Manrina's Mentorship Podcast

Dr Manrina Rhode
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We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys and insights of dentists, sharing valuable lessons on mindset, skill-building, and personal growth in the world of dentistry. Listen on Spotify/Apple podcasts, or watch on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@DRMRAcademy.

  1. Manrina's Mentorship Podcast | Ep 16 | NHS, Covid and the Niche That Changed Everything

    May 15

    Manrina's Mentorship Podcast | Ep 16 | NHS, Covid and the Niche That Changed Everything

    The Best Thing She Ever Did Was “Stop Trying to Be Good at Everything”. Some stories take a while to find their shape. This is one of them. Deirbhle, known to everyone as DD, is a super associate, a Manrina’s Mentorship Mentee, and someone who has lived a life. She grew up in Omagh during the Troubles. She navigated anti-Irish prejudice at dental school in Manchester. She cared for her Nanny through the early stages of dementia during her VT year. She hit a wall twice under NHS dentistry. She came out later in life. She recently became a guardian to her nephew alongside her wife Becky. And through all of it, she kept showing up, kept pushing, and kept quietly exceeding every expectation placed on her. In this conversation with Dr Manrina Rhode, DD talks about all of it. Where she came from, what nearly broke her, what finally gave her clarity, and why she is more excited about dentistry now than she has ever been. Her mother deserves her own episode. A GP, a university lecturer, a politician who received a legitimate death threat for her work on the Northern Ireland Policing Board, and the woman who sat her final medical VIVA exam heavily pregnant, with the same examiner delivering her baby a week later. DD grew up watching someone refuse, repeatedly and completely, to accept limitations. It left a mark. But ambition without direction is exhausting. DD spent sixteen years in NHS dentistry being exceptional at something that was slowly hollowing her out. She was signed off twice. She came close to leaving the profession entirely. Then Covid arrived, and instead of making things worse, it gave her the space to ask a question she had been avoiding: what do I actually want? The answer changed everything. This is a conversation about resilience that does not feel like a motivational talk. It feels like sitting with a friend who has been through it, come out the other side, and wants to save you some of the detours. If you are running on empty in your current role, if you have ever wondered whether there is a version of dentistry you would genuinely love, or if you just want to hear one of the most engaging and honest conversations we have recorded, this episode is for you. In this episode: Growing up in Omagh during the Troubles and what her mother was risking to help rebuild her community Dental school in Manchester, a near-fail by 0.6%, and the advice from the head of medicine that completely reframed her approach Sixteen years in NHS dentistry, two periods of being signed off, and how Covid became a turning point rather than a breaking point Coming out later in life and finding her people through women's football What Manrina's Mentorship Programme gave her that years of hard work alone could not The one piece of advice she would give every dentist who is putting pressure on themselves to be brilliant at everything DD is joining Designing Smiles later this year. She is just getting started. Watch this space.

    32 min
  2. "I Felt Behind in My Career” - Growing as a Woman In Dentistry

    Apr 20

    "I Felt Behind in My Career” - Growing as a Woman In Dentistry

    Manrina's Mentorship Podcast | Ep 15 | From Poland to Prosthodontics: Dr Agata’s Journey of Resilience and Excellence In this inspiring episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Dr Agata, a powerhouse dentist whose incredible work ethic, resilience, and pursuit of excellence has shaped her career and family life. From growing up under communism in Poland to building a successful dental practice in the UK while raising two children, Agata’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, skill, and mindful career growth. What You'll Discover: Resilience from Childhood: How growing up in 1970s Poland under a communist regime taught Agata to be resourceful, independent, and adaptable, and how these lessons still shape her mindset today. Navigating Education & Opportunity: Her journey through dental school in Poland, the challenges of limited specialisation opportunities, and how early international experiences, including fruit picking in the UK, built perspective and determination. Family as Motivation: The story of moving to the UK with her husband and young son, navigating language barriers, and ensuring her family thrived while pursuing their professional dreams. Becoming a Practice Owner: How Agata transitioned from private practice to buying her own dental practice in Torbay, the challenges of partnership, and her decision to embrace independence to grow her vision. The Power of Mentorship: Why joining Manrina’s mentorship program was a turning point in her career, providing guidance, community, and inspiration for clinical and business growth. Never Stop Learning: Despite her advanced career, Agata emphasises that it’s never too late to learn new skills, refine techniques, and seek out mentors who push you to the next level. Agata’s Advice for Dentists: Take your time to discover what you truly love in dentistry, don’t rush specialisation. Build a reputation in one place first; longevity and trust bring long-term success. Everything happens for a reason; patience and perspective are your allies in life and career. Whether you’re a newly qualified dentist, a practice owner, or someone looking to elevate your clinical skills while balancing family and life priorities, Agata’s journey offers proof that resilience, skill, and mentorship can create extraordinary results. Ready to take your practice and mindset to the next level? Email academy@drmr.co.uk or DM us on Instagram @‌drmr_academy!

