//SIMRAN BAINS - THE SWEET TOOTH FAIRY E156

Podcasts
Written By Michelle Hyde
 

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?

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//AALOK Y SHUKLA - HOW TO IMPLEMENT AI E197
//AALOK Y SHUKLA - HOW TO IMPLEMENT AI E197

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris sit down with a true pioneer at the intersection of dentistry and technology – Aalok Y Shukla, CEO of Implement AI.

Aalok looks back at his early years and tells Chris and Andy about qualifying from King’s in 2003, and then how he spent over a decade in clinical practice, including more than seven years running Alkali Dental Studios – where his interest in using digital tools to elevate the patient experience began to take form.

He talks about the launch of Instant Dentist in October 2019, a digital dental wellness platform providing remote screenings and consultations, and his currently role heading up ‘Implement AI’ – guiding businesses, including dental practices, on how to embrace AI solutions in practical, meaningful ways.

He answers a series of rapid-fire questions about AI and explains clearly how he believes AI can genuinely improve care, streamline systems, and why it might also raise patient expectations.

 

Topics:

·         Tell us about your early years, including qualifying from Kings in 2003 and being a practice owner until 2016.

·         Were you always interested in leveraging the digital side of dentistry to enhance the patient experience?

·         Explain more about Instant Dentist – a digital dental wellness platform which enabled remote screening & consultations.

·         Is it true that AI can think and feel just like a human?

·         Will AI eventually replace all human jobs and we will have mass unemployment?

·         Is AI inherently biased and dangerous, no matter how it is built?

·         Can anyone build an AI that could be world-changing – is it a bit like the wild west?

·         Does more data always make an AI system smarter?

·         What do we need and what’s the start point in assessing where AI can truly add value and not be a trendy bolt-on?

·         What are the opportunities for dentists to improve care?

·         Is AI leading to increased patient expectations?

//MAGGIE ANDI - THE DENTREPRENEUR E196
//MAGGIE ANDI - THE DENTREPRENEUR E196

In this episode of Dentology, Andy and Chris chat to Maggie Andi – a holistic dentist, practice principal, mother of three, and founder of the global Kids Go Free movement.

Maggie chats about her childhood and her early years as a dentist after qualifying at just 22. She credits her mentor, Dr Nari Mansukhani, for igniting her love for the profession and talks about how his influence shaped her career from the very beginning.

From her first roles in dentistry to becoming principal of Mill Hill Dental Practice – a surgery with over 110 years of history – Maggie talks about her journey, including the challenges of balancing motherhood and business ownership in a demanding profession.

Digital dentistry has played a major role in Maggie’s practice, recognised in 2024 when she won Best Practice for Digital Innovation and Clinical Excellence. She chats about how digital tools fit alongside her holistic approach, and what more needs to be done to integrate lifestyle, mental health, and oral care into mainstream dentistry.

Finally, she explains about her Kids Go Free initiative – a powerful movement she launched in 2020 to tackle the growing crisis in children’s access to dental care, aiming to enlist 5,000 dentists worldwide to open their doors to young patients.

 

Topics:

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

-          You qualified as a dentist as just 22 and credit your mentor Dr Nari Mansukhani - what did Dr Nari say which made dentistry so compelling?

-          What was your career pathway from qualifying in 2003 through to owning Mill Hill Dental Practice?

-          When did you start your family as this can be a hugely challenging part of dental careers for women?

-          Did you get on board with digital revolution quite early on and how does this integrate with your holistic approach to dentistry?

-          Is there enough being done around holistic dentistry and what are the barrier to this being a more mainstream conversation?

-          Tell us about your Kids Go Free movement

-          How is it going and how dire is the situation for kids to get access to dentistry?

-          You are clearly very entrepreneurial – where does this come from and what drives you to keep innovating?

-          What is your secret to finding time to do so much but also be so present with your family?

