ali Zohaib Ali is a specialist prosthodontist interested in bio-emulative dentistry.

Dr Devinia Lavan-Iswaran (known as Coco) shares her inspiring journey from surviving domestic abuse to rediscovering herself and thriving as a dentist and mentor.  She discusses her multicultural upbringing, experiences in boarding school, and how she rebuilt her life and career after leaving an abusive marriage.  Coco offers insights into resilience, the importance of self-worth, and her passion for helping others through dentistry and charitable work. In This Episode 00:05:00 - Backstory 00:13:35 - Boarding school  00:24:05 - Study 00:26:50 - Early career 00:39:35 - Marriage, abuse and turning point 01:00:30 - Rebuilding 01:09:35 - Finding joy in dentistry 01:19:15 - Creating positive experiences for patients 01:25:45 - Blackbox thinking 01:29:10 - Charity work 01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party About Coco Coco qualified from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1995. She currently works in private practice in Holborn, London.

Payman Langroudi meets Awaz Sharief, a young dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics.  Awaz shares her journey, personal challenges, and innovative approach to minimally invasive endodontics treatments.  The conversation covers clinical techniques, personal growth, faith, and the importance of emotional awareness. In This Episode 00:02:24 - Pulpotomy approach 00:05:35 - Back story 00:21:25 - Faith, belief, and finding meaning 00:24:35 - Personal growth 00:31:55 - Narcissism and emotional suppression 00:37:35 - Dentistry and teaching 00:43:45 - Work-life balance 00:55:50 - Women in dental education 01:01:10 - Fantasy dinner party and life advice About Awaz Sharief Awaz Sharief is a Greater Manchester-based dentist with a special interest in minimally invasive endodontics.

In this insightful episode, Dru Shah, a specialist periodontist and founder of the Dentinal Tubules network, discusses the state of dental education, personal growth, and the challenges facing the dental profession.  He shares his views on leadership, the importance of trust in dentistry, and the need for a more patient-centric approach. Dru also touches on broader societal issues, including multiculturalism and social integration. In This Episode 00:02:00 - Authenticity 00:04:35 - Reading and learning 00:07:10 - Repetition 00:08:35 - The challenge of engagement 00:16:35 - Learning styles 00:22:50 - Dentinal Tubules 00:25:55 - CPD and commoditisation 00:29:25 - Relationship-building 00:35:25 - Leadership and team management 00:41:35 - Awards and humility 00:44:45 - AI learning 00:52:50 - Career planning 00:57:50 - Dentinal Tubules Congress and future plans 01:03:55 - Unrest in the UK 01:15:55 - Multiculturalism, integration and breaking down barriers About Dru Shah Dhru is a specialist in periodontics and the CEO of Dentinal Tubules, an online training platform for dentists across the globe.

Rhona and Payman chat with Levi Levenfiche, co-founder of PerfectTed, Europe's first matcha-powered energy drink company. Levi shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges of starting a business with family members, the impact of appearing on Dragon's Den, and the rapid growth of PerfectTed.  The conversation covers various aspects of running a start-up, from product development and marketing strategies to managing team dynamics and personal mental health. In This Episode 00:01:10 - Backstory 00:04:35 - PerfectTed origins 00:18:35 - Dragon's Den 00:27:20 - Product growth 00:31:50 - Business and family 00:37:35 - Marketing and brand building 00:41:55 - Perfect Ted roadmap 00:46:35 - Personal challenges 00:51:20 - Hiring and managing a growing team 00:56:50 - Thinking big 01:04:50 - Dentistry and confidence 01:06:35 - Business mistakes About Levi Levenfiche Levi Levenfiche is the co-founder and managing director of the PerfectTed organic matcha energy drink brand.