Hap Gill takes us on a fascinating journey from his early days "bashing the Nash" to becoming a pioneer in comprehensive dentistry and communication. 

With characteristic honesty, he shares how a transformative experience at the Pankey Institute opened his eyes to occlusion and patient care, whilst his unexpected background as a dating coach revolutionised his approach to patient communication.

From team management crises to clinical breakthroughs, Hap reveals the mindset shifts that transformed both his practice and his patients' lives, proving that being brave enough to step outside your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary results.

In This Episode

00:01:45 - Early career struggles and "bashing the Nash"

00:05:00 - Discovery of the Pankey Institute

00:07:00 - First day revelation: "Design your ideal day"

00:08:40 - Born brave or shaped by upbringing?

00:09:20 - Growing up in Hounslow with teacher father

00:11:45 - Privilege and parenting perspectives

00:17:40 - Career advice: Communication trumps clinical skills

00:23:25 - Dating coach secrets applied to dentistry

00:34:35 - Team management crisis: Three resignations in one week

00:40:30 - Blackbox thinking

00:49:45 - Clinical stories and treatment philosophy

00:57:20 - Occlusion aha moments: Anterior guidance revelation

01:06:25 - Biggest case: RTA patient reconstruction

01:11:05 - Best lecture ever

01:16:25 - Fantasy dinner party

01:21:40 - Last days and legacy

About Hap Gill

Hap Gill qualified as a dentist in 1991 and spent his early years working in NHS practice before discovering comprehensive dentistry through the Pankey Institute. Based in Richmond, he runs a private practice focused on restorative dentistry, occlusion, and exceptional patient communication. Known for his innovative approach to treatment planning and team management, Hap combines clinical excellence with business acumen, drawing from diverse experiences including an unexpected stint as a dating coach.

Mahmoud Ibrahim, known as the "Occlusion Ninja," transforms the complex world of occlusion into practical, everyday dentistry wisdom. 

From nearly abandoning his dental career to becoming one of the UK's most sought-after occlusion educators, Mahmoud shares his journey of obsessive learning and the simple truth that changed everything: occlusion is just force management. 

He reveals common mistakes that plague restorative work, explains why your composite veneers might be chipping, and discusses his partnership with Jaz Gulati in revolutionising dental education. 

This conversation blends technical excellence with honest reflections on clinical errors, the pursuit of perfection, and finding meaning in both success and failure.

In This Episode

00:02:15 - Force management fundamentals

00:08:25 - Bruxism

00:18:20 - Restorations

00:27:25 - Last tooth syndrome

00:32:05 - Basic occlusal examination

00:35:15 - Lab communication secrets

00:42:20 - Awakenings, revelations, obsessions

00:49:20 - Mentors and Jaz

01:16:40 - Course development

01:32:35 - Blackbox thinking

01:38:55 - Ethics and motivation

01:42:00 - Inspirational lectures, courses and papers

01:51:05 - Fantasy dinner party

01:54:40 - Last days and legacy

About Mahmoud Ibrahim

Mahmoud Ibrahim is a general dentist and renowned occlusion educator, widely known as the "Occlusion Ninja" from his collaborations with Jaz Gulati. Based in Birmingham, he's transformed from someone who initially wanted to escape dentistry into one of the UK's most respected voices in occlusal education. He co-created the popular OB (Occlusion Basics) course and runs the Bulletproof and Unshakeable live courses, focusing on making complex occlusal principles accessible for everyday dental practice.

In this powerful episode of the Dental Leaders Podcast, Prav sits down with Kiran Malviya, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Straumann Group EMEA.

Kiran’s story is one of quiet defiance, cultural grace, and relentless ambition.

From a traditional Indian upbringing in Nagpur to global leadership at Philips and now Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Straumann Group EMEA, Kiran has walked a path few would dare to take.

In this deeply personal episode of the Dental Leaders Podcast, Kiran shares how she navigated an arranged marriage, strict family expectations, and the joint family system - not by fighting back, but by playing the long game with dignity and respect, guided by the strong values instilled in her by her parents.

We explore how she built a thriving dental practice, pursued a full-time MBA with a 7-year-old at home, and entered the corporate world with no prior experience - ultimately landing in high-impact leadership roles on the global stage.

She opens up about love, motherhood, leadership, ambition, and the deep meaning behind her tattoos.

A raw, thoughtful, and truly original conversation.

