Advertise on podcast: The Young Dentist

Missing out on dental school by just 1% could have changed everything for Dr Yewande. Instead, she tried again, found her own path and turned a setback into the beginning of a career she never could have imagined. Today, she’s an award-winning dentist who won Best Young Dentist in 2024, a cosmetic dentist passionate about transforming smiles, and one of the familiar faces sharing her dental journey on social media. In this episode, Yewande opens up about building confidence as a young dentist, why you shouldn’t rush to match someone else’s clinical abilities and the lessons she learnt from cases that didn’t go to plan. She also shares how to build trust with patients through social media, why authenticity matters more than chasing views and how to know when to say no to treatment that isn’t right for a patient. From starting a YouTube channel at dental school to winning a major dental award, Yewande’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to follow everyone else’s path to build a career you love. It’s about staying consistent, backing yourself and finding your own way. https://www.henryschein.co.uk/blog/dental-blog

Dr Chris Jordan is a general dentist with a special interest in orthodontics and his journey has been about nine years of figuring out what he genuinely loves about dentistry. From being a self-confessed “course junkie” to completing postgraduate training and learning from some of the biggest mentors in orthodontics, he has built his career around constantly getting better. But his story is also about knowing when to change direction. After seeing 47 NHS patients in one day, Chris realised he wanted to spend more time with patients and do things properly. In this episode, you’ll hear why aligners are just a tool, why diagnosis and treatment planning matter more than the software and how early orthodontic intervention can change a child’s future. Chris also shares his approach to patient communication, mentorship, remote monitoring and building a true partnership with patients. A different route into orthodontics, a lot of lessons along the way and a dentist who found his passion by refusing to stop learning. There’s plenty to take away from this one. https://www.henryschein.co.uk/blog/dental-blog

What does it take to still love dentistry after more than 50 years? Dr Mervyn Druian is in his 80s and still practising, still learning and still getting up early to see his patients. His career has taken him from South Africa to London, where he helped pioneer preventive dentistry, tooth whitening and aesthetic dentistry at a time when many of these approaches were barely known in the UK. But his story isn’t just about dentistry. It’s about having a philosophy, setting goals and constantly looking for ways to get better. In this episode, you’ll hear how to build a truly preventive practice, why patient communication can completely change the way you present treatment, and the framework Mervyn uses to think about philosophy, vision, mission and goals. He also shares his approach to lifelong learning, mentorship and why he still feels lucky to be a dentist after all these years. A career spanning generations, a lifetime of learning and a dentist who has no plans to retire anytime soon. Let’s get into it. https://www.henryschein.co.uk/blog/dental-blog

Dr. Payman Sobhani went straight from foundation training into Harley Street, built his career around private dentistry and eventually moved into practice ownership. But his journey has been less about following one narrow path and more about learning, failing and refining his approach along the way. In this episode, you’ll hear why Payman believes being a general dentist can be a superpower, how to build consultations that patients actually trust, and how technology can completely change the way you communicate treatment. He also shares why young dentists shouldn’t rush to specialise, the importance of getting the basics right, and how failure and experience are part of becoming better at what you do. From rubber dam and photography to practice ownership, mentorship and finding your flow state, this is an episode about passion, patience and playing the long game. You might be on an earlier stop, but you’re on the same train. Let’s get into it. https://www.henryschein.co.uk/blog/dental-blog

If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind at dental school, Dr Nicola Gore has been there too. She failed her first-year exams and was once told she didn’t have the manual dexterity to become a good dentist. Today, she teaches at King’s, has co-authored *Dentistry in a Nutshell*, founded the British Iranian Dental Association, and has spent decades supporting students, foundation dentists and young clinicians. But her journey wasn’t straightforward. From moving to the UK at 17 and working her way into dental school, to travelling and working in Australia, building her career and eventually making more time to give back, Nicola has learnt a lot about what it really takes to build a career in dentistry. In this episode, you’ll hear how to navigate the jump from dental school to foundation training and why you should grab opportunities even when you’re not sure where they’ll lead. Nicola also shares her advice for your 20s, why you shouldn’t rush into every course going, and some of the things that can go very wrong in the dental surgery. From failing exams to wanting to open her own university, this is an episode about resilience, ambition and making the most of the opportunities in front of you. A dentist, educator, author and mentor with decades of experience - let’s get into it. https://www.henryschein.co.uk/blog/dental-blog

If you found perio boring at dental school, you are not alone. Dr Reena Wadia felt exactly the same way. Pocket charts, gum gardening -  none of it excited her. She is now the founder and principal periodontist at RW Perio on Harley Street, founder of Perio School, and author of The Perio Handbook, published in 2024 and reviewed in the British Dental Journal. She graduated top of every single year at Barts and The London and won the University of London Gold Medal. But something changed. Today, she is making the case that perio is one of the most underrated areas of dentistry and what changed her mind might change yours too. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly when to treat a perio case yourself and when to refer, and why those decisions can land dentists in trouble. You’ll discover how to get more from non-surgical treatment and why a deep pocket doesn’t automatically mean a scalpel. And you’ll hear the story of a man who came in for a routine hygiene appointment and left with something nobody was looking for. A big name in UK dentistry, with a lot to say. Let’s get into it. https://www.henryschein.co.uk/blog/dental-blog

