//ALY TEJANI - GOING FOR GOLD E152

Podcasts
Written By Michelle Hyde
 

This week we chat to Aly Tejani, Acquisitions and Operations Director at A&U Dental, an independent and family-owned dental group that was set up in 2016 and now has 7 practices under its ownership.

Aly discusses his transition from earning an Economics degree at the University of Warwick to pursuing a career in the dental sector after joining his family business in 2016.

He talks about some of the challenges and complexities that many small group owners face when managing multiple locations and the extent to which robust systems, comprehensive data and automation need to be relied on.

Finally he chats about his current responsibilities within the family business and shares what he finds most fulfilling about his role.

Topics:

-          Your early career days

-          What was the appeal of moving into the dental sector?

-          Was the plan to always move in to the family business?

-          What challenges do many small group owners face when managing multiple locations?

-          To what extent are systems, data and automation relied on?

-          Is the dental profession as you expected or have there been some surprises?

-          What is the most fulfilling part of what you do?

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//NICKI ROWLAND - THE MAGIC DENTIST E165
//NICKI ROWLAND - THE MAGIC DENTIST E165

In this episode, Chris and Andy are delighted to be joined once again by Nicki Rowland, a well-known figure in dentistry and a previous guest back in August 2022 (episode 53).

Nicki is the co-founder of The Exceptional Leadership Academy (ELA), a consultancy that supports dental businesses in thriving and growing, and the founder of The Magic Dentist, a charity with a mission to educate children about the importance of good oral health.

In this episode, Nicki talks about The Magic Dentist, a unique initiative aimed at equipping parents, teachers, and professionals with tools to engage children and help them understand the benefits of maintaining oral health, while also preparing them for visiting the dentist.

Nicki talks about the importance of early oral health education, the activities and events The Magic Dentist organises, how children’s media and films can often portray dentists negatively and whether children are given enough information so they know what to expect at a first dental visit.

She shares more about what she’s learnt so far in setting up a charity and what her goals and plans are for The Magic Dentist in 2025.

Finally, she talks about her daughter Izzy's involvement as the illustrator behind The Magic Dentist’s book and characters.

Topics:

-          Explain more about The Magic Dentist

-          How big is the problem of oral health among young children?

-          What sort of events and activities do you undertake through the project to help educate children about the importance and positive impact of good oral health?

-          What are your views on how dentists are often portrayed negatively in children’s media and films?

-          Is there enough information available about what to expect at the first visit to the dentist?

-          What is the ultimate aim of The Magic Dentist?

-          What initiatives are planned for 2025?

-          What have you learned about setting up a charity?

-          What is your daughter Izzy’s involvement?

//PAUL EBERT - MONEY MADE SIMPLE E164
//PAUL EBERT - MONEY MADE SIMPLE E164

In this episode, Chris and Andy are joined by Paul Ebert, the CEO and Founder of Tabeo, a platform revolutionising patient financing by bringing payment plans, loans, and card services together in one place.

Paul shares how growing up in a small village in Germany helped shape his entrepreneurial journey, which led him from investment banking to fintech, and eventually into the world of healthcare payments.

He chats about how a chance meeting with a London based venture capitalist guided him toward the dental industry, and what inspired him to create Tabeo.

Paul also discusses the need for simplifying payments in primary care and how Tabeo's integrated platform is streamlining administrative tasks for healthcare providers.

Plus, he explains more about his passion for nature and the most important lesson he’s learned from his entrepreneurial journey so far.

Topics:

-          Was there a time you can look back on your childhood and say this is why I am the person I am today?

-          What is the one activity you do that makes you the happiest?

-          How did you end up in dentistry by chance?

-          Explain your career journey to day

-          What was the inspiration for founding Tabeo?

-          What problem did you set out to solve?

-          In what way do payments need to be simplified?

-          How important is data in modern day financing and can this also be fed back into the practices to improve performance?

-          What does Tabeo offer?

-          Is reporting appreciated and by practice owners to the extent it could / should be?

-          When you say plans, how do they differ from the incumbents in this space?

-          Where does your love of nature come from?

-          If you can take only one learning from your entrepreneurial journey, what is it?

//ANDY & CHRIS - 5 BIGGEST MISTAKES WHEN SELLING A DENTAL PRACTICE E163
//ANDY & CHRIS - 5 BIGGEST MISTAKES WHEN SELLING A DENTAL PRACTICE E163

In this special episode of the Dentology Podcast, hosts Andy and Chris dive into the top five critical mistakes dentists often make when selling their practice.

