Protrusive Dental Podcast

Is burnout inevitable in dentistry?

Why do so many high-achieving dentists still feel unfulfilled?

Are we too harsh on ourselves without even realising it?

And what if the way we speak to ourselves is the real problem?

In this episode, Jaz sits down with Dr Aditi Bhalla—a Prosthodontist and Integrative Psychotherapist, with over 15 years in dentistry and extensive training in mental health, mindfulness, and movement—to explore compassion-focused dentistry. They unpack burnout, perfectionism, fear-driven practice, and how understanding your mind could be the key to a sustainable, fulfilling career.

Are you sacrificing your health for your patients?

Are your neck and back quietly dictating how long you can practise?

Do you skip workouts because you “don’t have time”?

And what if your career ended—not by choice, but because your body gave up first?

In this episode, Jaz is joined by Fraser Smith, a sports scientist and nutrition expert, to break down what dentists actually need to do to stay healthy, pain-free, and practising for longer. From EMS training and realistic exercise routines to nutrition and injury prevention, this is a pra...

Why does dentistry have such high levels of stress and burnout?

Why do so many clinicians feel isolated despite working in busy practices?

What are the early warning signs that a colleague might be struggling?

And what can you actually do — practically — if someone is in crisis?

In this powerful and deeply important episode, Professor John Gibson shares his personal story and the mission behind the Canmore Trust. The conversation explores suicide prevention in dentistry, how to recognise warning signs, and the simple but life-saving actions every clinician should know.

You’ve spotted the signs—wear, scalloping, fragmentation, maybe even a low AHI—but what does that really mean?

When the data doesn’t match the symptoms, how do you move forward?

And how do you integrate airway into full mouth rehab without compromising function, stability, or predictability?

In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Aston Parmar to explore the real-world application of airway dentistry. They discuss how to help patients own their problem, why sleep testing matters, and how airway influences diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term outcomes.

What do you actually do once you’ve screened a patient for airway or sleep-disordered breathing?

You suspect sleep apnea—but since we can’t diagnose it as dentists, how does that influence the care you provide?

What do you do with that information, and who should you be working with to help your patient?

And what if you want to implement airway into your practice—but you’re not in the right environment to do so?

In this episode, Dr. Aston Parmar joins Jaz to break down how to implement airway in...

Are AI receptionists here to take over your practice?

How do they actually work, and what can they do—or not do—for your team?

Could they make life easier for staff without replacing humans, or are they just a gimmick?

In this episode, award-winning dentist and marketing expert Dr. Grant McAree joins Jaz to break down AI receptionists. Together, they explore what an AI receptionist really is, how it integrates with your practice, and the compliance and legal considerations every dentist should know.

They also dive into the bigger picture—who th...

Can you claim parking expenses as a dentist?

What about a coffee machine for your practice—could that really be deductible?

Or investing in a MSc in Implantology—does that count as a tax write-off?

In this episode, chartered accountant Sebastian Stracey joins Jaz to answer all those “am I naughty if I claim this?” questions that dentists and associates always wonder about. Together, they cover what’s truly deductible, what isn’t, and some surprising exceptions you might not expect.

They also dive into the bigger picture—how principals and associates rea...

Can AI really help you communicate better with patients?

What if you could audit your own consultations and discover which words, pauses, and stories increase treatment acceptance?

Dr. David Amador joins Jaz for a fascinating episode exploring how AI can transform the way we interact with patients. From auditing conversations to radiographic interpretation, they break down practical applications that improve both communication and patient care.

They also discuss how storytelling, patient trust, and ethical use of AI all come together to boost treatment acceptance — showing that AI isn’t here to replace us, but...

What is a prompt, and how do AI models actually work?

Which AI tools should you be using in dentistry?

Is it safe to put patient details into AI—and how can it help you save time and reduce stress?

In this episode, Dr. Daz Kasperek joins to make AI in dentistry tangible, even if you’ve never used it before. Together, we cover the basics: from getting started with prompts and AI models to understanding ethical considerations and practical ways AI can streamline your workflow.

They also explore the bigger pict...

Are you struggling to get your resin work looking flawless?

Wondering how to polish your composites so they shine like a pro?

Curious about practical tips you can implement immediately to level up your smile makeovers?

In this episode, Dr. Charles Brandon shares three game-changing secrets for mastering composite resin. From practical techniques you can apply right away to a conceptual tip that will completely transform the way you polish, Charles leaves no stone unturned.

Get ready for an episode packed with actionable advice, insider knowledge, and inspiration from a dentist...

Are you a high-earning dentist… living paycheck to paycheck?

Do you ever feel financially stretched – despite earning well?

Are you trapped in dentistry’s “golden handcuffs”?

