Manrina's Mentorship Podcast

Manrina's Mentorship Podcast | Ep 15 | From Poland to Prosthodontics: Dr Agata’s Journey of Resilience and Excellence In this inspiring episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Dr Agata, a powerhouse dentist whose incredible work ethic, resilience, and pursuit of excellence has shaped her career and family life. From growing up under communism in Poland to building a successful dental practice in the UK while raising two children, Agata’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, skill, and mindful career growth. What You'll Discover: Resilience from Childhood: How growing up in 1970s Poland under a communist regime taught Agata to be resourceful, independent, and adaptable, and how these lessons still shape her mindset today. Navigating Education & Opportunity: Her journey through dental school in Poland, the challenges of limited specialisation opportunities, and how early international experiences, including fruit picking in the UK, built perspective and determination. Family as Motivation: The story of moving to the UK with her husband and young son, navigating language barriers, and ensuring her family thrived while pursuing their professional dreams. Becoming a Practice Owner: How Agata transitioned from private practice to buying her own dental practice in Torbay, the challenges of partnership, and her decision to embrace independence to grow her vision. The Power of Mentorship: Why joining Manrina’s mentorship program was a turning point in her career, providing guidance, community, and inspiration for clinical and business growth. Never Stop Learning: Despite her advanced career, Agata emphasises that it’s never too late to learn new skills, refine techniques, and seek out mentors who push you to the next level. Agata’s Advice for Dentists: Take your time to discover what you truly love in dentistry, don’t rush specialisation. Build a reputation in one place first; longevity and trust bring long-term success. Everything happens for a reason; patience and perspective are your allies in life and career. Whether you’re a newly qualified dentist, a practice owner, or someone looking to elevate your clinical skills while balancing family and life priorities, Agata’s journey offers proof that resilience, skill, and mentorship can create extraordinary results. Ready to take your practice and mindset to the next level? Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @‌drmr_academy!

In this heartwarming episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Dr Guto Griffiths, a Welsh-speaking dentist whose commitment to family, community, and work-life balance shaped his entire career. From growing up on the beautiful South Wales coast to building a thriving cosmetic practice whilst raising three young children, Guto's story proves that success doesn't require sacrificing what matters most. What You'll Discover: The Pull of Home: How growing up bilingual in a close-knit Welsh community and watching his GP father prioritise family shaped Guto's core values - and why he chose dentistry over medicine for better work-life balance at just 17. When Tragedy Creates Opportunity: How a mentor's unexpected death led to opening a single-surgery practice as a squat, building it from scratch into a thriving three-surgery clinic over eight years. The Visual Learning Revolution: Why Designing Smiles was a game-changer for this self-described visual learner - and how following the exact protocol transformed his practice into three-quarters cosmetic work. Overcoming Camera Shyness: His honest journey from reluctantly starting Instagram to batch-filming excellent content that brings in consistent cosmetic consultations - taking six months just to post that first piece of content. Time Blocking Mastery: How he schedules his diary down to the minute with specific cosmetic consultation slots, prep slots, and utilises therapists to offload general dentistry whilst working just four days a week. Guto's Direct Advice: Get experience after graduating, find out what you like and don't like in dentistry, then follow your passion and what feels right. Dentistry is a long career - if you do something you enjoy day to day, it doesn't become work. Whether you're struggling with work-life balance, wondering how to transition to cosmetic dentistry whilst maintaining family priorities, or looking for permission to choose the lifestyle you want, Guto's thoughtful journey offers proof that you can have both excellence and balance.

In this inspiring episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Dr Vicky Bu, DRMR's newest associate whose journey from China to London demonstrates the power of seizing opportunities and adapting fearlessly. From deciding at age 12 to become a dentist abroad to navigating motherhood whilst building her career, Vicky's story proves that being proactive creates possibilities. What You'll Discover: The Power of Clear Vision: How watching successful dentists in China at age 12 led Vicky to plan an international career - and why having mentors early shaped her entire trajectory. Adapting Through Change: Transferring from Leeds to King's, navigating COVID by taking an internship in Shanghai, and turning isolation into productive study time - Vicky's positive attitude transforms challenges into opportunities. Love and Life Changes: How meeting her husband led to marriage, pregnancy, and becoming a mother to seven-month-old Alex whilst managing major career decisions. The Business Pivot: Why she started a business before delivery but chose to pause it after becoming a mum - recognising that being a clinician, business owner, mother, and wife simultaneously is four full-time jobs. Future-Forward Thinking: Her exciting plans to pursue a PhD in anti-aging and longevity whilst raising seven-month-old Alex - bringing cutting-edge science to clinical practice. Vicky's Direct Advice: Be proactive - that's her advantage as a foreigner in the UK. You don't have as many opportunities compared to living in your own country, so you need to grab every opportunity yourself. Don't wait, don't overthink - just do it. Whether you're an international dentist navigating a new country, balancing motherhood with career ambitions, or wondering how to stand out in a competitive field, Vicky's journey offers inspiration on adaptability, focus, and the courage to seize every opportunity. 🎓 Ready to be more proactive in your career? 📩 Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @‌drmr_academy!

