Two Reds are Better than One

In this episode of the Two Reds podcast, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter are joined by Dutch dentist, entrepreneur, and educator Dr Casper Bots for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation that bridges clinical practice, professional development, and personal wellbeing. Casper splits his time between the Netherlands and Liverpool, where he practises at Dr Rez Dental. With a deep understanding of the structural differences between UK and Dutch dentistry — from fixed fees to delegated clinical workflows — Casper brings a refreshing international perspective to the table. But this episode goes far beyond the mechanics of dentistry. What Casper shares is a compelling case for putting purpose, health, and values back at the centre of our careers. Drawing from his own journey, he explains how a sense of stagnation after 20,000 fillings prompted him to reimagine his role — not just as a dentist, but as a coach, a course creator, and a human being. He now runs the Dentist Experience Master Course, a six-day personal development programme designed to help dentists reconnect with what matters: clarity of direction, personal vitality, and the courage to make meaningful changes. Listeners will learn: Why Dutch dentists are facing falling fees — and what UK dentists can learn from that How to rediscover fulfilment when the daily grind takes over The power of scheduling your wellbeing before your work Why every dentist needs to create their own "life mood board" How to avoid burnout and bore-out by knowing your core values If you've ever felt stuck, tired, or unsure what's next, this conversation is a wake-up call — and an invitation to take back control of your career. For more on Casper's work, visit: dentistexperience.com

In this month's episode of The Two Reds are Better than One Podcast, we're tackling what's on everyone's mind right now — the economy. With the UK budget announcement just around the corner and practice owners already seeing more white space in their diaries, it's clear things are tightening up out there. Patients are thinking twice, delaying treatment, and it's becoming harder to keep things moving at the same pace as before. But it's not all doom and gloom. In this episode, we share some practical strategies to help you not just survive, but thrive through the months ahead. Here's an overview of what we cover: Presenting treatment plans that convert – Chris talks about how the way you present treatment matters just as much as the treatment itself, including one great example from a mutual client using new technology to boost acceptance rates. Conviction in communication – Ashley digs into the importance of speaking with confidence and belief when discussing treatment that truly benefits your patients. Targeting the right demographic – We discuss where the spending power really lies right now (hint: it's the over-60s) and how to align your marketing accordingly. Meaningful conversations – There's huge value in going deeper with your existing patients. Chris calls this "low-hanging fruit" — the opportunities that are already right in front of you. Keeping perspective – Finally, we talk about leadership mindset. Because when times are tough, your team will take their cue from you. Staying calm, confident, and focused makes all the difference.

In this episode of "Two Reds are Better than One" podcast, Chris and Ashley explore a variety of customer service experiences from their travels, highlighting both excellent and poor examples. These stories offer valuable lessons for dentists and practice owners.  The insights shared in this episode are so impactful that everyone in the practice should listen. In this episode, you will discover: Chris's Experience at Bupa: Chris recounts his experience when attending a health screening at Bupa, where the response was less than satisfactory. This underscores the critical role of the 'Front of House' in your dental practice, often referred to as the 'Managing Director of First Impressions.' Ashley's Chicago Story: Ashley shares a story from his recent trip to Chicago, illustrating a conversation with a hotel employee that emphasises the importance of teamwork. Ashley's Three Lessons: Ashley offers three key lessons on navigating a challenging economy while maintaining a positive mindset. Chris's Treatment Coordinator Experience: Chris describes how an Optician's Treatment Coordinator delivered exceptional customer service, which led him to invest over £1000 on glasses. Chris and Ashley analyse this consultation. Chris and Ashley's final recommendations on how to prosper in a challenging economy  Listen via your favourite podcast streaming service or via the player below.