In This Episode

00:00:05 - Potential vs performance

00:05:25 - Childhood in Nagpur, India

00:08:25 - Traditional Indian upbringing and gender roles

00:11:05 - Early rebellion and feminist poetry

00:16:20 - Arranged marriage system in India

00:18:55 - Reverse engineering her marriage proposal

00:21:45 - Philosophy on love and marriage

00:24:00 - Dental school admission in India

00:27:20 - Joint family dynamics and restrictions on working

00:33:15 - Strategic navigation of family expectations

00:36:05 - Financial challenges and seven-year plan

00:39:10 - Decision to pursue MBA

00:42:30 - Meeting her mentor at Philips

00:44:25 - MBA experience and personality transformation

00:48:35 - Move to Delhi and Phillips career

00:51:00 - Learning sales and finding her niche

00:57:45 - Leadership philosophy and authenticity

01:08:25 - Cultural differences between Philips and Straumann

01:13:25 - Player learner culture at Straumann

01:15:20 - Work-life balance and working patterns

01:18:10 - Challenges of being a woman leader

01:22:55 - Future career aspirations

01:26:55 - Transition from Philips to Straumann

01:28:10 - Advice to younger self

01:28:35 - The tattoo stories

01:32:50 - Current living arrangement with husband

01:39:15 - Definition of success

01:45:15 - Last days and legacy

01:47:35 - Fantasy dinner party

About Kiran Malviya

Kiran Malviya is Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Straumann Group EMEA, where she is known for her decisive leadership, empathy, and ability to inspire cross-functional teams.

She spent over a decade at Philips, leading across sales, marketing, and business development, with a strong focus on global key accounts and digital transformation.

Originally trained as a dentist in India, she transitioned into the corporate world after earning her MBA from the Indian School of Business, and now leads with a powerful blend of strategy, heart, and authenticity.

Chris O'Connor opens up about his journey from academic burnout to building Incidental, sharing hard-won insights about workaholic tendencies, clinical mastery, and the realities of running a dental supply business. 

This episode explores the darker side of perfectionism, the complexity of clinical decision-making, and how childhood experiences shape professional drive. O'Connor discusses everything from innovative matrixing techniques to the emotional toll of litigation, offering a brutally honest perspective on modern dentistry practice.

In This Episode

00:01:00 - Newcastle move

00:01:45 - PhD research

00:03:00 - Clinical trials

00:11:15 - Career transition

00:15:10 - Workaholic tendencies

00:16:45 - Family background

00:21:25 - Workflow obsession

00:24:30 - Russian sanctions

00:26:30 - Founding Incidental

00:31:05 - Clinical weaknesses

00:36:25 - Patient experience

00:42:35 - Customer relationships

00:47:05 - Marketing approach

00:54:10 - Teaching philosophy

00:57:10 - Product development

01:02:30 - Regulatory challenges

01:04:20 - Parenting struggles

01:07:15 - Rubber dam techniques

01:12:35 - Matrix systems

01:19:50 - Blackbox thinking

01:25:25 - Complex cases

01:32:35 - Pricing structure

01:42:35 - Best lecture

01:46:50 - Future aspirations

01:48:15 - Fantasy dinner party

01:50:25 - Last days and legacy

About Chris O'Connor

Chris O'Connor is a dentist, dental supplier, and product developer based in Newcastle. He co-founded Incidental, a dental supply company known for innovative matrixing solutions and educational courses. A former clinical academic, Chris spent eight years at Newcastle Dental Hospital conducting research and teaching before transitioning to practice and business.

Prav returns to host this deeply personal conversation with Rob van Geffen, Chief Marketing Officer at Straumann, who shares his extraordinary journey from a carefree childhood in the Netherlands to leading one of dentistry's most influential organisations.

In this deeply personal conversation, Rob explores how energy shapes every interaction, why vulnerability became his greatest leadership strength, and how a men's group 19 years ago transformed his approach to fatherhood and business. 

He reveals the challenges of letting go, both as a parent and leader whilst maintaining the authentic connections that drive Straumann's family culture. This isn't just a story about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about discovering that true leadership starts with understanding yourself.

In This Episode

00:00:05 - Children as mirrors of our bright and dark sides

 00:06:10 - Father's death and the gift of presence

 00:09:00 - Father Fire: men's emotional development

 00:13:45 - Everything is energy philosophy

 00:19:10 - Leading through energy and memorable experiences

 00:26:25 - Vulnerability as leadership strength

 00:28:15 - Letting go of sons

 00:38:10 - Career journey from trenches to boardroom

 00:55:05 - Blackbox thinking

 01:01:35 - Joining the Straumann family

 01:28:20 - Culture as competitive advantage

 01:33:40 - Play learner philosophy

 01:35:40 - Physical fitness and morning routines

 01:44:00 - Last days and legacy

 01:51:45 - Fantasy dinner party

About Robert van Geffen

Robert van Geffen is the Chief Marketing Officer at Straumann, where he leads a global marketing and commercial excellence team of more than 100 people. Together, they animate the heartbeat of the customer journey and create smiles and confidence for millions of customers worldwide.

