Advertise on podcast: Two Reds are Better than One

What does it take to open a dental practice from scratch, attract your first patients and keep going when life gets difficult? In this episode of Two Reds Are Better Than One, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter welcome Rupchhen Tamang, co-founder of Mapperley Dental Studio in Nottingham, for an honest conversation about ambition, resilience and building a business on your own terms. Born in Nepal, Rupchhen moved to the UK aged ten. His father's military career initially pointed him towards the army, but a series of decisions about further education led him to dentistry at Sheffield. What began as an unexpected career choice became the perfect combination of practical work and working with people.  Alongside his wife and business partner, Nitu, he pursued the dream of opening a squat practice. After years spent searching for suitable premises, they opened in March 2025 with one surgery and a commitment to creating something of their own.  Eighteen months later, the practice has around 500 registered patients. Rupchhen explains why splitting his week between an associate position and the new business was holding him back, and what changed when he committed to the practice full time.  The conversation explores the practical reality of attracting patients without bringing across a list from a previous practice. Social media, Google reviews, word of mouth, a bus advertisement and even a wedding fair have all featured. The approach is refreshingly straightforward: try things, learn from the results and do more of what works.  There is also a valuable discussion about pricing. Having experimented with half-price examinations, Rupchhen realised that filling the diary was not the same as attracting patients who valued the practice. He explains why he stepped away from introductory discounts and chose a slower, more deliberate route to growth. At the heart of that decision are two priorities: trust and comfort. Patients may not understand the technical details of dentistry, but they know whether somebody has listened, explained their options and allowed them to make decisions without pressure.  In a personal part of the interview, Rupchhen reflects on a serious challenge he and Nitu faced during the build. Without sharing private medical details, he explains how their partnership helped them through and changed his perspective on business difficulties.  Looking ahead, the ambition is a fully functioning three-surgery practice, beginning with hygiene recruitment and, later, an associate. His advice to aspiring owners is clear: make sure you genuinely want the responsibility, prepare for sustained hard work, and establish systems and organisation early.  Along the way, Ashley shares news from his American speaking trip, Chris reflects on joining The Campbell Academy, and the usual Manchester United frustrations provide a familiar backdrop. Then comes a late revelation involving a Liverpool mug, which threatens to undo all of Ashley's compliments! An encouraging listen for prospective practice owners and anyone building a business where the patient experience matters as much as growth. This is a story about commitment, partnership and the determination to create the practice you want to run. Listen via the player below or your favourite podcast streaming service.

A few years ago, on reaching the milestone age of 50, Harry Singh found himself at a turning point. A casual remark from his wife about his physique sparked a transformation that would go on to affect far more than just his fitness. Once known for late nights at the bar and eating junk food, Harry committed to a much more disciplined way of living. He transformed his diet, prioritised his health and made eight hours of sleep each night non-negotiable. The results have gone far beyond the physical, significantly improving his performance at work as well as his income. Remarkably, Harry maintains this lifestyle while managing a demanding career teaching dentists Facial Aesthetics and Property Investment. If you want to improve your health, eat better or simply find a way to stay fit alongside a hectic schedule, this episode is packed with practical ideas and inspiration. In this episode, you'll discover: How Harry fits two gym sessions into his daily routine despite a busy schedule. The positive influence his lifestyle has had on his children and the changes he has seen in them. His unique "3-2-1 formula" for bedtime and how it helps him consistently achieve eight hours of quality sleep. The impact his disciplined lifestyle has had on his professional performance and annual income. An insight into his diet, including meal sequencing and the supplements he uses to support his healthy lifestyle. Why strict discipline plays such an important role in Harry's life. And much more. Listen via your favourite podcast streaming service or the player below.

