Teeth Matter

Ellie Halabian
  • 4.8 (12)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real talk between different dental professionals to help the rest of us navigate our careers and get us to where we want to be.

  1. Creating a Brand Bible for Success | Dr Anthony Nguyen DDS

    1D AGO

    Creating a Brand Bible for Success | Dr Anthony Nguyen DDS

    In this episode of Teeth Matter, Dr. Anthony Nguyen (@drsaveatooth) shares his journey from student debt to owning a thriving dental practice. He discusses the influence of his childhood dentist, financial strategies, and the importance of community and mentorship in dentistry. Keywords: dentistry, student debt, dental practice, entrepreneurship, mentorship Topics Discussed: Transition from student debt to practice ownership.Financial strategies are crucial for new dentists.Community and mentorship The importance of a brand Bible.Why providing healthcare for staff is a priority Learn more: Artsci Dental, Spear Case Study, Dental Marketer Podcast_______ Don't miss out on these deals: Prioritize your wellness—shop my daily essentials here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teethmatterpod.com/store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cocofloss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FIGS - Use referral code to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fbuy.io/figs/elliehalabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________ If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

    27 min
  2. Selling, Scaling, and Starting Over | Dr Jim Arnold, DDS

    SEP 30

    Selling, Scaling, and Starting Over | Dr Jim Arnold, DDS

    In this episode of Teeth Matter, I sit down with Dr. Jim Arnold (@smilesbyarnold), a dentist who has navigated nearly every stage of the profession—from private practice to ownership, to selling, and eventually guiding DSO acquisitions. Today, he’s the founder of Luxury Dental Retreats, where he hosts luxury retreats that blend continuing education with personal growth. We dive into the mindset and business lessons Jim learned along the way, and what dentists can take from his journey as they face pivotal career decisions of their own. How Dr. Arnold’s career began and what shaped his early years in dentistry The personal and financial factors behind selling a dental practice The emotional hurdles of stepping away from ownership The most common misconceptions dentists have about DSOs Key red flags to look for in acquisition deals Why he launched Luxury Dental Retreats and the gap it fills in the dental world How luxury retreats provide a transformative environment for dentists Who benefits most from attending and why environment is everything If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible beyond the operatory—or you’re looking for clarity in your next big career move—this conversation will challenge your perspective and open new doors. Learn more: Luxury Dental Retreats https://www.luxurydentalretreats.com/IG: ⁠@smilesbyarnoldEmail: dranold@smilesbyarnold.com_______ Don't miss out on these deals: Prioritize your wellness—shop my daily essentials here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teethmatterpod.com/store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cocofloss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FIGS - Use referral code to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fbuy.io/figs/elliehalabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________ If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

    40 min
  3. Creating Impact in Modern Dentistry | Dr Abdi Sameni, DDS

    SEP 16

    Creating Impact in Modern Dentistry | Dr Abdi Sameni, DDS

    Dentistry is changing fast — from new technologies and practice models to the growing focus on oral-systemic health. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Abdi Sameni, Clinical Associate Professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, founder of the Los Angeles Dental Symposium, and practicing clinician at WLA Dental Center in West Los Angeles. Known internationally for his work in dental photography, esthetics, and interdisciplinary care, Dr. Sameni brings decades of experience and perspective to what it takes to make a lasting impact in today’s profession. We cover: How dentistry has evolved and where it’s headed How dental photography can improve diagnostics, treatment planning, and case acceptance The real effect of DSOs on dentists and what it means for your future What makes the LA Dental Symposium a standout event for clinicians The critical connection between oral health and systemic health you can’t ignore This episode is a must-listen for dentists who want to stay competitive, sharpen their skills, and build a career that lasts — while making a bigger impact on patients and the profession. Learn more: Dr. Abdi Sameni's WLA Clinic: https://www.wladentalcenter.com/IG: @insta_abdisLA Dental Symposium: https://www.ladentalsymposium.com/_______ Don't miss out on these deals: Prioritize your wellness—shop my daily essentials here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teethmatterpod.com/store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cocofloss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FIGS - Use referral code to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fbuy.io/figs/elliehalabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________ If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

    55 min
  4. How to Build High-End Dental Practices in Saturated Markets | Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, DDS

    JUL 23

    How to Build High-End Dental Practices in Saturated Markets | Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, DDS

    Ever wonder how some dentists break into high-income, oversaturated markets—and thrive? Dr. Rhonda Kalasho (@dr.rhondakalasho⁠) did exactly that. She built and scaled TruGlo Modern Dental with locations in Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Hollywood, defying the odds by establishing a luxury brand that attracts loyal patients without relying on insurance-based volume. In this episode of Teeth Matter, Dr. Kalasho shares: How she opened three premium practices in ultra-competitive zip codes Her exact strategy for acquiring new patients through a dental membership model Why she’s against in-house financing—and what she offers instead The dark side of dental practice acquisitions and what you’re not being told What it really takes to stand out when everyone’s already doing veneers, injectables, and smile makeovers This is a masterclass for young dentists and dental entrepreneurs looking to grow strategically, build a bold brand, and make an impact—even in the most saturated markets. Learn more about Dr. Kalasho & TruGlo Modern Dental: www.truglomodern.comIG: @truglomodern IG: @dr.rhondakalasho _______ Don't miss out on these deals: Prioritize your wellness—shop my daily essentials here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teethmatterpod.com/store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cocofloss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FIGS - Use referral code to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fbuy.io/figs/elliehalabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________ If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

