//STEPHEN KETTLE - BUILD IT & THEY WILL COME E173

Podcasts
Written By Michelle Hyde
 

In this episode, hosts Chris and Andy chat to Stephen Kettle, a seasoned business professional with over 30 years of experience in the building maintenance industry and now a key figure in the dental fit-out niche. As the founder of Clover Dental Fit Out, Stephen took a bold step in launching his business during 2021, amidst the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stephen talks about his childhood in Cheshire, the early influences in his life that have been pivotal to his career success and his decision to transition into the dental sector.

He shares how he came to specialise in dental fitouts, the support he offers to aspiring dentists, key considerations for setting up a successful dental practice and the emerging trend of super clinics in dentistry.  

He discusses the challenges and rewards of starting Clover Dental Fit Out during such a turbulent time and shares his insights on navigating the complexities of starting a dental practice.

Finally, he talks about his experience with the Flying Start TV programme back in the late 90’s which provided him with valuable business mentorship.

 

Topics:

-          Tell us about your childhood. What was your upbringing like?

-          How did you come to be in the dental niche?

-          Starting Clover Dental Fit Out: Was 2021 a great or tough time to start a new business?

-          What are key differences between the dental niche and general businesses?

-          What are the current trends in what new practices are looking for?

-          When setting up a new practice we know how important the location is – do most clients come to you with a site they’ve committed to?

-          Is there an optimal blueprint for a squat?

-          What would you say are the 3 most important things if you right at the beginning of planning your squat?

-          In other countries (far east, USA etc) there are super-clinics with 20+ surgeries, do you see a time where UK dentistry could go down this path?

-          Tell us about your experience with the Flying Start TV programme in the late 90’s

-          Based on your own experience - what are the most important skills for an entrepreneur to have?

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//REENA WADIA - THE PERIO QUEEN E174
//REENA WADIA - THE PERIO QUEEN E174

In this episode, hosts Andy and Chris chat with Reena Wadia, a renowned figure of authority across the global dental industry and Principal Periodontist and Founder of RW Perio, leading clinic for periodontal health located on 75 Harley Street.

Reena talks about her journey in dentistry, the influences of her upbringing, and discusses her early aspirations.

She reflects on her decision to pursue a career path specialising in periodontology and the challenges faced in setting up and marketing a specialist practice.

She talks about her new book, The Perio Handbook and her work with the Perio School, the leading Global Teaching Academy for Periodontal Courses which she set up due to the increasing demand for training in periodontics.

Topics:

-          Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?

-          You qualified from Barts and The London with the prestigious Gold Medal – what did your dental career look like in the early days?

-          What was it about perio that caught your attention?

-          What are the challenges you’ve faced marketing a specialist practice

-          Your new book ‘The Perio Handbook’ – who is it for?

-          Has the way perio is treated changed much over the years?

-          Is gum aesthetics generally available as part of a wider aesthetic makeover or does it require a periodontist?

-          Tell us about the Perio School – is there a decent level of interest in perio and gums?

//STEPHEN KETTLE - BUILD IT & THEY WILL COME E173
//STEPHEN KETTLE - BUILD IT & THEY WILL COME E173

In this episode, hosts Chris and Andy chat to Stephen Kettle, a seasoned business professional with over 30 years of experience in the building maintenance industry and now a key figure in the dental fit-out niche. As the founder of Clover Dental Fit Out, Stephen took a bold step in launching his business during 2021, amidst the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stephen talks about his childhood in Cheshire, the early influences in his life that have been pivotal to his career success and his decision to transition into the dental sector.

He shares how he came to specialise in dental fitouts, the support he offers to aspiring dentists, key considerations for setting up a successful dental practice and the emerging trend of super clinics in dentistry.  

He discusses the challenges and rewards of starting Clover Dental Fit Out during such a turbulent time and shares his insights on navigating the complexities of starting a dental practice.

Finally, he talks about his experience with the Flying Start TV programme back in the late 90’s which provided him with valuable business mentorship.

 

Topics:

-          Tell us about your childhood. What was your upbringing like?

-          How did you come to be in the dental niche?

-          Starting Clover Dental Fit Out: Was 2021 a great or tough time to start a new business?

-          What are key differences between the dental niche and general businesses?

