The Young Dentist

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.comInstagram: @crystalmarrugantiLinkedIn: Dr. Crystal Marruganti

If you’ve ever scrolled through dental Instagram, you’ve definitely seen his work. Today we’re joined by Dr. George Cheetham- better known to over 44,000 followers as George The Dentist. He is the real deal. A three-time Best Young Dentist award winner who graduated with distinction, trained in Biomimetic dentistry, and won the prestigious Pitt Ford Prize in Endodontics. But his business journey is even more impressive. At just 28, he took over a struggling practice in Wimbledon and transformed it into a multi-disciplinary powerhouse. Then, right in the middle of a pandemic, he opened Fulham Road Dental from scratch- a boutique squat practice that scooped Best New Private Practice only months after opening. But what makes George truly special is his role as a mentor. He has cracked the code on how to stand out and become one of the most sought-after principals to work under in the UK. Today we discuss his journey from dental school to building multiple practices, what he actually looks for when hiring associates, how to make yourself irresistible to top private principals, and the strategies to fast-track your career in those crucial early years. This is essential listening for anyone looking to excel in private dentistry- let’s get into it!https://www.henryschein.co.uk/

What exactly does it take to be the Dentist in charge of NHS Dentistry in England? Well, in today’s episode, we dive into the journey behind Jason Wong’s rise to CDO.Be prepared for a candid discussion about the inequalities in oral health, the university admissions process and how public health decisions can impact entire populations. We also get a look into how the government makes decisions on dental policies.Read in between the lines for exclusive insights into the way the leader of NHS dentistry thinks and how it will affect our careers and patients. We’ll also dive into what the future of Dentistry in the NHS may look like. As the last episode of Season 2, this one is special. One of the most important discussions we have had on the podcast so far.https://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/https://www.dentally.com/en-gb/

She graduated from Manchester in 2017. Since then, Dr. Simran Bains has won Best Young Dentist twice in 2024, again in 2025, and landed on Dentistry's Top 50 three years running. But rewind to her DCT year, a Maxfax post left her drained and ready to quit surgery completely.Then, she volunteered for night shifts, shadowed every case, and reignited the spark. She's since worked in four practices at once, earned the MDFS qualification plus two postgraduate diplomas, and now chairs the Young Membership Committee at the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Today, we unpack her DCT journey, Maxfax lessons, and how stacking varied experience early can set you up for success. This is not one to miss.https://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/https://www.dentally.com/en-gb/

Marketing expert, award winning author, philanthropist- what hasn’t he done? Today we’ve got Shaz Memon on the show, the go-to guy for everything branding related in dentistry. From starting Digimax dental in his parents’ garage to building it into the highest rated dental marketing agency worldwide, writing the hit book Instagram For Dentists, getting featured in Forbes and lastly starting the incredible Wells on Wheels charity - we’ll cover all of this and more in today’s episode.Stay tuned for actionable tips and nuggets of gold from the branding expert himself. Let’s get into it!https://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/https://www.dentally.com/en-gb/

An artist, an innovator with a flare for theatrics, and a disruptor in the best way possible. That’s Dr. Mehy Lo Presti, one of the most interesting dentists you’ll meet.Graduating from Madrid and later King’s College London, Mehy specialises in restorative and full mouth rehabilitation dentistry- emphasising the importance of a holistic approach to dentistry, clinically and non-clinically.Today we discuss his story: How the Palestinian-Italian boy from Spain who never quite fit in, is now paving the way for dental professionals to be able to discuss difficult topics in a safe environment- merging debates about professionalism, mental health and CPD with theatrical performances and comedy through The Global Dental Collective.https://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/https://www.dentally.com/en-gb/

Our special guest is the definition of empowerment. Today we are joined by none other than Dr. Devinia Coco. Graduating at Barts’ London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Devinia has delved into every corner dentistry can offer.From specialising in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry, to inspiring dental students and professionals across the board with her motivational speaking, Devinia has grasped the concept of being multi-diverse and has just kept going. From owning practises to becoming a Zumba instructor, Devinia has yet to limit herself in the broad spectrum that she calls life and has embodied the concept of continuous learning and development by recently achieving her advanced postgraduate diploma in clear aligner therapy and aligner mastery. We are so honoured to be interviewing Devinia today and being able to dive deeply into her interesting story.And therefore, without further ado, I present to you this episode.https://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/https://www.dentally.com/en-gb/

