

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

Dec 30, 2022 • 24min
31 - How to Network with Successful Dentists (Dr. Dan Hagi)
Dr. Dan Hagi received his doctorate degree at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, where he was one of the youngest graduates. Dr. Hagi developed a love for cosmetic dentistry over the course of his years in private practice. In order to further his field of interest, he continued his education in minimally invasive aesthetic, general, and implant dentistry. Dr. Hagi has always had a passion for organized dentistry and has held memberships in a number of professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and the Canadian Dental Association.Dr. Hagi is a fantastic dentist who has a really original view on ceramic implants, including the materials that should be used to implant them. In this podcast, we discuss how he is the youngest dentist to graduate from the University of Toronto and his opinions on mentoring and the role that mentors play in one's career.Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 28, 2022 • 22min
30 - Ceramic Implants (Dr. Dan Hagi)
Dr. Dan Hagi received his doctorate degree at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, where he was one of the youngest graduates. Dr. Hagi developed a love for cosmetic dentistry over the course of his years in private practice. In order to further his field of interest, he continued his education in minimally invasive aesthetic, general, and implant dentistry. Dr. Hagi has always had a passion for organized dentistry and has held memberships in a number of professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and the Canadian Dental Association.Dr. Hagi is a fantastic dentist who has a really original view on ceramic implants, including the materials that should be used to implant them. In this podcast, we discuss how he is the youngest dentist to graduate from the University of Toronto and his opinions on mentoring and the role that mentors play in one's career.Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 26, 2022 • 17min
29 - Taking Risks Early in Your Career (Dr. Dan Hagi)
Dr. Dan Hagi received his doctorate degree at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, where he was one of the youngest graduates. Dr. Hagi developed a love for cosmetic dentistry over the course of his years in private practice. In order to further his field of interest, he continued his education in minimally invasive aesthetic, general, and implant dentistry. Dr. Hagi has always had a passion for organized dentistry and has held memberships in a number of professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and the Canadian Dental Association.Dr. Hagi is a fantastic dentist who has a really original view on ceramic implants, including the materials that should be used to implant them. In this podcast, we discuss how he is the youngest dentist to graduate from the University of Toronto and his opinions on mentoring and the role that mentors play in one's career.Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 23, 2022 • 15min
28 - The Cost of Building a Dental Practice (Woody Bongard)
Woody Bongard is a Kinesiology and Health Science Bachelor of Science graduate. For the past five years, he has worked in the IT and construction industries. He has a lot of expertise building medical facilities and introducing technology to the medical field. His business focuses on utilizing technology to enhance communication and execution in information technology and construction. He has written a children's book and created numerous NFT works of art.Woody found a company called Build Technology. A fantastic use of technology and innovation in the construction of actual dental offices, which is the area of expertise of Build Technology. In this series of 3 episodes, we discuss the capabilities of the technology and its competitive advantages. We also talk about the steps involved in actually starting a practice, which gives young listeners fantastic insights into what it takes to do so, from finding a lease to getting their first patient through the door. We also talk about the costs associated with starting a practice and how much it actually costs to start one from scratch.Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 21, 2022 • 15min
27 - A - Z of Building a Dental Practice (Woody Bongard)
Woody Bongard is a Kinesiology and Health Science Bachelor of Science graduate. For the past five years, he has worked in the IT and construction industries. He has a lot of expertise building medical facilities and introducing technology to the medical field. His business focuses on utilizing technology to enhance communication and execution in information technology and construction. He has written a children's book and created numerous NFT works of art.Woody found a company called Build Technology. A fantastic use of technology and innovation in the construction of actual dental offices, which is the area of expertise of Build Technology. In this series of 3 episodes, we discuss the capabilities of the technology and its competitive advantages. We also talk about the steps involved in actually starting a practice, which gives young listeners fantastic insights into what it takes to do so, from finding a lease to getting their first patient through the door. We also talk about the costs associated with starting a practice and how much it actually costs to start one from scratch.Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 19, 2022 • 20min
26 - Using VR to Build a Dental Practice (Woody Bongard)