A proud father of three sons, Rob combines sharp business acumen with a deep belief in emotional and energetic intelligence. His leadership is rooted in authenticity and guided by heart-led values that bring out the best in people and performance alike.

Kiran Shankla's journey reveals the transformative power of persistence paired with strategic self-reflection. 

From a sports-loving teenager who initially resisted academic pressure to a multi-award-winning dentist specialising in minimally invasive techniques, her story demonstrates that success often comes through consistent effort rather than natural talent. 

Through setbacks in Australia, rigorous postgraduate training at the Eastman, and building expertise in ICON treatment, Kiran shows how embracing continuous learning and maintaining perspective can lead to both professional achievement and personal contentment. 

Her approach to balancing clinical excellence with work-life harmony offers valuable insights for dentists navigating their own career paths.

In This Episode

00:01:25 - Awards motivation and tactics

00:07:40 - Award application strategies

00:11:30 - Childhood ambition and sporting background

00:14:25 - Grammar school decisions and academic awakening

00:16:35 - Career-defining phone call about dentistry

00:18:10 - University challenges and determination

00:21:45 - Foundation training in Slough

00:26:25 - Australia adventure and reality check

00:31:05 - Eastman Masters journey

00:38:10 - Patient communication and treatment planning

00:42:15 - Key opinion leader opportunities

00:50:40 - Continuing education philosophy

00:55:20 - ICON treatment expertise

01:07:00 - Blackbox thinking

01:16:35 - Fantasy dinner party

01:18:30 - Last days and legacy

About Kiran Shankla

Kiran Shankla is a multi-award-winning general dentist with a Masters in Restorative Dentistry from UCL Eastman. Based in Reading, she works across multiple practices focusing on minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She serves as a Key Opinion Leader for DMG and SDI, with a focus on ICON infiltration therapy and teaching dentists across the UK whilst maintaining a commitment to high-quality patient care.

Mahsa Balaie embodies the truth that sometimes life's biggest detours lead to its greatest destinations. From engineering to Spain, from associate to practice owner, her journey reveals the power of diving in completely when opportunities arise. 

Through personal struggles, professional challenges, and the complexities of balancing motherhood with business ownership, Mahsa demonstrates that success isn't about avoiding difficulties—it's about swimming through them with determination. 

Her story resonates with anyone juggling multiple life transitions whilst building something meaningful, proving that the most common stories in dentistry are often the most inspiring ones.

In This Episode

00:02:15 - Half marathon metaphor and life philosophy

00:04:30 - Fitness transformation journey

00:08:20 - Health wake-up call and surgery

00:13:30 - All-in personality and engineering background

00:16:35 - Mental health struggles and Spain escape

00:19:35 - Learning Spanish and dental assisting

00:22:30 - Materials engineering experience

00:26:25 - University pathway and parental guidance

00:29:15 - Valencia dental school experience

00:34:45 - Spain versus UK dentistry comparison

00:38:10 - Clinical development and treatment philosophy

00:43:35 - Meeting husband and family planning

00:48:10 - Practice acquisition and patient communication

00:50:05 - Business ownership challenges

00:53:25 - Maternity leave difficulties and staff management

00:58:10 - Hiring and firing experiences

01:06:30 - Team building and staff incentives

01:13:45 - Blackbox thinking

01:24:25 - Fantasy dinner party

01:26:45 - Last days and legacy

About Mahsa Balaie

Mahsa Balaie is a general dentist and practice owner in Tunbridge Wells. After completing a dental materials engineering degree, she studied dentistry at the University of Valencia, working as a dental assistant whilst learning Spanish. Following five years as an associate in Portsmouth, she purchased her current practice, where she focuses on aesthetic dentistry whilst balancing the demands of motherhood and business ownership.

Doctor Solmaz Samae embodies the power of authenticity in dentistry—someone who speaks her truth with refreshing honesty. From building a successful business empire in Iran to studying dentistry in Latvia at 30, her unconventional journey reveals what happens when passion meets persistence. 

Now practising across multiple settings whilst building a thriving YouTube presence, Solmaz demonstrates that happiness in dentistry comes from genuinely caring about the patient experience. 

Her candid reflections on everything from charity work motivations to the challenges of mixed NHS-private practice offer valuable insights for dentists navigating their own paths to contentment and success.