In this episode of the Two Reds Podcast, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter welcome back Julia Riese, Director of Marketing and Operations at Coastal Dental Care in Australia, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, systems, practice growth and the practical use of AI in dental business management. The first part of the conversation focuses on Julia's book, Beyond Dentistry: Mastering the Four Pillars to Succeed with Your Dental Practice. Remarkably, Julia wrote the first draft in just 30 days while continuing to work full time, committing to a disciplined daily writing target and completing around 80,000 words. The book is built around four pillars that Julia believes determine the long-term success of a dental practice: Team, finding, developing and retaining the right people. Marketing, generating a consistent flow of suitable patients. Systems and processes, documenting how the business operates so that knowledge does not remain trapped inside one person's head. Planning and analysis, understanding the numbers, reviewing performance and knowing when to adjust course. The discussion explores why team remains the foundation of everything else. Julia explains how one high-performing but behaviourally disruptive individual can quietly damage morale and performance across the wider practice. She also shares the importance of structured performance improvement plans, regular check-ins and clear expectations. Chris and Ashley then discuss one of the most common barriers to delegation, the belief that it is quicker to do the job personally than to teach somebody else. Chris shares a holiday story about training his daughter's partner to drive a powerboat, demonstrating that a short investment in teaching can create freedom, confidence and capability for everyone involved. The second half of the episode introduces Levara, Julia's new AI course for dental practice managers and owners. The 12-session programme is designed to help practices build their own bespoke AI management system using platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini. Participants will create practical tools for recruitment, job descriptions, onboarding, one-to-one meeting records, performance tracking and standard operating procedures. A central feature is the development of a searchable practice knowledge base. Instead of important information living only in the head of the owner or long-serving manager, the team can ask the practice's AI assistant how to complete a task and receive the agreed process immediately. The potential benefits are significant, more consistent management, faster onboarding, improved delegation, less administrative pressure and a business that is less dependent on the owner. Julia also explains why well-documented systems increase the value of a dental practice. A business that can operate successfully without its principal is more attractive, more scalable and easier to sell. The episode closes with reflections on discipline, personal wellbeing and Julia's formidable daily fitness routine, beginning with 4.00am training sessions and ending with an accepted CrossFit challenge for Chris and Ashley when Julia next visits the UK. The conversation is practical, thoughtful and highly relevant for any dental owner or manager looking to build a better-run business, make greater use of AI and create more time for patients, leadership and life.

Jodie Loveday is an accountant with over 38 years of experience. She now works with Hesketh Consultancy, where her eye for detail has helped uncover significant accounting errors in 100% of new dental clients. These errors can often cost practices tens of thousands of pounds and lead to poor business decisions. In this stimulating interview, Ashley and Chris speak to Jodie about three common mistakes she frequently discovers when taking on new dental clients. The three key areas discussed are: 1. Income recognition Jodie explains how income is posted to the accounts and why recording income in the wrong month can distort profits, affect decision-making and potentially lead to unnecessary tax payments. 2. Cost allocations Costs are often posted directly from bank statements without invoices being properly checked. Jodie shares an example where a purchase was incorrectly allocated, meaning the client missed out on a 130% super allowance claim. 3. Directors' loan accounts Strict rules apply to limited companies, and overdrawn directors' loan accounts can trigger unnecessary 37.5% tax bills, often with very short notice. Jodie shares another real-world example of how this can happen. Jodie may be humble, but her no-nonsense approach will inspire you to examine how you run your own practice, review your numbers more closely and make sure your accounts are truly working for you.

In this episode of the Two Reds podcast, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter park the polished version of business life and talk about the real world instead. Ashley joins the conversation after a brutal few days, with serious water damage at his training centre, a lost weekend of clearing up, and another demanding week of travel and delivery ahead. It is an honest reminder that leadership often means carrying on when you are tired, frustrated and running on reserve. Ashley shares his main lesson from Australia. The clinicians who use digital scanners most consistently tend to do the most Invisalign and higher value treatment. The technology is not the issue, the discipline of using it well is. He also notes that, although regulation is tighter there, the core commercial challenges remain familiar: discussing fees, overcoming objections and creating a patient experience that goes beyond price. One of the strongest moments in the episode comes from a coaching story about referral to the hygienist. The message is simple, if you would recommend something to your own family with conviction, then say it that way to your patients. Belief matters. Chris then turns to treatment plan presentation, arguing that too many practices still produce documents that are either confusing, uninspiring or purely defensive. His view is that AI now offers a real opportunity to create treatment plans that are clearer, more engaging and still fully compliant. A thoughtful episode on resilience, communication, technology and the gap between busyness and effectiveness.