//RASNAAM TIWANA - CONSTANTLY ADAPTING E195
//RASNAAM TIWANA - CONSTANTLY ADAPTING E195

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris are joined by Rasnaam Tiwana, Founder and CEO of Dentstock, a procurement service helping independent practices and dental groups streamline how they purchase supplies.

Rasnaam chats about his early life, family background, what ultimately led him into the world of dentistry and who supported him early on.

He shares how the unique pressures on principals – juggling clinical work with business demands – sparked the creation of Dentstock during the pandemic. He explains how the service works, how much time it saves, and why supply chain efficiency remains such a sticking point for so many practices.

Finally, Rasnaam reflects on what stops some principals from embracing change – whether it’s mindset, leadership, or tech literacy – and what it really takes to help practices thrive in a fast-evolving sector.

 

Topics:

-          What were your early years were like?

-          Are there medics or dentist in your family tree?

-          Before dentistry what did you career comprise of?

-          So how did you get into dentistry?

-          When you started in dentistry who was kind to you?

-          What role did you play at Bespoke Smiles?

-          What did this insight to dentistry reveal about the challenges independent practices face?

-          Do you feel that it is getting harder for independent practice owners to thrive?

-          What sparked the flame for Dentstock?

-          Can you talk us through how Dentstock helps practice owners with their purchasing of supplies?

-          Why is it do you think that some practices struggle to embrace change while others adapt and thrive?

-          Is it down to mindset, leadership, or just the comfort of sticking to what’s familiar, even when it’s inefficient?

-          Is there a lack of tech understanding?

//RAJ RATTAN - DEDICATED TO DENTISTRY E194
//RAJ RATTAN - DEDICATED TO DENTISTRY E194

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris chat to one of the most recognised and multifaceted figures in UK dentistry – Dr Raj Rattan MBE.

With a career that spans clinical dentistry, practice ownership, policy advising, writing, international speaking, and his current role as Dental Director, Raj truly embodies the idea of a portfolio career.

Raj talks about why he chose dentistry, the memory of his first patient, and his entrepreneurial drive that led to running three practices.

He reflects on the evolution of his career – how philosophy, mentoring, and policy have all played a part - and shares what mentoring really means to him, and the importance of being supported early in your career.

He also talks about his MBE for services to dentistry, a rare and prestigious recognition, and what it was like to step into the Palace to receive the honour.

Topics:

-          Tell us about your background and childhood

-          Why dentistry?

-          Do you remember your first patient?

-          Did you always see yourself as a practice owner and dental entrepreneur?

-          You describe yourself having a ‘portfolio career’ – is this still possible in dentistry today?

-          Who was kind and mentored you at the beginning of your career?

-          Talk us through the day you visited the Palace to receive your MBE award

-          What is the current mood of the profession? Are you worried about it?

-          What was the draw to magic & the Magic Circle for you?

-          Who is your favourite magician?

-          What are the most important skills for an entrepreneur to have?

//TEJAL DOSHI - COMING BACK STRONGER E193
//TEJAL DOSHI - COMING BACK STRONGER E193

This week Andy and Chris chat to Tejal Doshi.

Tejal is an associate dentist and a podcaster, and while she may not be a practice owner, her story resonates with so many in the profession – especially those navigating the early years of their career.

In this episode, Tejal chats about the key moments that shaped her journey, her career in dentistry and the highs and challenges of life as an associate.

She speaks openly about the times she’s felt overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout, and how a sabbatical in 2022 helped her to reset.

Finally, she tells Chris and Andy about the podcast she co-hosts with her sister, celebrating their shared heritage and bringing cultural stories to life.

 

Topics:

-          Tell us about your childhood

-          How was your time at dental school?

-          What was your VT time in Berkshire like?

-          When you started in dentistry who was kind to you?

-          What led to you taking a short sabbatical in 2022?

-          What did you do with this time out?

-          What do you think your life would look like without this break?

-          Is this a pandemic in dentistry?

-          Do you see loneliness in dentistry?