-          What are the current trends in what new practices are looking for?

-          When setting up a new practice we know how important the location is – do most clients come to you with a site they’ve committed to?

-          Is there an optimal blueprint for a squat?

-          What would you say are the 3 most important things if you right at the beginning of planning your squat?

-          In other countries (far east, USA etc) there are super-clinics with 20+ surgeries, do you see a time where UK dentistry could go down this path?

-          Tell us about your experience with the Flying Start TV programme in the late 90’s

-          Based on your own experience - what are the most important skills for an entrepreneur to have?

//ANDY & CHRIS - PERSONAL BRANDING E172
//ANDY & CHRIS - PERSONAL BRANDING E172

In this conversation, hosts Andy and Chris delve into the significance of personal branding for dental professionals.

They discuss how personal branding can enhance a dentist's professional identity, attract patients, and create a positive narrative in the industry.

The conversation covers practical steps for building a personal brand, the role of social media, and the importance of authenticity in branding.

They emphasise that personal branding is not just about marketing but about genuinely representing oneself and connecting with others in the dental community.

//NIPUN KATHURIA - GETTING BUSINESS ALIGNED E171
//NIPUN KATHURIA - GETTING BUSINESS ALIGNED E171

In this episode, Nipun Kathuria, co-founder and CEO of Smile Genius Dental, shares his journey from India to Ireland, discussing the importance of a positive mindset, cultural transitions, and his unexpected path into the world of dentistry.

He chats about personal growth, the challenges of adapting to new environments, and the intricacies of the dental industry.

He discusses the technological advancements in dentistry, highlighting the lag in software innovation compared to other industries.

Finally, Nipun shares insights on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the challenges faced in the dental tech market.

Topics:

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

-          Tell us about your move from Ireland to do an MBA at Trinity College.

-          How did you find this transition – from leaving family, a new continent, different culture?

-          What sort of work experience did you gain in the early days?

-          How did you get into dentistry?

-          When did you start looking at workflows for clear aligners?

-          Do the patient, the practice and the lab need to be aligned for progress to be made? Is there a weak link?

-          Who do you see at the forefront of this market?

-          Align is clearly a dominant player in this market but could this change over time with tech, workflows, cost to deliver, etc shifting over time?

-          Are labs behind the game in marketing themselves and their services?

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

//GEORGE VERNON - FIGHTING FIT E170
//GEORGE VERNON - FIGHTING FIT E170

In this podcast episode, hosts Andy and Chris talk with health and wellness coach George Vernon about his journey becoming a boxing enthusiast and ultimately a health coach.

They explore the importance of holistic health, the impact of burnout, and the challenges of changing mindsets in the fitness industry.

George chats about the need for a comprehensive approach to health that includes physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, while also sharing personal experiences that shaped his understanding of optimal health.

He emphasises the importance of balancing work and home life, finding one's niche, and the significance of resistance training.

Finally, the conversation touches on common traits among dentists, important skills for entrepreneurs, and ways to overcome barriers to health and fitness.

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 was the driver to box – was it fitness, protection, fighting, energy outlet?

-          How did you find the niche of dentistry?

-          Burnout is a real issue in dentistry, how did this build manifest itself for you?

-          Tell us more about your comprehensive approach to health. Can you just focus on one area?

-          How can dentists help themselves on a day-by-day basis?

-          In life we have a knack of finding time for the things we want to do so why do we find it so hard to prioritise time for our health?

-          Do dentists have specific needs to get on track and stay there?

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

//SORABH PATEL - LIFTING OTHERS E169
//SORABH PATEL - LIFTING OTHERS E169

In this episode, Dr. Sorabh Patel (Principal Dentist and lead clinician at Dental Beauty Blackheath and Dental Beauty Lee) chats to hosts Chris and Andy about his journey becoming a dentist and practice owner. He discusses his childhood, the challenges faced by his family, the impact of his upbringing on his work ethic, and the pivotal moments that led him to choose dentistry as a career.

He chats about his time at dental school and the motivations behind his decision to enter a partnership in practice ownership, emphasising the importance of real-world experience over formal education and his decision to partner in a dental practice.

Finally, he reflects on the daily challenges of running a practice, the sacrifices he has made for success, and the lessons learned along the way.