Woody Bongard is a Kinesiology and Health Science Bachelor of Science graduate. For the past five years, he has worked in the IT and construction industries. He has a lot of expertise building medical facilities and introducing technology to the medical field. His business focuses on utilizing technology to enhance communication and execution in information technology and construction. He has written a children's book and created numerous NFT works of art.Woody found a company called Build Technology. A fantastic use of technology and innovation in the construction of actual dental offices, which is the area of expertise of Build Technology. In this series of 3 episodes, we discuss the capabilities of the technology and its competitive advantages. We also talk about the steps involved in actually starting a practice, which gives young listeners fantastic insights into what it takes to do so, from finding a lease to getting their first patient through the door. We also talk about the costs associated with starting a practice and how much it actually costs to start one from scratch.Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 17, 2022 • 19min
25 - How to Build a 24 Op Practice while Choosing a Path of Service (Dr. Nekky Jamal)
Dr. Nekky Jamal was raised in Calgary, Alberta where he attended the University of Calgary and received a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences and Economics. He then moved to Saskatoon where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. After completing the BITES curriculum in 2013, he narrowed his scope of practice to Sedation and Surgical Procedures such as Implant Therapy, Extractions and Grafting. Dr. Jamal is passionate about applying Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) in all aspects of Oral Surgery and is excited in helping his fellow colleagues incorporate it into their daily practice. He is currently a member of the Alberta Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. He recently returned from Ecuador where he volunteered his time and skills, providing dental care to people in need. The organizations that he is currently involved with are Change for Children and Kindness In Action. He has also traveled to Guatemala, Nicaragua and Pera providing dental treatment and educating the locals on proper dental care. When Dr. Jamal isn't at the office or volunteering his time with Kindness In Action he enjoys golfing, playing and coaching basketball, visiting elementary and pre-schools to educate children about oral health, traveling and learning other languages. Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 14, 2022 • 27min
24 - Millions in Debt and Buying a Flooded Practice (Dr. Nekky Jamal)
Dr. Nekky Jamal was raised in Calgary, Alberta where he attended the University of Calgary and received a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences and Economics. He then moved to Saskatoon where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. After completing the BITES curriculum in 2013, he narrowed his scope of practice to Sedation and Surgical Procedures such as Implant Therapy, Extractions and Grafting. Dr. Jamal is passionate about applying Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) in all aspects of Oral Surgery and is excited in helping his fellow colleagues incorporate it into their daily practice. He is currently a member of the Alberta Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. He recently returned from Ecuador where he volunteered his time and skills, providing dental care to people in need. The organizations that he is currently involved with are Change for Children and Kindness In Action. He has also traveled to Guatemala, Nicaragua and Pera providing dental treatment and educating the locals on proper dental care. When Dr. Jamal isn't at the office or volunteering his time with Kindness In Action he enjoys golfing, playing and coaching basketball, visiting elementary and pre-schools to educate children about oral health, traveling and learning other languages. Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 12, 2022 • 23min
23 - Determining What is Within Scope as a Young Dentist (Dr. Nekky Jamal)
Dr. Nekky Jamal was raised in Calgary, Alberta where he attended the University of Calgary and received a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences and Economics. He then moved to Saskatoon where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. After completing the BITES curriculum in 2013, he narrowed his scope of practice to Sedation and Surgical Procedures such as Implant Therapy, Extractions and Grafting. Dr. Jamal is passionate about applying Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) in all aspects of Oral Surgery and is excited in helping his fellow colleagues incorporate it into their daily practice. He is currently a member of the Alberta Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. He recently returned from Ecuador where he volunteered his time and skills, providing dental care to people in need. The organizations that he is currently involved with are Change for Children and Kindness In Action. He has also traveled to Guatemala, Nicaragua and Pera providing dental treatment and educating the locals on proper dental care. When Dr. Jamal isn't at the office or volunteering his time with Kindness In Action he enjoys golfing, playing and coaching basketball, visiting elementary and pre-schools to educate children about oral health, traveling and learning other languages. Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.

Dec 5, 2022 • 21min
22 - What Young Dentists Should be Thinking about with Socialized Dentistry (Canada Dental Benefit)
The Government of Canada implemented the interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) on December 1, 2022. This is designed to provide financial support to help Canadian families access dental care. With this benefit, families can start addressing some of the basic dental care that their young children need. At the same time, the Government continues its plans to develop a long-term Canadian dental care program. In these episodes, we dive into what the CDB means for dentists and what dentists should think about. Visit https://www.hiimdr.com/ for the latest episodes and merchandise.


