The Young Dentist

Escape the 'Green Mile': Cat Edney on Revolutionizing Therapy-Led Practice

In this episode of The Young Dentist, we are joined by the powerhouse that is Cat Edney—award-winning dental therapist, founder of The Modern Therapist, and a leading voice for the future of the dental team. Cat opens up about her incredibly stressful start at King’s College, where she once feared she would never even qualify. Fast forward to today, and Cat has reached what she calls "peak self-actualization" in her career. We dive deep into the journey from being trapped in the "Green Mile" of 30-minute scale and polishes to leading a high-end, therapy-led practice model.  In this deep dive, we explore how to break free from the "Green Mile" of routine hygiene work and successfully transition into a therapy-led practice model. Cat explains the transformative power of "referring up," where therapists take the lead as the "GPs of dentistry" to conduct examinations and direct patient care via direct access. We tackle the psychological side of the profession, offering practical advice for new grads on overcoming imposter syndrome and building the clinical confidence needed to pick up a handpiece after years of routine work. Finally, Cat shares her philosophy on finding your "Ikigai"—that perfect intersection of passion and skill—and how building a "tribe" of like-minded peers through community is the ultimate secret to long-term career fulfillment. Whether you are a dental student, a newly qualified therapist, or a dentist looking to optimize your practice through shared care, Cat’s insights are a blueprint for a more fulfilling career.

Dr. Anil Shrestha: "The Sultan of Brunei." From Nepal to Treating Royalty...

Today, we are joined by Anil Shrestha, a Specialist in Prosthodontics and former Chair of the Advisory Board at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Operating out of the world-renowned Wimpole Street, Anil’s career is a masterclass in the "Darwinian" necessity of adaptation and the relentless pursuit of clinical excellence. But Anil’s journey didn’t start at the top; from being added as the "extra" student late to his dental school class to navigating the gut-wrenching reality of failing professional exams, he has faced the highest levels of pressure to eventually become the clinician of choice for global VIPs, F1 drivers, and royalty.In this masterclass, we strip back the curtain on a 34-year career to reveal the psychological and practical frameworks required to reach the pinnacle of dentistry. Anil explains why your ability to pivot is more critical than your clinical skill in a shifting market, and shares the "Focus, Plan, Schedule, Execute" system that allowed him to transition from academic setbacks to the "Top Gun" environment of the Eastman. We dive deep into the power of his non-negotiable 5:00 AM routine - including meditation and journaling - and discuss the nuanced art of building trust with high-net-worth patients. This isn't just an interview; it is a strategic guide on how to handle failure, master your mindset, and evolve from a struggling student into an elite specialist.Whether you are a dental student looking for a map or a principal dentist looking to rediscover your "flow state," Anil’s three decades of wisdom will fundamentally change the way you view your career.

Dr. Nik Sethi: Becoming a Top 1% General Dentist

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Nik Sethi, a clinician who has spent over 15 years proving that you don’t need a specialist title to deliver world-class care. From his early days being "dragged" to dental academies by his brother, Sanjay, Nik has risen to become a respected leader and the President of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BAAD). Nik is a passionate advocate for mentorship, minimally invasive protocols, and the often-overlooked value of the dental trade. In this conversation, we dive deep into the ‘generalist advantage,’ exploring why embracing a broad scope of practice can lead to greater professional joy and superior patient outcomes. We get into the clinical essentials with ‘back-to-basics’ occlusion tips that every young dentist and student needs to master to avoid failures, before uncovering the ‘portfolio secret’- what Nik specifically looks for when hiring a new associate, and why it goes far beyond just having a degree. We also discuss how to stop the "comparison trap" in the age of social media and why true success is ultimately defined by human connection and family rather than financial gain. Whether you’re a young dentist or student striving for excellence or you’re ready to stop the comparison trap and start building a genuine clinical legacy, this conversation is for you. Let's get into it!

George Vernon: The Caffeine-Fueled Clinician: Blueprint for Longevity

Today’s guest is a high-performance coach who is redefining what it means to be ‘healthy’ in a profession that often demands everything from us. George Vernon is an elite fitness and nutrition specialist who has spent years proving that peak performance behind the drill starts with the physical and psychological foundations we often neglect. But his approach isn’t about overhaul; it’s about strategy. From his early days as a competitive amateur boxer to earning a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning, George has transitioned from training elite athletes to guiding medical professionals and business leaders through the high-stakes pressure of their careers. In this deep-dive conversation, we explore the 'one-degree shift' and why small, sustainable daily habits are the only way to avoid landing in a state of burnout a decade down the line. We get into the clinical essentials of stress management—including the 'ROI of sleep,' why heart rate variability is the most important data point you aren’t tracking, and George’s five-part framework for building a lifestyle that actually lasts. Whether you’re a dental student surviving on caffeine or an associate looking to reclaim your energy, this is a masterclass in performing at your personal peak. Let's get into it! https://www.henryschein.co.uk/ [https://www.henryschein.co.uk/]

Dr. Mikhil Amin: The Youngest NHS Practice Owner: Failing Exams to Buying a Practice at 27

Today’s guest is the definition of a high-flyer, becoming a practice principal at just 27 years old - possibly the youngest NHS contract holder in the country at the time. But his journey wasn't a straight line to success. Dr Mikhil Amin opens up about failing his first-year exams at King's, dealing with personal loss during university, and surviving a "toxic" Foundation Training experience where he was yelled at and left in tears. In this no-nonsense conversation, we discuss the fine line between arrogance and confidence, the incredible mentorship that fast-tracked his business acumen by 10 years, and why he believes young dentists are being brainwashed by "Instagram Cosmetic Dentistry". If you want to know what it really takes to buy a practice young, or how to turn a bad start into a thriving career, this episode is for you. Let's get into it.