    37 min
  3. Choosing Balance Over Burnout: How Guto Built His Success

    Mar 18

    Choosing Balance Over Burnout: How Guto Built His Success

    In this heartwarming episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Dr Guto Griffiths, a Welsh-speaking dentist whose commitment to family, community, and work-life balance shaped his entire career. From growing up on the beautiful South Wales coast to building a thriving cosmetic practice whilst raising three young children, Guto's story proves that success doesn't require sacrificing what matters most. What You'll Discover: The Pull of Home: How growing up bilingual in a close-knit Welsh community and watching his GP father prioritise family shaped Guto's core values - and why he chose dentistry over medicine for better work-life balance at just 17. When Tragedy Creates Opportunity: How a mentor's unexpected death led to opening a single-surgery practice as a squat, building it from scratch into a thriving three-surgery clinic over eight years. The Visual Learning Revolution: Why Designing Smiles was a game-changer for this self-described visual learner - and how following the exact protocol transformed his practice into three-quarters cosmetic work. Overcoming Camera Shyness: His honest journey from reluctantly starting Instagram to batch-filming excellent content that brings in consistent cosmetic consultations - taking six months just to post that first piece of content. Time Blocking Mastery: How he schedules his diary down to the minute with specific cosmetic consultation slots, prep slots, and utilises therapists to offload general dentistry whilst working just four days a week. Guto's Direct Advice: Get experience after graduating, find out what you like and don't like in dentistry, then follow your passion and what feels right. Dentistry is a long career - if you do something you enjoy day to day, it doesn't become work. Whether you're struggling with work-life balance, wondering how to transition to cosmetic dentistry whilst maintaining family priorities, or looking for permission to choose the lifestyle you want, Guto's thoughtful journey offers proof that you can have both excellence and balance.

    32 min
  4. The Proactive Advantage: Why Vicky Keeps Winning

    Jan 16

    The Proactive Advantage: Why Vicky Keeps Winning

    In this inspiring episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Dr Vicky Bu, DRMR's newest associate whose journey from China to London demonstrates the power of seizing opportunities and adapting fearlessly. From deciding at age 12 to become a dentist abroad to navigating motherhood whilst building her career, Vicky's story proves that being proactive creates possibilities. What You'll Discover: The Power of Clear Vision: How watching successful dentists in China at age 12 led Vicky to plan an international career - and why having mentors early shaped her entire trajectory. Adapting Through Change: Transferring from Leeds to King's, navigating COVID by taking an internship in Shanghai, and turning isolation into productive study time - Vicky's positive attitude transforms challenges into opportunities. Love and Life Changes: How meeting her husband led to marriage, pregnancy, and becoming a mother to seven-month-old Alex whilst managing major career decisions. The Business Pivot: Why she started a business before delivery but chose to pause it after becoming a mum - recognising that being a clinician, business owner, mother, and wife simultaneously is four full-time jobs. Future-Forward Thinking: Her exciting plans to pursue a PhD in anti-aging and longevity whilst raising seven-month-old Alex - bringing cutting-edge science to clinical practice. Vicky's Direct Advice: Be proactive - that's her advantage as a foreigner in the UK. You don't have as many opportunities compared to living in your own country, so you need to grab every opportunity yourself. Don't wait, don't overthink - just do it. Whether you're an international dentist navigating a new country, balancing motherhood with career ambitions, or wondering how to stand out in a competitive field, Vicky's journey offers inspiration on adaptability, focus, and the courage to seize every opportunity. 🎓 Ready to be more proactive in your career? 📩 Email academy@drmr.co.uk or DM us on Instagram @‌drmr_academy!

    20 min
  5. It's Not a Race: Biraj's Journey to Exceptional Patient Care

    12/22/2025

    It's Not a Race: Biraj's Journey to Exceptional Patient Care

    In this episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with the exceptional Dr Biraj Patel, an endodontist whose communication skills and patient care have set a new standard. From training in Texas to building a thriving London practice, Biraj's story reveals why technical excellence alone isn't enough - and how being genuinely interested in people transforms everything. What You'll Discover: The Communication Game-Changer: Why talking to patients during procedures and having broad interests in everything from finance to film creates exceptional patient experiences that keep them coming back. The American Training Advantage: How four and a half years in Texas taught him a completely different approach to pain management and patient communication that UK training doesn't cover. Building Without Chasing: Why working hard and providing exceptional care naturally builds your reputation - and why younger dentists rushing to the finish line are missing the point. The Referral Relationship: How treating every referring dentist as a team member and communicating before patients even leave the practice builds unshakeable professional relationships. Fatherhood's Purpose Shift: How having a son changed everything - from stepping back from international lecturing to re-evaluating what success really means. Biraj's Direct Advice: Work hard, build your reputation by providing excellent care, but don't chase money or status. Everything comes when you focus on doing good work. Dentistry isn't a race - it's a marathon. Enjoy the journey because there's always something new to learn. Whether you're building a referral base, wondering how to stand out in a competitive market, or simply want to become the clinician patients rave about, Biraj's approach to communication and patient care offers a masterclass in working smarter through genuine connection. 🎓 Ready to build your reputation through exceptional care? 📩 Email academy@drmr.co.uk or DM us on Instagram @drmr_academy!

