Conversations with Dental Friends

Rachael
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If you are in the dental industry and feel you have loads of potential and more to give, or maybe you’re new to the dental field, and if you like interesting stories from interesting people that might just inspire your dental future then this podcast is for you!

  1. 2d ago

    S6 Ep 12 : Can You Combine Your Greatest Passions? Where Dentistry Meets Sport w/ Dr Umair Mohammed

    Can one cold email change your career? Creating your own luck How can combining dentistry with something you already love create an entirely new career direction? In the series finale of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by Dr Umair Mohammed, a cosmetic and sports dentist, co-founder of the UK Sports Dentistry Association and co-host of The Sports Dentistry Podcast. In this episode, we cover: How one cold email introduced Umair to his mentorCombining a love of sport with a dental careerOral health, inflammation and athletic performanceDigital scanning and providing care at training groundsHelping local sports teams as a route into the fieldWhy sports dentistry is relevant to the entire dental teamBuilding professional opportunities through networkingUmair’s ambition for sports dentistry to become a recognised specialityContent note At approximately 38:42 to 41:43, Umair discusses his wife’s diagnosis of stage-three bowel cancer and how it changed his outlook on life, purpose and professional legacy. Sports dentistry organisations and education UK Sports Dentistry AssociationThe professional organisation co-founded by Umair to support education, collaboration and the development of sports dentistry.UK Sports Dentistry Association membershipInformation about membership, education, networking and professional development.UCL Sports Dentistry MScInformation about UCL Eastman’s part-time Sports Dentistry: Oral Health in Sport programme.UCL Sports Dentistry short courseA two-day introduction to sports dentistry and the evolving role of the sports dentist.Tackling Teeth online courseAn introductory programme covering athlete care, prevention, dental trauma and getting started in sports dentistry.The UK Sports Dentistry Association describes its community as including dentists, dental care professionals, researchers and wider healthcare professionals, reflecting Umair’s emphasis that this field is not only for dentists. sportsdentistryuk.com The Sports Dentistry Podcast Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubePodcast websiteThe podcast is hosted by Umair Mohammed and John Haughey and explores oral health, athletic performance and the development of sports dentistry around the world. podcasts.apple.com Further reading From pitchside to practice: lessons from sports dentistryA day in the life of a sports dentistWhat does a sports dentist do all day?Connect with Umair Umair’s websiteUmair on Instagram at @drumairUmair on LinkedInUmair’s sports dentistry informationUmair’s current professional profiles confirm his MSc in Sports Dentistry, his work with elite sport and his involvement in the UK Sports Dentistry Association. Edinburgh Cosmetic Dentist Continue the conversation Conversations with Dental Friends on InstagramRachael on Instagram at @homegirlhygienistConversations with Dental Friends on SubstackConversations with Dental Friends on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsHomegirl HygienistSponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for supporting Conversations with Dental Friends. Free Career Planning Workbook If you would like the free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook, comment or message the word “link”. This is the final episode of the series, so make sure you are following Conversations with Dental Friends to hear when the next series begins.

  2. Oct 22

    S6 Ep 11 : What Does Balance Really Look Like? Yoga, Motherhood & Dentistry with Samantha Cawsey