-          Where does this loneliness and lack of willingness to be open and support others come from?

-          Tell us about the podcast you host with your sister

//CATHERINE RUTLAND - BEYOND THE SURGERY E192
//CATHERINE RUTLAND - BEYOND THE SURGERY E192

In this episode of Dentology Andy and Chris are joined by Catherine Rutland, a leading figure in UK dentistry whose career has spanned clinical care, business leadership, and national policy.

As Clinical Director for Simplyhealth and Denplan, and Director of Policy and Research for the Association of Dental Groups, Catherine brings a wealth of insight into both the strategic and practical sides of the profession.

Catherine chats about her early life, including her time spent living in Kenya, and how those experiences helped shape who she is today.

From studying at Leeds to her hospital years in Newcastle, and nearly two decades as a partner in a private practice in Berkshire, Catherine reflects on the lessons learned at each stage.

She also talks about her current role and considers how the business of dentistry is evolving.

Finally, she shares her thoughts on the shift in partnership models and how her role has changed over time.

 

Topics:

·           Tell us about your childhood and early years living in Kenya

·           You went to Leeds University – what was this like?

·           You were a House Office and then SHO in Newcastle – what did this hospital experience teach you?

·           How was your experience as a partner in private practice for 19 years?

·           What does your current role encapsulate?

·           Is there an overlap between the business and clinical aspects of the business?

·           Do you miss treating patients?

·           How has SimplyHealth changed over the past 15 years?

·           You were also awarded a Fellowship of the College of General Dentistry in 2023 – so clearly a lifelong learner?

·           What is the mood among the UK dental corporate market at present?

·           If you can take only one learning from across your varied dental career - what is it?

//JAMES GOOLNIK - CHASING OPTIMAL E191
//JAMES GOOLNIK - CHASING OPTIMAL E191

This week’s guest is someone who has continually pushed the boundaries of what dentistry can be – a clinician, an author, a leader, and an innovator – James Goolnik.

James is the recent founder of Optimal Dental Health in Marylebone, past president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), head judge of the Private Dentistry Awards, and author of ‘Brush and Kick Sugar’.

In this episode, Chris and Andy chat to James about his early years and the childhood influences that shaped his path, before moving on to discuss how he found dentistry and whether it was love at first sight or something he grew into over time.

James reflects on founding Bow Lane Dental Group to launching his latest venture, Optimal Dental Health.

He talks about his passion for changing the narrative around sugar and shares more on some of the insights that have shaped his book and led to his new practice model – one that integrates dentistry with nutrition, health coaching, myofunctional therapy, and psychotherapy.

He also chats about his trailblazing work in cognitive health. As the first and only UK dentist trained in the RECODE 2.0 Bredesen protocol for Alzheimer’s, James is leading the charge into new territory for the profession.

Topics:

-          Tell us about your childhood.

-          Why dentistry?

-          Did you love it from dental school, or have you grown to love it?

-          What was your career path up to the point where you founded Bow Lane Dental Group?

-          What was the inspiration for writing your book?

-          How has the food industry seduced us to love sugar so much?

-          What’s the safe alternative?

-          What was the inspiration for your latest venture, Optimal Dental Health?

-          How do the services offered join together to bring about optimal dental health?

-          What are some of the high-level connections between the mouth and body that will come as a surprise to some?

-          Tell us about being the first and currently the only UK dentist to be RECODE 2.0 trained to use the Bredesen protocol to help treat Alzheimer’s and reverse cognitive decline.

-          What was the thinking behind this extension to your profession qualifications?

-          Is there a need to get more dental care professionals to ask more diet and lifestyle questions?

//RANA AL-FALAKI - NAILED IT E190
//RANA AL-FALAKI - NAILED IT E190

In this episode, Andy and Chris are joined by someone who brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and boundless energy to the world of dentistry – Dr Rana Al-Falaki.

Rana is a specialist periodontist, an Optimal Performance Strategist, and the founder of MedDent – the Leadership and Wellbeing Academy.

