Teeth Matter

In this episode of Teeth Matter , Maria Lucas ( @marialucas_sydney ) shares what it's like practicing dentistry in Australia—from the role of oral health therapists and non-dentist practice ownership to the cultural shifts shaping patient care and team dynamics. We explore how the Australian dental system differs from the U.S., the opportunities and challenges of ownership, and why mentorship,...

In this light and playful conversation, Dr. Tian (Mike) Jin ( @drmikejin ) takes us through his journey from dental school to becoming a successful practice owner. A UCLA School of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Jin has dedicated his career to mastering cosmetic and restorative dentistry through extensive continuing education and training alongside leaders in the field. At Jin Dental Aesthetics , he blen...

In this episode, dental marketing expert and founder of Bright Smile Digital (⁠ @brightsmiledigital ), Robbi Jan ( @robbijan⁠⁠ ), shares her journey from clinical dentistry to social media entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of authentic branding, strategic marketing, and building trust online. Whether you're a practitioner or aspiring social media influencer, discover how to lever...

In this episode, Dr. Geeta Harb ( @therealOCdentist ) shares her inspiring path from a remarkably young start in dentistry to building a practice rooted in integrity, artistry, and authentic patient care. Born to be a warrior, after 14 years growing up in war-torn Beirut, she moved to the U.S. where she graduated from university at the young age of 17 and went on to earn a doctorate. For the last...

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Jebreil ( @sarahjebreildds ), an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, shares her inspiring journey from working in her father's practice to becoming a renowned cosmetic dentist with her own brand. She discusses the significance of accreditation and how it has helped her achieve clinical excellence and build a reputable practice. KEY TOPICS...

In this episode of Teeth Matter, Dr. Ellie Halabian hosts Dr. Danny Snyder ( @dr.danny.dmd ) the innovative mind behind Slate Floss ( @slateflosser ). They discuss the journey from dental school to creating a revolutionary flossing tool, addressing dental anxiety, and the importance of oral health in overall well-being. Dr. Snyder shares insights on overcoming mental health challenges, the impact...

In this episode of Teeth Matter, host Ellie Halabian engages in a candid conversation with Dr. Erin Sheffield ( @drerinsheffield ), an oral surgeon, about her unique journey in the field of dentistry. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in oral surgery, contrasting the experiences of male and female providers. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, the strug...

In this New Year episode of Teeth Matter , we sit down with oral and maxillofacial surgeon Brendan Gallagher ( @doctorgallagher ) for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about growth, transition, and intentional career decisions. As many of us reflect on the year behind us and think about what’s next, we unpack what it really takes to move through residency, relocate, and step confidently in...

In this episode of Teeth Matter, Dr. Dean Saccomanno, co-founder of One Endo ( @one_endo_ ), shares his journey and insights into transforming the dental industry. He discusses the importance of collaboration, brand trust, and creating a supportive network for dental professionals. Dean also highlights the challenges and opportunities in building a practice and how One Endo is fostering a communit...

In this episode of Teeth Matter, host Ellie Halabian interviews Alan Withall ( @newyorkdentalconsultant ), a senior sales consultant at Henry Schein ( @henryschein ), who shares his expertise on helping dentists start and manage successful dental practices. Alan discusses his role in the industry, the importance of building strong relationships, and the common challenges dentists face when startin...

In this episode of Teeth Matter , Dr. Anthony Nguyen ( @drsaveatooth ) shares his journey from student debt to owning a thriving dental practice. He discusses the influence of his childhood dentist, financial strategies, and the importance of community and mentorship in dentistry. Keywords : dentistry, student debt, dental practice, entrepreneurship, mentorship Topics Discussed: Transition from st...

In this episode of Teeth Matter , I sit down with Dr. Jim Arnold ( @smilesbyarnold ) , a dentist who has navigated nearly every stage of the profession—from private practice to ownership, to selling, and eventually guiding DSO acquisitions. Today, he’s the founder of Luxury Dental Retreats , where he hosts luxury retreats that blend continuing education with personal growth . We dive into the mind...

Dentistry is changing fast — from new technologies and practice models to the growing focus on oral-systemic health. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Abdi Sameni , Clinical Associate Professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, founder of the Los Angeles Dental Symposium , and practicing clinician at WLA Dental Center in West Los Angeles . Known internationally for his work in de...