In this month's episode of The Two Reds are Better than One podcast, Ashley and I take a rare opportunity to record without a guest. Instead, we open the doors to a candid conversation about two themes that sit at the heart of every successful dental practice: building teams and conducting consultations. We begin with a brief detour into football – reflecting on Manchester United's opening game of the season and drawing parallels between rebuilding a football squad and rebuilding a dental team. The lesson? Culture eats strategy for breakfast, whether you're on the pitch or in the practice. The centrepiece of our discussion is Ashley's brand-new book, The Perfect Dental Consultation: The Eight Essential Steps to Increasing Treatment Plan Acceptance. I make no apology for saying it is his best work in print to date. The book is not only a step-by-step guide to consultation success but also a manual on mindset, success habits and the importance of team involvement. We unpack the eight stages of a perfect consultation, from rapport-building and asking the right questions, through to discussing fees with confidence, handling objections and ensuring follow-up that inspires referrals. Along the way, we explore how case studies and real-world stories make the material accessible, practical, and highly relevant to today's dentist. Our conversation also touches on treatment plan presentation, the role of AI in communication, and why the human touch remains irreplaceable. We finish with some personal reflections on August downtime, family, cycling, and the importance of creating space to work on the business rather than just in it. If you haven't already secured your copy of Ashley's new book, now is the time. Visit his website, order copies for your team, and give your practice the competitive edge it deserves.

In this episode, Chris and Ashley are joined by a true industry heavyweight: Dean Hallows, Managing Director of Dental Directory and a 40-year veteran of the UK dental industry. Recording from three corners of Europe - Cheshire, Sardinia, and sunny Essex - the conversation ranges from the accidental beginnings of Dean's career in 1986 to his leadership role today, overseeing one of the UK's most recognised dental supply businesses. This candid, insightful chat covers everything from mentorship and market evolution to the real-world implications of AI in dentistry, what leaders should be listening for, and why selling consumables isn't just about revenue; it's about hospitality. If you're a dental practice owner, manager, or supplier, this episode delivers practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes insight you won't find elsewhere. You'll learn: How Dean transitioned from engineering apprentice to industry MD The vital difference between hearing and listening as a leader Why AI will support — not replace — clinical decision-making What practices are missing when they ignore their reception desk retail Why communication and shared purpose build the best dental teams The human value AI can't replicate — and why that matters more than ever   "By stepping back and listening more, I've seen my teams' step further forward." – Dean Hallows "AI can't deliver hospitality. It can't create community." – Chris Barrow   This episode is perfect for listeners who... Lead or manage a dental practice Work in dental supply or tech Are navigating digital transformation in dentistry Believe business is about people, not just processes

In this captivating episode, Ashley and Chris sit down with Dr. Jit Hindocha, Principal Dentist at Total Dental Care, celebrating 40 remarkable years in dentistry (1985–2025). Born in Uganda, Jit shares his powerful story of arriving in England at just 10 years old after his family was expelled by Idi Amin, losing everything but holding onto determination and resilience. In this episode you'll learn about: Jit's early years in Leicester—living with 11 family members in a 3-bedroom house, hustling with part-time jobs, and how his family's perseverance shaped his work ethic and career mindset. How Jit continually reinvented his career every decade: Building four dental practices from scratch in the 1980s. Serving as a Vocational Trainer and Advisor at local and national levels, influencing dental regulation and quality. His tenure with the GDC, including the insightful story of hosting an innovative live CPD event simulating a GDC hearing. Jit's pioneering journey into digital dentistry with IDDA, including his early adoption of 3D printing technology. How advice from his father and cousin shaped his business philosophy—prioritising non-clinical time for strategic thinking, and eventually delegating more responsibilities, adopting the 'Golden Goose' strategy. Jit's recent transition to full-time clinical director, embracing delegation, reducing clinical hours, and the exciting discovery of his "blue USB port"—a metaphor for finding new motivation and passion in his dental career. Jit's incredible story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning, offering practical insights and profound life lessons for dental professionals at any stage of their careers. Tune in via the player below or your favourite podcast streaming service and be inspired by Dr. Jit Hindocha's extraordinary journey and his visionary perspective on dentistry's evolving landscape.