    Can you do motherhood and dentistry your way? Yoga, balance and choosing your season What happens when the version of success you need begins to change? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by one of her closest friends, dental therapist and qualified yoga teacher Samantha Cawsey. Samantha explains how dentistry found her after she left school feeling uncertain about her direction. A dental nursing position introduced her to a profession that combined creativity, preparation, pressure and human connection. After completing further qualifications in dental radiography and oral health education, she went on to study dental therapy at Newcastle University, where she met Rachael. They reflect on university, learning to trust your abilities and making better use of the experts around you. Samantha also discusses the periodontal education that gave her greater confidence and a clearer structure for patient care. The conversation then moves beyond dentistry. Samantha shares why she travelled alone to Goa for yoga teacher training and how breathing, mindfulness and connection now influence the way she works with patients. At the heart of the episode is an honest discussion about motherhood and career identity. Samantha explains why she has chosen to pause professional progression, dedicate this season to her family and trust that dentistry will still be there when she is ready to return with greater energy. In this episode, we cover: Moving from dental nursing into dental therapyStudying together at Newcastle UniversityBuilding confidence through postgraduate periodontal educationTravelling to Goa for yoga teacher trainingUsing breathing and mindfulness during a clinical dayChoosing connection over simply completing a checklistMotherhood, identity and allowing your career to pauseContent note Between approximately 38:34 and 42:59, the conversation briefly includes personal reflections on fertility pressure, adjusting to maternity leave, career identity and mental health. Samantha’s book recommendations Light on Yoga: The Definitive Guide to Yoga Practice by B.K.S. IyengarA detailed guide to yoga practice, including postures, breathing and the principles behind the practice.Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace and Ultimate Freedom by B.K.S. IyengarA reflective exploration of how yoga can influence our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual lives.Both titles and authors have been checked against the publisher and recognised Iyengar Yoga resources. harpercollins.co.uk Yoga teacher training Himalaya Yoga ValleyThe organisation Samantha trained with in Goa.Himalaya Yoga Valley teacher-training programmesInformation about its current yoga teacher-training options in India, Ireland and online.Himalaya Yoga Valley currently offers 200-hour and 300-hour teacher-training pathways, although the structure may have changed since Samantha completed her course in January 2020. yogagoaindia.com Periodontal education mentioned Perio SchoolThe Perio MasterclassThe Hygienist CourseDiploma in Periodontics for Hygienists and TherapistsRW PerioDental therapy education Newcastle University Dental Therapy BScConnect with Samantha Samantha Cawsey on LinkedInContinue the conversation Conversations with Dental Friends on InstagramRachael on Instagram at @homegirlhygienistConversations with Dental Friends on SubstackConversations with Dental Friends on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsHomegirl HygienistSponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for supporting Conversations with Dental Friends. Free Career Planning Workbook If you would like the free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook, comment or message the word “link”. Follow the podcast and share this episode with a dental friend who may need permission to approach their career at a different pace.

  3. Oct 15

    S6 Ep 10 : How Do You Build a Dental Career You Love? Finding You Niche with Dr Ian Dunn

    How do you find your thing in dentistry? Perio, purpose and patience How do you build a fulfilling dental career when you do not yet know which direction you want to take? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by specialist periodontist, educator and speaker Dr Ian Dunn. Ian explains why he originally planned to study engineering and how one short careers talk completely changed his direction. After qualifying from Leeds, he spent eight years working as an NHS general dentist before an unexpected teaching opportunity introduced him to periodontology. What initially seemed like a route into another area of dental education gradually became Ian’s professional passion. A four-day periodontal course brought his academic and clinical knowledge together, transformed the results he was achieving and encouraged him to pursue further training. Ian also shares what he learned from teaching alongside Phil Ower, why educators should remain connected to clinical practice and why the purpose of a course should be to empower the audience rather than showcase the speaker. The conversation explores behaviour change, the relationship between periodontitis and wider health, the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the importance of remembering the person behind every periodontal chart. Ian finishes with reassuring career advice for anyone feeling lost, pressured or unhappy. You do not need to specialise to prove your value, and you do not need to build your career at somebody else’s pace. In this episode, we cover: How an engineering careers day led Ian towards dentistryMoving from general practice into periodontology and educationThe four-day course that transformed Ian’s clinical approachWhy great educators empower rather than impressBehaviour change and the psychology of periodontal treatmentAI, clinical data and the increasingly informed patientThe contribution of hygienists and therapists to periodontal careComparison, career pressure and finding work you enjoyWhy dentistry still needs excellent generalistsAccepting temporary discomfort when a job or environment needs to changeLinks and resources Ian Dunn on InstagramIan’s Perio Courses profilePerio CoursesBritish Society of Periodontology and Implant DentistryBSP Patient ForumThe Sound of PeriodontitisBSP patient resourcesThe BSP Patient Forum contributes the patient perspective to periodontal information and resources, while The Sound of Periodontitis shares the human experience of the disease through patients’ stories. bsperio.org.uk Ian’s current professional profile confirms his continued involvement in clinical periodontology and postgraduate dental education. periocourses.co.uk Continue the conversation Conversations with Dental Friends on InstagramConversations with Dental Friends on SubstackConversations with Dental Friends on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsFollow Rachael at @homegirlhygienistHomegirl HygienistFree Career Planning Workbook If you would like a copy of Rachael’s free Career Planning Workbook, comment or message the word “link”. A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for supporting Conversations with Dental Friends.