Ever wonder how some dentists break into high-income, oversaturated markets —and thrive? Dr. Rhonda Kalasho ( @dr.rhondakalasho⁠ ) did exactly that. She built and scaled TruGlo Modern Dental with locations in Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Hollywood , defying the odds by establishing a luxury brand that attracts loyal patients without relying on insurance-based volume. In this episode of Teeth Matt...

In Part Three of our series with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. ( @drnavedfatmi ), we dive into the side of dentistry no one wants to face—but everyone needs to understand: malpractice and ethics . Dr. Fatmi, who was appointed in 2015 as the youngest dentist ever to serve on the Florida Board of Dentistry , offers an inside look at what actually gets dentists into trouble, the blind spots many overlook,...

In Part Two of our conversation with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. ( @drnavedfatmi ), we dive into the real-world business of dentistry—beyond the operatory. We unpack what s weat equity actually means, how to approach job interviews with the right mindset, and why treatment planning is one of the most valuable (and overlooked) skills in building trust and case acceptance. Dr. Fatmi also breaks down how...

What happens when a new grad skips residency and buys a practice? What do DSOs really offer early-career dentists—and what do they take away? And how do you stay ethical in a system that often puts production before patients? In this episode, Teeth Matter host Ellie Halabian sits down with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. ( @drnavedfatmi )—a practice owner, educator, and former Chair of the Florida Board o...

In this episode of Teeth Matter , we sit down with Dr. Paresh Shah ( @drpareshshah ) —a respected Canadian dentist, educator, and international speaker—to explore what comprehensive dentistry really looks like in practice. Now leading his third practice , Dr. Shah says he's finally getting to practice the way he wants to - connecting function, esthetics, and long-term health. We dive into how this...

In this episode of Teeth Matter , we're joined by Dr. Tejas Patel ( @tejaspateldds )—a nationally recognized cosmetic dentist based in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Patel shares how he carved out his niche in cosmetic dentistry and transformed his traditional practice into a boutique, high-demand smile studio. You’ll hear: How and why he pivoted fully into cosmetic dentistr...

What does it take to build one of the most respected dental labs in Beverly Hills? In this episode of Teeth Matter , I interview Sam Alawie ( @sam_alawie ) —CEO of Magne Education ( @magneeducation ) and co-founder of Beverly Hills Dental Lab ( @beverlyhillsdentallab )—about the future of dental technology and what dentists and dental technicians must know to stay ahead. We dive into:🔹 European v...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Adcox ( @the.remote.orthodontist ) —board-certified orthodontist, Clinical Director of Remote Care at Smile Doctors, and founder of The Remote Orthodontist . He’s not just talking about the future of ortho—he’s building it. We dive into how he’s using remote monitoring and digital workflows to transform patient care and practice performance. Dr. Adcox s...

In this episode of Teeth Matter , I sit down with Dr. Craig Spodak ( @craigspodak ) , a third-generation dentist and owner of Spodak Dental Group , to discuss the evolution of dentistry and the realities of practice ownership. As the co-founder of Bulletproof Dental Practice and co-author of The Bulletproof Dental Practice , Dr. Spodak shares insights on building a resilient, efficient, and profit...

Breathing issues aren’t just a medical problem—they’re a dental one too. In this episode, Dr. Victor Khatchaturian ( @drvictordds ), a leading cosmetic and airway-focused dentist, breaks down: The hidden signs of poor airway health How occlusion and breathing are connected Game-changing treatments: mouth taping, Botox & more What this means for restorative dentistry Dr. Khatchaturian leads Sun...

In this episode of Teeth Matter , we sit down with Dr. Mehrdad Raz ( @dr_mehrdadraz ), founder of Oral Design Beverly Hills, to explore the power of biomimetic dentistry and its impact on patient care. Mentored by the world-renowned Dr. Pascal Magne, Dr. Raz has dedicated his career to advancing minimally invasive and adhesive dentistry. As the Clinical Director at Magne Education, he plays a key...

Paul Vigario ( @paulvigario ) is the founder of SurfCT ( @surfctcom ), a leading dental technology integration company transforming over 12,000 practices worldwide. With a background in healthcare technology from the University of Connecticut, he specializes in practice automation, brand development, and digital workflows. As a thought leader and keynote speaker, Paul is redefining the future of d...