Whether you're considering selling now or in the future, understanding these pitfalls can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

Chris and Andy discuss why not getting a proper valuation and letting the buyer set the price can cost you dearly, the dangers of dragging your feet on due diligence, and the common misconception that your landlord will be quick to help.

Plus, they explore the importance of planning well in advance and why using a non-dental solicitor might not be the money-saver you think it is.

Take a listen to this episode for more insight into these key issues and help to ensure you navigate the sales process successfully.

//ANDY & CHRIS - 4 BIGGEST MISTAKES WHEN BUYING A DENTAL PRACTICE E162
//ANDY & CHRIS - 4 BIGGEST MISTAKES WHEN BUYING A DENTAL PRACTICE E162

In this special episode of the Dentology Podcast, hosts Andy and Chris talk in depth about the four biggest mistakes dentists often make when buying a practice.

If you're thinking about buying a dental practice, this episode is a must-listen.

Andy and Chris explore why buying a practice just because a friend has one could be a costly error, the risks of choosing a practice in the wrong location, and the importance of educating yourself on business fundamentals like leadership, financial management, and people management before taking the plunge.

Lastly, they discuss the misconception that you'll instantly earn more money—because while increased earnings are possible, they don't happen overnight.

//SHAMEEK POPAT - THE TOOTH ANGEL E161
//SHAMEEK POPAT - THE TOOTH ANGEL E161

In this episode, Andy and Chris welcome Shameek Popat, a dental professional with an incredible journey and passion for dentistry and CEO/Founder of Tooth Angel. They take a trip down memory lane to explore Shameek's childhood and the importance of family in his life, especially his close-knit connection to his uncle, who inspired him with a career in dentistry.

 

Shameek’s joyful outlook on life reflects his positive approach to both personal and professional challenges. He discusses his qualifications, from graduating from Guys in 1993 to earning an MSc in Sports Dentistry and an ICD Fellowship in recent years. He shares insights into the niche field of sports dentistry and explains what some of the key issues.

 

As a former dental practice owner for 18 years and now working as an associate, Shameek talks about the transition and overcoming owner fatigue. With connections in the dental world, both in the UK and abroad, he chats about his experiences mentoring at the Kois Center in Seattle and how dental education compares between the UK and the US.

 

Finally, he talks about the story behind Tooth Angel, the innovative dental care product company he founded and shares the inspiration behind the brand and why it’s set to make a big impact on dental practices.

 

Topics:

-          Your childhood: where did you grow up?

-          What was family life like for you?

-          Were you close as an extended family?

-          Explain about your dental career to date, from graduating to earning an Msc in Sports Dentistry

-          Is sports dentistry a niche?

-          What are the specific issues present in sports, from a dentistry perspective?

-          Tell us about being a practice owner for 18 years

-          Did you suffer ‘owner fatigue’?

-          How did you find the transition from owner to associate?

-          Explain about your dental connections in the US & how dental education in the US is different to the UK

-          Tooth Angel – what’s the story behind the brand and the inspiration?

//ANDY & CHRIS - 9 STEPS TO SELLING A DENTAL PRACTICE E160
//ANDY & CHRIS - 9 STEPS TO SELLING A DENTAL PRACTICE E160

In this special episode of the Dentology Podcast, hosts Andy and Chris dive into the 9 essential steps of selling a dental practice.

Deciding when to sell is one of the most emotional decisions for any practice owner. Years of hard work, investment, and personal sacrifice make this a significant and challenging choice.

Andy and Chris explore the critical steps in the selling process, offering their top tips and expert advice.

Selling a practice is a major decision. If you're considering it, don't miss this insightful episode.

//NEAL MEHTA - INNOVATING RECRUITMENT E159
//NEAL MEHTA - INNOVATING RECRUITMENT E159

In this week’s episode of Dentology, hosts Chris and Andy chat with Dr Neal Mehta, a dentist and the innovative founder of Locumloop, a recruitment app for locum dental nurses.

Neal talks about his childhood, family background, influence of his father, who is also a dentist and reflects on how his father’s enjoyment of the profession inspired him to follow in his footsteps.