    43 min
  5. Choices That Shape Your Career: PART 3 | Dr Naved Fatmi, DMD

    JUL 8

    Choices That Shape Your Career: PART 3 | Dr Naved Fatmi, DMD

    In Part Three of our series with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. (@drnavedfatmi), we dive into the side of dentistry no one wants to face—but everyone needs to understand: malpractice and ethics. Dr. Fatmi, who was appointed in 2015 as the youngest dentist ever to serve on the Florida Board of Dentistry, offers an inside look at what actually gets dentists into trouble, the blind spots many overlook, and how to protect your license—and your reputation. We explore: Common patterns behind board investigations and malpractice claims The legal gray zones dentists don’t even realize they’re in Why proper documentation and patient communication are your best legal armor How to handle pressure when patient satisfaction clashes with ethical care What dentists misunderstand about the role of the Board—and how it's not just about punishment, but protection Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned practice owner, this episode will change the way you think about risk, responsibility, and the ethics that shape your career. To learn more about or connect with Dr. Naved Fatmi, go to: Website: ⁠⁠https://www.healthandwellness-dentistry.com/⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@drnavedfatmi⁠⁠_______ Don't miss out on these deals: Prioritize your wellness—shop my daily essentials here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teethmatterpod.com/store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cocofloss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FIGS - Use referral code to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fbuy.io/figs/elliehalabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________ If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

    30 min
  6. Choices That Shape Your Career: PART 2 | Dr Naved Fatmi, DMD

    JUN 25

    Choices That Shape Your Career: PART 2 | Dr Naved Fatmi, DMD

    In Part Two of our conversation with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. (@drnavedfatmi), we dive into the real-world business of dentistry—beyond the operatory. We unpack what sweat equity actually means, how to approach job interviews with the right mindset, and why treatment planning is one of the most valuable (and overlooked) skills in building trust and case acceptance. Dr. Fatmi also breaks down how your lifestyle choices and personal priorities—like choosing to live in a high-cost city—can directly impact your earning potential. From location to lifestyle, these decisions often determine not just your quality of life, but how much you actually take home. Whether you’re navigating your first associate position or rethinking how you run your practice, this episode offers grounded advice with long-term impact. Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. (⁠@drnavedfatmi⁠)—a practice owner, educator, and former Chair of the Florida Board of Dentistry. Appointed in 2015 as the youngest board member ever, Dr. Fatmi brings deep experience from both the operatory and the regulatory level. To learn more about or connect with Dr. Naved Fatmi, go to: Website: ⁠https://www.healthandwellness-dentistry.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠@drnavedfatmi⁠_______ Don't miss out on these deals: Prioritize your wellness—shop my daily essentials here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teethmatterpod.com/store⁠⁠⁠⁠ COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cocofloss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FIGS - Use referral code to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fbuy.io/figs/elliehalabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________ If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

    31 min
  7. Choices That Shape Your Career: PART 1 | Dr Naved Fatmi, DMD

    JUN 10

    Choices That Shape Your Career: PART 1 | Dr Naved Fatmi, DMD

    What happens when a new grad skips residency and buys a practice? What do DSOs really offer early-career dentists—and what do they take away? And how do you stay ethical in a system that often puts production before patients? In this episode, Teeth Matter host Ellie Halabian sits down with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. (@drnavedfatmi)—a practice owner, educator, and former Chair of the Florida Board of Dentistry. Appointed in 2015 as the youngest board member ever, Dr. Fatmi brings deep experience from both the operatory and the regulatory level. Together, we unpack: 🎓 Residency vs. Private Practice: Which path builds a stronger foundation? 🏢 The DSO Dilemma: Do they help or hinder your clinical growth? 📚 CE That Sticks: How to actually apply what you learn. 🧠 Understanding Your Demographic: Why your patient base should drive your business strategy. 💸 Financial Security: What it really looks like in today’s dental economy. Whether you're a student, a new grad, or a practice owner, this episode gives you a rare look into the intersection of dentistry, leadership, and long-term career thinking. To learn more about or connect with Dr. Naved Fatmi, go to: Website: https://www.healthandwellness-dentistry.com/Instagram: @drnavedfatmi_______ Don't miss out on these deals: Prioritize your wellness—shop my daily essentials here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teethmatterpod.com/store⁠⁠⁠ COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cocofloss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FIGS - Use referral code to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fbuy.io/figs/elliehalabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________ If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

    34 min
  8. What It Means To Be A Kois Dentist | Dr Paresh Shah, DMD

    MAY 27

    What It Means To Be A Kois Dentist | Dr Paresh Shah, DMD

    In this episode of Teeth Matter, we sit down with Dr. Paresh Shah (@drpareshshah) —a respected Canadian dentist, educator, and international speaker—to explore what comprehensive dentistry really looks like in practice. Now leading his third practice, Dr. Shah says he's finally getting to practice the way he wants to - connecting function, esthetics, and long-term health. We dive into how this approach shows up in his treatment planning, his collaboration with specialists, and how he gets full team buy-in. He also opens up about where he’s growing now: learning to be a better mentor—to his team, his colleagues, and the next generation of dentists. Whether you're a few years in or leveling up into leadership, this episode offers real insight into the mindset it takes to build a fulfilling, long-term career. What You'll Learn: What comprehensive dentistry really means today How to lead collaborative care without losing direction Simplifying complex cases for patients What mentorship looks like in a modern practice Building a strong clinical culture through communication To learn more about Dr. Paresh Shah, check out: Instagram: @drpareshshahWebsite: DC Dental Clinical_______ Don't miss out on these deals: Prioritize your wellness—shop my daily essentials here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teethmatterpod.com/store⁠⁠ COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cocofloss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FIGS - Use referral code to get 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fbuy.io/figs/elliehalabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellie Halabian⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________ If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

    50 min
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4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Real talk between different dental professionals to help the rest of us navigate our careers and get us to where we want to be.

Information

  • Creator
    Ellie Halabian
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ellie Halabian
  • Show Website
    Teeth Matter

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