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 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. Sep 3

    S6 Ep 4 : Could Dentistry Prepare You For Business? From Clinician to Founder with Dr Ariba Karim

    Could dentistry prepare you for business? From clinician to founder What happens when the career you worked so hard for no longer feels like the right fit? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by dentist, facial aesthetics practitioner and founder of Whip Belfast, Dr Ariba Karim. Ariba shares the honest story behind her journey from dentistry into hospitality and entrepreneurship. We talk about cultural expectations, choosing dentistry, navigating difficult working environments and the realities of building a career as a self-employed dental professional. After working across Northern Ireland and Dublin, Ariba began to recognise that her mental health was being affected by a career she no longer felt passionate about. Through therapy, travel and plenty of self-reflection, she uncovered a long-suppressed ambition to build something of her own. That idea became Whip Belfast, a personality-filled concept café known for its açaí bowls, matcha, creative menus and distinctly “girly pop” energy. This is a wonderfully honest conversation about career pivots, transferable skills, financial risk, resilience and what can happen when you allow yourself to pursue the work that genuinely lights you up. In this episode Why Ariba chose dentistry and what her early career really looked likeThe realities of NHS dentistry, self-employment and associate lifeRecognising when a working environment is not right for youInvesting in further training and exploring different nichesMental health, therapy and losing passion for your professionStarting a business, experiencing financial risk and rebuilding after setbacksThe skills dentistry gave Ariba that now help her run WhipBuilding a memorable brand through creativity, social media and communityAriba’s plans to grow Whip while protecting the quality of its original Belfast locationLinks and resources mentioned Study Dentistry at Queen’s University BelfastStart With Why by Simon SinekWatch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk, How Great Leaders Inspire ActionDerma Medical, where Ariba completed facial aesthetics trainingConnect with Ariba and Whip Belfast Follow @whipbelfast on InstagramFollow @whipbelfast on TikTokVisit Whip on the Lisburn Road in BelfastContinue 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 made you think differently about your own career, share it with a dental friend who might need to hear it. 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.

  7. Aug 27

    S6 Ep 3 : Could Better Boundaries Help Protect Your Dental Career? Preventing Burnout with Dr Rana

    What if the answer to burnout isn’t simply doing less, but learning how to live, work and succeed in a completely different way? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by specialist periodontist, author, coach, international speaker and fellow podcaster Dr Rana Al-Falaki. Rana was the first periodontist in the UK to begin using lasers in daily practice and has developed minimally invasive periodontal protocols that are now informing clinical trials around the world. Alongside her clinical and educational work, she is the creator of the NAIL-IT Leadership System, which helps professionals pursue sustainable success without sacrificing their health, happiness or relationships. Behind Rana’s extraordinary career is an incredibly honest story of burnout. She shares what happened when years of overachievement, emotional trauma, professional pressure and never asking for help finally caught up with her. Content note This episode contains a personal discussion of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. This begins at approximately 26 minutes and 15 seconds within the original interview. Please be aware that the precise timestamp may move slightly following the addition of the episode introduction and sponsorship messages. Please look after yourself while listening and feel completely free to pause or skip this part of the conversation. Find out more about Dr Rana Al-Falaki Dr Rana’s official website: https://www.drranaalfalaki.com/ Follow Dr Rana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drranaalfalaki/ Discover NAIL-IT Leadership and Rana’s coaching, workshops and services: https://www.drranaalfalaki.com/nail-it Find out more about NAIL-IT Leadership: Your Blueprint to Optimal Performance: https://www.drranaalfalaki.com/nail-it-leadership Listen to the NAIL-IT Podcast with Dr Rana Al-Falaki and Dr Bhavin Patel: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nail-it/id1824975541 Follow the NAIL-IT Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailit_podcast/ NAIL-IT events and education Find out more about the NAIL-IT Leadership Experience and upcoming 2026 dates: https://www.nailitindentistry.com/nail-it-in-dentistry-leadership-wellbeing-day-dental-team-professionals Find out more about Rana’s periodontal and peri-implant courses: https://www.nailitindentistry.com/perio-courses Find out more about the periodontal and peri-implant masterclass taking place in London on 20 and 21 November 2026: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYeIAZNmhry/ Thank you to our sponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for sponsoring this episode and supporting Conversations with Dental Friends. Find out more about Oral-B Professional: https://www.oralbprofessional.co.uk/s/ Find out more about NSK UK: https://mynsk.co.uk/ Stay connected with Conversations with Dental Friends Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversationswithdentalfriends/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@homegirlhygienist2756?si=IfQgFNVLAMZu1rcL https://substack.com/@conversationswithdentalfriends?r=57fuak&utm_medium=ios Join us on Substack: Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TR0CyMSp9K3JHIg8eg9nQ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/conversations-with-dental-friends/id1802284203 Free Career Planning Workbook If you would like some space to reflect on what you want from your own dental career, comment the word LINK on the episode post and I’ll send you my free Conversations with Dental Friends Career Planning Workbook. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating or review and share it with a dental friend who may need to hear this conversation.

  8. Aug 20

    S6 Ep : 2 Can Social Media Completely Change Your Dental Career? with Anna Peterson

    From making blue-tack braces 🦷😂 to becoming a dental therapist, educator, content creator for 245k+ people, and working with some of the biggest brands in dentistry… Anna Peterson’s journey is a powerful reminder that you don’t always know where one decision will take you. In this episode, we talk about career pivots, confidence, social media, and what it really looks like behind the polished dental Instagram world. Anna shares how she didn’t get the A level grades she needed for dentistry, and how she only discovered dental therapy after that door closed. From there, she stepped into a role in restorative dentistry, learned new clinical skills years into practice, and eventually found her way into content creation and education online. We also dive into the moment everything changed online, when her first viral video almost got deleted at just 10 views… before unexpectedly reaching nearly one million views in under 24 hours. Since then, social media has opened doors she never expected, including collaborations with Oral-B and NSK, lecturing opportunities, presenting, and educating thousands of people about oral health. But beyond the viral moments, this conversation is really about something deeper. 💡 Key themes we cover: Not getting the grades you expected — and what comes nextDiscovering dental therapy and building confidence clinicallyLearning new skills later in your career (yes, even rubber dam!)The reality of going viral on social mediaBuilding a personal brand in dentistryWorking with major dental brands like Oral-B and NSKThe pressure vs reality of dental social mediaWhy you don’t need to have everything figured outThe importance of kindness in dentistry 🧠 Anna’s biggest reminder: You are allowed to ask questions. You are allowed to not know everything. You are allowed to build confidence slowly. And you absolutely do not have to follow a traditional route. Because behind every perfect composite, viral video, and polished Instagram feed… there’s a human being figuring it out too. And as Anna beautifully puts it: “We’re all in it together.” 🫶🏼 ⸻ 🔗 Links & Resources 👩‍⚕️ Follow Anna Peterson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annapetersondental?igsh=MWhyNWk5ZHYycXY2eQ==&igsi=MWhyNWk5ZHYycXY2eQ== 📱 Conversations with Dental Friends: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversationswithdentalfriends?igsh=bTh4ZWRlank3dWJs 💙 Sponsored by Oral-B Explore Oral-B professional products & resources: 👉 https://www.oralbprofessional.co.uk/s/login/ 🦷 Sponsored by NSK Discover NSK dental equipment & solutions: 👉 https://mynsk.co.uk ⸻ ✨ In this episode, we also mention: Rubber dam training and clinical confidenceDental photography and content creationCareer progression in dental therapySocial media growth and unexpected viralityEducation, lecturing, and presenting in dentistry

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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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