Wow, this was a special episode. We’re joined by Dr. Riaz Sharif, an amazing dentist who had a rollercoaster of a journey, fighting tooth and nail to overcome adversities to become the person he is today. A story of resilience, persistence and proof that your situation doesn’t dictate your future.Growing up as an orphan and falling into the wrong crowd, Riaz decided to make a radical change and pursue dentistry abroad. His journey was long, spending 12 years in university before finally qualifying as a dentist in the UK. Now, he’s a finalist in the Private Dentistry Awards and is fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a private dentist.There are lessons for everyone to take from Riaz’s story, without further ado let’s dive into the episode.https://www.uk.elsevierhealth.com/a-clinical-guide-to-advanced-minimum-intervention-restorative-dentistry-9780443109713.htmlhttps://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/https://www.dentally.com/en-gb/

Today’s guest is the dream associate, someone everyone wants to be after dental school. Dr. Ameen Furat, alongside being one of the nicest guys you’ll meet, managed to land jobs at the best private dental clinics across the UK, working with the likes of George The Dentist and other top clinicians, only a few years after he graduated. Absolutely insane!From the renowned Fulham Road Dental to the famous Harley Street, he’s reached amazing heights in such a short time and he’s here to tell us exactly how he did it, and how you can do the same. If you’re a young associate, FD or dental student, you can’t miss this one.From becoming clinically competent, building a portfolio that stands out, learning the soft skills and how to actually land the best private jobs, this episode is a masterclass in becoming a super associate. Tips, tricks and mistakes to avoid, this episode has them all. Let’s get right into it!https://www.uk.elsevierhealth.com/a-clinical-guide-to-advanced-minimum-intervention-restorative-dentistry-9780443109713.htmlhttps://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/https://www.dentally.com/en-gb/

Dr. Rana Al-Falaki is a multi-talented clinician, best selling author, international speaker and highly accredited leadership coach. Yep, she’s the real deal!An award-winning periodontist of over 20+ years, she’s no stranger to clinical excellence- she was a global pioneer of periodontal lasers, and was the first to integrate them into routine treatment in the UK.Behind the accolades and awards lies someone truly dedicated to making positive impact on others. Founder of MedDent Leadership & Wellbeing Academy, creator of the NAIL-IT Leadership System and co-founder of the groundbreaking national wellbeing platform for dentistry, Rana’s dedication to developing the unspoken parts of life as a dental professional is incredible, coaching top professionals to achieve Optimal Performance.Get ready for an episode that’ll make you question the way you work and live completely! Let’s get into it.https://www.meddent.co.uk

Today’s guest Tom Mundy is the real deal. If you’re a student you’ve probably heard of the company he founded right after graduating: Goodlord. They now process over 1 billion pounds in rent payments each year for over a million landlords and tenants, with many of their users being students! After exiting the company for a nice check, he moved into the dental industry and now helps run AI-powered dental software brand Dentally: one of our amazing sponsors! But his journey wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows - from market-stalls at 15, to running a fudge empire while at uni, and a few flopped businesses later, he learnt the skills to eventually scale Goodlord to where it is today. Skills he’s going to teach us in today’s episode.Stay tuned for a masterclass on the business skills you need to do well in dentistry, or any industry for that matter.https://www.uk.elsevierhealth.com/a-clinical-guide-to-advanced-minimum-intervention-restorative-dentistry-9780443109713.htmlhttps://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk

Today we’re joined by a titan in dentistry: a highly-accomplished dentist and scientist by the name of Professor Avijit Banerjee - the godfather of minimally invasive dentistry.With an unmatched list of accolades and and achievements, including the John Tomes Medal and the William H. Bowen Caries Research Distinguished Scientist Award, Professor Banerjee has dedicated his life to scientific research and and clinical impact. Currently the Professor of Cariology and Operative Dentistry at King’s College London, he’s authored over 175 peer-reviewed papers, five internationally acclaimed textbooks, and is the editor-in-chief of the BDJ portfolio.If academic excellence was a person, it would be The Prof.Today we discuss his own student journey, how dentistry has changed - and how it hasn’t - in the last three decades, and his advice for young dentists from years of mentoring students through their journey to competency. Finally we touch on minimally invasive dentistry: what it is, why it’s important, and The Prof’s most recent curriculum textbook “A Clinical Guide to Advanced Minimum Intervention Restorative Dentistry”, the successor to the acclaimed “Pickard’s Guide…”A goldmine of value - not one to miss.https://www.uk.elsevierhealth.com/a-clinical-guide-to-advanced-minimum-intervention-restorative-dentistry-9780443109713.html