  4. Oct 8

    S6 Ep 9 : Can Belief Change Your Career? Confidence, Icon & Education with Dr Kiran Shankla

    Can one mentor transform your career? Confidence, Icon and education What difference can one supportive person make to the direction of your career? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by Dr Kiran Shankla, a restorative and cosmetic dentist based in Reading. Kiran explains why dentistry was never originally part of her plan and how a conversation with a family friend encouraged her to completely rethink her A-level choices. She went on to study dentistry at the University of Birmingham, work in Australia and complete a four-year part-time master’s in restorative dentistry at UCL Eastman. One of the most powerful parts of Kiran’s story is the influence of mentorship. She shares how a supportive practice principal offered honest feedback, encouraged her development and helped her recognise the quality of her own clinical work. The conversation also explores Kiran’s experience with Icon resin infiltration. She discusses the young patient whose successful treatment transformed her understanding of what the procedure could achieve and explains how her growing clinical experience eventually led to opportunities with DMG and dental education. Kiran offers practical advice on selecting early cases, setting realistic expectations, protecting the soft tissues and booking enough time. She also shares an honest perspective on working abroad, brand partnerships, lecturing and deciding whether practice ownership is truly the right goal for you. In this episode, we cover: ​Choosing dentistry after originally planning a completely different career​Moving to Australia and the realities of working abroad​Completing a restorative master’s while continuing to work​How supportive mentorship can build clinical confidence​Using Icon resin infiltration for white spots and fluorosis​Preparing properly for education and brand opportunities​Defining success without feeling pressured into practice ownershipKiran’s Icon advice Kiran recommends beginning with simpler white spot cases and patients who understand that every outcome is individual. Setting expectations is particularly important while you are developing your confidence. Her preference is to use rubber dam isolation where possible. When this is not suitable, she recommends using an appropriate liquid dam to protect the soft tissues from the hydrochloric acid etchant. Kiran’s biggest practical message is to book more time than you think you will need. Some lesions require additional etching cycles, and rushing may mean stopping shortly before achieving the desired result. Links and resources mentioned ​Learn about DMG Icon infiltration​Icon Vestibular for white spots, fluorosis and enamel opacities​DMG UK​Kiran’s published Icon caseCourse dates change, so contact DMG directly or follow Kiran for current Icon education and training information. https://uk.dmg-dental.com/education-and-events/education/detail/default-fc015d38b141caeb8cab84a86fcfe102-1 Connect with Kiran ​Follow Dr Kiran Shankla at @shanklasmilesContinue the conversation ​Conversations with Dental Friends on Instagram​Rachael at @homegirlhygienist​Conversations with Dental Friends on Substack​Conversations with Dental Friends on YouTube​Listen on Spotify​Listen on Apple Podcasts​Homegirl HygienistSponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for supporting Conversations with Dental Friends. Free Career Planning Workbook If you would like Rachael’s free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook, comment or message the word “link” and she will send it to you. Follow the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with a dental friend who would enjoy Kiran’s story.

  5. Oct 1

    S6 Ep 8 : Are Dental Therapists Overlooking Paediatrics? Building Confidence with Bradley Wilson

    Could paediatric dentistry unlock your full scope? Confidence, care and career growth What if a successful paediatric appointment does not end with completed treatment, but with a child feeling slightly safer than they did before? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by dental therapist Bradley Wilson. Bradley’s career began with musical theatre, dance and performing as Billy Elliot in London’s West End. He explains how the discipline, professionalism and communication skills developed during that chapter of his life later transferred into dentistry. After returning home, Bradley left his A-level studies and trained as a dental nurse. Working alongside a dental therapist introduced him to a profession he had not previously known existed, inspiring him to complete an access diploma and study dental therapy in Sheffield. Bradley now works across a broad dental therapy scope, including periodontal care, examinations, restorative dentistry and paediatric treatment. He shares how treating children has strengthened his diagnostic skills, communication and confidence as a clinician. The conversation explores why paediatric treatment must be adapted to the individual child, how parents’ anxieties can influence an appointment and why clinicians should recognise small steps as genuine progress. Bradley also introduces Perfecting Paediatrics, his practical course designed to help dental therapists develop their confidence, clinical protocols and professional support network. In this episode Moving from the West End and musical theatre into dentistryQualifying as a dental nurse before studying dental therapyGraduating during the pandemic and beginning clinical work in PPECreating a varied, full-scope dental therapy roleBuilding confidence in paediatric treatment and direct accessManaging anxious children and working constructively with parentsUsing policies and protocols to develop effective skill mixCreating supportive education for dental therapistsSilver diamine fluoride, fissure sealants and the stamp techniqueWhy progress can matter more than completing treatmentLinks and resources mentioned Perfecting Paediatrics: Bradley’s practical paediatric dentistry course for dental therapists and dentistsUpcoming BW Dental Therapy courses: Current course dates and registration informationBradley Wilson on Eventbrite: Bradley’s organiser page and available ticketsBW Dental Therapy: Clinical education, course information and updatesDelivering Better Oral Health: Evidence-based preventive guidance referenced during the conversationConnect with Bradley @bradsdentaljournalBW Dental TherapyContinue the conversation @conversationswithdentalfriends@homegirlhygienistConversations with Dental Friends on SubstackConversations with Dental Friends on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsHomegirl HygienistSponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for sponsoring Conversations with Dental Friends. Free career planning workbook If you would like the free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook, comment or message the word “link” and Rachael will send it to you. Follow the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with a dental friend or practice team who would love to explore more paediatric dental therapy.