In this episode of the Two Reds podcast, Chris Barrow is joined by Dr Paul Abrahams of Smile More Dental Care in London for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about career longevity, practice ownership, innovation and exit strategy. With Ashley Latter away in Australia, Chris and Paul take the opportunity to explore Paul's remarkable journey from an uncertain start in the early 1980s, through qualification at Guy's in 1989, to building and eventually selling a highly respected two-surgery private practice in St John's Wood. Paul reflects on the early influence of retail training at Marks & Spencer, the importance of mentors, and the role played by his long-standing principal and friend in shaping both his career and his outlook. There is a strong message here for younger dentists about the value of guidance, patience and backing yourself when opportunities appear. The conversation then moves into ownership. Paul shares the story of acquiring what was, in effect, a doer-upper squat in one of London's most affluent postcodes, and how he built that business steadily over more than two decades. Rather than chasing scale for its own sake, he chose to create what Chris describes as a successful lifestyle business, rooted in community, family patients and long-term trust. There is also a fascinating discussion about innovation. Paul explains why he has always been drawn to new ideas, from cosmetic dentistry in the early days to digital scanning and chairside technology more recently. His view is simple, the only constant is change, and practices that stay curious tend to stay relevant. Finally, Chris and Paul discuss the decision to sell into Dentex, the importance of timing, and the emotional reality of letting go. Paul offers a particularly valuable insight for anyone considering a sale, if you are not ready to give up control, you may not yet be ready to sell. This is a warm, honest and intelligent conversation with one of dentistry's genuinely good people. For young owners, established principals and anyone thinking about what comes next, there is much to take away.

In the latest edition of Two Reds are Better than One, we woke up super early, to interview Franck Page, the owner of Coastal Dental Care in Australia's Gold Coast, and Julia Riese, the Group Director of Marketing & Operations. Franck, who graduated in 1993, quickly became a part owner of a dental practice within a year. His passion for practice ownership has led him to expand his group to 17 offices, a wholesale dental business, two labs, 83 clinicians, and 300 staff members. His innovative business model, which he discusses in detail, involves part ownership of practices with other clinicians. This approach not only provides capital for acquiring additional practices but also attracts top talent by giving clinicians a vested interest in the business. In this insightful podcast, our listeners will discover: The rationale behind Franck's business model of part ownership with clinicians and its successful implementation. Insights from Julia and Franck on the importance of cultivating a strong company culture and ensuring each office has excellent practice managers and reception teams. How attracting top-tier talent is essential for success. Julia's four essentials framework from her book "Beyond Dentistry," which includes Team, Systems, Planning & Analysis, and Marketing. The significance of meticulous attention to detail and how small daily changes can lead to significant results. Strategies for managing the threat posed by large health companies encroaching on their business. The necessity of delivering "The Ultimate Experience" to retain patients. And much more.

In today's episode of our podcast, hosts Ashley and Chris had the distinct honour of interviewing the esteemed Dr. Howard Farran.  Dr. Farran, DDS, MBA, is the visionary founder and owner of Dentaltown.com and Dentaltown magazine. With over three decades of experience practicing dentistry at Today's Dental in the Phoenix metropolitan area, he is a luminary in the field. Notably, in 2017, Incisal Edge magazine recognized him as one of the 32 most influential figures in dentistry. Since 1990, Dr. Farran has been an international lecturer, renowned for his candid, humorous, and practical insights into the business of dentistry, often addressing the industry's most challenging topics. His unwavering dedication to empowering dentists to deliver faster, easier, higher-quality, and cost-effective dental care remains a driving force in his career.  His acclaimed podcast series, "Dentistry Uncensored," has been a staple in the industry for decades, boasting over 1,500 episodes and more than 8 million downloads. Both Ashley and Chris have had the privilege of being guests on this influential podcast. Dr. Farran's reach extends to hundreds of thousands of dentists worldwide, supported by a robust social media presence, including 300,000 followers on Facebook, 25,000 on Twitter, and 35,000 on LinkedIn, along with 250,000 registered members on Dentaltown.com. In this episode, Dr. Farran shares his expert perspectives on several key topics, including: The critical importance of maintaining laser focus on your business Mastering your financial metrics Building a network of powerful mentors to propel your career Cultivating trust with patients and its long-term benefits for a dental practice His insights on AI and its potential to revolutionize dental practices His excitement about future developments in dentistry Prepare to be inspired by the dynamic and insightful "Howard Farran Experience." If you haven't experienced Dr. Farran's unique perspective before, you're in for an enlightening experience.

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.

In this episode of "Two Reds are Better than One" podcast, Chris and Ashley explore a variety of customer service experiences from their travels, highlighting both excellent and poor examples. These stories offer valuable lessons for dentists and practice owners.  The insights shared in this episode are so impactful that everyone in the practice should listen. In this episode, you will discover: Chris's Experience at Bupa: Chris recounts his experience when attending a health screening at Bupa, where the response was less than satisfactory. This underscores the critical role of the 'Front of House' in your dental practice, often referred to as the 'Managing Director of First Impressions.' Ashley's Chicago Story: Ashley shares a story from his recent trip to Chicago, illustrating a conversation with a hotel employee that emphasises the importance of teamwork. Ashley's Three Lessons: Ashley offers three key lessons on navigating a challenging economy while maintaining a positive mindset. Chris's Treatment Coordinator Experience: Chris describes how an Optician's Treatment Coordinator delivered exceptional customer service, which led him to invest over £1000 on glasses. Chris and Ashley analyse this consultation. Chris and Ashley's final recommendations on how to prosper in a challenging economy  Listen via your favourite podcast streaming service or via the player below.

