Conversations with Dental Friends

About Conversations with Dental Friends

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!

Publisher

Rachael

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Mar 2025

Latest episode

29 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

73 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Oct 2026

   S6 Ep 12 : Can You Combine Your Greatest Passions? Where Dentistry Meets Sport w/ Dr Umair Mohammed

   Can one cold email change your career? Creating your own luck How can combining dentistry with something you already love create an entirely new career direction? In the series finale of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by Dr Umair Mohammed, a cosmetic and sports dentist, co-founder of the UK Sports Dentistry Association and co-host of The Sports Dentistry Podcast. In this episode, we cover: How one cold email introduced Umair to his mentor Combining a love of sport with a dental career Oral health, inflammation and athletic performance Digital scanning and providing care at training grounds Helping local sports teams as a route into the field Why sports dentistry is relevant to the entire dental team Building professional opportunities through networking Umair’s ambition for sports dentistry to become a recognised speciality Content note At approximately 38:42 to 41:43, Umair discusses his wife’s diagnosis of stage-three bowel cancer and how it changed his outlook on life, purpose and professional legacy. Sports dentistry organisations and education UK Sports Dentistry Association (https://www.sportsdentistryuk.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The professional organisation co-founded by Umair to support education, collaboration and the development of sports dentistry. UK Sports Dentistry Association membership (https://www.sportsdentistryuk.com/membership?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Information about membership, education, networking and professional development. UCL Sports Dentistry MSc (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/divisions/eastman/study/distance-learning-degrees?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Information about UCL Eastman’s part-time Sports Dentistry: Oral Health in Sport programme. UCL Sports Dentistry short course (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/short-courses/search-courses/sports-dentistry-evolving-role-sports-dentist?utm_source=chatgpt.com) A two-day introduction to sports dentistry and the evolving role of the sports dentist. Tackling Teeth online course (https://www.tacklingteeth.com/courses/onlinecourse?utm_source=chatgpt.com) An introductory programme covering athlete care, prevention, dental trauma and getting started in sports dentistry. The UK Sports Dentistry Association describes its community as including dentists, dental care professionals, researchers and wider healthcare professionals, reflecting Umair’s emphasis that this field is not only for dentists. sportsdentistryuk.com (https://www.sportsdentistryuk.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The Sports Dentistry Podcast Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/52sLMpgviaANGdQprbgbV7?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sports-dentistry-podcast/id1803479364) Watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportsDentistryPodcast) Podcast website (https://thesportsdentistrypodcast.alitu.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The podcast is hosted by Umair Mohammed and John Haughey and explores oral health, athletic performance and the development of sports dentistry around the world. podcasts.apple.com (https://podcasts.apple.com/pk/podcast/the-sports-dentistry-podcast/id1803479364?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Further reading From pitchside to practice: lessons from sports dentistry (https://dentistry.co.uk/2026/03/02/from-pitchside-to-practice-lessons-from-sports-dentistry/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) A day in the life of a sports dentist (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41406-026-1642-0?utm_source=chatgpt.com) What does a sports dentist do all day? (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-025-9117-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Connect with Umair Umair’s website (https://www.drumair.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Umair on Instagram at @drumair (https://www.instagram.com/drumair/) Umair on LinkedIn (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/umair-mohammed-052a7272?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Umair’s sports dentistry information (https://www.drumair.co.uk/sports-dentistry.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Umair’s current professional profiles confirm his MSc in Sports Dentistry, his work with elite sport and his involvement in the UK Sports Dentistry Association. Edinburgh Cosmetic Dentist (https://www.drumair.co.uk/about-us.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Continue the conversation Conversations with Dental Friends on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/conversationswithdentalfriends/) Rachael on Instagram at @homegirlhygienist (https://www.instagram.com/homegirlhygienist/) Conversations with Dental Friends on Substack (https://substack.com/@conversationswithdentalfriends) Conversations with Dental Friends on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@homegirlhygienist2756) Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0TR0CyMSp9K3JHIg8eg9nQ?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/conversations-with-dental-friends/id1802284203?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Homegirl Hygienist (https://www.homegirlhygienist.com/) Sponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for supporting 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”. This is the final episode of the series, so make sure you are following Conversations with Dental Friends to hear when the next series begins.

2. 