In This Episode

00:01:40 - Current life satisfaction

00:02:40 - Six-pack goal and fitness routine

00:05:35 - Working across multiple practices

00:10:40 - Corporate versus independent experiences

00:16:05 - Communication versus clinical skills

00:20:15 - YouTube content creation journey

00:23:25 - Persian content and safety concerns

00:28:15 - Facial aesthetics expertise

00:31:05 - Hair loss treatments and personal experience

00:34:50 - Treatment philosophy and patient selection

00:40:45 - Blackbox thinking

00:46:35 - Turbulent journey to dentistry

00:53:50 - Business ventures in Iran

00:55:45 - Studying dentistry in Latvia

01:00:30 - Advantages and challenges of studying abroad

01:11:00 - Vision for dream practice

01:16:25 - Charity work in refugee camps

01:22:25 - Fantasy dinner party

01:24:30 - Last days and legacy

About Solmaz Samae

Doctor Solmaz Samae is an aesthetic dentist and facial aesthetics practitioner working across multiple practices in London. After building successful businesses in Iran, she pursued dentistry at RSU in Latvia, graduating in 2018. She combines clinical practice with content creation through her Persian YouTube channel and runs a facial aesthetics clinic on Harley Street with her sisters.

This compelling episode features Lala, the anonymous voice behind "Lalalaletmeexplain" - a former social worker turned influential author who's helped thousands recognise red flags and find their worth. 

Rhona and Payman explore deeply personal territory as Lala shares her childhood trauma, decade-long career in child protection, and the systemic failures she witnessed firsthand. The conversation weaves through heavy topics, including misogyny, male influencers like Andrew Tate, and the recent concerning developments in UK abortion rights. 

What emerges is a raw, unflinching look at how childhood experiences shape our adult relationships, why anonymity can be liberating, and how society's treatment of vulnerable people - from social workers to women seeking healthcare - reveals our collective blind spots.

In This Episode

00:02:45 - The birth of anonymity

00:04:40 - Why hiding can mean truth-telling

00:09:10 - When dads abandon and mothers struggle

00:15:15 - Forgiving the unforgivable

00:24:15 - From personal pain to professional purpose

00:28:40 - When systems fail the vulnerable

00:42:35 - Blackbox thinking

00:59:55 - Misogyny as cultural DNA

01:11:55 - The Andrew Tate problem

01:15:00 - When women turn on women

01:32:05 - Justice on trial

01:38:45 - Tracking women's bodies

01:47:15 - Healing through words

01:52:35 - Moving trauma through movement

About Lala

Lala is a former social worker who spent over a decade in safeguarding, witnessing firsthand the realities of domestic abuse and child protection. She's now a best-selling author and one of the most important voices online when it comes to love, abuse, power and patriarchy. Operating anonymously through her platform "Lalalaletmeexplain," she helps people recognise red flags, establish boundaries, and understand their worth through truth and lived experience.

Andrew El-Khanagry's journey from anxious young associate to confident practitioner reveals the transformative power of purpose-driven dentistry. 

Five years out from dental school, this Egyptian-born dentist has navigated the challenges of perfecting his craft while building Mobile Smiles, a charity bringing dental care to underserved communities worldwide. 

Through candid conversations about clinical mistakes, the value of communication over technique, and finding balance between profit and purpose, Andrew shares insights that resonate with dentists at every stage of their careers. 

His story demonstrates how early setbacks can become catalysts for growth and why the best education sometimes comes from unexpected sources.

In This Episode

00:01:45 - Podcast listening habits

00:03:10 - Early life in Egypt and England

00:04:25 - Language barriers and adaptation

00:06:25 - Career influences and family guidance

00:08:00 - Dental school at Birmingham

00:09:45 - Academic challenges and friendships

00:11:30 - First job and PhD experience

00:13:50 - Staying versus moving practices

00:15:15 - Clinical anxiety and perfectionism

00:18:25 - Transition to private practice

00:20:25 - Communication skills training

00:25:00 - Patient relationships and continuity

00:33:20 - Mobile Smiles charity foundation

00:36:20 - International dental missions

00:43:10 - Cost-effectiveness of charity work

00:48:45 - UK-based charity initiatives

00:53:15 - Purpose versus profit in dentistry

00:54:30 - Instagram as dental education

00:56:40 - Career direction and specialisation

01:04:30 - Blackbox thinking

01:11:05 - Best educational experiences

01:21:00 - Trust-building in private practice

01:33:30 - Fantasy dinner party

01:43:50 - Last days and legacy

About Andrew El-Khanagry

Andrew El-Khanagry is a general restorative dentist with a focus on prosthodontics, five years qualified from Birmingham Dental School. Born in Egypt and raised in Burton-on-Trent, he's the founder of Mobile Smiles, a UK-based charity providing dental care in underserved communities across Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, and South America.

