The Dental Journeys Podcast

On today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Faraj Edher, a leading prosthodontist, educator, and the visionary behind Transcend Dentistry—a cutting-edge practice in the heart of Vancouver known for its uncompromising commitment to excellence & quality in restorative and aesthetic dentistry. In this conversation, Dr. Edher takes us back to his formative years of dental school, and reflects on how...

On today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Scott Kollen to discuss everything you need to know about starting your own dental practice. Drawing from his experiences launching successful startups in both Alberta and British Columbia, Dr. Kollen shares valuable insights into the essential steps to take—and the common pitfalls to avoid—when opening a new dental clinic. Throughout the conversation, Dr. K...

On today's episode, we welcome Dr. Kamea Aloha Lafontaine, the owner of Image Dental in Calgary AB. With a unique journey that spans dentistry, clinic ownership, technology, and cryptocurrency, Dr. Lafontaine offers refreshing honesty and valuable perspectives. In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Lafontaine shares insights from his experiences running a successful dental practice, balancing pro...

In this special episode, co-host Ricky sits down with Gurtej to break down the fundamentals of mortgages and buying real estate. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or just looking to understand how mortgage qualification works, this episode covers the bare minimum basics—including what a mortgage is, how lenders assess applications, down payment requirements, and the key factors that determine...

On today's episode, we welcome Dr. Mark Warawa, a dentist based out of Spruce Grove Alberta. In our conversation, Dr. Warawa discusses the practical realities of moving internationally for dentistry, adapting to different clinical environments, and the strategic decisions behind clinic partnership. We also dive deep into the value and challenges of leveraging social media to enhance professional v...

On today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Tejas Patel! Dr. Tejas Patel is a renowned cosmetic dentist based in Texas, celebrated for his expertise in smile makeovers, digital dentistry, and veneer transformations. With years of experience and a passion for creating life-changing smiles, Dr. Patel has become a leading voice in the field of aesthetic dentistry. In this episode, Dr. Patel shares his journey...

On today's episode, we welcome Dr. Avi Patel! Dr. Avi Patel, a seasoned general dentist, content creator, and entrepreneur who’s making waves in the dental industry with his pioneering work in Clear Aligner therapy. In this episode, Dr. Avi shares his journey from battling burnout in dentistry to finding his calling in Clear Aligner therapy, which not only transformed his practice but also brought...

Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Lim earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of British Columbia. During dental school, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, serving as a Second Lieutenant. Upon graduation, he moved to Toronto, where he was promoted to Captain and served as a Dental Officer at Canadian Forces Base Borden. After completing his...

In this special episode, co-host Ricky sits down with Gurtej to explore the world of insurance products specifically designed for dentists. Together, they break down the ins and outs of disability, critical illness, and life insurance, providing valuable insights into what these products offer and how they can protect your career and financial future. Whether you’re just starting your dental caree...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jackie Joachim, a seasoned expert in healthcare practice appraisals and a trailblazer in the industry. Jackie has personally conducted approximately 1,000 appraisals across chiropractic, dental, optometry, and veterinary practices throughout Canada. Her expertise has even been recognized in court, where she has served as an Expert Witness, presenting unbiased fa...

In today's episode, we’re joined by Dr. Nekky Jamal! Dr. Nekky Jamal, a distinguished general dentist, educator, and humanitarian, shares his incredible journey in the world of dentistry. Raised in Calgary, Alberta, Dr. Nekky received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and has since dedicated his career to transforming the patient experience—especially for anxious a...

In this episode, Dr. Sharma shares his captivating journey to becoming a pediatric dentist and delves into his latest venture with his partner, Little Smiles Learning. He offers valuable insights into pediatric dentistry, discussing the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of working with children. Dr. Sharma also highlights his upcoming Pediatric Workshops, which are set to take place in T...

On today's episode, we welcome Dr. Avi Patel! Dr. Avi Patel, a seasoned general dentist, content creator, and entrepreneur who’s making waves in the dental industry with his pioneering work in Clear Aligner therapy. In this episode, Dr. Avi shares his journey from battling burnout in dentistry to finding his calling in Clear Aligner therapy, which not only transformed his practice but also brought...

On today's episode, we welcome Dr. Ramez Salti! Dr. Salti has been practicing dentistry for over 15 years and is a graduate and class valedictorian of the University of Western Dentistry program. He also obtained his MBA from McMaster University and has completed extensive education in oral surgery and sedation dentistry. He is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and lectur...

On today's episode, we welcome Dr. Bruce Freeman! Dr. Freeman is an honors graduate of the University of Toronto. He then completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester. He then returned to the University of Toronto to complete his diploma in orthodontics and his Master of Science degree in temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. To...

We're excited to feature Dr. Ashley Gill, a distinguished pediatric dentist based in Toronto, Ontario. With a rich educational background that spans across North America, Dr. Gill brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the show. Her academic path began at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she completed both her undergraduate studies and dental training. The journey didn't stop...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Dental Journeys Podcast, where your hosts, Dr. Ricky Hamami and Gurtej Varn, embark on a mission to explore the depths of dentistry through the lens of those who live and breathe it. In this episode, Ricky and Gurtej open up about their personal and professional backgrounds, sharing the stories behind their careers and what led them to the world of podcastin...