And what would your life look like if you worked because you wanted to… not because you had to?

In this rare solo episode, Jaz steps away from occlusion and restorative dentistry to talk about something just as important: personal finances and career security for dentists.

After going deep down the money rabbit hole — reading books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Simple Path to Wealth...

Have you ever wondered how hypnotherapy can help your dental patients?

Can it really reduce anxiety, manage chronic pain, or even stop habits like cheek biting?

How can dentists integrate hypnotherapy into their care without stepping outside their scope of practice?

In this episode, Jaz and Dr. Rita Pais break down how hypnotherapy works, who can benefit, and practical ways dentists can incorporate it into patient care.

They also discuss real patient examples, from dental phobia to awake bruxism, showing how a minimally invasive talking therapy can make a real difference...

After watching this episode, you’ll understand exactly why owning your website matters. And here’s the good news: as a Protrusive community member, you can get 50% off your professional dental website – built specifically for associates who want to stand out.

👉 Claim your exclusive discount: protrusive.co.uk/website

Do you really need your own website as an associate, or is a strong Instagram profile enough? 

How do you build trust with patients before they even meet you? 

And how can you ensure you are visible to the patients who are now using A...

Did Triman ever buy his own camera setup?

Has he figured out which niche or specialty he wants to pursue?

Are molar endodontics and surgical extractions still his fear procedures?

And how’s he getting on with those tricky fee discussions and private patient conversations?

Dr Triman Ahluwalia returns for another catch-up — one year after stepping into his first associate position. In this episode, Jaz follows Triman’s journey from new graduate to confident young clinician, exploring what’s changed and what lessons he’s learned along the way.

From build...

What if you finally reach the peak of your career—only to have your body shut it down?

Why are so many dentists forced to cancel clinics, not because of burnout or skill, but because of crippling back pain?

And what if this “expected hazard of dentistry” didn’t actually have to be inevitable?

In this episode, Dr. Aniko Ball joins Jaz to challenge the long-held belief that chronic pain is just part of being a dentist. As an expert in dental ergonomics and the Alexander Technique, she reveals why so many clinicians are unkn...

When should you attempt to save the root filled molar that everyone else thinks is doomed?

What are the key steps to safely remove, treat, and replant a tooth without causing fractures or resorption?

And how do you manage patient expectations and post-op care to maximize success?

In this episode, Dr. Samuel Kratchman and Dr. Shivakar join Jaz to explore intentional tooth replantation—a procedure that rarely gets the spotlight but can completely change treatment options for challenging cases.

They cover everything from case selection and imaging, to managing crowns and fr...

Are posterior tooth contacts really harmless?

Could group function and non-working side interferences be driving muscular TMD, headaches, and facial pain?

And can digital occlusal data change how we approach bite adjustment?

Dr. Jeremy Bliss joins the podcast to tackle one of the most controversial topics in dentistry: Selective Grinding/Equilibration for TMD but specifically Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR). With a strong focus on restorative technology, lasers, and T-Scan analysis, Jeremy brings a practical and experience-driven perspective to occlusion and bite therapy.

This episode breaks DTR down from the very beginning—wh...

When are antibiotics truly indicated in dentistry?

How do you manage the patient who’s begging for a prescription?

And what impact are we having on the gut every time we prescribe unnecessarily?

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Lenaerts joins Jaz to explore the world of antibiotics in dentistry. Together, they cover when to prescribe, when not to, and why analgesics or local measures are often the better option.

They also dive into the bigger picture—antibiotic resistance, gut health, and how to navigate those tricky conversations when patients demand antibiotics for...

Can adults really expand their maxilla?

Is treating sleep apnea with a CPAP or mandibular advancement device only MASKING the problem?

How does craniofacial anatomy influence airway health, and what should dentists look for?

Dr. Dave Singh joins us to dive into CranioFacial Sleep Medicine. He breaks down how structural issues—like a narrow maxilla, high-arched palate, or limited tongue space—can be root causes of sleep-disordered breathing, rather than just treating symptoms. 

The episode also touches on controversies in orthodontics and presents evidence supporting interventions once thought impossible in adults.

Happy New Year, Protruserati ✨

As 2025 comes to a close, we wanted to pause and reflect by revisiting the moments that genuinely shaped how we practise, think, and show up in the clinic.

This Best of 2025 episode starts with restorative and aesthetics, moves through digital workflows, endo, paediatrics, surgery, communication, and finishes with what sustains us over a long career. These are the clips that made me pause, rethink, and quietly adjust how I work – and I hope they do the same for you.

Some of the ideas you’ll hear in this episode include...

Do your patients really have two bites?

Does their bite change when they lie down? When they sleep?