 

Topics:

-          Can you set the scene for us and let us know what your childhood was like?

-          What did you see in these few weeks that made you want to join the profession?

-          Do we still have this early-stage opportunity for youngsters to get this experience?

-          What was dental school like?

-          Was it always your career plan to own a practice?

-          Why did you choose the partnership route instead of going it alone?

-          What does your day to day work look like?

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

-          Are soft skills important communication skills getting left out at dental school?

-          What is the cost of your success?

-          Has anything been left behind for this success?

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

//ED CALVERT - STRAIGHT TALKING E168
//ED CALVERT - STRAIGHT TALKING E168

In this episode, hosts Andy and Chris chat to Ed Calvert about his journey from a background in physiotherapy to a successful career in medical sales within the dental industry. The discussion delves into the importance of networking, the challenges of facing personal health issues, and the transformative experience of travelling the world.

Ed reflects on how his upbringing and career choices shaped his perspective on sales and personal growth, emphasising that everyone is in sales in some capacity. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and adapting to various situations in both personal and professional realms.

He goes on to talk about the innovative services offered by Dental Monitoring, the role of technology and AI in modern dentistry, and the challenges of changing established practices. Finally, he reflects on the future of dental treatment and the importance of legacy.

Topics:

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

- Your time at university studying physiotherapy

- How did you get into medical device sales and what devices were they?

- Tell us about your early midlife crisis in 2017-2018

– how did this manifest itself?

- What did you learn about yourself travelling for a year?

- When did you join Dental Monitoring?

- Was the pandemic a boom period for Dental Monitoring?

- Is there a general acceptance of AI linked tech in dentistry or are we still in the early adoption phase?

- Where is AI going in the future for dentistry?

//ANDY & CHRIS - KEY LEARNINGS FROM 24 YEARS OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP E167
//ANDY & CHRIS - KEY LEARNINGS FROM 24 YEARS OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP E167

In this episode, hosts Chris and Andy reflect on their 24 years of business ownership, sharing key lessons learned along the way.

They emphasise the importance of celebrating successes, building a strong team, staying focused on the original purpose, and maintaining open communication. Continuous learning, patience, nurturing relationships, and prioritising mental health are also highlighted as essential components for long-term success in business.

Listen now to hear how these lessons have helped them navigate challenges and maintain success over the years, and how they continue to apply them as they look to the future.

//RIAZ SHARIF - SUCCESS HAS MANY FACES E166
//RIAZ SHARIF - SUCCESS HAS MANY FACES E166

In this episode of the Dentology Podcast, Chris and Andy chat to private cosmetic dentist Dr Riaz Sharif.

Riaz talks about his childhood and explains how early life experiences have shaped the person he is today. From a challenging upbringing to boxing at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green, Riaz reflects on how all these experiences have guided his decisions and career path so far.

He explains how dentistry wasn’t his first choice of career and how he initially pursued biomedical sciences at the University of Birmingham before heading to Hungary to study dentistry.

He talks about some of the challenges and obstacles he’s faced and the coping mechanisms he’s developed to use when trauma comes his way.

After qualifying as a dentist in Slovakia and moving back to the UK, Riaz shares his journey since qualifying, including his experience in the mentorship programme with MyDentist. He discusses the importance of mentorship, fitness, health, and mindset, all factors which help him stay resilient and focused.

Looking ahead, Riaz talks about his future ambitions in dentistry, including the possibility of owning his own practice one day.

Topics:

-          Tell us about your childhood

-          As a youngster you boxed, at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green – what was the appeal of boxing?

-          You didn’t start out with dentistry in mind and pursued biomedical sciences at the University of Birmingham - Was this a passion or just a degree?

-          Heading to Hungary to study dentistry

-          Do you seek out difficult things to prove yourself?

-          What coping mechanisms do you use when trauma comes your way?

-          How long did it take you to qualify as a dentist?

-          What’s your journey been like since qualifying?

-          Tell us about the mentorship programme with MyDentist – how has this helped you?

-          How important has your own fitness, health and mindset been to keep control of what you can been?

-          What are your future ambitions in dentistry?

-          Do you plan to own a practice one day?

//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?

 
Michelle Hyde
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