Manrina's Mentorship Podcast

Dr Manrina Rhode

0.0 (0)
Medicine
Updated Monthly

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.

2d ago

Manrina’s Mentorship Podcast | Ep18 | From Valencia to Veneers: Dr. Nieves Ros on Building a Life and Career in the UK

In this episode of Manrina's Mentorship Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Nieves Ros, a Spanish-trained dentist, practice co-owner, and now principal at Smmmile, to talk about her journey from Valencia to the UK dental world. Nieves shares what it was really like moving countries to practise dentistry: the paperwork, the language barrier, and the moment she turned up to her first UK job only to be mistaken for a dental nurse. We talk about building a life abroad while staying close to family in Spain, meeting her husband through her brother, and stepping into practice ownership almost by accident. We also go deep on one of the hardest moments of her career: a medical emergency in the dental chair during the COVID emergency hub period, and how therapy helped her process it. Nieves closes with honest advice on why comparing yourself to other clinicians on social media is holding you back. In this episode we cover: - Growing up in Valencia and her (surprising) synchronised swimming background - Why she chose dentistry over pure biology - Studying dentistry in Spain and an Erasmus year in Poland - Arriving for her first UK dentist job, and being told there was no dentist position - Learning English on the job, patients, and strong regional accents - Becoming co-owner/principal at Smmmile - Training in veneers on the Designing Smiles course and joining the mentorship programme - The hardest day of her career: a cardiac emergency in the dental chair - Going to therapy, and why it was one of the best decisions she's made - Her advice on comparison culture in dentistry and social media Connect: Follow Manrina's Mentorship Podcast for more stories from dentists building their careers and practices. Want to learn from the best? Download Manrina's free eBook for dentists - practical insight on building a career in cosmetic dentistry: https://www.drmr.academy/free-ebook Ready to take the next step? Explore Manrina's courses and mentorship programme: https://www.drmrlondon.co.uk/dental-courses-london/ Or get in touch directly: academy@drmr.co.uk
Jun 17

Manrina’s Mentorship Podcast | Ep 17 | The Gap Between Dental School and the Career You Actually Want

From Poland to King's — Dr Nikola Kulik on Self-Belief, Independence, and Finding Your Path in Dentistry In this episode, Dr Manrina Rhode sits down with Dr Nikola Kulik, one of her youngest mentees and a recently qualified dentist who has already packed more into her early career than most do in a decade. Nikola grew up in Poland, won a biology competition at 15 that set her on an extraordinary path, and moved out of home to attend one of the country's top high schools before relocating to London alone at 19 to study dentistry at King's College London — arriving in the middle of a global pandemic. Now eight months into her dental foundation training in a high-needs area of East London, Nikola is simultaneously completing a Level 7 diploma in facial aesthetics, training in cosmetic dentistry through the Designing Smiles course, and building her personal brand through Manrina's Mentorship Programme. In this episode we discuss: - Growing up in Poland and the biology competition win that changed everything Moving to London alone at 19 during Covid lockdown and navigating loneliness and imposter syndrome - Why a volunteering trip to Sri Lanka at 18 led her to choose dentistry over medicine - The reality of dental foundation training and why she now believes it is essential - How the Designing Smiles course confirmed cosmetic dentistry is her path - What she has learned about personal branding, patient communication, and building a career with direction - Why she is pursuing a Level 7 diploma in facial aesthetics alongside her foundation year - Her advice on training your mind to work in your favour and doing the hard things "I'm just at the beginning of my journey, but I'm so grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best." — Dr Nikola Kulik Want to learn from the best? Download Manrina's free eBook for dentists — practical insight on building a career in cosmetic dentistry: https://www.drmr.academy/free-ebook Ready to take the next step? Explore Manrina's courses and mentorship programme: https://www.drmrlondon.co.uk/dental-courses-london/ Or get in touch directly: academy@drmr.co.uk
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!

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.

Creator

Dr Manrina Rhode
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

18
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 DRMR Academy
Show Website

Manrina's Mentorship Podcast