Sonia Rajput shares her journey from being a self-described introvert from Birmingham to becoming a dentist at two of London's most prestigious dental practices. 

Throughout the conversation, she reveals how she balanced ambition with prioritising work-life balance, leveraging social media to advance her career despite her natural introversion. 

Sonia offers valuable insights into building a private dentistry career, discussing everything from clinical techniques to patient communication, while being refreshingly candid about her struggles, successes, and her approach to finding fulfilment both professionally and personally.

In This Episode

00:01:45 - Early career and self-perception

00:03:15 - Childhood and family background

00:05:00 - Choosing dentistry over medicine

00:06:25 - University experience at Birmingham

00:09:35 - Dental school challenges

00:10:15 - Professional ambition development

00:12:15 - First professional experiences

00:13:45 - Working at Scott Arms practice

00:18:00 - Aligning, bleaching and bonding focus

00:21:35 - Communication in private practice

00:23:30 - Landing prestigious jobs

00:29:30 - Social media marketing strategies

00:35:35 - Content creation process

00:42:55 - Current practice environments

00:56:45 - Blackbox thinking

01:07:05 - Facial aesthetics

01:11:45 - Career satisfaction and future plans

01:21:20 - Fantasy dinner party

About Sonia Rajput

Sonia Rajput is a 29-year-old dentist who comes from a medical family but chose dentistry over her family's profession of medicine. Currently working with Mark Hughes in Beaconsfield and at London Smile Clinic with Tim Bradstock-Smith, she has a special interest in aesthetic dentistry and facial aesthetics. Despite describing herself as naturally introverted, Sonia has built a significant social media presence that has helped her secure positions at prestigious practices and develop her career.

Stina Sanders, a former dating app co-founder turned therapist and mental health advocate, joins Rhona and Payman for a raw conversation about love, trauma, and the difference between chaos and genuine connection. 

From selling her relationship-focused business Huggle to studying therapy after her own healing journey, Stina unpacks why we mistake dysfunction for passion, how trauma bonds keep us stuck, and whether AI can replace human connection in healing. 

This episode challenges everything you think you know about modern dating, attachment patterns, and what healthy love actually looks like.

In This Episode

00:02:05 - From PR to dating apps: Building Huggle

00:04:30 - Psychology calling: The moment everything clicked

00:07:50 - Abusive relationships: When love becomes survival

00:11:00 - The great love debate: Chaos versus calm

00:16:30 - Time and truth: Why masks slip eventually

00:18:30 - Training to heal: Mirror work in therapy school

00:21:15 - Spotting narcissists: What predators actually look for

00:25:15 - Social media narcissists: The new hunting ground

00:28:10 - Dating app fatigue: Endless options, empty connections

00:32:00 - High standards trap: When perfection becomes isolation

00:39:50 - Trauma bonds: The addiction to emotional rollercoasters

00:43:05 - ChatGPT therapy: Digital healing or dangerous replacement?

00:48:00 - Modelling toxicity: Beauty industry's brutal reality

00:52:00 - Hormonal truth: PMDD and the medical gender gap

00:56:00 - Relationship detective: Every couple's unique puzzle

About Stina Sanders

Stina Sanders is a qualified therapist, mental health advocate, and former co-founder of dating app Huggle. After experiencing her own journey through abusive relationships and subsequent healing, she transitioned from the tech world to study therapy and is currently pursuing her master's degree. Stina regularly shares insights on emotional wellbeing, relationship patterns, and social media transparency through her platforms and is preparing to launch her own therapy clinic in Soho.

In this captivating episode of Dental Leaders, Payman sits down with Dr Moj Dehghanpour, a dentist whose journey from immigrant child to practice owner embodies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. 

From navigating tough comprehensive schools to founding the premium Your Dental Wellness practices, Moj shares how his background shaped his ability to connect with patients across social divides. 

Throughout the conversation, he offers refreshing insights into clinical mistakes, practice positioning, and the vital role of communication in dentistry, while emphasising the importance of creating positive patient experiences through attention to detail and genuine human connection.