After receiving incredible feedback from our listeners, we invited Steve Tangney back for Part Two! If you haven't listened to Part One yet, be sure to check it out here. There, Steve shared his valuable strategies on how to create a world-class team. The exciting news is that we have another inspiring interview for you. This time, Steve focuses on how his practice effectively attracts new patients. He shares numerous ideas that you can implement no matter where you are based. In this interview, you will discover: How doing the right thing by your patients and being authentic is key to growth. How Steve cements himself within his community, including sponsorship of sports teams. How Steve effectively asks for referrals and Google reviews, and how he overcomes the barriers to asking. Why daily engagement with professional content on social media is essential, rather than making random posts. How a simple four-word banner outside his practice brought in many new patients. How he is building a specialist practice and the incredible offers he makes to attract the very best dentists. Why focusing on "good enough" rather than perfection is Steve's winning philosophy Steve's philosophy on ensuring the patients keep coming back. Enjoy this enlightening conversation, there are so many take -aways that can be implemented in your Practice. Listen now below or via your favourite podcast player.

Steve Tangney qualified in 2008 and moved from his hometown of Cork to work in London. During a period of travelling, he met the love of his life – now his wife – on the Gold Coast, where he also worked for a while. While his time there was influential, it was his experience at Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast (Sunny Coast) that made the biggest impact on his professional outlook. The owner's focus on cultivating a superb team culture stood out to Steve as the secret to their success. In 2017, Steve seized the opportunity to purchase a dental practice in Batemans Bay, a short plane journey from Sydney. (It is well worth listening to this podcast to discover how this opportunity came about.) At the start of his venture in 2017, Steve's practice had just two chairs and a team of five. Fast forward to today, and he proudly owns three locations with a team of 36 dedicated professionals. Steve's expansion story is rooted in his commitment to fostering an environment where team members can truly flourish and grow. In this inspiring podcast, you'll learn about: Leadership and structure: Steve emphasises a flat organisational structure with no Practice Managers, which has resulted in high staff retention and remarkable employee satisfaction. Creating the right environment: Alongside his partner, Eoin, they have developed a workplace where people rarely leave, and even when they do, they often wish to return. Empowering team solutions: He has nurtured a culture where team members are empowered to solve the practice's challenges and issues independently. Cross-training benefits: Discover the advantages of cross-training and how it fosters a superb team spirit. Team bonding in Fiji: Steve and his team once travelled to Fiji for a team bonding experience, yielding lasting benefits for the practice. He reckons it was the best return on investment he ever made. Ongoing development: A strong focus on team training and continuous development is a cornerstone of their practice's ethos. This podcast is truly inspirational as you will discover Steve Tangney's remarkable journey and business philosophy. Listen below or via your favourite podcast player.

In this insightful interview, Chris and Ashley reconnect with Karl Walker Finch, the proud owner of a dental practice in the Kirklees area of Yorkshire. For the second time, we delve into Karl's remarkable journey. Setting an ambitious goal, Karl aimed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of his practice. Astonishingly, he achieved a reduction of over 35% in just the first year! But that's not all—his practice is now proudly climate-positive. Karl speaks with such passion that you'll be motivated to bring similar changes to your own practice. Here's what you'll discover in this podcast: Engaging the team: Learn how Karl successfully involved his team in this project, boosting their motivation and commitment. Tree-planting for referrals: Discover the unique initiative of planting a tree for every new patient referral. The 'One Idea a Week' concept: Explore how ensuring accountability with weekly ideas has led to consistent progress. Focusing on key areas: Understand how concentrating on three main areas helps Karl maintain a carbon-neutral dental practice. Financial Benefits: See how striving for a carbon-neutral practice can actually enhance the bottom line. Patient appreciation: Find out why patients love what Karl is doing. And much more!

After graduating in 2012, Gareth Edwards spent the first 5 years of his dental career by treating patients in Middleton, North Manchester. He then embarked on an 18-month journey through Asia and South America, dedicating time not only to traveling but also to reading a diverse range of books. In 2019, Gareth returned to Bournemouth, his hometown, and formed a partnership with Zak Kara. Sharing similar philosophies about dentistry and business, they initially took over a three-surgery practice. However, they quickly outgrew it and moved into a larger, purpose-built clinic, giving birth to Smile Stories. Their philosophy was centered around creating an experience "nothing like your old dentist." Gareth generously shares here the secrets that make Smile Stories a success. In this podcast, you'll discover: How Smile Stories has become a unique dental practice by fostering lifelong patient relationships, incorporating innovative design, and utilising comprehensive digital dentistry. You'll also learn about their ideal client; Their inspiration from outside the dental field and various examples of where they gain this insight; The creation of a work environment where team members are eager to come to work, engaging every team member in each stage of the patient journey with their "Triangle formula"; Gareth and Zak's calculated approach to risk, enabling rapid growth and expansion; Their strategies for marketing, enhancing patient experiences, and cultivating a strong team culture that resulted in 571 five-star Google reviews. You'll learn their "Peak End Rule", identifying the optimal time and method for requesting reviews. Examples of how they surprise and delight patients, including team celebrations at the end of treatments; Personalised marketing approaches for each new patient, sending tailored marketing messages that cater to the individual needs and desires of the patient. And much more!