In this episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with the exceptional Dr Biraj Patel, an endodontist whose communication skills and patient care have set a new standard. From training in Texas to building a thriving London practice, Biraj's story reveals why technical excellence alone isn't enough - and how being genuinely interested in people transforms everything. What You'll Discover: The Communication Game-Changer: Why talking to patients during procedures and having broad interests in everything from finance to film creates exceptional patient experiences that keep them coming back. The American Training Advantage: How four and a half years in Texas taught him a completely different approach to pain management and patient communication that UK training doesn't cover. Building Without Chasing: Why working hard and providing exceptional care naturally builds your reputation - and why younger dentists rushing to the finish line are missing the point. The Referral Relationship: How treating every referring dentist as a team member and communicating before patients even leave the practice builds unshakeable professional relationships. Fatherhood's Purpose Shift: How having a son changed everything - from stepping back from international lecturing to re-evaluating what success really means. Biraj's Direct Advice: Work hard, build your reputation by providing excellent care, but don't chase money or status. Everything comes when you focus on doing good work. Dentistry isn't a race - it's a marathon. Enjoy the journey because there's always something new to learn. Whether you're building a referral base, wondering how to stand out in a competitive market, or simply want to become the clinician patients rave about, Biraj's approach to communication and patient care offers a masterclass in working smarter through genuine connection. 🎓 Ready to build your reputation through exceptional care? 📩 Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @drmr_academy!

In this compelling episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with the remarkable Dr Claire Nightingale, one of the UK's leading Invisalign orthodontists. From childhood extractions under gas to winning Best Practice in the UK, Claire's story demonstrates how unwavering vision, patience for the right opportunities, and embracing digital transformation can lead to extraordinary success. What You'll Discover: Finding Your Calling Early: How traumatic dental extractions under gas at age 10, followed by exemplary specialist care, led Claire to decide she'd become an orthodontist whilst still a teenager. Strategic Career Planning: Why she actively researched which jobs led to coveted training positions and wasn't afraid to create her own opportunities rather than waiting for them. The Partnership Journey: After instructing lawyers five times over several years for different partnership opportunities, why trusting your gut about the "right" practice is crucial - and how she finally found hers. Digital Transformation: How investing in an iTero scanner and dental monitoring just before the pandemic positioned her practice perfectly - leading to higher turnover with fewer appointments (her "Nirvana graph"). From Good to Award-Winning: Winning Best Practice UK in 2020, then Most Transformed Practice 18 months later by going from analogue to digital workflows. Claire's Direct Advice: Don't stay in situations that aren't serving you. Create your own opportunities rather than waiting for others to hand them to you. And remember - stress is detrimental to your physical health, so protect your wellbeing. Whether you're considering orthodontics, looking to transform your practice digitally, or wondering when to walk away from opportunities that don't feel right, Claire's thoughtful journey offers wisdom on patience, strategic planning, and knowing when to embrace change. 🎓 Ready to transform your practice and create your own opportunities? 📩 Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @‌drmr_academy!

In this energetic episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with the remarkable Dr Hatem Algraffee, a leading periodontist who's been her go-to specialist for 18 years. From entering dental school through clearing to becoming one of the first registered specialists in the UK, Hatem's story is about taking action, embracing new technology, and never waiting for opportunities to come to you. What You'll Discover: From Clearing to Excellence: How a challenging first year at dental school became the wake-up call that transformed his entire approach to learning and clinical work. Finding Your Surgical Path: Why choosing periodontics over maxillofacial surgery came down to lifestyle - the perfect blend of surgery without gruelling on-call schedules. The Course Pioneers: Building a dental education empire with his wife (also a periodontist!) - running courses the day after their wedding and now managing 40+ WhatsApp mentorship groups. Laser Revolution: From sceptic to carrying three lasers in his bag daily - how new wireless technology is transforming periodontal treatment and bone regeneration. The Mentorship Model: Offering lifelong support through WhatsApp groups with clear boundaries - no Friday nights, no patients in the chair. Hatem's Direct Advice: If you're frustrated as an associate - rent a room and do something. If you're unhappy - change it. Life is short, so get on with whatever you want to do. Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, curious about specialising, or wondering how to balance clinical excellence with education and family life, Hatem's beautifully blunt honesty offers the push you need to stop waiting and start doing. 🎓 Ready to stop waiting and start taking action on your career goals? 📩 Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @drmr_academy!