Neal discusses the gaps he has observed in dental education today compared to when he was a student and highlights the new skills and knowledge that recent graduates possess which were not part of the curriculum during his time.

Neal talks about becoming a partner in two dental practices, and explains more about his decision to enter partnerships rather than starting a solo practice.

Finally, Neal discusses the inspiration behind Locumloop which was launched 18 months ago and its role in mitigating the ongoing recruitment issues within the dental nursing sector.

Topics:

- Tell us about your family background

- Your father is a dentist – was he the reason you decided to become a dentist?

- Would you recommend dentistry to your kids?

- What did you learn at dental school that is missing today?

- Are there things new graduates have which you didn’t when you qualified?

- Becoming a partner in 2 practices

- Was this a conscious decision to enter into partnership rather than go it alone?

- Locumloop – what was the spark to launch this app?

- Is there still a recruitment issue on the nursing side of dentistry?

//PREETEE HYLTON - THE NURSING CHAMPION E158
//PREETEE HYLTON - THE NURSING CHAMPION E158

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EPISODE CONTAINS DISCUSSIONS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE.

In this podcast episode, hosts Chris and Andy sit down with Preetee Hylton, a dedicated dental nurse and the President-elect of the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN). Preetee shares her journey into the dental profession, which she has grown to love despite an initially different career outlook.

Preetee delves into her upbringing, discussing whether her parents' careers influenced her path into dentistry. She reveals the pivotal moments and motivations that led her to become a dental nurse and reflects on the experiences gained by working in various settings throughout her career.

She talks about how career has evolved from patient-facing roles to more management-focused responsibilities and discusses the importance of raising awareness about domestic abuse within the dental profession, highlighting the unique position dental practices have in maintaining ongoing relationships with their patients.

She also touches on the general treatment and perception of dental nurses in the field. As she prepares to assume the role of president-elect of the BADN in October, she shares her feelings about this new responsibility, outlines her plans and shares her views on the best and worst aspects of working in dentistry.

Topics:

- What was your upbringing like?

- Are your parents in dentistry?

- What was the spark to get into the profession?

- After you qualified did you settle down or move around to gain a broad range of experience?

- Has your own career seen you move away from patient facing and more into management?

- Raising awareness of domestic abuse – is this something that dentistry has a role to play?

- Treatment of dental nurses in practices – how is this in general?

- Your role as president-elect of the BADN – what’s your agenda?

- What’s the best and worst thing about dentistry?

//ANDY & CHRIS - 9 STEPS TO BUYING A DENTAL PRACTICE E157
//ANDY & CHRIS - 9 STEPS TO BUYING A DENTAL PRACTICE E157

In this special episode of the Dentology Podcast, hosts Andy and Chris discuss the 9 steps involved in buying a dental practice.

With so many things to think about, buying outright or buying into a dental practice is not as easy as it sounds. So often viewing a dental practice is seen as the first session step towards practice ownership. Indeed, it is a critical step, but some firm foundations need laying well before this time.

In this episode, Andy and Chris explore some of the key steps involved in a dental practice purchase and share their top tips on how best to start the journey towards practice ownership.

//SIMRAN BAINS - THE SWEET TOOTH FAIRY E156
//SIMRAN BAINS - THE SWEET TOOTH FAIRY E156

In this week’s episode of Dentology, hosts Chris and Andy chat with Simran Bains, a dentist, Chair of the BACD’s young membership committee, and secretary of the College of Dentistry West Midlands division.

Simran shares stories from her childhood and her time at dentistry school before qualifying in 2017. She explains how, from graduation until 2023, she gained valuable experience working in four different practices—two private and two high-needs NHS—allowing her to broaden her skills and learn more about herself.

She discusses her current studies pursuing a Post-graduate Diploma in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry and outlines her future career plans.

Finally, Simran talks about her role with the BACD, her involvement as a judge in the Private Dentistry Awards 2024, and her recognition in the Dentistry Top 50 for 2023 and 2024.

Topics:

- Background and childhood

- Do you have dentists in your family?

- Was dentistry always your dream?

- Your time spent at Dentistry School & graduating in 2017

- Tell us about working in 4 different practices from graduation until 2023

- How did this allow you to broaden your skills?

- Would you encourage younger dentists to move around a bit and get some broader experience?

- Your current studies & future career plans

- Being the Chair of the BACD young membership committee

- Dental Awards – what’s your opinion?

 
Michelle Hyde
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