In this exciting episode of Two Reds Are Better Than One, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter share their personal and professional aspirations for 2025 within the dental industry. From digital workflows and AI to personal communication mastery, this conversation is packed with insights to help dental professionals navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and agility. Key Takeaways: Digital Dentistry Advancements:Chris and Ashley highlight the game-changing impact of intraoral scanning, treatment planning software, and 3D printing. AI is poised to revolutionise all areas of dental operations, making this an exciting time for forward-thinking practices. Adapting to Change:The importance of staying agile and innovative cannot be overstated. Chris encourages listeners to "fail fast" and adapt quickly to market trends and new technologies, creating resilience regardless of external economic conditions. Personal Communication is Key:Despite rapid technological advancements, Ashley and Chris agree that empathetic, face-to-face communication remains vital. Delivering a high-quality personal service can still set a practice apart—Ashley's new book focuses on this very topic. Ashley is thrilled to announce that his new book, The Eight Steps to a Perfect Consultation, is 95% complete and scheduled for release in spring 2025. This updated work will guide dentists in conducting exceptional consultations, helping more patients say "yes" to their treatment plans and enabling practices to deliver outstanding care. Ashley shares his excitement about his upcoming speaking engagements in California (May) and Australia (March). He's also looking forward to a potential visit to the stunning Yosemite National Park. What are you looking forward to in 2025? Chris and Ashley invite you to share your goals and aspirations by emailing us. Don't buy into the economic doom and gloom Stay innovative and embrace change Be agile and willing to fail in the pursuit of success Keep an eye out for Ashley's book release and invest in your consultation skills! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Two Reds Are Better Than One and share it with your network. Let's continue the conversation on how to make 2025 a remarkable year for dentistry!

Today we're thrilled to introduce you to Amber Aplin, owner of "The Gentle Touch" dental practice in Kelso, Scotland. Amber's journey is anything but ordinary—born in Australia, raised in the UK, and spending 16 years in Army dentistry before carving out her niche as a practice owner. Her story is one of transformation, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In this episode, Amber shares: Her Unique Career Path: From growing up in a military family to studying at Newcastle University and thriving in Army dentistry, Amber's experiences have shaped her philosophy and leadership style.   The Gentle Touch Philosophy: Discover how her practice focuses on patient experience, a "gentle" approach, and a culture of shared values that keeps her team motivated and thriving—think high standards, consistent branding, and even team trips abroad!   Innovative Dentistry: Amber is a pioneer in biomimetic dentistry, offering longer appointment times for tooth preservation and patient-focused in-house finance options that make advanced care accessible. Future-Focused Growth: Hear about her plans to expand the practice, take on mentorship opportunities, and embrace a balanced lifestyle as she transitions to fewer clinical days.   If you're curious about how to combine cutting-edge techniques with a personal touch—or you're looking for inspiration to elevate your own practice—this episode is for you.  