   22 Oct 2026

   S6 Ep 11 : What Does Balance Really Look Like? Yoga, Motherhood & Dentistry with Samantha Cawsey

   Can you do motherhood and dentistry your way? Yoga, balance and choosing your season What happens when the version of success you need begins to change? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by one of her closest friends, dental therapist and qualified yoga teacher Samantha Cawsey. Samantha explains how dentistry found her after she left school feeling uncertain about her direction. A dental nursing position introduced her to a profession that combined creativity, preparation, pressure and human connection. After completing further qualifications in dental radiography and oral health education, she went on to study dental therapy at Newcastle University, where she met Rachael. They reflect on university, learning to trust your abilities and making better use of the experts around you. Samantha also discusses the periodontal education that gave her greater confidence and a clearer structure for patient care. The conversation then moves beyond dentistry. Samantha shares why she travelled alone to Goa for yoga teacher training and how breathing, mindfulness and connection now influence the way she works with patients. At the heart of the episode is an honest discussion about motherhood and career identity. Samantha explains why she has chosen to pause professional progression, dedicate this season to her family and trust that dentistry will still be there when she is ready to return with greater energy. In this episode, we cover: Moving from dental nursing into dental therapy Studying together at Newcastle University Building confidence through postgraduate periodontal education Travelling to Goa for yoga teacher training Using breathing and mindfulness during a clinical day Choosing connection over simply completing a checklist Motherhood, identity and allowing your career to pause Content note Between approximately 38:34 and 42:59, the conversation briefly includes personal reflections on fertility pressure, adjusting to maternity leave, career identity and mental health. Samantha’s book recommendations Light on Yoga: The Definitive Guide to Yoga Practice by B.K.S. Iyengar (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fharpercollins.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Flight-on-yoga-the-definitive-guide-to-yoga-practice-b-k-s-iyengar%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893522634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FiUx9GZ92p9VUS2HsIqpNh0GcjBgty5WkTpoEtVXZ94%3D&reserved=0) A detailed guide to yoga practice, including postures, breathing and the principles behind the practice. Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace and Ultimate Freedom by B.K.S. Iyengar (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FLight-Life-Journey-Wholeness-Ultimate%2Fdp%2F1905744269%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893545780%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1YS7fslUWpnVmqAvA7p7q%2F3N3be1sFi6137n%2FeDVupA%3D&reserved=0) A reflective exploration of how yoga can influence our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual lives. Both titles and authors have been checked against the publisher and recognised Iyengar Yoga resources. harpercollins.co.uk (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fharpercollins.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Flight-on-yoga-the-definitive-guide-to-yoga-practice-b-k-s-iyengar%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893557046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sP3FncKI4Jenoa7Hh%2BP3eirQvxmWev4moEGrsIynCXM%3D&reserved=0) Yoga teacher training Himalaya Yoga Valley (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyogagoaindia.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893568198%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sMGbJ2ydFy5spyktRkSA%2BQxV99F%2BkIwgcBP1s0RSf3I%3D&reserved=0) The organisation Samantha trained with in Goa. Himalaya Yoga Valley teacher-training programmes (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyogagoaindia.com%2Fteacher-training%2F%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893578712%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UHdDCJHzBFwWEVSGYuwNi%2Fj2USri2PkZsnpfxY97GME%3D&reserved=0) Information about its current yoga teacher-training options in India, Ireland and online. Himalaya Yoga Valley currently offers 200-hour and 300-hour teacher-training pathways, although the structure may have changed since Samantha completed her course in January 2020. yogagoaindia.com (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyogagoaindia.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893589725%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1BtU%2B6RCCBUKWEjogSsFmfH4n4mdm94mK%2Fn7LhWDkX8%3D&reserved=0) Periodontal education mentioned Perio School (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perio.school%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893600300%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=g%2FbYiRG%2BgwzTBqwRvorrLhgOPZPiSpwQ2PGt4fkPTBA%3D&reserved=0) The Perio Masterclass (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perio.school%2Fthe-perio-masterclass%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893611350%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=35Gmi91btEsKJNHb0EGMrWl5rmQcFne3BMowxUTQzH4%3D&reserved=0) The Hygienist Course (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perio.school%2Fthe-hygienist-course%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893622026%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=K8k1PA5QUJKQppEXksmOfd2kAn015y0BNnrBBhGRYu8%3D&reserved=0) Diploma in Periodontics for Hygienists and Therapists (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perio.school%2FDiploma_Hygienist_Therapist%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893632436%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SUcTo6%2B7QBtxEYlzN6AZ5ilxP1Y%2FKgzySk1ihy3ghzQ%3D&reserved=0) RW Perio (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frwperio.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893643522%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LIZOWpjBFc%2FlvK1lVS0IAS%2BHOV0c4UDs5%2BELZ67dyiA%3D&reserved=0) Dental therapy education Newcastle University Dental Therapy BSc (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncl.ac.uk%2Fundergraduate%2Fdegrees%2Fa207%2F%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893653663%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XuNSFo%2FMC4YYfXpJpVn21WS3DWSu%2F%2Fi8v7AC8oVu4iw%3D&reserved=0) Connect with Samantha Samantha Cawsey on LinkedIn (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fsamantha-cawsey-1724a7150%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893663754%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lo6TmocDVoVk2eZV6WKWYIpc0DzT2gwAdtEu1TuptaI%3D&reserved=0) Continue the conversation Conversations with Dental Friends on Instagram (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fconversationswithdentalfriends%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893673515%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sX5f1GRzOaevLJ0sAVZtu%2FjkVMnQmLgr8VSFDwTWx9s%3D&reserved=0) Rachael on Instagram at @homegirlhygienist (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fhomegirlhygienist%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893688806%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RdTr%2FLurdjmdOX07P9WteF2GWhmm%2BCinDED6JavD1n8%3D&reserved=0) Conversations with Dental Friends on Substack (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40conversationswithdentalfriends&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893704291%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mjc4rNiw4VySvCJEmqFpNaRsoJBGBhFXjP%2BhU79XFiM%3D&reserved=0) Conversations with Dental Friends on YouTube (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40homegirlhygienist2756&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893716698%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2xb0QIcISJGCq163%2FonJ6svmcyDsHMiSbSi3l3jO7JU%3D&reserved=0) Listen on Spotify (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F0TR0CyMSp9K3JHIg8eg9nQ%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893727359%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dyTLI5Ia5X7GAo1UzqhmD0K%2F2Zeons03aQzBhEdO7dc%3D&reserved=0) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fpodcast%2Fconversations-with-dental-friends%2Fid1802284203%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893737954%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Q4aoJLe9y5jf%2B6EWfyNZvMxGQLs94EH36ZtuyZU7i0c%3D&reserved=0) Homegirl Hygienist (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homegirlhygienist.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0b3607c8657041a0742c08df2e1e5237%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639280379893748298%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XzC8bMAKX1FP11%2FkKNeOLmEWcyNmwPalQYudkXq6Q8o%3D&reserved=0) Sponsors A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for supporting 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”. Follow the podcast and share this episode with a dental friend who may need permission to approach their career at a different pace.

