Dentistry Talks

Hosted by Dentistry

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

This is Dentistry Talks, a podcast where we speak with exciting voices – in and outside of the profession – to bring you fresh perspectives on dentistry. Whether it's a successful entrepreneur or a record-breaking athlete, our guests share experiences that have important connections to the world of dentistry. We hope their stories and advice can help you to reshape the way you approach dentistry – be it in business, personal development or providing the best patient care.

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60 recent

May 27, 202642 min

Burnout, balance and building a brand: lessons from the Singing Dentist

We hear from dentist, creator and social media personality Milad Shadrooh – better known to millions online as The Singing Dentist – on authenticity, burnout and building a career that can actually last. Recorded live at the North of England Dentistry Show, this special edition of Dentistry Talks explores the realities of balancing clinical dentistry with life online, from social media pressure and personal branding to mindset, communication and protecting your energy in a demanding profession. Milad reflects on the journey from viral videos to global recognition, why authenticity matters more than performance online, and how routines, boundaries and strong relationships have helped him sustain both creativity and clinical practice over the long term. The conversation also explores the changing pressures facing modern dentistry – including burnout, patient expectations and the importance of communication – alongside practical lessons on confidence, resilience and building a healthier relationship with work. Topics include: Authenticity and building a personal brand online Managing social media pressure and criticism Burnout, routines and protecting your energy Why communication matters in dentistry Balancing creativity with clinical practice The changing realities of modern dentistry.

April 29, 202655 min

Ageing as a dental professional: how to maintain purpose and identity

We hear from writer, broadcaster and speaker Judith Holder on ageing, identity and why later life deserves a different narrative – particularly for dental professionals working with an older patient base.Judith reflects on a career in television and comedy, and how stepping away from it allowed her to rediscover a sense of freedom, purpose and identity beyond work. These themes might resonate particularly strongly with dental professionals navigating high-pressure careers and thinking about life beyond the clinic.She challenges long-held stereotypes around ageing – particularly for women – and explains why feeling ‘overlooked’ or underestimated is still a common experience. The conversation asks what that means for how dental professionals communicate with and care for older patients.Judith’s turning point came when retirement created space to explore new interests and perspectives, reinforcing the idea that later life can be a period of growth, reinvention and renewed confidence.For dental professionals, the conversation offers a timely reminder that age, identity and lived experience all shape how patients engage with care – and why communication, empathy and awareness matter more than ever.Topics includeWhat ageing really feels like – versus how it’s perceivedChallenging stereotypes around older patients and colleaguesIdentity, purpose and life beyond a high-pressure careerWhy communication and language matter more than we thinkFinding balance, wellbeing and new opportunities later in life.

March 31, 202651 min

What every dentist needs to understand about trauma and dental anxiety

We hear from trauma-informed practitioner Ella McCrystal on why understanding trauma, mental health and human behaviour is becoming increasingly important for dental professionals. Ella shares her personal journey and explores what trauma really is – not just the events people go through, but how those experiences are stored, expressed and carried through the body over time. She explains why trauma so often shows up in dentistry, from dental anxiety and avoidance to communication challenges, stress within teams and the wider pressures facing the profession. A turning point came when Ella realised that many systems still treat symptoms rather than people, leading her to develop a more personalised, body-led approach that reflects the complexity of trauma and recovery. Topics include: Understanding what trauma actually is Why dental anxiety is often about more than dentistry The link between stress, burnout and patient communication Why mental health education needs to go deeper How more holistic care could benefit both patients and professionals.

March 2, 202648 min

From pitchside to practice: lessons from sports dentistry

We hear from sports dentist Umair Mohammed, one of only a handful of clinicians worldwide to hold an MSc in sports dentistry, on why oral health belongs at the heart of athletic performance. Umair reflects on carving out a niche many once dismissed, combining his background in sport with his clinical career to help shape a growing movement in UK dentistry. He shares what it really means to be a sports dentist – from working pitch-side with elite teams to educating athletes and medical staff on the impact of oral health, sleep, nutrition and prevention. A turning point came when he realised that if the profession was to take sports dentistry seriously, someone had to champion it – helping to establish the UK Sports Dentistry Association and building an international network of like-minded clinicians.

January 30, 202650 min

Lessons from the business guru behind Kinky Boots

We hear from business leader Steve Pateman, whose story inspired the iconic broadway musical Kinky Boots, on breaking away from the band waggon.Steve reflects on adaptability, innovation, and timeless business lessons relevant to dental professionals.He explains how his traditional family footwear business struggled with rapid market changes, global competition, and currency shifts, forcing him to adapt.A turning point came when he identified an underserved niche market for high-quality, fashionable footwear in extended men's sizes, leading to business reinvention.Topics include:Adaptability in fast-changing industriesClear, personal communication with customers and teamsRespect, inclusivity and approachability in customer relationsEvaluating the value of innovation before committingStrong leadership and staff engagement.