Today’s episode can be summed up in one word: enlightening. We’re joined by Ezgi Demir, Business Leader of the Year Finalist, Marketing leader for Solventum and Board Member of The Female Dentist. Her experience in the business of dentistry is difficult to top.But if you thought this was another episode about business, you’re wrong; We’ll dive into mindfulness, Ezgi’s spiritual re-discovery, auditing your inner self, and how this all relates to your life as dentist, and beyond.Let the journey begin.

Wow, this was an amazing epiode. We’re joined by Dr. Chinwe, a much-loved dentist based in London whose inspiring story has touched the hearts many students and dentists. From studying dental hygiene in Italy, to starting anew in London, studying Dentistry at King’s College London whilst struggling to make ends meet, this is a story of resilience, positivity and faith.Dr. Chinwe talks about her top tips for students and young dentists, including how to excel early.Not one to miss.Download The Colgate StuDENT App Today!

Now today’s guest Andy Acton, aka the dental broker, is a Director of Frank Taylor & Associates, a company that helps dentists buy and sell practices. Alongside being the nicest guy in dentistry, he’s helped facilitate over £2.5 billion of practice sales, and is the go-to guy for everything dental practice and business related.We dive into what it takes to buy and run your own practice, financing options, tips for first-time principals, business skills and much more.Stay tuned.

In this episode we dive into the story of Dr. Amit Patel. He’s a specialist periodontist - one of the most accomplished in the country - and is the ex-president of the Association of Dental Implantology. Highly regarded for his incredible portfolio of cases, he’s lectured on the world stage many times.However, he was also once a failing student who barely got into dental school and even failed his degree the first time around. Today he shares his honest thoughts on becoming clinically competent, his advice to young clinicians, and the reality of clinical practice. Pure, unfiltered truths gained from decades of experience.Not one to miss...

Today’s guest, Joe Lovett is a familiar face to many in dentistry. He’s one of the most well known, loved people in the industry- and for good reason, he’s devoted to helping as many young professionals and students position themselves for success within the industry and he’s here to help you fast track your future. From Director at FMC, the company behind dentistry.co.uk, to being a judge at the private dentistry awards, to starting his own company, Catalyst Sales & Marketing, Joe has built an absolutely massive network. Now, he’s here to share the secrets about networking, getting your name out there, and accessing commercial opportunities as a Young dentist or student.

This episode is about to completely shatter your perspective on what it means to succeed as a young dentist, and what it actually takes to “make it”.Now, Sorabh is an extremely accomplished dentist, he’s won multiple awards and owns practices in London. He mentors young dentists who look up to him, and rightly so- he’s knows exactly what it takes, both clinically and non-clinically, to be a good dentist.But to get to this point, he’s had to brave the dark-side of dentistry, learning many painful lessons and truths the hard way- lessons here’s here to share with us now. Nothing is off the table. You’re getting the unfiltered and brutal truths on how to survive and grow as a young dentist.

Hossein (AKA 'Studyplate') is a 4th year dental student and content creator. He’s built a following of over 60k followers, 100M views and 7 million likes on TikTok whilst studying dentistry and more. When it comes to social media, building a massive community or following, and actually getting paid to make social media content- he’s the expert and he’s here to show you how to do the same.However, it definitely wasn’t easy- and we're going to cover all of this including the challenges of dental student life, finding a balance and much much more, so make sure you stick around!

Building a start-up, in your first year after graduating dental school is insane. Building it up to a valuation of £1M whilst still practicing dentistry, is even crazier. And that’s exactly what Faris, our guest for today, did. A big question we had was, what does it take in the years prior to build the skills in order to do what Faris did- which we’ll uncover by diving into Faris’ story: How did a dental-student-youtuber turned co-founder brave the real world of dentistry and achieve such heights at such a young age, and how can you do the same?