And how can you explain centric relation, posture, and deprogramming in a way that patients actually understand?

Dr. Bobby Supple joins Jaz for a powerful episode unpacking one of the most misunderstood topics in occlusion: the daytime chewing bite versus the nighttime airway bite. After spending days with Bobby in his New Mexico clinic, Jaz saw firsthand how simply and elegantly Bobby communicates concepts that usually leave patients — and dentists — confused.

Together, they expl...

How do you balance a high-performance dental career with being an effective parent?

What strategies help you stay sane amidst the organized chaos of family life?

How can showing up as your best self benefit both your patients and your children?

Dr. Shandy Vijayan and Dr. Raabiha Maan join Jaz in this nonclinical episode to share their experiences of parenthood in dentistry. From the unique perspectives of two dentist-moms and the dad viewpoint, they discuss the real-life challenges of raising children while maintaining personal well-being.

They also share practical tips, book...

Thinking of moving to the USA as a dentist?

Wondering what exams, applications, and documents you’ll need to practice or specialize there?

Curious about how much it costs — and what life as a dentist in the States is really like?

Dr. Hazel Kerr and Dr. Dorrin Reyhani join Jaz for a deep dive into everything you need to know about moving to America as a dentist. Both UK-trained and now faculty at UPenn, they share their personal journeys and break down the full pathway — from exams like the INBDE and TOEFL, to transc...

You’re doing a routine exam when you spot it – a stained hairline crack snaking across the marginal ridge of a molar. Your patient hasn’t mentioned any symptoms… Yet.

Should you sound the alarm? Monitor and wait? Jump straight to treatment?

Cracked teeth are one of dentistry’s most misunderstood diagnoses. Colleagues debate whether to crown or monitor. And that crack you’re staring at? It could stay dormant for years—or spiral into an extraction by next month.

So what separates the teeth that crack catastrophically from those that quietly hold together?

Are you confident in spotting a child at risk of neglect?

Do you know what to do if you witness abuse in your practice?

How can you raise concerns safely while protecting both the child and your team?

This episode with Dr. Christine Park provides tangible actions, practical scripts, and clear guidance for managing challenging scenarios—like seeing an adult hit a child in the waiting room or recognizing neglect in the dental chair. These are situations dental school rarely prepares us for.

Every practice needs clear protocols for safeguarding. This ep...

Let’s be honest – the occlusion after Aligner cases can be a little ‘off’ (even after fixed appliances!)

How do you know if your patient’s occlusion after aligner treatment is acceptable or risky?

What practical guidelines can general dentists follow to manage occlusion when orthodontic results aren’t textbook-perfect?

Jaz and Dr. Jesper Hatt explore the most common challenges dentists face, from ClinCheck errors and digital setup pitfalls to balancing aesthetics with functional occlusion.

They also discuss key strategies to help you evaluate, guide, and optimize occlusion in your patients, because unde...

Do you have a “hopeless” retained root you’re ready to extract?

Think implants, dentures, or bridges are the only way forward?

What if there’s a way to save that tooth — predictably and biologically?

In this episode, Dr. Vala Seif shares his experience with the Surgical Extrusion Technique — a game-changing approach that lets you reposition the root coronally to regain ferrule and restore teeth once thought impossible to save.

Jaz and Dr. Seif dive into case selection, atraumatic technique, stabilization, and timing, all guided by Dr. Seif’s own SAFE/SEIF Protocol...

Are you confident in replacing a single missing central incisor?

When is a denture the right option — and when should you consider a bridge or implant instead?

Why is the single central incisor one of the hardest teeth to replace to a patient’s satisfaction?

In this Back to Basics episode, Jaz and Protrusive Student Emma Hutchison explore the unique challenges of replacing a single central incisor. They break down when each option — denture, resin-bonded bridge, conventional bridge, or implant — is appropriate, and the biological and aesthetic factors that influence that decision.

They a...

What if one bad decision completely changed the course of your career?

In this exclusive, members-only episode, Jaz sits down with a fellow dentist from our community who shares his raw, honest story about a moment of misjudgment — committing fraud — and the painful lessons that followed.

This isn’t about blame. It’s about insight, accountability, and redemption.

From the shock of investigation and court hearings, to the struggle of rebuilding trust and identity, this conversation shines a light on what really happens behind closed doors when things go wrong.

The aim of t...

Ever had a patient swear their bite feels “off” – even though the articulating paper marks look perfect and you’ve adjusted everything twice over? Or maybe you’ve placed a beautiful quadrant of onlays, only to have them return saying, “these three teeth still feel proud.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m joined (in my car, no less!) by Dr. Robert Kerstein, who was back in the UK to teach about digital occlusion and the power of the T-Scan and ‘disclusion time reduction therapy’. We dig into why a patient’s bite can still feel “o...

