Conversations with Dental Friends

S5 Ep 5 : Are Dental Therapists Still Fighting to be Seen? Forward Thinking with Lauren Long

New episode dayyyy 🎙️✨ This week on Conversations With Dental Friends I’m joined by the incredible Lauren Long and honestly… this conversation is SUCH an important one for dental therapists everywhere 🫶 Lauren shares her journey into dental therapy, the challenges she faced getting started and how finding the right supportive team completely changed the direction of her career 💭 Now thriving within the Pain Free Dental Group, advocating for therapists through the British Association of Dental Therapists and helping fellow therapists build confidence through her refresher course Restore ✨ We chat about 👇 🦷 Building confidence in practice 🦷 Finding the right team culture 🦷 Making the most of your scope 🦷 Learning from colleagues and lifting others up 🦷 Getting dental therapy working successfully within practice 🦷 Creating a career you genuinely LOVE One thing I loved about this episode is how honest Lauren is about the hurdles she faced before landing her dream role. I know so many therapists will relate to this conversation 💛 If you’re a dental therapist, hygienist, student or part of a team wanting to make better use of the full clinical team… this episode is for you 🎧 As always thank you SO much for listening and supporting Conversations With Dental Friends 🫶✨ Also a huge thankyou to Siobhan Kelleher education and lighthouse dental company for sponsoring this episode You can find out about the scope of a dental therapist here [https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice.pdf] You can find out more about about BADT here [https://badt.org.uk] You can find out more about BSDHT here [https://www.bsdht.org.uk] You can find out more about NSK Ikigai here [https://mynsk.co.uk/ikigai/] You can read more about Ikigai here [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Japanese-Francesc-Miralles-Collection/dp/9124289213/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=26Q8GVY1MJHJ6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3AWx2cvq8cEsCxscX4xRDdLYU2QKy1iJQy_fZCP9eT5KM8z6X1_0f4brJVuL1CNoi020hTz02s6pM0lyEkKtFZU-wHSWQa23d9-WWuRnAPdaOxiVZJ1fvQ18N1U3WRPRq5Ob5UC5U-bfIuzrPQntaNuY9kg8vQk8gi8cHI7lavyb4KxutOTDEneHg0ZcF0PKXqPm5mjxWgktbG7pwm5yLA.h48udBoZ1CO9ccPyv0YC606h8wbmHZqp3YkJxL4n0XM&dib_tag=se&keywords=ikigai&qid=1778875766&sprefix=iligai%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-5] You can find out more about the pain free dentistry group here [https://painfreedentistrygroup.co.uk] You can find out more about Lauren & Ailish’s Restore course here [https://www.restoredentalcourse.co.uk/events?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAR0XfBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAadjis0wnXX5C-y2d7TDsh8-e9fr4toOpTM4Ecuq30TcAxjRPSvarDZScD2Pmg_aem_mM4j7nD4J98P-B9SNfyq4Q&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social] More info about smile dental academy here [https://www.smiledentalacademy.com/lecturers] Tell us in the comments 👇 What’s been the biggest thing that’s helped build YOUR confidence in practice? 💭

S5 Ep 4 : Could Networking be the Key to Your Next Career Move? Small Talk with Joe Lovett

✨ NEW EPISODE ✨ This week on Conversations with Dental Friends I’m joined by the one and only Joe Lovett 🎙️ And honestly… this conversation felt very full circle 🫶 The first time Joe and I spoke around 6 years ago it completely shifted the way I viewed my dental career and opened my mind to opportunities outside of the surgery 👀 One of the BIGGEST topics in this episode is networking and if the word networking makes you cringe a little… you need to hear this one 😂 Joe shares so many practical tips on: ✨ finding your people ✨ building genuine connections ✨ networking as an introvert AND extrovert ✨ creating opportunities for yourself ✨ putting yourself in rooms that align with where you want to go Because whether your goals are presenting, writing, teaching, working with brands or simply growing your confidence in the industry… the relationships you build really do matter 🤝 We also chat about: 🦷 getting into dentistry without a traditional dental background 📱 social media and personal branding 💡 giving back to the dental community 🚀 building a career beyond the clinic I absolutely loved catching up with Joe and hearing more about the projects and passions he’s currently working on 💭 You can listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a dental friend who needs to hear it 👯‍♀️ PLUS 💌 DM me the word “LINK” and I’ll send you my completely FREE career planning workbook + our Substack straight to your inbox ✨ You can follow Joe on Instagram @joelovettcatalyst and on LinkedIn You can find out more about FMC here [https://www.fmc.co.uk] You can find out more about joes consultancy business catalyst sales and marketing here [https://catalystsalesandmarketing.com] You can find out more about dentistry’s big challenge here [https://www.dentaid.org/big-community-challenge/] You can find out about our sponsors Siobhan Kelleher Education here [https://siobhankelleher.com] Lighthouse dental company here See you next week for another episode of Conversations with Dental Friends 🎙️

S5 Ep 3 : How Far Could You Go In Dentistry if You Didn’t Stay in One Lane? Dr Chinwe Akuono