In this deeply moving episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Robbie Stewart, the youngest guest yet and a dental therapist on the DRMR team. His story transforms personal tragedy into a powerful reminder that life's too short for anything less than bold action. What You'll Discover: Finding Your Calling Early: How a friend's casual mention of dental hygiene led to work experience that changed everything - and why dental therapy is more competitive than dentistry to get into. The Power of Determination: Getting into Newcastle's exclusive 10-person cohort and how staying focused on your goals can overcome any obstacle. Adventure and Growth: Working as an oral health therapist in Australia with a wider scope of practice, and why international experience can accelerate your clinical development. The London Leap: Making the bold decision to leave everything familiar behind and start fresh in London, turning life changes into opportunities for growth. Professional Excellence: Why constantly seeking feedback and working as a team transforms your clinical practice and career trajectory. Robbie's journey from a creative teenager unsure about his path to a confident professional who lives by "grab life by the horns" offers profound insights about resilience, purpose, and making the most of every opportunity. Perfect for anyone early in their career, considering a major life change, or needing reminding that setbacks can become stepping stones to meaningful growth. 📩 Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @drmr_academy!

Manrina's Mentorship Podcast | Episode 8 | Making Your Comfort Zone Cry: Devisha's Bold Leap into Growth In this inspiring episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with the remarkable Dr Devisha Patel, who initially declined to be interviewed but proves that sometimes the best conversations come from those who push themselves beyond their comfort zones. Her story is a masterclass in persistence, family values, and the courage to keep growing. What You'll Discover: The Dentistry Love Affair: How Devisha's childhood obsession with dental visits - jealously watching her siblings get treatment whilst loving the blue lights and orange shields - sparked an unusual passion for the profession. Sweet Shop Success Formula: Growing up above her parents' newsagents, learning the entrepreneurial work ethic that led her to tackle six-day weeks straight out of foundation training without hesitation. University Reality Check: Why problem-based learning in first year caught her completely off guard, leading to repeating the year - and how this became her greatest lesson in resilience. The Mentor Hunt: How being dismissed as "too old for a mentor" only fuelled her determination to find the right guidance, ultimately leading her to transform her cosmetic dentistry approach. Community Over Competition: Why joining a mentorship group where everyone's "comfort zone cries" has been the game-changer in her professional development and personal growth. Devisha's journey from traditional NHS practice to private cosmetic dentistry, whilst planning her own clinic and navigating life's challenges, showcases the power of staying curious and never settling for "good enough." Perfect for dentists ready to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and discover why some of life's best opportunities come disguised as challenges. 🎓 Ready to embrace growth and find your tribe? 📩 Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @‌drmr_academy!

How a fractured tooth, Max Fax training, and family influence transformed a nervous dentist into Wales' most relaxed educator. From a baby in the waiting room to celebrated endodontics teacher, Dr John Barclay's journey shows how conquering self-doubt can lead to teaching excellence.In this episode, we explore: The fractured tooth moment: How a difficult extraction made John realise he needed more confidence Max Fax transformation: Why oral surgery training gave him the calm confidence he has today Family dental dynasty: Growing up in his parents' practice and inheriting their teaching passion From panic to "horizontal": His evolution from nervous VT to the teacher his nurses say couldn't be more relaxed Teaching as achievement: Why mentoring foundation dentists became more rewarding than any clinical work Key insight: John's greatest pride isn't his endodontic skills—it's hearing former students say "I missed being able to ask you questions." If you're struggling with confidence or wondering about the power of mentorship in dentistry, this episode shows how facing your fears can transform your entire career! 💡Want to join the DRMR Mentorship Programme and start your transformation? 📩 Email Laura, Academy Manager, at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram to learn more!

Reinvention and Resilience: Finding True Purpose In this episode, Dr Manrina Rhode speaks with Dr Ricky Ghataura about her remarkable journey of personal and professional reinvention. From navigating family tragedy and career detours to overcoming injury and rediscovering purpose during the COVID pandemic, Dr Ricky’s story highlights the power of resilience, adaptability, and inner growth. Highlights: Career Detour to Dentistry: A family loss altered her original medical plans, leading her to dentistry via biomedical sciences. Love and Life Decisions: Meeting her husband and knowing quickly he was “the one.” Early Career Challenges: Struggling with NHS constraints as a new graduate, sparking identity doubts. Motherhood: Taking significant career breaks to raise children, and embracing the journey without guilt. Pandemic Pivot: A job loss and injury during COVID led to discovering NLP and life coaching. Cultural Growth: Using NLP to break cultural patterns and raise her children with authenticity. Mentorship Impact: How the DRMR Mentorship Programme helped her grow clinically and personally. Blending Passions: Successfully combining aesthetic dentistry and coaching to create a fulfilling career path. Key Message: There’s no deadline for discovering your passion. Your path may not be linear, but every step can lead you closer to your true purpose. Want to explore your own path? Contact [email protected] or DM @‌drmr_academy on Instagram to learn more about the DRMR Mentorship Programme.

