Welcome to Neutral Zone!
A podcast about the people behind the Dentistry profession.
I'm Dr Fran Brelsford and I invite you to meet a different dentist with me on each episode.
We chat with the humans behind the drills and the instagram profiles.
No hustle, no ego, no clinical chat.
Just good old fashioned conversation, new questions, and genuine connection.
Episodes dropped on Wednesdays.
Because there’s more to life than teeth.
Meet Ahmed. Ahmed is a London-based orthodontist who’s rethinking what his working life looks like, from reducing his clinical days and the number of practices he works at, to exploring AI and health tech. Alongside his wife, a GP with a shared interest in health tech and systems, he recently launched Conversico, a UK-based startup developing conversational AI and communication tools for dental and medical practices. In this episode we talk about the pros and cons of orthodontics, how the spe...
7 Oct 2026
Dr Zeeshan Chawdhri
Meet Zeeshan. Zeeshan studied restorative dentistry at the Eastman Dental Institute before developing a career focused on complex restorative and referral work, alongside a passion for teaching, learning and staying active outside of dentistry. In this episode we talk about finding your direction in dentistry, learning from failure, the importance of experience and mentorship, and why quietly letting your work speak for itself can be a real flex. We also talk about starting a communi...
30 Sept 2026
Karina
Meet Karina. Karina has been a dentist for 15 years, with a passion for cosmetic dentistry, creating meaningful patient experiences, and continually learning from the people around her. In this episode we talk about finding your identity beyond dentistry, building confidence through experience, the emotional side of treating patients, and learning to embrace failure and criticism. We also talk about the importance of mentorship, taking time to switch off, protecting your physical and menta...
23 Sept 2026
Nowais Awan
Meet Nowais. Nowais studied dentistry in Madrid before returning to London, where he has developed a real passion for restorative dentistry and adhesive techniques. In this episode we talk about finding your identity beyond dentistry, learning from clinical experience, taking pride in your work, and understanding the “why” behind what we do. We also talk about studying abroad, building confidence in a new language, switching off from dentistry, and finding balance through fitness, cooking, dr...
16 Sept 2026
Samuel Labib
Meet Sam. Sam is a dentist and practice owner in Bristol. He has owned his practice since 2018, after 11 years as an associate. In this episode we talk about the transition from associate to practice owner, navigating COVID and the challenges of moving from NHS to private practice, as well as finding more balance and enjoyment in dentistry. We also talk about the importance of rituals, mentorship, community and asking for help — and why CPD should never just be a tick-box exercise. @samuellabib
9 Sept 2026
Cony Caravotas
Meet Cony Cony is originally from South Africa but from a big Greek family. She has spent 25 years in the UK, building a career in dentistry alongside meeting her partner Jim and raising their two boys here. After many years of ownership, Cony has recently started a new chapter, working across three practices in Brighton. In this episode we talk about identity, the never-ending pursuit of learning and of an opportunity that came her way that she just couldn’t refuse. We also...
22 Jul 2026
Richard Porter
Meet Richard. Richard spent years working in an NHS hospital consultant role in restorative dentistry but now dedicates most of his working week to teaching alongside private clinical practice. Some of you will know him through attending courses at Aspire dental academy - now held at the new state-of-the-art Aspire Clinic in London's Fitzrovia. In this episode we talk about all the Cs - connection and communication, and the importance of comfort and confidence in competence. ...
15 Jul 2026
Stewart Beggs
Meet Stewart. Belfast born, Newcastle trained, London refined. We discuss workplace anxiety, the importance of boundaries, the BTS of dental courses and how a big move is on the cards for him soon. @drstewartbeggs
8 Jul 2026
Simona Loghin
Meet Simona. A Romanian dentist now working across London, with a special interest in endodontics. Simona is a real people person with a passion for her work and life. We chat about the importance of finding good mentors, positivity, failing forwards and why we can all do anything we put our minds to. @simonaloghin_dentist
1 Jul 2026
Aaron Yusuf
Meet Aaron. Aaron is a practice owner, educator, endodontist and entrepreneuer whose passion for problem solving extends far beyond dentistry. We talk about identity, family life, fitness, practice ownership, teaching, burnout and the relentless pursuit of growth. A conversation about problem-solving, purpose, balance, and embracing opportunities when they appear. @vishandaaron
24 Jun 2026
Kishan Patel
Meet Kish. An accomplished orthodontist balancing work across NHS hospitals and private practice. We discuss the sacrifices of specialist training, the qualities that make a great trainee, the importance of life beyond dentistry, and why a future law degree might be on the horizon. A thoughtful clinician with ambitions that extend well beyond the clinic. @dr.kishan.ortho
17 Jun 2026
Nicola Gore
Meet Nicola. A true multi-hyphenate in dentistry, Niola runs her own practice, teaches at King’s Dental School, and co-authored Dentistry in a Nutshell, now in its second edition. A mentor to countless young dentists, shes about to train her 30 th vocational trainee and co- founded the British Iranian Dental Association with her husband. In short: a real Wonder Woman of dentistry @dentalcosmeticss
10 Jun 2026
Angelo Zavattini
Meet Angelo, the passionate vivacious Roman endodontist now living and working in London. We chat over aperitivo about his journey, the differences between study and work in Italy and the UK and how he maintains his vitality. @endo.zava
3 Jun 2026
Josh Virdee
Meet Josh. A leading London cosmetic dentist but so humble that you’d never know. He’s been through a lot in his personal life in the last few years and was open and generous enough to share the details of that with us. We chat about personal growth, family, success and what really matters. @jvteeth
27 May 2026
Sarina Kiani
Meet Sarina. A tenacious beauty who studied dentistry as a post grad. We chat about her unqiue path into the profession, the toxic side of the industry, wellness and the importance of advocating for yourself. @drsarinakiani
20 May 2026
Tinashe Nhova
Meet Tinashe. A busy cosmetic dentist and general entrepreneur working across the UK. He loves to tell a story and boy does he have a story to tell. We chat about everything from his upbringing to moving continents to malaria and private jets. @drnhova
13 May 2026
Mehul Shah
Meet Mehul, a trained dentist and medic with many passions outside of his professions. His life experience has shaped the clinician he is today and how he chooses to work. We chat about the importance of community, friendship and balance. @drmezshah
6 May 2026
Mary Baptista & Annie Smith
Meet two best friends and overall superwomen, Mary and Annie. Both juggling being busy mums and working in private practice in central London. They have also recently launched a first of its kind toothbrush and teething device for little ones, Brushi Bear. @anniesmithsmiles @teethbymary
29 Apr 2026
Trailer: Neutral Zone. Starts Weds May 6th 2026.
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