In This Episode

00:01:45 - Immigrant beginnings: Moving from Iran to the UK

00:04:20 - School experiences and finding resilience

00:13:10 - The Westminster City comprehensive years

00:21:40 - Why dentistry? From medicine to dental career

00:31:25 - Dental school at Queen Mary's in Whitechapel

00:34:30 - Early career in Norfolk

00:43:45 - Learning implantology

01:04:00 - Blackbox thinking

01:17:25 - Life in Qatar as a dentist

01:29:10 - Your Dental Wellness practice journey

01:35:35 - Team building: Hiring for personality

01:44:35 - Practice positioning in the market

01:57:50 - Fantasy dinner party

02:02:55 - Last days and legacy

About Moj Dehghanpour

Dr. Moj Dehghanpour is the co-founder of Your Dental Wellness practices and a passionate dentist with 18 years of clinical experience. Born in Iran and moving to the UK at age seven, Moj qualified from Queen Mary's in 2007 and has since worked across the UK and internationally in Qatar. 

His career spans NHS practice ownership in Norfolk, specialist work at the renowned Hospital Lane referral clinic, and now his premium private practices in Islington and Maida Vale.

In this captivating conversation, Payman welcomes Alan Clarke, the innovative founder of Paste Dental in Belfast and creator of Paste Presents. 

Alan shares his journey from growing up in Northern Ireland to developing a global mindset through international experiences. 

Throughout the episode, he discusses building a lifestyle dental brand, his groundbreaking international dental mastermind events, and his passion for community building within dentistry. 

Alan's entrepreneurial spirit, faith-driven purpose, and willingness to take calculated risks showcase a refreshing perspective on leadership that transcends geographical boundaries and traditional dental practice limitations.

In This Episode

00:02:10 - Tall poppy syndrome

00:04:30 - Growing up as an only child with supportive parents

00:08:10 - Life-changing Washington Ireland Program experience

00:14:35 - Behind the scenes of American politics

00:19:20 - Reflections on Northern Ireland and the Troubles

00:22:15 - Bloom where you're planted: returning to Belfast

00:25:25 - Cultural differences between UK, US and European business

00:33:15 - Clinical education at Queen's University Belfast

00:43:40 - Buying and rebranding a dental practice during COVID

00:47:15 - Managing patient expectations during practice transition

00:51:55 - Creating a lifestyle brand in dentistry

00:54:55 - Providing exceptional patient experiences

01:00:05 - Empowering staff to create memorable moments

01:07:30 - Adding value through communication and technology

01:11:10 - Creating Paste Presents: a global dental mastermind

01:17:15 - Building relationships through shared experiences

01:23:50 - Free university events to support dental students

01:29:15 - Faith as a foundation for business and life

01:35:05 - Perspectives on AI in dentistry

01:42:45 - Fantasy dinner party

01:48:45 - Last days and legacy

About Alan Clarke

Alan Clarke is a dentist, entrepreneur and visionary from Belfast, Northern Ireland. As the founder of Paste Dental, he has transformed a traditional practice into a modern lifestyle brand offering high-end dentistry with exceptional patient experiences. 

Alan is also the creator of Paste Presents, an exclusive international dental mastermind that brings together influential dentists from around the world for immersive learning experiences in exotic locations. 

A graduate of Queen's University Belfast with further education in medical law and ethics at Edinburgh, Alan balances his clinical work with entrepreneurial ventures and a passion for elevating the dental profession. 

His international connections, particularly in the US, have helped him develop a unique perspective that combines American entrepreneurial spirit with Northern Irish values.

Payman welcomes renowned restorative aesthetic dentist Richard Lee to the Dental Leaders podcast. Richard shares his journey from an unintentional entry into dentistry to becoming one of the UK's top cosmetic clinicians. 

With refreshing candour, he discusses the endless pursuit of excellence, his formative education under mentors like Chris Orr, and his approach to balancing artistry with practicality. 

Throughout the episode, Richard reflects on how his international experiences, including a recent stint in New Zealand, have shaped his perspective on dentistry and life.

In This Episode

00:02:10 - The endless pursuit of excellence and early inspirations

00:05:50 - Discovering dentistry and university experiences

00:12:10 - Early career burnout and taking a year off to dive

00:20:25 - The influence of American occlusion courses

00:26:35 - Returning to dentistry with a new perspective

00:31:30 - Working as Chris Orr's first associate

00:38:00 - Finding your confidence in clinical dentistry

00:41:35 - Injection moulding technique for composite

00:47:15 - Working with technicians and their importance

00:51:40 - Handling difficult cases and patient expectations

00:57:20 - Setting boundaries with patients seeking dramatic aesthetics

01:07:35 - Primary tooth anatomy in composite work

01:15:25 - The New Zealand experience

01:30:35 - Clinical errors and managing patient expectations

01:38:00 - Redoing porcelain veneers for patient satisfaction

01:44:00 - Finding fulfillment in dentistry

01:47:15 - Fantasy dinner party

01:47:45 - Last days and legacy

About Richard Lee

Richard Lee is one of the UK's leading restorative aesthetic dentists, renowned for his work in both composite and ceramic restorations. A graduate of Birmingham University, Richard's career journey took him from NHS dentistry to becoming the first associate at Chris Orr's London Bridge practice. 

