Two Reds Are Better Than One

In this episode of the Two Reds podcast, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter park the polished version of business life and talk about the real world instead. Ashley joins the conversation after a brutal few days, with serious water damage at his training centre, a lost weekend of clearing up, and another demanding week of travel and delivery ahead. It is an honest reminder that leadership often means carrying on when you are tired, frustrated and running on reserve. Ashley shares his main lesson from Australia. The clinicians who use digital scanners most consistently tend to do the most Invisalign and higher value treatment. The technology is not the issue, the discipline of using it well is. He also notes that, although regulation is tighter there, the core commercial challenges remain familiar: discussing fees, overcoming objections and creating a patient experience that goes beyond price. One of the strongest moments in the episode comes from a coaching story about referral to the hygienist. The message is si

In this episode of the Two Reds podcast, Chris Barrow is joined by Dr Paul Abrahams of Smile More Dental Care in London for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about career longevity, practice ownership, innovation and exit strategy. With Ashley Latter away in Australia, Chris and Paul take the opportunity to explore Paul's remarkable journey from an uncertain start in the early 1980s, through qualification at Guy's in 1989, to building and eventually selling a highly respected two-surgery private practice in St John's Wood. Paul reflects on the early influence of retail training at Marks & Spencer, the importance of mentors, and the role played by his long-standing principal and friend in shaping both his career and his outlook. There is a strong message here for younger dentists about the value of guidance, patience and backing yourself when opportunities appear. The conversation then moves into ownership. Paul shares the story of acquiring what was, in effect, a doer-upper squat in one of Lon

In the latest edition of Two Reds are Better than One, we woke up super early, to interview Franck Page, the owner of Coastal Dental Care in Australia's Gold Coast, and Julia Riese, the Group Director of Marketing & Operations. Franck, who graduated in 1993, quickly became a part owner of a dental practice within a year. His passion for practice ownership has led him to expand his group to 17 offices, a wholesale dental business, two labs, 83 clinicians, and 300 staff members. His innovative business model, which he discusses in detail, involves part ownership of practices with other clinicians. This approach not only provides capital for acquiring additional practices but also attracts top talent by giving clinicians a vested interest in the business. In this insightful podcast, our listeners will discover: The rationale behind Franck's business model of part ownership with clinicians and its successful implementation. Insights from Julia and Franck on the importance of cultivating a strong comp

In today's episode of our podcast, hosts Ashley and Chris had the distinct honour of interviewing the esteemed Dr. Howard Farran.  Dr. Farran, DDS, MBA, is the visionary founder and owner of Dentaltown.com and Dentaltown magazine. With over three decades of experience practicing dentistry at Today's Dental in the Phoenix metropolitan area, he is a luminary in the field. Notably, in 2017, Incisal Edge magazine recognized him as one of the 32 most influential figures in dentistry. Since 1990, Dr. Farran has been an international lecturer, renowned for his candid, humorous, and practical insights into the business of dentistry, often addressing the industry's most challenging topics. His unwavering dedication to empowering dentists to deliver faster, easier, higher-quality, and cost-effective dental care remains a driving force in his career.  His acclaimed podcast series, "Dentistry Uncensored," has been a staple in the industry for decades, boasting over 1,500 episodes and more than 8 million downloads. Bot

In this end-of-year episode of Two Reds Are Better Than One, I'm joined by Ashley, speaking from a hotel in Vietnam with 10 days of rest behind him and a welcome pause before Christmas. We keep it informal, unscripted, and focused on what practice owners and teams need to be thinking about as 2026 approaches. We touch first on the news cycle, including the government's announcement of a new NHS dental contract due to land in April, with the important caveat that at the time of recording there was no meaningful detail, so judgement needs to wait for the small print. The wider point is simple, next year will bring more change, not less, and practices will need to respond with clarity rather than hope. The main theme is resilience through diversification. Ashley makes a point he's repeated for years, the most dangerous number in business is one. If you rely on one income stream, one lead source, one key person, or one system, you are exposed. NHS practices in particular need to grow private income alongside any

In this episode of the Two Reds podcast, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter are joined by Dutch dentist, entrepreneur, and educator Dr Casper Bots for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation that bridges clinical practice, professional development, and personal wellbeing. Casper splits his time between the Netherlands and Liverpool, where he practises at Dr Rez Dental. With a deep understanding of the structural differences between UK and Dutch dentistry — from fixed fees to delegated clinical workflows — Casper brings a refreshing international perspective to the table. But this episode goes far beyond the mechanics of dentistry. What Casper shares is a compelling case for putting purpose, health, and values back at the centre of our careers. Drawing from his own journey, he explains how a sense of stagnation after 20,000 fillings prompted him to reimagine his role — not just as a dentist, but as a coach, a course creator, and a human being. He now runs the Dentist Experience Master Course, a six-day perso

In this month's episode of The Two Reds are Better than One Podcast, we're tackling what's on everyone's mind right now — the economy. With the UK budget announcement just around the corner and practice owners already seeing more white space in their diaries, it's clear things are tightening up out there. Patients are thinking twice, delaying treatment, and it's becoming harder to keep things moving at the same pace as before. But it's not all doom and gloom. In this episode, we share some practical strategies to help you not just survive, but thrive through the months ahead. Here's an overview of what we cover: Presenting treatment plans that convert – Chris talks about how the way you present treatment matters just as much as the treatment itself, including one great example from a mutual client using new technology to boost acceptance rates. Conviction in communication – Ashley digs into the importance of speaking with confidence and belief when discussing treatment that truly benefits your patie