December 23, 202549 min

Dental professionals – here's why you are capable of more than you think

In this episode, Michelle Carney explains why dental teams need to care about neurodiversity – and how inclusive recruitment can transform a practice.Michelle shares her journey with warmth and authenticity, explaining why kindness and compassion are not 'soft skills' but essential leadership strengths.She explores why neurodiversity matters in dentistry, highlighting how different ways of thinking elevate team performance and creativity – but also patient care.Michelle also discusses inclusive recruitment, including opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and those with intellectual disabilities, and why this approach makes sense for modern dental practices and businesses.Topics include:Leading with compassionNeurodiversity – why should dental teams care?How neurodiversity elevates teamsWhat inclusive recruitment looks likeFinding humour in the day to day and why it's important.This podcast is powered by Sensodyne.

November 27, 202552 min

Why I wouldn't change my disability: lessons in resilience from a Paralympian

Are you navigating clinical pressures or day-to-day challenges in your dental practice? Paralympic table tennis player Jack Hunter-Spivey joins us for a powerful conversation about resilience and finding strength in adversity.Jack has faced and overcome a number of challenges in his life and career. In this episode, Jack is open about his mental health journey, and he is here to share a story defined by resilience, determinationand authenticity.We also discuss what it was like to secure a bronze medal for para-table tennis at the 2020 Paralympics – as well as taking home gold at 2022's Commonwealth Games.In this episode, we’ll explore what overcoming adversity truly means to Jack, the biggest lessons he’s taken from his sporting career, and his surprising journey into comedy – including how humour can be a powerful tool for education. Topics include:What does overcoming adversity mean to you? Mental health struggles and bouncing backHis belief that there is an 'awkwardness around disability’Biggest lessons from para-table tennis careerAdvice for dental professionals experiencing setbacksWhat would you say is your greatest achievement? Journey into comedy. This podcast is powered by Sensodyne.

October 30, 202557 min

Inclusivity can actually breed inequality in dentistry – and here's why

Bernie Davies – award-winning diversity champion, business strategist and thought leader – sits down to unpack what actual inclusivity means in dentistry.'We go together, or not at all' — Bernie's powerful mantra challenges some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding inclusivity in business, and offers a vision of what it truly means to create environments where everyone can thrive.Bernie explores why inclusivity isn’t just a social ideal, but a practical and ethical necessity for dental practices and teams seeking to evolve and succeed.Topics include:Biggest misconceptions when it comes to inclusivity in businessWhy dental practices and dental teams should careWhat does a fair work culture look like in practice? Single biggest challenge that is holding dental businesses backDo you feel optimistic about the future when it comes to inclusivity?This podcast is powered by Sensodyne.

September 30, 202545 min

BBC radio presenter Nadia Ali on identity, mentorship and motherhood

In the latest episode of Dentistry Talks podcast, we speak with BBC radio presenter Nadia Ali whose story is one of community – and why it is so crucial. In dentistry – as in media – identity and representation shape the way you connect with patients, colleagues and communities. In this episode, Nadia shares her journey as a broadcaster, mother and mentor. From her decision to wear the hijab on air in 2024 to carving community spaces for British Bangladeshis, Nadia’s story is a journey that touches on resilience, authenticity and the power of mentorship. Dental professionals can take lessons on facing discrimination, staying true to yourself in professional setting, and why mentorship can transform and elevate careers.Topics includeImportance of mentorshipDecision to wear a hijab and its impact, both professionally and personallyAdvice for maintaining authenticity and personal identity within a professional setting Motherhood and its influence  Facing discrimination.This podcast is powered by Sensodyne.

August 28, 202553 min

Dentists – disrupt or be disrupted: business lessons from a former airline managing director

Dave Bryon, former managing director of low-cost airline bmibaby, built a career on doing things differently. In this latest podcast episode, he explains his key lessons for those in dentistry.Dave reflects on his time leading bmibaby, sharing the key business takeaways that apply far beyond aviation. From balancing cost control with service quality to challenging the norm, Dave explains why disruption is both inevitable and essential.Looking at Ryanair’s no-frills customer approach, as well as the downfall of Blockbuster and HMV, he explains why business owners who fail to adapt risk being left behind. For dental practices, this means embracing change and balancing the delicate trade-off between cost control and high-quality patient care.Whether you’re running a dental practice or leading a team within the sector, Dave’s insights will inspire you to look differently at your business, challenge assumptions and never stop pushing boundaries.Topics include:What dentists can learn from Ryanair, Blockbuster and HMVHow to approach cost versus service in patient careThe biggest challenges of Dave’s career – and what they taught himWork-life balance and the perspective that life’s toughest moments can bringWhy he reinvented himself as a speaker and comedianCurrent projects and what’s next for the future.This podcast is powered by Sensodyne.

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