We’re back ✨ with a brand new episode of Conversations with Dental Friends and this one is so worth your time 🎧🤍 This week I’m joined by Dr Chinwe Aquono truly human sunshine ☀️ and an associate dentist whose career path proves that there is no one “right” way to build something incredible. It’s thoughtful, it’s non-linear, and it’s a reminder that curiosity can take you further than any set path ever could 💭✨ In this episode we get into: ✨ staying curious about what more could look like in your career ✨ transitioning from dental hygienist → dental nurse → dental student (yes, really) ✨ social media, brand collaborations & creating opportunities beyond the clinic ✨ speaking, writing & finding your people ✨ the power of lifting others up through grassroots work like the Black Dental Network 🤍 I loved this conversation Chinwe brings so much perspective, honesty, and warmth. There’s something in here for you wherever you’re at in your career 🫶 If this feels like your kind of episode, make sure you’re subscribed 🎧 …and send it to a friend in dentistry who needs to hear this 💌 You can also join us over on Substack (link in bio) ✍️ & if you’re thinking about what’s next for your career, DM me the word LINK for your free career planning workbook I’ll send it straight over 📩✨ Huge thank you to Siobhan Kelleher Education and Lighthouse Dental Company for sponsoring this episode 🤍 Study to be a dental hygienists here [https://www.bsdht.org.uk/training-schools/] Study dental nursing here [https://cfmsr.org.uk/courses/nebdn_dental_nursing/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23662224187&gbraid=0AAAAADcDXQ0xsTn-5jgNlP_8cn0BBk-WF&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvjU1NqJ6MG27ZHI7yBWjAJ87nlFqjuh0KVsZ5_wgqNCTuuMX4v7eABoCtfoQAvD_BwE] Find out more about Kings College London here [https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught] Find out more about Colgate here [https://www.colgateprofessional.co.uk/products/sensitive] Find out more about Phillips here [https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-pe/dental-professionals] Find out more about Curaprox here [https://curaprox.co.uk/?utm_adgroup=135226827815&utm_device=m&utm_matchtype=b&utm_network=g&utm_term=curaprox&utm_campaign=16662964949&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=591609431975&hsa_acc=1086455180&hsa_cam=16662964949&hsa_grp=135226827815&hsa_ad=591609431975&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-186474400&hsa_kw=curaprox&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16662964949&gbraid=0AAAAAobCvokKB9JoPXcVcA1MESG9jq8_5&gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvqJlIrSfGE2ASi4wFlajpiB5QdhM0lrYkQxingRB4aLZZH87-hqQNhoCpfcQAvD_BwE] Find out more about FMC and dentistry.co.uk here [https://www.fmc.co.uk] Read one of Dr Chinwe’s articles here [https://dentistry.co.uk/2026/02/24/volunteering-beyond-the-clinic-dental-care-in-luxor/] Find our more about the Black Dental Network here [https://www.blackdentalnetwork.com] Find out about Siobhan’s courses here [https://siobhankelleher.com] You can find out about lighthouse dental company here You can follow Dr Chinwe on Instagram @dr.chinwe_London and you can follow along with the podcast @conversationswithdentalfriends and I’m there too @homegirlhygienist See you next week for another conversation ✨🎙️

S5 Ep 2 : Are You Building Your Own Career Ladder? Creating Success with Megan Fairhall

