In this end-of-year episode of Two Reds Are Better Than One, I'm joined by Ashley, speaking from a hotel in Vietnam with 10 days of rest behind him and a welcome pause before Christmas. We keep it informal, unscripted, and focused on what practice owners and teams need to be thinking about as 2026 approaches.

We touch first on the news cycle, including the government's announcement of a new NHS dental contract due to land in April, with the important caveat that at the time of recording there was no meaningful detail, so judgement needs to wait for the small print. The wider point is simple, next year will bring more change, not less, and practices will need to respond with clarity rather than hope.

The main theme is resilience through diversification. Ashley makes a point he's repeated for years, the most dangerous number in business is one. If you rely on one income stream, one lead source, one key person, or one system, you are exposed. NHS practices in particular need to grow private income alongside any contract dependency.

We also discuss the economic outlook and the reality that some patients will feel the pinch once the January bills arrive. That makes proactive communication vital. Value must be explained, not assumed, and marketing cannot be allowed to slide into "we used to do that". The habits that built your success must become your daily discipline again.

Finally, we talk about community. Both of us believe the most dangerous place to be in business is on your own. The practices that do best in uncertain times are those that stay connected, keep learning, and train their teams to deliver a consistent, world-class patient experience from first contact onwards.

A practical, straight-talking close to the year, and a reminder that 2026 will reward the practices that act, not the practices that wait.

In this episode of the Two Reds podcast, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter are joined by Dutch dentist, entrepreneur, and educator Dr Casper Bots for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation that bridges clinical practice, professional development, and personal wellbeing.

Casper splits his time between the Netherlands and Liverpool, where he practises at Dr Rez Dental. With a deep understanding of the structural differences between UK and Dutch dentistry — from fixed fees to delegated clinical workflows — Casper brings a refreshing international perspective to the table.

But this episode goes far beyond the mechanics of dentistry. What Casper shares is a compelling case for putting purpose, health, and values back at the centre of our careers. Drawing from his own journey, he explains how a sense of stagnation after 20,000 fillings prompted him to reimagine his role — not just as a dentist, but as a coach, a course creator, and a human being.

He now runs the Dentist Experience Master Course, a six-day personal development programme designed to help dentists reconnect with what matters: clarity of direction, personal vitality, and the courage to make meaningful changes.

Listeners will learn:

• Why Dutch dentists are facing falling fees — and what UK dentists can learn from that

• How to rediscover fulfilment when the daily grind takes over

• The power of scheduling your wellbeing before your work

• Why every dentist needs to create their own "life mood board"

• How to avoid burnout and bore-out by knowing your core values

If you've ever felt stuck, tired, or unsure what's next, this conversation is a wake-up call — and an invitation to take back control of your career.

For more on Casper's work, visit: dentistexperience.com

In this month's episode of The Two Reds are Better than One Podcast, we're tackling what's on everyone's mind right now — the economy.

With the UK budget announcement just around the corner and practice owners already seeing more white space in their diaries, it's clear things are tightening up out there. Patients are thinking twice, delaying treatment, and it's becoming harder to keep things moving at the same pace as before.

But it's not all doom and gloom.

In this episode, we share some practical strategies to help you not just survive, but thrive through the months ahead.

Here's an overview of what we cover:

• Presenting treatment plans that convert – Chris talks about how the way you present treatment matters just as much as the treatment itself, including one great example from a mutual client using new technology to boost acceptance rates.

• Conviction in communication – Ashley digs into the importance of speaking with confidence and belief when discussing treatment that truly benefits your patients.

• Targeting the right demographic – We discuss where the spending power really lies right now (hint: it's the over-60s) and how to align your marketing accordingly.

• Meaningful conversations – There's huge value in going deeper with your existing patients. Chris calls this "low-hanging fruit" — the opportunities that are already right in front of you.

• Keeping perspective – Finally, we talk about leadership mindset. Because when times are tough, your team will take their cue from you. Staying calm, confident, and focused makes all the difference.