The Young Dentist
Afeef Hadi, Faheem Mohammed 30 episodes Nov 9, 2026
The Young Dentist is an educational podcast that aims to build bridges between industry leaders and young dentists. It provides a platform for dentists to learn how to excel in their careers and in all aspects of their lives. Through conversations and insights, it supports the next generation of dental professionals.
Episodes
Justin Leigh: “Sales Isn’t Pushy.” - INSPIRE Framework, Handling Objections & Patient Psychology
Sales in dentistry isn't about convincing patients to buy treatment - it's about understanding what matters to them, building trust and helping them make informed decisions. But how do you have those conversations with confidence, without feeling like you're selling?In this episode, we're joined by Justin Leigh: bestselling author of Inspire, Influence, Sell, founder of Focus4growth and sales tra
Dr. Shivana Anand: How to Smash the SJT, Specialising as a Woman and Finding Your Passion
Dr Shivana Anand is a prosthodontic specialist and co-founder of Dental Training Consultants, which has helped over 11,000 students prepare for dental foundation and core training.But behind her career is a journey of navigating the challenges of university, specialist training and finding her place in dentistry, all while learning to balance clinical practice with life outside the surgery.In thi
Dr. Yewande Oduwol: Best Young Dentist, Building Trust and the Do’s and Dont’s of Social Media
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
Dr. Chris Jordan: Let’s Get Things Straight (Early!) - The Truth About Doing Ortho Sooner
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 ab
Dr. Mervyn Druian: He Still Preps Crowns in His 80s…
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
Dr. Payman Sobhani's Journey - "We're All On the Same Train. Just at Different Stops"
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 t
Dr Nicola Gore: From Failed Exams to University Lecturer
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
Dr. Reena Wadia: The Periodontist Proving Dentists Can Save Lives…
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
Escape the 'Green Mile': Cat Edney on Revolutionizing Therapy-Led Practice
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 sel
Dr. Anil Shrestha: "The Sultan of Brunei." From Nepal to Treating Royalty...
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 ad
Dr. Nik Sethi: Becoming a Top 1% General Dentist
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 mento
George Vernon: The Caffeine-Fueled Clinician: Blueprint for Longevity
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 strateg
Dr. Mikhil Amin: The Youngest NHS Practice Owner: Failing Exams to Buying a Practice at 27
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
Dr. Ash Parmar the Dentist to Dentists: Mentorship, Mindset, and Managing Burnout
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 respe
Dr. Elena Shahir: 24-Hour MaxFax Shifts to Harley Street
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
Dr. Dhru Shah: Pizza Scraps to a Dental Empire
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 left
Dr. Crystal Marruganti: The Science of Growth - PhD in Perio, Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe, MBA...
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
Dr. George Cheetham: How To Get Hired By The UK’s Top Private Principals…
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 i
Dr. Jason Wong: Chief Dental Officer for NHS England - His Journey, NHS Dentistry & Public Health
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
Dr. Simran Bains: Award-Winning Young Dentist - “I Hated it, Until…”, Truth About DCT & MaxFax
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 prac
Shaz Memon: The Dental Branding Expert - Growing Your Brand, Marketing Yourself, Best Tips
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 in
Dr. Mehy Lo Presti: Using Theatre To Create Change in Dentistry
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 w
Dentistry & Zumba: Becoming a Well-Rounded Dentist
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 t
Dr. Riaz Sharif: Orphan to Cosmetic Dentist - 12 Years of Resilience, Mental Health & Patience
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 pu
Dr. Ameen Furat: Dental School to Harley Street - Landing Private Jobs, Building Your Portfolio, Refining Clinical Skills
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 fa
Dr. Rana Al-Falaki: Unlocking Optimal Performance - Award-Winning Laser Surgeon & Leadership Coach
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 li
Tom Mundy: Selling Fudge to Building £50M+ Company After Uni
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
Prof. Avijit Banerjee: A Message For Young Dentists - 40 Years & 175+ Papers Later…
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 resear
Ezgi Demir: Mindfulness & Dentistry - How Awareness Can Salvage Your Success
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, audit
Dr. Chinwe Akuonu: From Zero to Award-Winning Dentist - Growth, Resilience & Self-Care
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 to
Andy Acton: The Dental Broker - Buying a Practice, Common Mistakes & Business Skills
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, financ
Amit Patel: Failing Student To World-Class Specialist - Harsh Truths of Clinical Dentistry
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
Joe Lovett: Dental Industry Secrets - Building A Personal Brand, Networking & Marketing
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
Sorabh Patel: Life As A Young Dentist - The Harsh Reality, Imposter Syndrome & Success
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 d
Hossein Fateh: 100M Views Later – What I Learned About Social Media & Dentistry
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.H
Faris Elsayad: Surviving Foundation Year & Building a £1M Start-Up – Life After Dental School
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