Anushika Brogan is the owner of Damira Dental Group. After graduating from Kings, Anushika was destined to be an entrepreneur. She quickly purchased her first dental practice in 2003, and Damira was born. Since then, she has expanded the group to 42 locations throughout the UK, including brand new practices specialising in facial aesthetics. She is also the only female CEO of a dental corporate in the UK. You might think that managing a thriving Dental group would keep her busy, especially since she operates without a COO or CFO. However, Anushika still finds time to do a full day of dentistry every week. In this podcast, she shares why she prioritises this and why it's so important to her. In this episode of "Two Reds are Better than One," you will discover: How Anushika achieves fantastic balance in her life and the role discipline plays in it How she maintains a strict fitness regime that will inspire you—hint: she wakes up at 4:30 am every weekday The lessons she learned from a messy divorce and a four-year battle in the High Court to save her business Why being hands-on in the business and knowing what's going on is crucial Her steely attitude and her life philosophy, "If you can do it, so can I" Her tips on recruitment and how she manages associates

Dr. Katie Blake is co-founder with her husband Alex of Blake Dental, in the small market town of Witham, Essex, mid-way between Chelmsford and Colchester.   Katie has a special interest in dental implants, not only delivering to their own patients but working in other practices, lecturing, training and mentoring.   Alex is a former maths teacher, who has become the Business Manager.   They have also created a strong senior management team within the practice, through internal development and promotion.   In this entertaining conversation, Katie shares with us stories of her childhood, living with entrepreneurial parents, forming her own proto-business as a child (hence the title - you'll realise), and then volunteering for work experience at a family friend's nearby dental practice after he suggested to her parents that a career in dentistry would be a good choice.   We follow Katie to University, into hospital to become a maxillofacial first-responder to trauma injuries and then into Ownership.   She will share the experience of buying their practice, whilst she was heavily pregnant and just before Covid lockdown - yikes - and how they survived and have prospered.   You will love this conversation - a no-frills approach to life and a genuinely happy Dental Business Owner and clinician. A lovely couple who prove that the good guys can win!

Imagine opening a Practice with no social media, prohibited from advertising, not allowed to have a website, plus you are timing this at the start of one of the worst recessions the country has ever known.   These were the circumstances faced by Dr. Kieran Daly when he opened his squat Practice in North Dublin during 2007.     Fast forward today, 17 years  after opening the doors, his Practice employs over 50 people and has expanded to a multi disciplinary Practice, treating patients with Implants, Orthodontics, Perio, Endo, and Restorative dental treatments, taking referrals from dentists all over Ireland. His journey is nothing short of remarkable.   Kieran never stands still, he is constantly developing himself both personally, and technically, he is the only Irish Orthodontist that is certified by the European Board of Orthodontics & The Angle Society of Europe. He is a leader in his field.    In this podcast you will learn; When Kieran opened his Practice, he was not allowed to have a website or allowed to advertise, what he did to grow his Practice to a World Class Multi-Disciplinary Practice  The importance of using different types of marketing to grow your Practice and not relying on one source How he has put a Management Structure into his Practice, which allows him to spend 40 hours a week treating patients and work ON his business every Friday How delegation really is a game changer and essential to growing your Practice  How he continues growing his Practice and how he has created a super motivated team How he still manages to get to the gym every day and enjoys 5 weeks holiday  AND MUCH MORE 

Our second conversation with Dr. Marina Rhode, Founder of DRMR In our first conversation with Manrina we explored the influences from her early life that formed her philosophy and then travelled with her through 18-years as a London-based "career associate", working with some of the top names in the capital. We now explore the vision for and creation of her own clinic and brand - DRMR: How she used pen and paper to jot down ideas during her associate years and developed a vision of the practice that she wanted to own; The search for premises that would "fit the bill" and how she responded when told that her dream premises wouldn't be suitable; The 18-month build project and why her attention to detail and obsession with perfection became a reality - a clinic of great beauty; The biggest challenge of the first two years - building a team. In the final part of our conversation, we discuss The Manrina Rhode Mentorship Programme, launching on 1st September 2024 and the difference Manrina intends to make when she "pays it forward" to other dentists who need a fresh impetus in their career. Manrina is a breath of fresh air in the UK dental landscape and you will emerge from our conversation with a smile on your face and hope in the future. Listen to the podcast now via your favourite podcast streaming service or the player below.