In this month's episode of The Two Reds are Better than One podcast, Ashley and I take a rare opportunity to record without a guest. Instead, we open the doors to a candid conversation about two themes that sit at the heart of every successful dental practice: building teams and conducting consultations. We begin with a brief detour into football – reflecting on Manchester United's opening game of the season and drawing parallels between rebuilding a football squad and rebuilding a dental team. The lesson? Culture eats strategy for breakfast, whether you're on the pitch or in the practice. The centrepiece of our discussion is Ashley's brand-new book, The Perfect Dental Consultation: The Eight Essential Steps to Increasing Treatment Plan Acceptance. I make no apology for saying it is his best work in print to date. The book is not only a step-by-step guide to consultation success but also a manual on mindset, success habits and the importance of team involvement. We unpack the eight stages of a perfect consultation, from rapport-building and asking the right questions, through to discussing fees with confidence, handling objections and ensuring follow-up that inspires referrals. Along the way, we explore how case studies and real-world stories make the material accessible, practical, and highly relevant to today's dentist. Our conversation also touches on treatment plan presentation, the role of AI in communication, and why the human touch remains irreplaceable. We finish with some personal reflections on August downtime, family, cycling, and the importance of creating space to work on the business rather than just in it. If you haven't already secured your copy of Ashley's new book, now is the time. Visit his website, order copies for your team, and give your practice the competitive edge it deserves.

In this episode, Chris and Ashley are joined by a true industry heavyweight: Dean Hallows, Managing Director of Dental Directory and a 40-year veteran of the UK dental industry. Recording from three corners of Europe - Cheshire, Sardinia, and sunny Essex - the conversation ranges from the accidental beginnings of Dean's career in 1986 to his leadership role today, overseeing one of the UK's most recognised dental supply businesses. This candid, insightful chat covers everything from mentorship and market evolution to the real-world implications of AI in dentistry, what leaders should be listening for, and why selling consumables isn't just about revenue; it's about hospitality. If you're a dental practice owner, manager, or supplier, this episode delivers practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes insight you won't find elsewhere. You'll learn: How Dean transitioned from engineering apprentice to industry MD The vital difference between hearing and listening as a leader Why AI will support — not replace — clinical decision-making What practices are missing when they ignore their reception desk retail Why communication and shared purpose build the best dental teams The human value AI can't replicate — and why that matters more than ever   "By stepping back and listening more, I've seen my teams' step further forward." – Dean Hallows "AI can't deliver hospitality. It can't create community." – Chris Barrow   This episode is perfect for listeners who... Lead or manage a dental practice Work in dental supply or tech Are navigating digital transformation in dentistry Believe business is about people, not just processes

In this captivating episode, Ashley and Chris sit down with Dr. Jit Hindocha, Principal Dentist at Total Dental Care, celebrating 40 remarkable years in dentistry (1985–2025). Born in Uganda, Jit shares his powerful story of arriving in England at just 10 years old after his family was expelled by Idi Amin, losing everything but holding onto determination and resilience. In this episode you'll learn about: Jit's early years in Leicester—living with 11 family members in a 3-bedroom house, hustling with part-time jobs, and how his family's perseverance shaped his work ethic and career mindset. How Jit continually reinvented his career every decade: Building four dental practices from scratch in the 1980s. Serving as a Vocational Trainer and Advisor at local and national levels, influencing dental regulation and quality. His tenure with the GDC, including the insightful story of hosting an innovative live CPD event simulating a GDC hearing. Jit's pioneering journey into digital dentistry with IDDA, including his early adoption of 3D printing technology. How advice from his father and cousin shaped his business philosophy—prioritising non-clinical time for strategic thinking, and eventually delegating more responsibilities, adopting the 'Golden Goose' strategy. Jit's recent transition to full-time clinical director, embracing delegation, reducing clinical hours, and the exciting discovery of his "blue USB port"—a metaphor for finding new motivation and passion in his dental career. Jit's incredible story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning, offering practical insights and profound life lessons for dental professionals at any stage of their careers. Tune in via the player below or your favourite podcast streaming service and be inspired by Dr. Jit Hindocha's extraordinary journey and his visionary perspective on dentistry's evolving landscape.