Spilling the Teath

Policy vs Progress: The Next Era of DSO Growth with Andrew Smith

In this episode of Spilling the Teath, Dr Ryan Hungate is joined by Andrew Smith, CEO of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), to explore the forces shaping the next era of DSO growth. Together, they examine how DSOs are shifting from rapid expansion to operational excellence, the importance of affordability and why the model is evolving rather than slowing down. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. The real pressures impacting operators today, from labour costs to reimbursement 2. How operational efficiency and technology are driving the next phase of growth 3. The role of policy and regulation in shaping the future of DSOs 4. Why patient trust and affordability are becoming critical to success 5. What the DSO model could look like by 2030 Whether you are a DSO leader, operator or industry partner, this episode offers a clear, practical perspective on how to navigate change and build sustainable growth. Subscribe to Spilling the Teath, presented by Henry Schein One, wherever you get your podcasts.

AI, Virtual Care and Practice Growth with Dr Padma Gadiyar

In this episode of Spilling the Teath, Alan Mutton is joined by Dr Padma Gadiyar, dentist, multi-practice owner and founder of Smilo.ai, to explore how AI is transforming dentistry. Drawing on experience across clinical practice, business ownership and healthcare technology, Padma shares a practical perspective on how dentists can adopt AI responsibly while navigating compliance, regulationand patient expectations. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. Why compliance and data privacy must be the foundation of any technology adoption 2. Where AI is already being used safely in dentistry 3. The gaps between innovation and regulation and what that means for practice owners 4. How virtual care and patient engagement are changing the standard of care 5. Practical steps to start adopting AI without overwhelming your team 6. How AI can support clinician wellbeing and reduce decision fatigue 7. What makes a dental practice deal ready and how digital maturity impacts valuations Whether you are a practice owner, clinician or part of a growing dental group, this episode offers a clear and practical view on how to future proof your practice. Subscribe to Spilling the Teath, presented by Henry Schein One, wherever you get your podcasts.

Quick Sips: Predictable Growth Through Patient Plans with Simon Reynolds

In this Quick Sips episode of Spilling the Teath, Alan Mutton is joined by Simon Reynolds, Managing Director of Patient Plan Direct, to unpack how subscription‑based patient plans are helping practices build predictable growth in an increasingly uncertain dental landscape. From NHS reform and private conversions to workforce challenges and rising technology expectation, Simon shares why patient membership models have become a cornerstone of resilience. Drawing on more than 17 years in the plan space, he explains how predictable cash flow, loyal patients and digital readiness can transform long‑term sustainability. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. Why predictable revenue streams matter more than ever 2. How patient plans support private practice growth and transition 3. The role of technology and integrations in modern plan success 4. The biggest mistakes practices make when launching a plan 5. Practical ways teams can communicate plan value without feeling “salesy” 6. How membership models can future‑proof practice ownership Whether you’re a practice owner, associate, manager or part of a growing group, this Quick Sips episode offers clear, practical insights to help you build certainty, resilience and sustainable growth. Subscribe to Spilling the Teath, presented by Henry Schein One, wherever you get your podcasts.

Workforce, Access and the Future of Dentistry with Neil Carmichael

In this episode of Spilling the Teath, Alan Mutton is joined by Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the Association of Dental Groups, to explore the policy, workforce and structural challenges shaping the future of dentistry. Drawing on his experience across dentistry, education and public policy, Neil offers a candid perspective on why access to dentistry is under increasing pressure and what meaningful change could look like. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. Why workforce shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing dentistry 2. The role international recruitment can play in addressing immediate access issues 3. The importance of team‑based care and valuing every role in practice 4. What contract and funding reform needs to achieve to improve access and sustainability 5. Why dentistry must be better integrated with wider healthcare and data systems 6. How technology and AI can support care delivery 7. The role dental groups and collaboration play in shaping the future of the profession Whether you work in public, private or mixed models of dentistry, this episode offers an informed and thoughtful look at the policy decisions, structural challenges and opportunities shaping dentistry today. Subscribe to Spilling the Teath, presented by Henry Schein One, wherever you get your podcasts.

Practice Conversion and Sustainable Success in Dentistry with Jayne Sproson

In this episode of Spilling the Teath, Alan Mutton is joined by Jayne Sproson, founder of the Jayne Sproson Consultancy, to explore a challenge many dental practices are facing today: how to move from survival mode to sustainable, fulfilling success. With over 30 years of experience in dentistry, Jayne shares her perspective on the transition from NHS to private, the mindset shifts required for change and why fear-based decision making often holds practice owners back. Drawing on real-world examples, she explains why true business transformation goes beyond conversion alone and how clarity, confidence and leadership play a critical role at every stage. Together, they discuss branding, team engagement and how practices can differentiate themselves without commoditising dentistry. Jayne also shares practical insights into patient experience, marketing priorities and the importance of using high-tech solutions without losing high-touch care. In this episode, you will learn: 1. The difference between conversion and true business transformation 2. Why fear-based pricing and undervaluing dentistry causes practices to struggle 3. How to reposition your brand so patients understand why you’re right for them 4. Why patient experience and staff behaviours must align with your external messaging 5. The small changes that can dramatically improve the patient journey 6. How to empower teams through clarity, confidence and autonomy 7. Why having a clear strategy matters more than chasing every new marketing channel Whether you are considering a transition or simply want to future-proof your practice, this conversation offers practical and honest insight from someone with real experience of navigating it. Subscribe to Spilling the Teath, presented by Henry Schein One, wherever you get your podcasts.