We’re back 🎙️✨ with another conversation with Dental Friends, and this one is packed with value 💭 This week I’m joined by Megan Fairhall 🦷✨ dental therapist, teeth whitening expert, and founder behind MF Academy & She Runs Things 💫 If you already follow her, you’ll know she brings both clinical expertise and serious business mindset and this episode is exactly that blend 🤍 In this episode we get into: ✨ the peaks and pitfalls of further education, and learning to believe in yourself ✨ working smarter (not harder) to grow your career and your income ✨ why teeth whitening can be a total game-changer for you and your practice ✨ building an education platform from the ground up ✨ creating strong female networks beyond dentistry ✨ stepping into advisory roles & representing hygienists and therapists on a bigger stage I absolutely loved this conversation, Megan’s passion for clinical work is matched by her drive for growth, self-improvement, and creating opportunities where they don’t already exist 🚀 Because sometimes… if the ladder isn’t there, you build your own 🪜✨ You can follow Megan and explore her whitening courses via @meganfairhall_ 💡 & definitely check out her events with @sherunsthings_if you’re looking to expand your network 🤝 You can also follow me and the podcast on Instagram as well @homegirlhygienist and @conversationswithdentalfriends Everything from today’s episode is linked in the show notes 🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and send this to a friend in dentistry who needs it 💌 You can also join us over on Substack (link in bio) ✍️ & if you’re thinking about what’s next for your career, DM me LINK for your free career planning workbook, I’ll send it straight over 📩✨ - Jen Atkin blowing my way to the top book here [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blowing-My-Way-Top-Purpose/dp/B085SVZQ1J/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=197191686371&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i9IxsyWmMmv-zTqkhG0ZEw.gxSGuTTLez5D76W-qdh-NBtVPe6j6N6VUOjDCvtn2tQ&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=793600148831&hvdev=m&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9045199&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=3718173184169183646--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3718173184169183646&hvtargid=kwd-1066808603215&hydadcr=13665_2454623_379813&keywords=blowing+my+way+to+the+top+book&mcid=56b137bcbaf23588a5691046db745a94&qid=1777498992&sr=8-1] - Monique vassant course here [https://www.freshdentalinstitute.com/courses/totally-composite] - DMG icon training with Megan here [https://www.meganfairhalldental.com/academy/advanced-whitening-icon-training] - MF academy & whitening courses here [https://www.meganfairhalldental.com/academy] - She runs things here [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSk-CLfDb47/?igsh=MWR0ZXh0d2Y5dmtpdw==] - Ergo refractory loupes here [https://www.orascoptic.com/en-uk/ergo?campaignid=23233438476&keyword=dental%20loupes%20uk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuaGY2ISUlAMVJ5NQBh01bwe2EAAYASAAEgIQz_D_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dental%20loupes%20uk&utm_campaign=2025q2_g_all_p_ergo_UKI&utm_content=2025q2_g_all_p_ergo_search_ad_uki&hsa_acc=8101871646&hsa_cam=23233438476&hsa_grp=185297503421&hsa_ad=783027660133&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-6183553370&hsa_kw=dental%20loupes%20uk&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23233438476&gbraid=0AAAAAC18fd7gFdTUa_3vWeE5ZBeiguAdY] - Social media agency here [https://www.bark.com/en/gb/in/social-media-agencies/?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=748832580&cq_term=social%20media%20agency&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&nrfp=true&cid=748832580&aid=40268399518&dt=m&trk_ad_id=663259099871&trk_kw_id=kwd-2813567762&trk_alid_int=&trk_alid_phy=9045199&trk_match_type=e&trk_network=g&trk_extension=&trk_keyword=social%20media%20agency&trk_placement=&trk_src=g&trk_gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkJvP6YSUlAMVCYlQBh0SEhkoEAAYAyAAEgKID_D_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=748832580&gbraid=0AAAAADhUtgwQImmKTK4rl2Gnu4sj8-krX&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkJvP6YSUlAMVCYlQBh0SEhkoEAAYAyAAEgKID_D_BwE] - BSDHT here [https://www.bsdht.org.uk] - Phillips here [https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-pe/dental-professionals] - Phillips whitening playbook here [https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-pe/dental-professionals/the-whintening-playbook] - Siobhan Kelleher education here [https://siobhankelleher.com] - Lighthouse dental company here Huge thank you to Siobhan Kelleher Education and Lighthouse Dental Company for sponsoring this episode 🤍 See you next week for another conversation ✨🎙️

S5 Ep1 : How Do You Build Confidence in Your Scope of Practice? Maximising Opportunity w/ Cat Edney

Season 5 is officially LIVE 🎙️✨ …and we’re kicking things off with a big one, episode 50 (!!) with the incredible Cat Edney 🦷💫 After hearing her name come up again and again in previous seasons, I knew we had to get Cat on the podcast, and this conversation did not disappoint 🤍 In this episode we get into: ✨ going straight from A-levels into dental therapy ✨ recognising when it’s time to step into your full scope ✨ rebuilding confidence through education ✨ therapy-led practice & carrying out patient exams ✨ creating a modern therapist mindset ✨ and what her postgraduate course really offers delegates This conversation genuinely left me feeling more confident, more curious, and ready to push myself further which is exactly what this podcast is all about 🫶 I’m so excited to be attending Cat’s course in Belfast this August you can find all the details at the_modern_therapist.com 🌐 & make sure you’re following @themoderntherapist for more 💡 You can follow the podcast on Instagram @conversationswithdentalfriends and I’m over there too @homegirlhygienist or on TikTok if you would prefer You can also join us over on Substack (link in bio) ✍️ & if you’re thinking about what’s next for your career, DM me the word LINK for your free career planning workbook I’ll send it straight over 📩✨ A huge thank you to @siobhankelleher education and @lighthousedentalcompany for sponsoring this episode 🤍 Dental therapist scope of practice click here [https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice.pdf] Find out more about Cat’s upcoming courses including ICON and the modern therapist anterior and posterior courses including the Belfast dates here [https://www.the-modern-therapist.co.uk/] Find out more about ICON here [https://uk.dmg-dental.com/dental-solutions/prevention-and-early-intervention/infiltration/icon-vestibular] Intra oral scanning here [https://itero.com/en-gb] Cat’s airpolishing webinar with NSK here [https://mynsk.co.uk/courses/all-about-air-polish/] Studying at Kings College London here [https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/dental-therapy-and-hygiene-bsc] Siobhan Kelleher Education here [https://siobhankelleher.com] Lighthouse Dental Company here [https://lighthousedentalcompany.com] We’ll be back next week with another conversation with dental friends… 🎧✨