She’s also recently launched Breathe Dental Wellness – a name that already tells you a lot about her mission to bring balance and purpose into the profession.

From being nudged into dentistry by her parents, to building and selling two specialist practices, to managing chronic illness and transforming that experience into a wellbeing movement – Rana’s story is nothing short of inspiring. She chats about her childhood and family life, some of her big career decisions made at a very young age, her time at Barts, and her journey from startup to practice ownership of 2 specialist practices and finally, her decision to sell.

She also talks about the NAIL-IT system – the framework she credits for helping her through tough times – and her vision behind MedDent.

//STEVE DAVEY - MARKETING FROM THE INSIDE OUT E189
//STEVE DAVEY - MARKETING FROM THE INSIDE OUT E189

In this episode, Andy and Chris are joined by Steve Davey, practice growth and marketing consultant.  Steve has over three decades of marketing expertise and followed a fascinating journey that’s taken him from the leafy suburbs to the heart of Devon, and from broader healthcare to a powerful niche within dentistry.

Steve chats about the early influences that shaped his career and the marketing truths he’s uncovered that most still overlook. With a career that spans both offline and digital worlds, Steve shares what’s changed – and what’s stayed the same – in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

He also talks about how he found himself working with dental practices, how they can grow by focusing on their existing patient base, and why clear aligner marketing might just be the most crowded space of all.

Plus, he also reflects on some of the current challenges in dentistry… and there’s a bit of sports chat too.

 

Topics:

-          Tell us about your early years.

-          Why did you move to Devon? What was the attraction to leave the leafy suburbs?

-          What’s the one marketing thing you’ve figured out that most others probably haven’t?

-          What has changed and what has stayed the same over this period?

-          Are the broader healthcare needs the same as dentistry?

-          How did you find yourself in the niche of dentistry?

-          What’s your view on online vs offline marketing?

-          From a marketing perspective is clear aligners a niche that is ultra-competitive and challenging?

-          In which ways do you help dental practices?

-          Is there a trend in dentistry to attract new patients, and not giving attention to the 000’s they have already registered?

-          Can most practices meet their growth goals through organic growth from their existing patient base?

-          From a dental viewpoint - what are you worried about at present?

-          Which is your sport of choice?

//ADAM NULTY - NEXT LEVEL DIGITAL E188
//ADAM NULTY - NEXT LEVEL DIGITAL E188

Andy and Chris chat to Dr Adam Nulty in this latest episode of the Dentology podcast.

Adam, a true pioneer in digital dentistry, is a highly experienced clinician with a special interest in Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry, Digital Dentistry and Implantology and has been at the forefront of advancing technology in dentistry, shaping the way modern practices operate today.

In this episode, he chats about his journey - from growing up in a household with a dentist father to becoming a leader in digital dentistry. He explains what first sparked his passion for digital workflows, the impact of digital transformation on patient care, and how his vision led to the creation of the International Digital Dental Academy (IDDA), the IDDA Lab, and an R&D centre.

Beyond his clinical expertise, Adam is also an innovator with patents on several dental products and shares more about his entrepreneurial mindset, the key skills he believes every business owner should master, and what truly makes him happiest.

 

Topics:

-          Tell us about your childhood and what family life in the Nulty household looked like?

-          You father was a dentist – were you always destined to follow this path?

-          Where was digital dentistry at the time you qualified?

-          What was the spark that excited you about the application of digital dentistry and it’s future impact?

-          What is the biggest impact the digital transformation of dental practices has had to improve patient outcomes?

-          Is your personal obsession with digital dentistry the driver to create the International Digital Dental Academy (IDDA)?

-          How does this differ from other (digital) labs?

-          You’ve also create the KISS workflow – what is this?

-          What was your journey from qualification through to owning Dentist On THE ROCK & Digital Smile Studio?

-          Would you do it the same again?

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

-          Which is the critical skill to master as an entrepreneur?

 
Michelle Hyde
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