Hi, I'm Dr.
Nekky Jamal & Akhil Chawla
Dentistry can be lonely — but it doesn’t have to be. Nekky Jamal and Akhil Chawla believe there’s so much more to dentistry than what meets the… mouth. On Hi, I’m Dr., they dive into the real, unfiltered side of the profession: the struggles, triumphs, and lessons that come with life in and around the dental chair. This is not a clinical podcast — it’s about the people behind the profession.Nekky Jamal is the founder of Wayside Dental, a thriving 21-operatory practice in Lloydminster, Alberta, and the creator of Third Molars Online, an award-winning course that teaches dentists the art and science of wisdom tooth extractions. Akhil Chawla is the founder and CEO of Shair Dental Inc., a tech-driven platform revolutionizing access to dental care by seamlessly connecting patients with trusted local providers. With experience as a former management consultant at a Big 4 firm and a background in practice transitions through Sage Dental Partners, Akhil brings a fresh, entrepreneurial perspective to the dental world — and plenty of stories from his time in dental school.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 2min
121 – Why Are So Many Dentists Broke?
We sat down with Richard Lochhead of Renn Financial to unpack the real reasons behind financial struggles in dentistry, and share practical tips on how to avoid the common traps and build long-term success.
Jan 2, 2026 • 56min
120 – How to Build an Instrument Empire
On this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Kyle Lim of Power Dental Group for a deep dive into what it really takes to scale a modern dental practice. Dr. Lim shares how he built efficient, repeatable systems, optimized clinical workflows, and created a powerhouse instrument setup that supports high-volume, high-quality care without burning out the team. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your practice to the next level, this episode is packed with practical insights on growth, efficiency, and building an operation that actually runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
119 – How to Design Your Dream Practice
It's not just about the drill—it's about the design! 📐We talk aesthetics and awesome offices with Troy Dashney from Bold Interior Design Inc.Learn how interior design impacts your dental practice. New episode is out! Link in bio.
Nov 2, 2025 • 38min
118 – Negotiating a Higher Associate Pay
Whether you're fresh out of dental school or years into practice, knowing your worth as an associate is non-negotiable. In this episode, we talk about how and when to start the conversation, navigate contracts and counteroffers, and be confident in your negotiating power.Your skills are valuable—it’s time your paycheck reflects that.
Oct 15, 2025 • 46min
117 - Just Say No to the DSO
Featuring Bob Spiel — leadership coach, author, and founder of Spiel Consulting.In this episode, Bob joins to unpack the real costs behind corporate dentistry and why many clinicians are choosing independence over consolidation. From team alignment to ownership mindset, Bob shares how practice leaders can reclaim purpose, reduce stress, and build profitable, energized practices without giving up control.
Oct 1, 2025 • 54min
116 - The OG Dental Entrepreneur
In this episode, we’re joined by none other than Dr. Howard Rocket — the OG Dental Entrepreneur. Long before dentistry and business were seen as inseparable, Dr. Rocket was building, innovating, and paving the way for a new generation of entrepreneurial dentists.We dive into his incredible journey: the challenges he faced starting out, the mindset shifts that led him from clinician to leader, and the lessons he’s learned about risk-taking, resilience, and redefining success. Whether you’re a dental student, a practicing clinician, or someone fascinated by entrepreneurship, there’s something here for you.This isn’t just a story about dentistry — it’s about vision, persistence, and what it takes to leave a mark on an entire profession.
Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
115 - Should you sell to Dentalcorp?
Thinking about selling your dental practice but not sure if it’s the right move? In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Imeson, Vice President and lead of Partnership Development at Dentalcorp, to unpack what a sale really means for dentists. Jamie shares insights into Dentalcorp’s partnership model, how it supports clinical autonomy, and what dentists can expect financially and professionally after joining. We dive into the pros, cons, and common misconceptions, helping you understand whether partnering with a DSO like Dentalcorp could be the right path for your practice, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Aug 22, 2025 • 48min
114 - Digital Dental Dollars with Dr. Saro Babaian
This week, we sit down with Dr. Saro Babaian to dive into the intersection of money, technology, and healthcare. From emerging innovations to unexpected opportunities, we explore how the future of dentistry is being reshaped in ways few could have imagined. 🦷💡Tune in for a conversation that’s as much about possibility as it is about practice.
Aug 9, 2025 • 43min
113 - What You Need to Know Before Selling to a DSO
Selling your dental practice to a DSO can be one of the most profitable—and most complicated—decisions of your career. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know before you make the leap: how DSOs value your practice, what deal structures look like, and the post-sale commitments that could impact your work-life balance for years to come. We’ll talk about protecting your clinical autonomy, navigating non-competes, and spotting red flags in contracts. Whether you’re years away from selling or already in talks with a buyer, this conversation will give you the tools to negotiate confidently, protect your legacy, and walk away with a deal you won’t regret
Jul 25, 2025 • 50min
112 - How Top Producers Increase Their Billings with Dr. Spencer Greer
What separates average producers from elite earners? In this episode, Dr. Spencer Greer breaks down real, actionable strategies that helped him scale his production and dramatically increase his billings — without burning out. Whether you’re early in your career or aiming to level up, this is the blueprint for high-performance dentistry.