    25 min
  6. The Nirvana Graph: How Digital Transformation Doubled Success

    11/17/2025

    The Nirvana Graph: How Digital Transformation Doubled Success

    In this compelling episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with the remarkable Dr Claire Nightingale, one of the UK's leading Invisalign orthodontists. From childhood extractions under gas to winning Best Practice in the UK, Claire's story demonstrates how unwavering vision, patience for the right opportunities, and embracing digital transformation can lead to extraordinary success. What You'll Discover: Finding Your Calling Early: How traumatic dental extractions under gas at age 10, followed by exemplary specialist care, led Claire to decide she'd become an orthodontist whilst still a teenager. Strategic Career Planning: Why she actively researched which jobs led to coveted training positions and wasn't afraid to create her own opportunities rather than waiting for them. The Partnership Journey: After instructing lawyers five times over several years for different partnership opportunities, why trusting your gut about the "right" practice is crucial - and how she finally found hers. Digital Transformation: How investing in an iTero scanner and dental monitoring just before the pandemic positioned her practice perfectly - leading to higher turnover with fewer appointments (her "Nirvana graph"). From Good to Award-Winning: Winning Best Practice UK in 2020, then Most Transformed Practice 18 months later by going from analogue to digital workflows. Claire's Direct Advice: Don't stay in situations that aren't serving you. Create your own opportunities rather than waiting for others to hand them to you. And remember - stress is detrimental to your physical health, so protect your wellbeing. Whether you're considering orthodontics, looking to transform your practice digitally, or wondering when to walk away from opportunities that don't feel right, Claire's thoughtful journey offers wisdom on patience, strategic planning, and knowing when to embrace change. 🎓 Ready to transform your practice and create your own opportunities? 📩 Email academy@drmr.co.uk or DM us on Instagram @‌drmr_academy!

    36 min
  7. Stop Complaining, Start Doing: Hatem's No-Nonsense Career Advice

    10/22/2025

    Stop Complaining, Start Doing: Hatem's No-Nonsense Career Advice

    In this energetic episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with the remarkable Dr Hatem Algraffee, a leading periodontist who's been her go-to specialist for 18 years. From entering dental school through clearing to becoming one of the first registered specialists in the UK, Hatem's story is about taking action, embracing new technology, and never waiting for opportunities to come to you. What You'll Discover: From Clearing to Excellence: How a challenging first year at dental school became the wake-up call that transformed his entire approach to learning and clinical work. Finding Your Surgical Path: Why choosing periodontics over maxillofacial surgery came down to lifestyle - the perfect blend of surgery without gruelling on-call schedules. The Course Pioneers: Building a dental education empire with his wife (also a periodontist!) - running courses the day after their wedding and now managing 40+ WhatsApp mentorship groups. Laser Revolution: From sceptic to carrying three lasers in his bag daily - how new wireless technology is transforming periodontal treatment and bone regeneration. The Mentorship Model: Offering lifelong support through WhatsApp groups with clear boundaries - no Friday nights, no patients in the chair. Hatem's Direct Advice: If you're frustrated as an associate - rent a room and do something. If you're unhappy - change it. Life is short, so get on with whatever you want to do. Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, curious about specialising, or wondering how to balance clinical excellence with education and family life, Hatem's beautifully blunt honesty offers the push you need to stop waiting and start doing. 🎓 Ready to stop waiting and start taking action on your career goals? 📩 Email academy@drmr.co.uk or DM us on Instagram @drmr_academy!

    36 min
  8. Life's Too Short for Small Dreams: Robbie's Big Moves

    09/19/2025

    Life's Too Short for Small Dreams: Robbie's Big Moves

    In this deeply moving episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Robbie Stewart, the youngest guest yet and a dental therapist on the DRMR team. His story transforms personal tragedy into a powerful reminder that life's too short for anything less than bold action. What You'll Discover: Finding Your Calling Early: How a friend's casual mention of dental hygiene led to work experience that changed everything - and why dental therapy is more competitive than dentistry to get into. The Power of Determination: Getting into Newcastle's exclusive 10-person cohort and how staying focused on your goals can overcome any obstacle. Adventure and Growth: Working as an oral health therapist in Australia with a wider scope of practice, and why international experience can accelerate your clinical development. The London Leap: Making the bold decision to leave everything familiar behind and start fresh in London, turning life changes into opportunities for growth. Professional Excellence: Why constantly seeking feedback and working as a team transforms your clinical practice and career trajectory. Robbie's journey from a creative teenager unsure about his path to a confident professional who lives by "grab life by the horns" offers profound insights about resilience, purpose, and making the most of every opportunity. Perfect for anyone early in their career, considering a major life change, or needing reminding that setbacks can become stepping stones to meaningful growth. 📩 Email academy@drmr.co.uk or DM us on Instagram @drmr_academy!

    24 min
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About

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys and insights of dentists, sharing valuable lessons on mindset, skill-building, and personal growth in the world of dentistry. Listen on Spotify/Apple podcasts, or watch on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@DRMRAcademy.

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