He has extensive experience in high-end private practice and currently works with Bupa. Richard is also an educator who runs sought-after composite courses internationally, including freehand and injection moulding techniques. His career has included a period working in New Zealand before returning to the UK, where he now practises in London while commuting from Winchester.

Payman speaks with Anni Seaborne, Head of General Dentistry at Bupa. Anni shares her unconventional journey from international childhood to sports dentistry, including her work with elite athletes and Formula One teams. 

The conversation weaves through her transition into corporate leadership, her honest reflections on being fiercely competitive, and how she balances multiple career paths while navigating personal choices. Throughout, Anni reveals how her sporting background has shaped her approach to dentistry and leadership.

In This Episode

00:01:30 - Practice ownership challenges and imposter syndrome

00:02:10 - Growing up internationally and boarding school life

00:04:25 - Early sporting career and swimming allergy

00:08:00 - Introduction to sports dentistry

00:11:25 - Working with elite teams and athletes

00:14:45 - The unique oral health challenges of athletes

00:18:35 - Building trust with elite athletes

00:20:25 - Performance-enhancing dental appliances

00:23:30 - Sports dentistry logistics and time management

00:27:20 - Corporate leadership experience

00:35:25 - Creating high-performing dental teams

00:38:40 - Making dentistry more enjoyable for staff

00:44:15 - NHS dentistry challenges

00:51:25 - Tooth Angel sustainable oral care products

00:56:35 - Blackbox thinking

01:05:10 - Sports career ending injury

01:15:25 - Work-life balance and career focus

01:20:35 - Fantasy dinner party

01:21:55 - Last days and legacy

About Anni Seaborne

Anni Seaborne is Head of General Dentistry at Bupa and a sports dentistry specialist who works with elite athletes, including England Rugby and Formula One teams. 

A Cardiff graduate, she's played lacrosse at national level for Wales and holds a master's in sports dentistry. 

Beyond her clinical work, Anni is an entrepreneur with stakes in sustainable oral care brand Tooth Angel and is developing her own sports dentistry course. Her unique international upbringing and sporting background have given her a distinct perspective on leadership and team dynamics in dentistry.

In this emotionally rich and refreshingly candid episode of Mind Movers, Julius Cowdrey joins Rhona and Payman to explore everything from public vulnerability to private pain.

Once a singer-songwriter and Made in Chelsea star, Julius opens up about chasing validation, generational trauma, the pressure to provide, and the chaos of early success.

Now a transformational coach, he reflects on the personal work it took to leave reality TV behind and step into purpose.

Expect unfiltered honesty on masculinity, mental health, family dynamics, social media comparison, and what it really takes to feel “enough.”

In This Episode

00:01:00 – Reinvention and identity

00:10:30 – Pressure to provide

00:20:00 – Family, love and legacy

00:29:30 – Made in Chelsea: dark side

00:39:00 – Leaving TV for growth

00:48:30 – Coaching and imposter syndrome

00:58:00 – Purpose through helping others

01:07:30 – Social media and truth

01:17:00 – Masculinity and mental health

01:26:00 – Fantasy dinner party guests

About Julius Cowdrey

Julius Cowdrey is a transformational coach, speaker and content creator known for his emotional intelligence, powerful conversations on male vulnerability, and background in music and television. After rising to fame on Made in Chelsea, Julius left the show to focus on his personal growth and now helps others move from chaos to clarity in their lives through coaching and his widely shared content series, The Mic.

In the second part of this enlightening conversation, Martin and Vinnie Attariani dive deeper into their professional lives and personal passions. 

They discuss their experiences as judges for dental awards, their perspectives on industry recognition, and Martin's surprising side career as a professional magician.

The conversation explores their charitable endeavours, reflections on effective altruism, and their vision for a more holistic approach to healthcare that extends beyond dentistry. 

With candid insights about prevention, patient education, and the importance of looking at overall wellbeing, the Attarianis reveal their aspirations to create something more comprehensive than traditional dental care.