  6. Sep 24

    S6 Ep 7 : What Makes a Great Dental Career? Opportunity Support & Learnings with Dr Nicola Gore

    Can saying yes shape an extraordinary career? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by Dr Nicola Gore, a restorative dentist, practice owner, educator, author and Vice President of the College of General Dentistry. In this episode, we cover: Growing up between England and Iran and nearly leaving dental schoolAccepting a last-minute foundation training positionWorking in restorative and maxillofacial hospital departmentsLearning from community dentistry in AustraliaCombining postgraduate education, practice ownership and motherhoodInvesting in communication, photography and careful documentationLearning to walk before attempting advanced dentistryWhy removable prosthodontics can transform a patient’s lifeTeaching and supporting 26 foundation dentistsWriting Dentistry in a NutshellLeadership within the College of General DentistrySupporting dental therapists and the wider dental teamContent note This episode contains brief references to suicide-related trauma, bereavement and distressing cases encountered within hospital dentistry. The supplied transcript contains only an opening timestamp, so a precise time for this section is not available. Nicola’s advice for early-career clinicians Nicola encourages new clinicians to invest in good loupes and a reliable camera, photograph their work with appropriate consent and begin building a portfolio from the earliest stages of their careers. Her central message is to learn to walk before trying to run. Strong cosmetic or restorative dentistry still depends on communication, trust, documentation, isolation and sound clinical fundamentals. Nicola also stresses the importance of being honest about limitations and possible complications. Patients cannot make an informed decision unless they understand both what treatment may achieve and what could go wrong. Dentistry in a Nutshell discount code Nicola co-authored Dentistry in a Nutshell with Dr Raabiha N Maan. The book uses practical tables and flowcharts to support dental students, clinicians, dental therapists, dental nurses, professionals returning to practice and candidates preparing for overseas registration examinations. You can use the discount code NEC when ordering Dentistry in a Nutshell. The code is available until 30 September 2026. Order Dentistry in a NutshellDentistry in a Nutshell on Google BooksLinks and resources mentioned College of General DentistryTotteridge Dental StudioThe Impression ClubRupert Monkhouse on InstagramContinue the conversation Conversations with Dental Friends on InstagramRachael at @homegirlhygienistConversations with Dental Friends on SubstackConversations with Dental Friends on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsHomegirl HygienistSponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for supporting Conversations with Dental Friends. Free Career Planning Workbook If you would like Rachael’s free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook, comment or message the word “link” and she will send it to you. Follow the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with a dental friend who would enjoy Nicola’s story.

  7. Sep 17

    S6 Ep 6 : Can Better Health Make You Better at Business? Performance From Within with George Vernon