In this episode, we interview Manish Chitnis to discuss his dental practice management software, DenTTrack, a task management software that provides clarity on who does what in a dental practice, including training for each task. Manish explains the importance of internal marketing and utilising the patient database to drive new patients amidst current market conditions. There are two main survivor groups in dentistry: high-end practices focused on excellent patient experiences, and high-volume, low-cost providers. DenTTrack Software Task Management: Provides checklists of tasks for each role, ensuring the team knows exactly what to do. Training Included: Offers training on how to complete each task. Growth and Legacy: Aimed at practices wanting to grow and create a legacy business. Contact: Reach out to Manish directly to explore if DenTTrack is suitable for your practice. Current Market Conditions New Patient Numbers: Experiencing a dip in new patient numbers and demand for high-end treatments. Internal Marketing: Focusing on internal marketing to the existing patient database. Direct Mail Campaigns: Emphasising the importance of direct mail campaigns and building one-on-one connections. Future Outlook Rising Costs: Costs are rising by 30% across staffing, materials, and labs. Survivor Groups: Two main groups are expected to survive - high-end practices focused on a great patient experience, and high-volume, low-cost providers. Challenges for Middle Group: Practices in the middle may struggle with rising costs and staffing issues. Tune in to hear more insights from Manish Chitnis on how to navigate the current dental market and leverage technology for practice management.

If you want to be inspired by the potential of a career in dentistry, no matter what your age or background, listen to the journey of one of the UK's most interesting dental practice owners. As a child, Manrina Rhode wanted to become an actress, but an enlightened Headmistress saw the opportunity of combining art and science and encouraged her to study dentistry. The UK dental community (and her patients) can be glad that she did.  Right at the start of her career, she secured a position with Dr. Surinder Hundle at Lund Osler, one of whose clinics was based in Harvey Nicholls, London - innovative in its time. Surinder, famous as an original participant in the TV show "10 Years Younger" opened up opportunities that you can only dream of (learn how Manrina beat her competition to get this job). After several years at Lund Osler, she worked for Tim Bradstock-Smith - The London Smile Clinic.  Along the way, she ran a Music Label in Atlanta, that is another story you need to hear.   In the last 2 years, she has finally opened her own clinic - DRMR - and you'll hear why Chris was speechless with admiration when he first visited. In this episode you will discover;  What it takes to become a true success in dentistry The importance of finding your passion in dentistry and to do what you love to do The big lesson she learnt from her father. If you have children, the most important message you can give them, so that they are a success in their lives The importance of finding mentors and networking with the very best If you are running an Instagram page you need to do this ONE THING to make it work for you AND SO MUCH MORE.

It's a delight this month to listen to the founder of a Champions League dental practice in the beautiful Lake District - Neil Cooper has been a friend and a client of both of us for many years. Here, we delve into Neil's childhood fascination with how things work and an early dedication to a career in dentistry, based on his experiences as a child patient. Following Neil to school, university, early days as a VT and associate, we then discover what happened when he caught the Ownership bug and used a unique approach to become co-purchaser of an antiquated practice on Kendal High Street. It's now a 7-surgery clinic with a brilliant team, providing the highest complexity of dentistry. Throughout his career, Neil has always responded to the phrase "that will never work here", with a determination to prove the critics wrong. As you listen, you will also hear about Bex Cooper and the contribution she has made to the development of the business since the pandemic. It's a fantastic story about a fantastic practice created by lovely people - you will be inspired.

An interview with Dengro CEO - Neil Stephen   Listeners - if you think this month's podcast is an advert for Dengro - think again.   CEO Neil Stephen has a fascinating CV, including starting and selling a number of international tech businesses over the years, as well as running The London Olympic Beach Volleyball competition in 2012.   He "gets" business and speaks with the authority of having worn all the t-shirts in business development over the years.   In our conversation we discuss:   Why a fascination for building teams led him into the tech sector; His previous life in business and how he ended up as CEO of Britain's most popular Dental CRM company; Top tips for start ups - whether tech or dental; More top tips when you come to sell your business and when (and when not) to take on investors; Probably the clearest explanation of the benefits of CRM that you will ever hear; Crossing the implementation gap - how to get your team to buy into and start using new technology; What's coming - where A.I and telecoms innovation are going to take CRM and dental practice management over the next three years.   This conversation is a cracker - line this up for a commute, a dog walk or wherever you enjoy your podcasts the most - and prepare to be educated and entertained by a true business leader.