In This Episode

00:00:50 - Judging dental awards

00:05:10 - Dispelling award myths

00:09:35 - Patient journey innovations

00:13:15 - First impressions in practice

00:17:25 - The Top 50 dental list

00:21:00 - Kilimanjaro expedition

00:29:40 - Charity fundraising

00:32:30 - Effective altruism discussion

00:40:30 - Magic as a second career

00:43:35 - The Magic Dentist project

00:45:40 - Prevention and sugar frequency

00:53:15 - Future business plans

00:57:50 - Holistic healthcare vision

About Martin and Vinnie Attariani

Martin Attariani fled Iran as a teenage refugee before qualifying as a dentist in Sweden, where he also holds a master's in biochemistry. 

Now practising in the UK for 17 years, he operates a beautifully refurbished listed building practice where he excels in complex dentistry, including implants, endodontics, and orthodontics. 

Vinnie Attariani, originally from Canada, moved to the UK through an arranged marriage at 17, qualifying in dentistry from Birmingham in 2000 while raising two sons during her undergraduate years. 

She practices in a partnership at Houston Place, one of the UK's oldest dental practices, established in the 1840s.

In this deeply personal first part of a two-part interview, Payman Langroudi sits down with the dental power couple Martin and Vinnie Attariani. 

They share their remarkable journey to the UK - Martin's harrowing escape from Iran as a 14-year-old refugee to Sweden, and Vinnie's move from Canada to the UK through an arranged marriage at 17. 

The conversation explores their paths into dentistry, their approach to clinical excellence, and their philosophy about practice ownership. With candid reflections on mistakes, patient management, and work-life balance, the Attarianis offer invaluable insights into what makes a fulfilling career in dentistry while maintaining perspective on what truly matters in life.

In This Episode

00:01:55 - Meeting and getting together

00:05:40 - Martin's escape from Iran

00:25:25 - First reunion with family

00:31:40 - Vinnie's journey from Canada

00:43:35 - Balancing education and motherhood

00:51:45 - Swedish dental education

01:03:55 - Digital dentistry and scanning

01:11:35 - Blackbox thinking: Clinical errors

01:17:15 - Fitness to practice investigation

01:22:40 - Managing cosmetic patient expectations

01:31:25 - Partnership practice model

01:39:00 - Mental health in dentistry

01:51:40 - Fantasy dinner party

01:54:35 - Last days and legacy

About Martin and Vinnie Attariani

Martin Attariani fled Iran as a teenage refugee before qualifying as a dentist in Sweden, where he also holds a master's in biochemistry. 

Now practising in the UK for 17 years, he operates a beautifully refurbished listed building practice where he excels in complex dentistry, including implants, endodontics, and orthodontics. 

Vinnie Attariani, originally from Canada, moved to the UK through an arranged marriage at 17, qualifying in dentistry from Birmingham in 2000 while raising two sons during her undergraduate years. 

She practices in a partnership at Houston Place, one of the UK's oldest dental practices, established in the 1840s.

Prav sits down with husband-and-wife team Drs Mumta and Amit Jilka, the owners of Abbey House Dental. 

From humble beginnings working in corner shops to building a successful multi-practice dental business, the Jilkas share their inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and growth. 

They candidly discuss how their business flourished organically before adopting a more strategic approach, including the challenges they faced during a financial crisis in 2024 that nearly led to bankruptcy, and how they turned it around through team solidarity, data-driven decisions, and improved associate mentorship.

In This Episode

00:01:40 - Backstory

00:26:40 - Path to dentistry and how they both ended up at Sheffield University

00:29:35 - How Mumta and Amit met at dental school and their early relationship

00:41:25 - The purchase of their first practice and the beginning of Abbey House Dental

00:45:55 - Balancing practice growth with raising children

00:48:35 - How Covid provided a valuable opportunity to reassess their business strategy

00:51:55 - Financial crisis of 2024 and discovering their business model wasn't working

00:57:45 - Difficult conversations with associates about reducing percentages

01:01:35 - The importance of mentoring associates, especially with consultation skills

01:04:55 - Current state of Abbey House and future growth plans

01:10:55 - Reflections on their journey and thriving in crisis mode

01:15:55 - Last days and legacy - advice they would leave for their children

01:19:15 - Fantasy dinner party guests

About Mumta and Amit Jilka

Dr. Mumta and Dr. Amit Jilka own Abbey House Dental, a group of four dental practices known for high-quality private dentistry, Invisalign, and implant treatments. 

Both raised in entrepreneurial families with corner shop businesses, they met at Sheffield University's dental school and married two years after graduation. 

Their business journey began with purchasing a single-surgery practice that has now expanded to multiple locations, all while raising three children and navigating the ups and downs of dental practice ownership.