Episodes

  • Dental Disruptors Podcast 15 - Neel Kothari - Retainers and Retention
    Apr 1 2025

    I had a good long chat with Neel, a successful practice owner and well known writer within the dental industry, about his thoughts on retainers in dentistry; how they are used and abused and we propose a future model to help create a fairer and more transparent system for everyone.

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    52 mins
  • Dental Disruptors Podcast 14 - Emma Slade-Jones - Sharing Hygienist Stories
    Apr 1 2025

    The purpose of the Dental Disruptors podcast is to raise awareness, educate and empower clinicians to have a better life in dentistry by finding the right practice. I want to address the problem which almost pushed me out of dentistry completely.

    Join our community, support our cause, give yourself and your colleagues a better life in dentistry.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152406788923244

    On this episode of Dental Disruptors I spoke to Emma Slade-Jones about her experiences in dentistry and general practice, the military and now as coach for clinicians.


    We discussed a huge range of topics including

    1) The importance of being valued and knowing your values

    2) The critical nature of having a contract

    3) The challenges faced within the industry when it comes to practice owners delivering on promises

    4) The lack of awareness around employment status and pregnancy rights

    5) The changes we would like to see in the industry


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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Dental Disruptors Podcast 13 - Danielle Myers - Sharing Therapist and Hygienist Stories
    Oct 23 2023

    The purpose of the Dental Disruptors podcast is to raise awareness, educate and empower clinicians to have a better life in dentistry by finding the right practice. I want to address the problem which almost pushed me out of dentistry completely.

    Join our community, support our cause, give yourself and your colleagues a better life in dentistry.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152406788923244

    On this episode of Dental Disruptors I spoke to Danielle Myers about her experiences in dentistry and general practice


    We discuss the following:

    • Danielle’s journey in dentistry including some of the extreme challenges she faced which led her to self harm fantasies as a more favorable decision than going to work in these toxic practices


    • Feeling undervalued and mistreated are rife in the industry and there is a serious need for a more supportive, values-driven work environments, where dental professionals collaboratively serve patients' health.


    • The emotional toll and negative impact on our mental health from our experiences can include extreme stress and manifest as physical health issues


    • The long term impact of our experiences can remain hidden to most however the emotional and psychological baggage cannot be left behind so easily. This creates a mindset of negativity, distrust and paranoia.


    • The dental profession must shift its focus towards patient health and the well-being of healthcare professionals, rather than mere financial gains


    I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think.



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    57 mins
  • Dental Disruptors Podcast 12 - Sharing Therapist and Hygienist Stories - With Whitney Taylor
    Sep 11 2023

    The purpose of the Dental Disruptors podcast is to raise awareness, educate and empower clinicians to have a better life in dentistry by finding the right practice. I want to address the problem which almost pushed me out of dentistry completely.

    Join our community, support our cause, give yourself and your colleagues a better life in dentistry.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152406788923244

    On this episode of Dental Disruptors I spoke to Whitney Taylor our first Dental Therapist about her experiences in dentistry.


    We discuss the following:

    • Dental therapists and dental hygienists face similar challenges as dentists, including issues with practice management, contracts, and respect within the industry.
    • Collaboration and integration between dentists, dental therapists, and other dental professionals are essential to provide the best possible patient care and utilize the full potential of dental therapists' skill sets
    • The significance of having a supportive environment in dentistry, especially for newly qualified therapists and hygienists. Making mistakes is a part of the learning process, and having a mentor or support system helps individuals grow and gain confidence in their clinical skills.
    • The need for fair and transparent contracts in dental practices
    • The importance of understanding contract terms, seeking legal advice when necessary, and not accepting contracts that are unclear or unfair. Fairness and honesty in business relationships are essential.
    • The power of community where professionals can connect, share experiences, and support each other is invaluable. Learning from others' stories and experiences can be critical for both personal and professional growth.
    • The younger generation of dental professionals should be encouraged to be confident in their skills and advocate for their rights and fair treatment. It's essential to speak up, question things, and ensure that you are being treated properly and with respect in your dental career.


    I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think.


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    58 mins
  • Dental Disruptors Podcast 11 - Sharing Associate Stories - With Ahmed Khalid
    Jul 31 2023


    The purpose of the Dental Disruptors podcast is to raise awareness, educate and empower associates to have a better life in dentistry by finding the right practice. I want to address the problem which almost pushed me out of dentistry completely.

    Join our community, support our cause, give yourself and your colleagues a better life in dentistry.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152406788923244

    On this episode of Dental Disruptors I spoke to Ahmed Khalid an awesome implantologist about his experiences in dentistry.


