Diary of A Dental Coach Mudasser

Meet our extraordinary guest for the day, Dr. Laura Carr,  a mental health advocate, who is ready to unravel her story of resilience. Laura's tale is one of triumph over adversity, overcoming a difficult childhood and a tumultuous family dynamic, amplified by her mother's struggle with mental health and financial hardships. Her journey to success is a beacon of hope for anyone facing personal or professional struggles, providing a real-life testament to the power of tenacity and inner strength.

We take a deep dive with Laura into her intriguing journey through the world of dentistry. From discovering her passion at an early age, to overcoming hurdles in dental education due to dyslexia and a discouraging feedback culture, her story is a compelling mix of sheer dedication, hard grit and resilience. The discussion further explores the challenging aspect of running a dental practice, balancing the needs of patients against the pressures of business, and provides a unique perspective on the importance of fostering supportive relationships and a healthy work environment within the dental industry.

But that's not all. We tread into the darker corners of Laura's life, shedding light on her experiences with medication, hospitalization, and the impact of her intense mental health state. Yet, amidst these adversities, Laura's story is far from a tale of despair. Emphasizing the significance of mental health strategies like meditation and yoga, her journey is a testament to healing, positivity and personal growth. Join us on this inspiring expedition as we conclude our series celebrating Laura's remarkable resilience, strength, and her triumph against all odds.

What does it take to become the interim Chief Dental Officer (CDO)? Meet Dr. Jason Wong, who paints us a vivid picture of the role of a CDO, emphasizing it's not just about contract reform; patient advocacy, clinical policy, and promoting oral health are also essential. He shares his fascinating journey from being born in Penang, Malaysia, to moving to the UK at age 8, to navigating dental school in Birmingham and unexpectedly finding his path in dentistry.

The profession of dentistry is often perceived as challenging, but the Covid-19  pandemic has amplified it, especially within the NHS. Dr. Wong candidly discusses his experience of joining the CDO team during the pandemic, the chaotic communication, safety concerns, and accountability pressures that ensued. The conversation progresses into the intricacies of navigating the NHS workforce, the existing support discrepancy between the NHS and private practices, and the significant role of organizations like the BDA. 

In the final segment of our conversation with Dr. Wong, we broach the subject of leadership and the urgent need for culture change in dentistry. With strong conviction, Dr. Wong expresses that leadership is a responsibility bestowed on everyone, regardless of their position. We reflect on the impact of the 2011 Health Select Committee report, discuss the piloting of alternative contract reforms, and navigate the complexities of the NHS workforce. If you're keen to understand how to make a difference and leave a legacy in the field, this enlightening episode with Dr. Jason Wong is a must-listen.

Ever wondered how a savvy entrepreneur navigates the intricate world of dental compliance? Meet Saba, the woman behind Smart Dental Compliance, who transformed her experiences as a dental nurse and practice manager into a thriving business that simplifies dental paperwork. Get ready to be inspired as she recounts her personal journey, the influence of her grandfather on her entrepreneurial spirit, and how her initial job interviews unexpectedly propelled her into the realm of entrepreneurship.

Sabah doesn't just run a business; she cultivates a family. Listen in as she discusses her unique office culture that thrives on team involvement, creativity, and transparency, and how these elements contribute to her success. She divulges how her company's financial aspects are openly discussed with her team, instilling a deeper understanding of the business. You'll also get a peek into Sabah's transition from a practice manager to a compliance consultant and how she sold her services while still on the interviewee's chair!

Get ready to uncover the intricacies of dental compliance. Sabah sheds light on why this field is crucial and how outsourcing it can relieve practices from the daunting task of compliance. She introduces her game-changing AIOM software, shares tips for dealing with CQC inspections, and how she managed to turn around a dental practice within a month. But that's not all; Saba also reveals her new venture into fitness and nutrition. So tune in and get ready to be inspired and educated on dental compliance, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Ever wondered how a dental coach navigates the trials and tribulations of the industry, especially when he realizes dentistry isn't his ultimate calling? That's exactly what renowned dental business mentor, Grant McAree,  shares with us in this insightful conversation. We delve into his early journey, his experiences with partnerships shaped by his father's influence, and how mental health plays a critical role for middle-aged men in the industry.

Education and business don't always go hand-in-hand, especially in dentistry. We learn from Grant's personal struggles as he moved from being a dentist to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He shares key life lessons from his ventures in Penzance and Scotland, and the unpredictable nature of the dental world. The discussion shifts to the business side where Grant opens up about establishing his practices, the need for appreciation, and how to maximize potential in dental practices.

Have you ever pondered about the changing landscape of dentistry? Grant provides a profound insight into this, discussing the evolving role of dental nurses, the impact of social media, and the need for better income streams to ensure a fair pay for staff. He emphasizes the importance of professional training, the current NHS crisis, and the factors that contribute to a successful dental practice. We round off with a fascinating chat about using shared interests to start conversations and make a difference in people's lives. Grant's story is a wealth of knowledge, personal experience, and industry insights that you wouldn't want to miss.

Ever wondered how to successfully navigate a career in dentistry while also mastering the business side of it? Get ready to gain valuable insights from our guest, Bob Affleck from Dental Coach USA, who has made it his mission to help dentists maximise their profits. Listen to his incredible journey, from being a national champion in Arabian horse taming to coaching in the dental industry.

Immerse yourself in a journey where you'll grasp the art of transitioning from perfecting clinical skills to owning a practice. Hear Bob's words of wisdom on the importance of building confidence, understanding problems from comprehensive perspectives, and making sound decisions to ensure successful practice ownership. Learn how coaching can provide a pathway to success by helping to identify needs and connecting with the right specialists.

Finally, explore the challenges of introducing coaching in the UK market, particularly within the dental sector. Gain a deeper understanding of Dental Support Organizations, their impact and the importance of maintaining a personal relationship with patients. Benefit from Bob's experiences with US dentists and how their views on coaching have evolved. Remember, success isn't just about the bottom line, it's also about delivering world-class service and creating a culture that puts patient experience first. So, are you ready to revolutionize your dental practice? Listen in for a fascinating conversation.

Have you ever reflected on how your upbringing, especially the influence from your parents, has shaped you into the adult you are today? Our special guest, Dr. Steve Poulter, a former policeman turned clinical psychologist, joins us for an enlightening journey through this labyrinth of self-exploration. Dr. Poulter shares his personal narrative of navigating a bi-cultural childhood under an Australian father, his transformational professional shift, and the inspiration behind his insightful books on the mother, father and shame factor.

As we dive deeper into the conversation, we uncover the significant role of emotional availability among men in the evolving landscape of the modern-day workplace and home. We dissect the potential dangers of emotional blockage, the physical toll it may bring, and the sheer courage it demands for men to openly discuss their emotions and embrace vulnerability. The conversation further unravels the intricate ties between our fathers and mothers, sibling rivalry and parental favoritism, and their crucial roles in shaping our personalities.

Lastly, we navigate the complex world of today's teenagers, the pressure they feel to conform, and how it can lead to disconnect from their emotional lives. The advancements in technology and social media, while being a double-edged sword, have left an indelible impact on their personal development. We cap it off with tangible guidance to help young people steer through these challenges and cultivate healthy relationships. Dr. Poulter's upcoming book, 'A New Masculinity,' is also up for discussion, casting light on his vision for men's mental health. This conversation invites you to better understand yourself and others through the lens of childhood and parental influences. Tune in for this thought-provoking exchange.