    Can success cost you your health? High performance without burnout What if looking after your health was not separate from building a successful dental career, but one of the most important parts of it? In this episode, Rachael is joined by George Vernon, a health and performance coach who works with dental professionals, practice owners, business leaders and other ambitious professionals. George shares how his early dream of becoming a boxing champion led him into sports science, strength and conditioning, athlete coaching and, eventually, the world of dentistry. His experience of pushing his own training to the point of burnout shaped his evidence-based approach to psychology, nutrition and physical health. Together, Rachael and George explore why dental professionals often place themselves at the bottom of their priority lists, how small improvements can protect energy and extend a career, and why the right kind of coaching can reduce years of trial and error. They also discuss building an authentic professional presence on LinkedIn, finding a niche through meaningful work and redefining success around the values that matter most to you. In this episode George’s journey from competitive boxing to health and performance coachingWhat dental professionals can learn from elite athletesProtecting your physical health and energy in a demanding professionWhy putting yourself first can benefit your patients, team and familyHow coaching helps turn complicated goals into manageable actionsBuilding a personal brand and finding opportunities through LinkedInChoosing values, meaning and sustainable wellbeing over endless achievementHow small, consistent changes can produce very different long-term resultsLinks and resources mentioned George Vernon’s websiteGeorge’s free Health Phase AssessmentMan’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. FranklAtomic Habits by James ClearRachael’s conversation with Dr Alan Clarke on Apple PodcastsConnect with George George Vernon on InstagramGeorge Vernon on LinkedInGeorge Vernon: Health & Performance on YouTubeContinue the conversation Conversations with Dental Friends on InstagramRachael on Instagram at @homegirlhygienistConversations with Dental Friends on SubstackConversations with Dental Friends on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsVisit the Conversations with Dental Friends websiteWith thanks to our sponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for sponsoring this episode and supporting Conversations with Dental Friends. Visit Oral-B UK​Mynsk.co.uk If this conversation made you think differently about health, success or the way you are building your career, please share it with a dental friend. You can also receive the free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook by commenting the word link on the episode.

  8. Sep 10

    S6 Ep 5 : How Can Dental Therapists Create More Opportunities? Using Your Full Scope with Imogen Fox

    Could saying yes transform your dental career? From safe beginner to paediatric leader What if the next step in your career is not part of a carefully mapped-out five-year plan, but simply an opportunity you are curious enough to say yes to? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by award-winning dental hygienist and therapist Imogen Fox, whose incredibly varied career has taken her through foundation training, head and neck cancer care, special care dentistry, education, private practice and paediatric dentistry. Imogen shares why becoming a “safe beginner” is the real goal when we qualify and how the right mentorship helped her build confidence in her full dental therapy scope. We also discuss why you do not need to feel completely ready before accepting an opportunity and how some of Imogen’s biggest career developments began with a leap of faith. The conversation explores Imogen’s formative work as one of the UK’s first Macmillan dental therapists, what treating head and neck cancer patients taught her about compassionate empathy and the importance of knowing when to ask for help. We also look at the huge opportunity for dental therapists within paediatric dentistry. Imogen explains how therapists can lead children’s examinations, prevention and restorative care, while sharing practical advice for creating a positive experience for young patients. This is a wonderfully reassuring conversation about staying curious, building confidence, exploring your scope and creating a dental career that can evolve alongside the different seasons of your life. In this episode Why foundation training and supportive mentorship can transform early clinical confidenceBecoming comfortable with being a safe beginnerSaying yes before you feel completely readyBuilding a varied career across oncology, special care, education and private practiceWhat head and neck cancer care taught Imogen about compassionate empathyThe opportunities available to dental therapists within paediatric dentistryImogen’s three practical principles for treating childrenCreating a career that supports both professional fulfilment and family lifeLinks and resources mentioned Imogen’s professional profile and dental articlesHead and Neck Cancer Care in the General Practice Setting, Imogen’s on-demand educational webinarProgress and Headwinds for Dental Therapists, Imogen’s article on the future of dental therapy and paediatric careDentaid’s Uganda volunteering programme, for dental professionals interested in overseas volunteeringNSK Ikigai, where Imogen is an opinion leader and educatorConnect with Imogen Connect with Imogen Fox on LinkedInRead more about Imogen’s clinical work at Refresh DentalContinue the conversation Follow Conversations with Dental Friends on Instagram: @conversationswithdentalfriendsFollow Rachael on Instagram: @homegirlhygienistVisit the Homegirl Hygienist websiteA huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for sponsoring this episode and supporting Conversations with Dental Friends. If this conversation encouraged you to explore more of your scope or say yes to a new opportunity, share it with a dental friend who might need that reminder too. You can also download the free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook by commenting the word link on the episode, and I’ll send it directly to you. Imogen Instagram @dental.hygienist.uk

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If you are in the dental industry and feel you have loads of potential and more to give, or maybe you’re new to the dental field, and if you like interesting stories from interesting people that might just inspire your dental future then this podcast is for you!

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