In this episode of The Young Dentist, we are joined by the powerhouse that is Cat Edney—award-winning dental therapist, founder of The Modern Therapist, and a leading voice for the future of the dental team. Cat opens up about her incredibly stressful start at King’s College, where she once feared she would never even qualify. Fast forward to today, and Cat has reached what she calls "peak self-actualization" in her career. We dive deep into the journey from being trapped in the "Green Mile" of 30-minute scale and polishes to leading a high-end, therapy-led practice model.  In this deep dive, we explore how to break free from the "Green Mile" of routine hygiene work and successfully transition into a therapy-led practice model. Cat explains the transformative power of "referring up," where therapists take the lead as the "GPs of dentistry" to conduct examinations and direct patient care via direct access. We tackle the psychological side of the profession, offering practical advice for new grads on overcoming imposter syndrome and building the clinical confidence needed to pick up a handpiece after years of routine work. Finally, Cat shares her philosophy on finding your "Ikigai"—that perfect intersection of passion and skill—and how building a "tribe" of like-minded peers through community is the ultimate secret to long-term career fulfillment. Whether you are a dental student, a newly qualified therapist, or a dentist looking to optimize your practice through shared care, Cat’s insights are a blueprint for a more fulfilling career.

Today, we are joined by Anil Shrestha, a Specialist in Prosthodontics and former Chair of the Advisory Board at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Operating out of the world-renowned Wimpole Street, Anil’s career is a masterclass in the "Darwinian" necessity of adaptation and the relentless pursuit of clinical excellence. But Anil’s journey didn’t start at the top; from being added as the "extra" student late to his dental school class to navigating the gut-wrenching reality of failing professional exams, he has faced the highest levels of pressure to eventually become the clinician of choice for global VIPs, F1 drivers, and royalty.In this masterclass, we strip back the curtain on a 34-year career to reveal the psychological and practical frameworks required to reach the pinnacle of dentistry. Anil explains why your ability to pivot is more critical than your clinical skill in a shifting market, and shares the "Focus, Plan, Schedule, Execute" system that allowed him to transition from academic setbacks to the "Top Gun" environment of the Eastman. We dive deep into the power of his non-negotiable 5:00 AM routine - including meditation and journaling - and discuss the nuanced art of building trust with high-net-worth patients. This isn't just an interview; it is a strategic guide on how to handle failure, master your mindset, and evolve from a struggling student into an elite specialist.Whether you are a dental student looking for a map or a principal dentist looking to rediscover your "flow state," Anil’s three decades of wisdom will fundamentally change the way you view your career.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Nik Sethi, a clinician who has spent over 15 years proving that you don’t need a specialist title to deliver world-class care. From his early days being "dragged" to dental academies by his brother, Sanjay, Nik has risen to become a respected leader and the President of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BAAD). Nik is a passionate advocate for mentorship, minimally invasive protocols, and the often-overlooked value of the dental trade. In this conversation, we dive deep into the ‘generalist advantage,’ exploring why embracing a broad scope of practice can lead to greater professional joy and superior patient outcomes. We get into the clinical essentials with ‘back-to-basics’ occlusion tips that every young dentist and student needs to master to avoid failures, before uncovering the ‘portfolio secret’- what Nik specifically looks for when hiring a new associate, and why it goes far beyond just having a degree. We also discuss how to stop the "comparison trap" in the age of social media and why true success is ultimately defined by human connection and family rather than financial gain. Whether you’re a young dentist or student striving for excellence or you’re ready to stop the comparison trap and start building a genuine clinical legacy, this conversation is for you. Let's get into it!

Today’s guest is a high-performance coach who is redefining what it means to be ‘healthy’ in a profession that often demands everything from us. George Vernon is an elite fitness and nutrition specialist who has spent years proving that peak performance behind the drill starts with the physical and psychological foundations we often neglect. But his approach isn’t about overhaul; it’s about strategy. From his early days as a competitive amateur boxer to earning a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning, George has transitioned from training elite athletes to guiding medical professionals and business leaders through the high-stakes pressure of their careers. In this deep-dive conversation, we explore the 'one-degree shift' and why small, sustainable daily habits are the only way to avoid landing in a state of burnout a decade down the line. We get into the clinical essentials of stress management—including the 'ROI of sleep,' why heart rate variability is the most important data point you aren’t tracking, and George’s five-part framework for building a lifestyle that actually lasts. Whether you’re a dental student surviving on caffeine or an associate looking to reclaim your energy, this is a masterclass in performing at your personal peak. Let's get into it! https://www.henryschein.co.uk/

Today’s guest is the definition of a high-flyer, becoming a practice principal at just 27 years old - possibly the youngest NHS contract holder in the country at the time. But his journey wasn't a straight line to success. Dr Mikhil Amin opens up about failing his first-year exams at King's, dealing with personal loss during university, and surviving a "toxic" Foundation Training experience where he was yelled at and left in tears. In this no-nonsense conversation, we discuss the fine line between arrogance and confidence, the incredible mentorship that fast-tracked his business acumen by 10 years, and why he believes young dentists are being brainwashed by "Instagram Cosmetic Dentistry". If you want to know what it really takes to buy a practice young, or how to turn a bad start into a thriving career, this episode is for you. Let's get into it.