From Bulgaria to the UK: Dr Teo's Inspiring Dental Journey In Episode 5 of Manrina’s Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with the incredible Dr Teodora Todorova, affectionately known as Dr Teo. From growing up in Bulgaria to rebuilding her life and career in the UK, Dr Teo opens up about the courage, resilience, and passion it took to create a thriving dental career in a brand new country. She shares her journey from dental school to becoming a private dentist, her deep love for dentistry, and how she’s transformed her confidence, in the clinic and beyond. They talk mentorship, life challenges and lessons, NHS to private dentistry, and learning to embrace change -  with digital dentistry now at the heart of Dr Teo’s exciting new role. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, feared change, or needed a reminder that your dreams are still possible, this is the episode for you. Want to join a community of driven, supportive, like-minded professionals? Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @drmr_academy to learn more!

What does it take to go from NHS dentistry to thriving in private practice AND building a viral online personal brand? Dr Pavi Sagoo shares her journey—from moving to the UK and finding confidence in cosmetic dentistry to growing her online presence and hitting 3.6 million views on TikTok! In this episode, we discuss: How Dr Pavi transitioned from NHS to private practice The impact of mentorship in building confidence & clinical skills How one TikTok video went VIRAL —3.6M views & counting! Why building a personal brand & online presence is a game-changer in dentistry Her best advice for dentists looking to stand out, grow, and believe in themselves If you're looking to elevate your career, attract high-value patients, and build confidence in private dentistry, this episode is for you! Want to join the DRMR Mentorship Programme and start your transformation? Email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram to learn more!

From Berlin to London: Ariane's Inspiring Story In this episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, we sit down with Ulrike Ariane, a Berlin-based dentist and practice owner, who shares her incredible journey of resilience, balance, and success. What You'll Learn: How Ariane balanced dental school while raising a baby. The pivotal moments that shaped her career, including setting up her own clinic. Why she decided to explore cosmetic dentistry after years of general practice. The value of international learning and how it transformed her approach to dentistry. The importance of discipline, curiosity, and work-life balance for career success. Ariane opens up about: Turning challenges into growth opportunities. Her personal and professional transformation after attending Dr Manrina Rhode's courses. Why being part of the DRMR Mentorship Program has been a game-changer for her mindset and career. Whether you’re a dentist, aspiring clinic owner, or simply seeking inspiration, Ariane’s story will leave you motivated to chase your dreams and embrace every challenge along the way. Tune in now to hear Ariane's advice for staying disciplined, embracing curiosity, and achieving success in both life and dentistry.

Welcome to the second episode of the Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, where I’m joined by the inspiring Dr. Savan Shah. In this episode, we dive into Sav’s fascinating journey, from growing up in Kenya to becoming a succesful cosmetic dentist in England. Together, we explore: Sav's Career Transformation: How one conversation led him to choose dentistry over medicine and how his bold choices shaped his career. Navigating Dentistry in the UK as a Non-EU Citizen: The challenges Sav faced and the resilience it took to thrive. Making Cosmetic Dentistry a Passion: From his early days in NHS practice to mastering veneers and joining Manrina’s veneer course, Sav shares how upskilling transformed his practice. Renting Dental Rooms: The flexibility of renting spaces like UNTIL and building a thriving business model with minimal overheads. Personal Milestones: Sav shares personal highlights, including his romantic proposal in Turks and Caicos and balancing life with his equally accomplished fiancée. The Importance of Mentorship: Why mentors inside and outside of dentistry have been critical to his success and personal growth. 💡 Sav’s advice for a balanced and fulfilling career: Build a life you love, embrace mentorship, and never stop learning. This episode is packed with inspiration, personal stories, and insights into building a rewarding dental career. 📍 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or watch on You Tube to learn how Sav’s bold decisions and dedication have paved the way for his success, both professionally and personally.

Kirsty shares her non-traditional route into dentistry, which began later in life after a career in dietetics. Her passion for oral health and aesthetics led her to make the switch, and now she’s thriving in cosmetic dentistry. In this episode, we explore: The important connections between oral health, nutrition, and weight, and how these impact both health and appearance. Kirsty’s experience on my Designing Smiles Veneer Course, where she sharpened her skills in cosmetic dentistry, and how the mentorship programme has helped her grow. A deep dive into nutrition, the dangers of processed foods, and how poor diet contributes to obesity and overall health concerns. The benefits of exercise for mental health and wellbeing, especially for busy professionals like dentists. Why having a mentor in dentistry can help you improve on the things you’re already passionate about and support you as you grow. If you're interested in dentistry, nutrition, or the importance of mindset in professional development, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss. Listen now to the very first episode of the Manrina's Mentorship Podcast and get ready for an exciting journey ahead!