3. 

   15 Oct 2026

   S6 Ep 10 : How Do You Build a Dental Career You Love? Finding You Niche with Dr Ian Dunn

   How do you find your thing in dentistry? Perio, purpose and patience How do you build a fulfilling dental career when you do not yet know which direction you want to take? In this episode of Conversations with Dental Friends, Rachael is joined by specialist periodontist, educator and speaker Dr Ian Dunn. Ian explains why he originally planned to study engineering and how one short careers talk completely changed his direction. After qualifying from Leeds, he spent eight years working as an NHS general dentist before an unexpected teaching opportunity introduced him to periodontology. What initially seemed like a route into another area of dental education gradually became Ian’s professional passion. A four-day periodontal course brought his academic and clinical knowledge together, transformed the results he was achieving and encouraged him to pursue further training. Ian also shares what he learned from teaching alongside Phil Ower, why educators should remain connected to clinical practice and why the purpose of a course should be to empower the audience rather than showcase the speaker. The conversation explores behaviour change, the relationship between periodontitis and wider health, the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the importance of remembering the person behind every periodontal chart. Ian finishes with reassuring career advice for anyone feeling lost, pressured or unhappy. You do not need to specialise to prove your value, and you do not need to build your career at somebody else’s pace. In this episode, we cover: How an engineering careers day led Ian towards dentistry Moving from general practice into periodontology and education The four-day course that transformed Ian’s clinical approach Why great educators empower rather than impress Behaviour change and the psychology of periodontal treatment AI, clinical data and the increasingly informed patient The contribution of hygienists and therapists to periodontal care Comparison, career pressure and finding work you enjoy Why dentistry still needs excellent generalists Accepting temporary discomfort when a job or environment needs to change Links and resources Ian Dunn on Instagram (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fdriandunn%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756723785%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ChGvZGSSp9uZyAC0BU7pWVX%2Bemd51MD%2FNIw6DfoKGYA%3D&reserved=0) Ian’s Perio Courses profile (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fperiocourses.co.uk%2Fspeaker%2Fian-dunn%2F%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756744273%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BSwIyRsUDSZlZjktnVn891nvYadJrhlFoQ12fgsEjE8%3D&reserved=0) Perio Courses (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fperiocourses.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756757456%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5VVju26xEdzhOwTNxJbCzVk8%2F1930Vel5KfgeYB7DUQ%3D&reserved=0) British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bsperio.org.uk%2F%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756768723%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qKIMNgcoc0IoyOvfM%2B9AupSrFrT1y7M6BmD%2F8aq4tbQ%3D&reserved=0) BSP Patient Forum (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bsperio.org.uk%2Fpatients%2Fbsp-patient-forum%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756779014%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ut%2F7hbU89kt8YvLNdfTQZDHDVPkSP%2FHvlA%2FsDot7%2Fgg%3D&reserved=0) The Sound of Periodontitis (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bsperio.org.uk%2Fperiodontal-diseases%2Fthe-sound-of-periodontitis%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756789095%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZV6hUUArzOoxIBTB1I1zRYnuKAwPySuJzhGgShiKrqk%3D&reserved=0) BSP patient resources (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bsperio.org.uk%2Fpatients%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756798970%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IQDZUM5s%2FnRUA%2BvUCRDZJ0%2FVzL6iMTbWtDP6PL%2FFfKM%3D&reserved=0) The BSP Patient Forum contributes the patient perspective to periodontal information and resources, while The Sound of Periodontitis shares the human experience of the disease through patients’ stories. bsperio.org.uk (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bsperio.org.uk%2Fpatients%2Fbsp-patient-forum%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756808748%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Z16vXPJHtLjApWa%2B%2BZt2cJrewbX9XC2LVhzHhVPjvCs%3D&reserved=0) Ian’s current professional profile confirms his continued involvement in clinical periodontology and postgraduate dental education. periocourses.co.uk (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fperiocourses.co.uk%2Fspeaker%2Fian-dunn%2F%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756818563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WgcV%2BIbf8Dvg8DXc7amvYTNnz077jokPjWYqlei%2BeN4%3D&reserved=0) Continue the conversation Conversations with Dental Friends on Instagram (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fconversationswithdentalfriends%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756828339%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SprEcc8fDN5DyZ7p5HPmN6%2F9gGIMui9she2oRwqJcSk%3D&reserved=0) Conversations with Dental Friends on Substack (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40conversationswithdentalfriends&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756838060%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5g6mHaLQDH52u7%2FJimxpPOOhsKsncZy%2FV8V9miIp22g%3D&reserved=0) Conversations with Dental Friends on YouTube (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40homegirlhygienist2756&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756848089%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5%2F6XpHgtMM3Qpqn8YzTlaC7GvjqWnFoFYil5fWuvubc%3D&reserved=0) Listen on Spotify (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F0TR0CyMSp9K3JHIg8eg9nQ%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756862513%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v1HUqglSOacjkhu8zHkXLDAnWbDYud0Ej9tOB2UqnYA%3D&reserved=0) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fpodcast%2Fconversations-with-dental-friends%2Fid1802284203%3Futm_source%3Dchatgpt.com&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756882555%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=To9Y0R1jCHGda0HqXww2DLg7FtoYx3NGNAQ%2FoCgQIKs%3D&reserved=0) Follow Rachael at @homegirlhygienist (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fhomegirlhygienist%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756963373%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PqxbSnx%2FbXdql63Df1i8enZc5Dnk9lYD9qCl9S%2BpBO0%3D&reserved=0) Homegirl Hygienist (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homegirlhygienist.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C26b16dd59c844f0b722308df2a2cbc29%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639276043756973751%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HnOKCoNUKseFxyCLgBOPnxE2rSFBHWwsuCWFnfQrujE%3D&reserved=0) Free Career Planning Workbook If you would like a copy of Rachael’s free Career Planning Workbook, comment or message the word “link”. A huge thank you to Oral-B and NSK for supporting Conversations with Dental Friends.

Who has been a guest on Conversations with Dental Friends

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sarah Armstrong
• Robbie Stewart
• Linzy Baker
• Poppy Dunton
• Dr Claire Hughes

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

16 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

61

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Conversations with Dental Friends

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Conversations with Dental Friends