Today we are joined by a true pioneer and a titan of British dentistry: Dr. Ash Parmar. If you were watching TV in the mid-2000s, you’ve seen his work. As one of the lead dentists on the hit show Extreme Makeover UK, Ash was the man who brought high-end cosmetic dentistry into the living rooms of millions. With over 34 years of clinical experience, he is a 'dentist to dentists'—a clinician so respected that other professionals trust him with their own smiles. From qualifying at Guy’s in ’91 to building a multi-practice empire and eventually founding the world-class Smile Design by Ash and The Academy by Ash, his journey is the ultimate blueprint for career longevity. But it wasn't always a straight line to the top. Ash opens up about his 'light bulb moment' with Larry Rosenthal, the years spent flying back and forth to the US to seek out the world's best mentors, and the reality of navigating one of the most litigious dental landscapes in the world. In this masterclass of an episode, we dive deep into the 'Essence of Mentorship,' the high-level clinical protocols that separate the good from the excellent, and the '6-step process' to ethical selling that every young dentist needs to master. We also discuss how he avoids burnout with a 4:30 AM routine and why he believes 80% of your success in this game comes down to your mindset and spirituality. Whether you’re an associate looking to increase your case acceptance or a student wondering how to build a world-class brand, Ash is about to show you exactly how it’s done. Let’s get into it! https://www.henryschein.co.uk/

We are so excited to be joined by one of the most hardworking and inspiring young stars in UK dentistry today, Dr. Elena Shahir! A University of Leeds graduate with an incredible engine for success, Elena has skyrocketed through her career—mastering the high-intensity world of 24-hour Maxillofacial hospital shifts while simultaneously building her clinical excellence in private practice.  Now based on the prestigious Harley Street, she is officially on track to become one of the youngest prosthodontic specialists in the country, and her journey is a total masterclass in what’s possible with the right discipline and drive. In this episode, we dive into the most exciting parts of her career so far, exploring why she chose the path of specialization and how she managed to thrive while balancing hospital training with practice work.  Beyond the clinic, Elena is a breath of fresh air in the dental social media space. We talk about how she used her signature humor and honesty on YouTube to build a massive community of inspired students and young dentists. Elena shares her top-tier advice for anyone currently in dental school and reveals how building a personal brand can open up spectacular doors you never even expected.  This conversation is an essential viewing for anyone ready to navigate their dental career with purpose and resilience.

Today’s guest is arguably the most passionate man in dentistry. He is a Specialist Periodontist and the founder of Dentinal Tubules, a global community dedicated to the "growth" of the profession. But Dhru Shah’s story is one of extreme resilience. From growing up in Kenya and seeing his family’s wealth wiped out by a banking scandal, he survived dental school on Maryland cookies and leftover pizza scraps while working night shifts in shoe shops. He opens up about the darkest moments: the tragic loss of his sister which fueled his drive, the near-bankruptcy of Tubules in 2018 where he was days away from losing everything, and the "proper burnout" in 2023 where he collapsed on his sofa in tears. We discuss the difference between "Education" (knowledge) and "Growth" (application), why he ran a webinar every single night during COVID, and his vision to inspire 2 billion people. This is a raw and deeply inspiring conversation about finding your purpose when the world tries to break you. Let's get into it. https://www.henryschein.co.uk/

Today’s guest is a record breaker, Dr. Crystal Marruganti. A Dentist (DWSi Perio), researcher and lecturer, she completed her PhD in less than 3 years and became the first dentist in history to make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Science and Healthcare. But her path wasn't a straight line to success. Starting as a budding mathematician, Crystal struggled to find her passion in dentistry until a pivotal mentor changed everything, transforming her from a "book smart" student into a world-class researcher with over 50 publications and features in The Telegraph and Evening Standard. In this episode, we dive deep into the systemic diseases linked to periodontology and why she believes prevention is the future of profitable dentistry. This is a masterclass for anyone who feels lost in their career or wants to understand the true impact of the work we do as dentists. Key Articles Mentioned: Association between Periodontitis and Severity of COVID-19 Infection: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37845800/ Periodontitis and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38699834/ Connect with Dr. Crystal: Website: www.crystalmarruganti.com Instagram: @crystalmarruganti LinkedIn: Dr. Crystal Marruganti