Protrusive Dental Podcast

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...

How on earth can a neck injection eliminate teeth sensitivity?

Can a patient’s tooth sensitivity really be linked to their occlusion?

Is occlusal adjustment ever indicated for sensitivity?

And what’s the actual mechanism behind those cases where everything looks fine — no cracks, no significant wear, no exposed dentine — yet the patient still complains their teeth are sensitive?

In this episode, Dr. Nick Yiannios shares the concept of Sympathetic Dental Hypersensitivity (SDH), a groundbreaking way of understanding sensitivity that goes beyond the usual suspects like caries, erosion, or leakage.

We div...

Is it time to say goodbye to your DSLR?

Are mirrorless cameras really the future of dental photography?

If your DSLR is still working perfectly, should you upgrade now or wait for the right time?

Jaz is joined by Dr. Ashish Soneji in this game-changing episode to discuss the death of the DSLR and why the shift to mirrorless cameras is inevitable.

They break down whether you should proactively switch or strategically hold off, plus what this means for your existing lenses.

You’ll also learn the rules of mix and match—...

Should we be doing more to save questionable teeth?

What if you could buy more time — without compromising patient care?

Dr. Omar Ikram returns for a powerful episode diving into the real-world decision-making between endodontics and implants. Together with Jaz, they explore tough scenarios — like teeth with nasty cracks or minimal remaining structure — and ask the critical question: when is it truly time to extract?

They break down concepts like retained roots, root burial, amputation, and a new term Jaz introduces — palliative endodontics. Because sometimes the best outcome isn’t immediate replacement, but smart, str...

Is Practice Ownership worth the stress?

 What’s the most difficult thing you have to do as a practice owner? 

Thinking about starting your own squat practice?

How long does it really take before you see profit, and what sacrifices do you need to make along the way?

In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Shabnam Zai to unpack the real highs and lows of running a dental practice. From the loss of control as an associate, to the resilience needed during COVID, to the challenges of leadership and managing a team—...

Are you living your career by design—or just letting it happen to you?

Do you know what your ideal day as a dentist looks like?

What about your ideal week?

In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Andrea Ogden to explore how you can design a career—and a life—in dentistry that feels purposeful and fulfilling.

They dive into why many of us get stuck on autopilot, chasing goals we’ve never truly chosen, and how to break free by aligning work with your values. 

Andrea also shares p...

Is gold really dead or making a comeback 2025?

Are zirconia and biomimetic dentistry sounding the final bell for precious metal restorations?

Is there still a place for gold in modern practice—and when is it actually the best option?

Dr. Lane Ochi joins Jaz for a rare live podcast episode to unpack the current and future role of gold restorations. From skyrocketing costs and lost lab skills, to emerging alternatives like milled cobalt chrome, this episode covers everything you wish dental school taught about gold.

They even dive into clever tricks for tem...

Can you apply the Dahl technique to localised POSTERIOR wear?

Spoiler alert: hell yeah!

How can the Dahl Technique help when there is posterior wear and NO space to restore?

How predictable is building up posterior teeth (rather than the usual worn anteriors)?

In this episode, Jaz dives into the ‘Reverse Dahl Technique’, a twist on the classic method typically used for localized anterior wear. Dr. Hans Kristian Ognedal from Norway shares his insights, explaining how building up posterior teeth with composite can lead to occlusion magic! 

If you’re curiou...

Do you feel confident managing patients with TMD or oro-facial pain?

Are you clear on when to treat conservatively—and when to escalate?

What’s the best SEQUENCE of care for TMD patients?

Emma returns to Protrusive Students fresh from her finals, joining Jaz for an insightful episode on the basics of TMD management. Together, they explore the foundational steps of TMD care, from proper diagnosis to the logic behind a structured treatment hierarchy.

They break down conservative versus aggressive approaches, share clinical tips for muscle and joint assessment, and highlight commo...

Have you heard of Photobiomodulation (PBM)? Or are you thinking… ‘photo-what?!’

Is red light therapy just voodoo science—or is it already part of mainstream healthcare?

Can PBM really help with wound healing, pain relief, and even reduce the risk of dementia?

In this episode, Professor Praveen Arany joins Jaz Gulati to break down the science and clinical relevance of PBM in dentistry. They explore how this light-based therapy works, its applications in managing oral lesions, and why it’s already standard care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

They also discuss real-world c...

Should you be re-treating that root canal—or referring it out?

What are the red flags that scream “specialist only”?

How do you confidently remove GP without compromising disinfection?

Dr. Ayman Al-Sibassi joins Jaz in this endo-packed episode to help you navigate the tricky world of root canal re-treatments. From solvent selection and GP removal techniques to assessing case difficulty, they break down everything a GDP needs to know to make smart, confident decisions.

You’ll learn how to spot the cases you should be tackling, which ones to send to your endo...