The Dental Journeys Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 the values instilled by his parents continue to guide him in both life and work. His commitment & pursuit of excellence has become the bedrock of Dr. Edher’s approach to leadership, patient care, and innovation at Transcend Dentistry.

Whether you’re a dental professional, an aspiring specialist, or anyone interested in the intersection of purpose and performance, this episode is filled with authentic insight and wisdom from one of Canadian dentistry’s most inspiring voices.

If you'd like to connect with Dr. Faraj Edher you can find him here:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drfarajedher/

Clinic - https://transcenddentistry.ca/

BC Dental Study Club - https://bcdentalstudyclub.ca/

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. Kollen outlines the key factors for startup success, highlights frequent mistakes dentists encounter, and offers practical advice to help you confidently navigate your journey. Whether you're considering opening your first practice or expanding to a new location, this episode is packed with actionable tips to set you up for success.

For our listeners, you can receive a special discount if you sign up for Dr. Scott Kollen's course using "DENTISTADVISOR" at checkout when you visit the Snowball Seminars link below.

To connect with Dr. Scott Kollen:

• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drscottkollen/
• Website: https://riverdistrictdentistry.com/our-team/
• Snowball Seminars:https://www.snowballseminars.com/
• Email: scott@kakeibodentalnetwork.com

Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with a professional advisor regarding your individual circumstances.

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 lectures current and future dentists Canada-wide. Tune into his journey from working as a dental associate to becoming a multi-practice owner and now as a traveling sedation dentist with a focus on oral surgery and dental implants.

If you'd like to connect with Dr. Ramez Salti:

Instagram - @dr.ramez.salti

Email - ramezsalti@gmail.com

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 take it a step further, Dr. Freeman is an international lecturer on clinical orthodontics, facial pain, patient experience, and virtual surgical planning. He is the co-director of the Facial Pain Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital.

If you'd like to connect with Dr. Bruce Freeman:

Instagram - @drbvf

Email - bruce@drbvf.com

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 there; Dr. Gill further honed her skills during a General Practice Residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York, dealing with complex medical cases in a hospital environment. She then pursued her passion for pediatric dentistry, completing her specialty training and securing a Master of Science in Dentistry from the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field, Dr. Gill was awarded a Fellowship with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and holds memberships in both the Canadian and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Tune in to gain insights from Dr. Gill's journey, discover her approach to pediatric dentistry, and learn how she creates positive dental experiences for children.

For those looking to connect with Dr. Gill, check out her social media links here: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ashleygill/

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 podcasting.

Dr. Ricky Hamami takes us through his journey from dental school to navigating the path to clinic ownership, revealing the challenges and triumphs he's faced along the way. With a passion for clinical excellence and patient care, Ricky discusses what drives him to continue growing in the field of dentistry.Gurtej Varn, founder of White Coat Financial Inc. and known to many as Mr. Money Canada, delves into his expertise in finance and wealth management, particularly how it intersects with the dental industry. Gurtej shares his vision for helping dental professionals navigate the complex world of finance to achieve both personal and professional success.What's Next?

Our hosts also lay out the roadmap for the podcast, highlighting the types of guests you can expect to hear from, including leading dentists, clinic owners, industry experts, and financial advisors. They will discuss everything from clinical procedures and practice management to the business and financial aspects of running a dental practice.Why Tune In?

This episode is not just an introduction to your hosts but also a glimpse into the wealth of knowledge, insights, and stories that will be shared in future episodes. Whether you're a dental professional, a student, or someone interested in the business side of dentistry, this podcast promises to deliver valuable perspectives and advice.Join Dr. Ricky Hamami and Gurtej Varn as they lay the foundation for what promises to be an insightful and inspiring journey through the world of dentistry. Tune in to Episode 1 of The Dental Journeys Podcast and become part of our community as we delve into the journeys that shape the dental profession.

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 and fearful individuals—through Sedation Dentistry. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Nekky is also the Chair of the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta’s Sedation Committee.

He is also a renowned international speaker who has lectured at major dental conferences across the globe, including the Pacific Dental Conference and the Greater New York Dental Meeting. Dr. Nekky also pioneered one of the largest Wisdom Tooth Extraction Course in the world, helping thousands of dentists across 33 countries elevate their skills.

But Dr. Nekky’s influence extends beyond dentistry. He’s actively involved in humanitarian work, particularly through his efforts with Change for Children. As the founder of the Quench initiative, Dr. Nekky has helped drill 12 water wells in Nicaragua, providing life-changing water access to communities in need.

Tune in to hear Dr. Nekky’s expert insights on oral surgery, sedation dentistry, and his philanthropic work, and learn how you, too, can create a meaningful impact in your profession and beyond!

Connect with Dr. Nekky Jamal: Instagram: / drnekkyjamal Wisdom Tooth Extraction Course: https://www.wisdomtoothcourse.com

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 Toronto on September 8th and Vancouver on October 5th. These workshops aim to equip dental professionals with the latest techniques and knowledge in pediatric dentistry, ensuring better care for young patients.

Whether you're a dental professional keen on specializing in pediatric dentistry or simply curious about the field, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical advice. Dr. Sharma's passion for pediatric dentistry shines through as he shares his expert tips and personal stories, offering a glimpse into the fulfilling world of treating little smiles.

Tune in to discover how you can enhance your practice and make a lasting impact on your young patients' lives!

If you'd like to connect with Dr. Nihil Sharma:

LinkedIn: Dr. Nihil Sharma Website: Doctor Little Smiles Pediatric Workshop (Toronto ON Sept 8th): Register Here Pediatric Workshop (Vancouver Oct 5): Register Here

Instagram: @doctorlittlesmiles TikTok: @nikthedentist

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 a renewed sense of purpose to his career.

Dr. Avi, now the CEO and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor, discusses how this specialization has allowed him to increase both his time and income, while significantly enhancing patient satisfaction. He also gives us a sneak peek into his online training program, Clear Aligner Blueprint, designed to help general dentists everywhere start their journey in Clear Aligner therapy.

Whether you’re a dental professional looking to expand your practice or just curious about the latest in dental treatments, this episode is packed with insights that promise to enlighten and inspire. Don’t miss Dr. Avi’s expert tips and personal anecdotes on how to thrive in the ever-evolving world of dentistry.

Tune in to learn how you can also transform your dental practice and achieve greater fulfillment in your professional life!

If you'd like to connect with Dr. Avi Patel:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/doctor.avi/

Website - https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/blueprint

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@doctoravi

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 professional ambitions with personal life, and navigating the exciting yet volatile world of cryptocurrency investing. We explore the realities of entrepreneurship in healthcare, discuss thoughtful investment strategies for dentists, and dive into the joys and challenges of raising a family while pursuing ambitious career goals.

Whether you're a dental professional looking for practical business advice, interested in smart investing tips, or simply seeking inspiration from an engaging and insightful voice, this episode with Dr. Lafontaine promises to deliver.

Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with a professional advisor regarding your individual circumstances.

To connect with Dr. Kamea Aloha Lafontaine:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkameaaloha/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drkameaaloha
• Website: https://imagedentalcalgary.ca
• Email: info@imagedentalcalgary.ca