    We discuss the following:

    • Finding the right dental practice and having clear goals are crucial for a successful career in dentistry.
    • Being mistreated or taken advantage of in a dental practice can lead to emotional and financial damage.
    • Mentorship, good team dynamics, and work-life balance are essential factors in a fulfilling dental practice.
    • Understanding one's true hourly rate, factoring in all working hours, is important in setting financial goals.
    • Maintaining focus on long-term goals and staying determined can help overcome negative experiences.
    • Working in multiple dental practices can present various challenges and experiences.
    • The right fit with the team and practice significantly impacts job satisfaction and productivity.
    • Building meaningful relationships and open communication between dentists and team members are essential for success.
    • Incorporating humour in the workplace can reduce stress and improve patient care within a cohesive team.


    I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think.


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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Dental Disruptors Podcast 10 - Sharing Associate Stories - With Rachel Moss
    Jun 2 2023

    The purpose of the Dental Disruptors podcast is to raise awareness, educate and empower associates to have a better life in dentistry by finding the right practice. I want to address the problem which almost pushed me out of dentistry completely.

    Join our community, support our cause, give yourself and your colleagues a better life in dentistry.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152406788923244

    On this episode of Dental Disruptors I spoke to Rachel Moss a dual qualified dentist and doctor about her experiences in dentistry. Rachel has kindly offered to discuss with anyone who wants to about her experiences as a dentist, as a doctor, doing DCT, Max Fax, community, multiple degrees, mental health or anything else, to message myself and I can give you her details.


    We discuss the following:

    • A negative experience in an FD training practice, highlighting the importance of good communication, empathy, and support from leaders and trainers in the healthcare profession.
    • The lack of support and blaming the individual for their distressing experience can have a significant impact on mental health and career decisions.
    • The right environment and supportive team are crucial for a positive experience in dentistry, and finding the right practice or workplace is essential for professional growth and well-being. The environment plays a significant role in an individual's mental health, growth, and happiness.
    • The lack of control over the practice they are assigned to during their foundation training has a significant impact on your training and development as a dentist in the most critical year of your career and your well-being and overall satisfaction in dentistry.
    • I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think.

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    59 mins
  • Dental Disruptors Podcast 9 - Sharing Our Personal Story
    May 5 2023

    The purpose of the Dental Disruptors podcast is to raise awareness, educate and empower associates to have a better life in dentistry by finding the right practice. I want to address the problem which almost pushed me out of dentistry completely. We need to promote more open and honest collaboration between associates and practice owner.

    Join our community, support our cause, give yourself and your colleagues a better life in dentistry.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152406788923244

    Find out more about us on www.dentaldisruptors.co.uk

    On this episode of Dental Disruptors myself and my partner Haylie Spark spoke about our story through dentistry as a couple and the impact my journey has had on our relationship, what we have learned from our experiences and what we would do differently next time.

    Sometimes we get consumed by what is happening to us we forget the impact that has indirectly or directly on those around us. Finding the right practice is difficult, and whilst going through that process the negative impacts it has on us can manifest in ways that hurt the ones we love the most.

    We hope you enjoy this episode, let us know what you think.

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    50 mins
  • Dental Disruptors Podcast 8 - Sharing Associate Stories - With Suganthan Mahalingam
    Mar 13 2023
    The purpose of the Dental Disruptors podcast is to raise awareness, educate and empower associates to have a better life in dentistry by finding the right practice. I want to address the problem which almost pushed me out of dentistry completely. Join our community, support our cause, give yourself and your colleagues a better life in dentistry. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152406788923244 On this episode of Dental Disruptors I spoke to Suganthan Mahalingham and we discussed the following topics: · The benefits of locuming to learn more about what the right practice is for you · The importance of not having all your eggs in one basket in dentistry and looking at other sources of income · Finding your sweet spot of your number of working days · Old school industrial age mindsets vs the modern view of a part time working relationship with dentistry · Challenging the status quo on having to “do your time” in dentistry whether NHS or private · Ignoring other people’s opinions on the dentist you should be and appreciating only you can decide what you want from your career · Why spending fortunes on courses may not make you a happier dentist · The privileged position of being a self employed dentist to have the flexibility and control to do what you want with your career · Developing the mindset that changing jobs/careers is not a negative thing if you are trying to find the right working environment and career for you · “Going private” doesn’t necessarily mean you have ultimate freedom and earning capacity, it depends heavily on the practice itself · The new “Private but really NHS” practices currently appearing in dentistry · The importance of understanding your goals to find the right practice · Developing appreciation of our actual earnings compared to national averages and the dangers of getting caught in the “Wealth Trap” · One day weeks in a practice are logistically very challenging and patient care is very hard to manage efficiently · The importance of trusting your gut when starting in a new practice, if it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t · Why having a bad experience in a practice can be a blessing in disguise and used as a learning experience for what you need to look for next time · How trial periods and temporary contracts could be a life saver for both associates and practice owners · The dangers of a toxic notice period on our health and wealth I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think.
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    58 mins