Is social media killing professionalism in dentistry?

Are young dentists really “clowns” online—or is lightheartedness perfectly fine?

Is social media a disease? Where’s the line between humor, banter, and outright disrespect?

In this episode, Jaz is joined by Joseph Lucido from the States to tackle these tough questions head-on. Sparked by a fiery Facebook rant, they dive into whether social media is harming our profession, how dentists should present themselves online, and if there’s still room for fun without crossing the line.

Whether you love or hate dental content on...

Cracked teeth — the diagnosis we all hate as Dentists!

How do you decide when to monitor and when to intervene?

What is the recommended intervention at different scenarios of cracks?

Should we be chasing cracks and reinforcing with fibers; is there actually enough long-term data to support that approach?

Over the years, we’ve had some epic episodes on this topic — from Kreena Patel’s “I Hate Cracked Teeth” (PDP028) to Dr. Lane Ochi’s Masterclass on Diagnosis and Management (PDP175).

But in this brand-new episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Masoud...

With the final places remaining for our Occlusion Getaway, we present the official FAQ Podcast!

Dreaming of combining occlusion learning with a luxury getaway?

Want to earn 56 hours of CPD while soaking up the Dubai sunshine?

Looking for a course where you can master PRACTICAL occlusion in Restorative Dentristry and make it a family-friendly, tax-deductible trip?

Easter 2026 is set to be unforgettable. Join Dr. Jaz Gulati and Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim for an extraordinary Occlusion Excursion in Dubai — a blend of serious CPD and sunshine that redefines what “continuing education” can be.

...

Do all whitening gels work the same, or is the brand actually important?

Are lights and in-office “power whitening” just marketing hype?

And what’s the deal with the infamous white diet – do your patients really need to give up coffee and red wine?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Wyman Chan, the man who literally hung up his drills in 2002 to dedicate his career to whitening alone. With over 20,000 cases under his belt (and a PhD in the science behind it), Wyman shares his three golden rules for whitening success: trays, c...

Why should Dentists be talking about screen time with parents?

Are smartphones even safe for children?

What is the right age to give a child their first phone?

Laura Spells and Arabella Skinner join Jaz in this thought-provoking episode to tackle one of today’s biggest parenting challenges: smartphones and social media in young hands. Together they explore the impact of early phone use on children’s health, development, and mental wellbeing—and why healthcare professionals should be paying close attention.

 Protrusive Dental Pearl: L...

How can you tell if a root canal treatment is truly successful?

Do you always need cuspal coverage after a root canal?

Are hand files still relevant, or has rotary completely taken over?

And does GP pumping really improve the effectiveness of irrigants like hypochlorite?

Emma returns for another Protrusive Student Series episode as she heads into her final year of dental school. Together, we explore the fundamentals of endodontics – covering restoration choices, success criteria, instrumentation, and irrigation protocols.

This episode breaks down the basics every student and young de...

How should you  gain consent for ELECTIVE treatments?

Is selling in dentistry something to avoid, or an essential part of patient care?

How much does emotional intelligence really matter for your success and happiness?

Dr. Colin Campbell joins for a powerful episode that dives into consent, sales, and the balance between profit and ethics in dentistry. He also unpacks the huge role of emotional intelligence—not just in clinical practice, but in life.

Expect real talk, strong opinions, and communication gems that can reshape the way you connect with patients and app...

Can and should Dentists carry out home sleep testing?

It’s actually super easy and I have been doing it for 18 months!

What happens after you screen them—do you know what to do next? This episode will teach you!

Dr. Jaz Gulati shares his personal journey into incorporating sleep testing in practice—after 1.5 years of doing it, the impact has been nothing short of game-changing.

Joined by clinical sleep scientist Max Thomas in this jam-packed episode, they deep dive into what it rea...

Imagine your patient is choking on a rubber dam clamp…what’s the safest way to manage choking when the patient is lying flat?

Your patient’s hands are shaking and they’re drenched in sweat – is it low blood sugar, anxiety, or a cardiac event?

​​Do you know exactly what to do if your patient has a seizure in the chair?

This second part of the Medical Emergencies series with  Rachel King Harris dives even deeper into real-life scenarios that dental teams may face. From seizures and how (and when) to give buccal midazolam...

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CPD for all Dental professionals – without getting bored!

Do you know exactly what to do if a patient faints in your chair?

Could you spot the early signs of anaphylaxis—before it’s too late?

How quickly could you find and deliver adrenaline if it really mattered?

After six years of podcasting and creating CPD, we’re finally tackling medical emergencies the Protrusive way. In this two-part series, Jaz is joined by lead nurse and medical emergencies educator Rachel K...