In this episode of "Two Reds are Better than One" podcast, Chris and Ashley explore a variety of customer service experiences from their travels, highlighting both excellent and poor examples. These stories offer valuable lessons for dentists and practice owners.  The insights shared in this episode are so impactful that everyone in the practice should listen. In this episode, you will discover: Chris's Experience at Bupa: Chris recounts his experience when attending a health screening at Bupa, where the response was less than satisfactory. This underscores the critical role of the 'Front of House' in your dental practice, often referred to as the 'Managing Director of First Impressions.' Ashley's Chicago Story: Ashley shares a story from his recent trip to Chicago, illustrating a conversation with a hotel employee that emphasises the importance of teamwork. Ashley’s Three Lessons: Ashley offers three key lessons on navigating a challenging economy while maintaining a positive mindset. Chris's Tre

In this month's episode of The Two Reds are Better than One podcast, Ashley and I take a rare opportunity to record without a guest. Instead, we open the doors to a candid conversation about two themes that sit at the heart of every successful dental practice: building teams and conducting consultations. We begin with a brief detour into football – reflecting on Manchester United’s opening game of the season and drawing parallels between rebuilding a football squad and rebuilding a dental team. The lesson? Culture eats strategy for breakfast, whether you’re on the pitch or in the practice. The centrepiece of our discussion is Ashley’s brand-new book, The Perfect Dental Consultation: The Eight Essential Steps to Increasing Treatment Plan Acceptance. I make no apology for saying it is his best work in print to date. The book is not only a step-by-step guide to consultation success but also a manual on mindset, success habits and the importance of team involvement. We unpack the eight stages of a perfect con

In this episode, Chris and Ashley are joined by a true industry heavyweight: Dean Hallows, Managing Director of Dental Directory and a 40-year veteran of the UK dental industry. Recording from three corners of Europe - Cheshire, Sardinia, and sunny Essex - the conversation ranges from the accidental beginnings of Dean’s career in 1986 to his leadership role today, overseeing one of the UK’s most recognised dental supply businesses. This candid, insightful chat covers everything from mentorship and market evolution to the real-world implications of AI in dentistry, what leaders should be listening for, and why selling consumables isn't just about revenue; it’s about hospitality. If you're a dental practice owner, manager, or supplier, this episode delivers practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes insight you won't find elsewhere. You’ll learn: How Dean transitioned from engineering apprentice to industry MD The vital difference between hearing and listening as a leader Why AI will support — not replac

In this captivating episode, Ashley and Chris sit down with Dr. Jit Hindocha, Principal Dentist at Total Dental Care, celebrating 40 remarkable years in dentistry (1985–2025). Born in Uganda, Jit shares his powerful story of arriving in England at just 10 years old after his family was expelled by Idi Amin, losing everything but holding onto determination and resilience. In this episode you'll learn about: Jit’s early years in Leicester—living with 11 family members in a 3-bedroom house, hustling with part-time jobs, and how his family’s perseverance shaped his work ethic and career mindset. How Jit continually reinvented his career every decade: Building four dental practices from scratch in the 1980s. Serving as a Vocational Trainer and Advisor at local and national levels, influencing dental regulation and quality. His tenure with the GDC, including the insightful story of hosting an innovative live CPD event simulating a GDC hearing. Jit’s pioneering journey into digital dentistry with

After receiving incredible feedback from our listeners, we invited Steve Tangney back for Part Two! If you haven't listened to Part One yet, be sure to check it out here. There, Steve shared his valuable strategies on how to create a world-class team. The exciting news is that we have another inspiring interview for you. This time, Steve focuses on how his practice effectively attracts new patients. He shares numerous ideas that you can implement no matter where you are based. In this interview, you will discover: How doing the right thing by your patients and being authentic is key to growth. How Steve cements himself within his community, including sponsorship of sports teams. How Steve effectively asks for referrals and Google reviews, and how he overcomes the barriers to asking. Why daily engagement with professional content on social media is essential, rather than making random posts. How a simple four-word banner outside his practice brought in many new patients. How he is building a sp

Steve Tangney qualified in 2008 and moved from his hometown of Cork to work in London. During a period of travelling, he met the love of his life – now his wife – on the Gold Coast, where he also worked for a while. While his time there was influential, it was his experience at Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast (Sunny Coast) that made the biggest impact on his professional outlook. The owner’s focus on cultivating a superb team culture stood out to Steve as the secret to their success. In 2017, Steve seized the opportunity to purchase a dental practice in Batemans Bay, a short plane journey from Sydney. (It is well worth listening to this podcast to discover how this opportunity came about.) At the start of his venture in 2017, Steve's practice had just two chairs and a team of five. Fast forward to today, and he proudly owns three locations with a team of 36 dedicated professionals. Steve's expansion story is rooted in his commitment to fostering an environment where team members can truly flourish and

In this insightful interview, Chris and Ashley reconnect with Karl Walker Finch, the proud owner of a dental practice in the Kirklees area of Yorkshire. For the second time, we delve into Karl’s remarkable journey. Setting an ambitious goal, Karl aimed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of his practice. Astonishingly, he achieved a reduction of over 35% in just the first year! But that’s not all—his practice is now proudly climate-positive. Karl speaks with such passion that you’ll be motivated to bring similar changes to your own practice. Here's what you'll discover in this podcast: Engaging the team: Learn how Karl successfully involved his team in this project, boosting their motivation and commitment. Tree-planting for referrals: Discover the unique initiative of planting a tree for every new patient referral. The 'One Idea a Week' concept: Explore how ensuring accountability with weekly ideas has led to consistent progress. Focusing on key areas: Understand how concentrating on thr

After graduating in 2012, Gareth Edwards spent the first 5 years of his dental career by treating patients in Middleton, North Manchester. He then embarked on an 18-month journey through Asia and South America, dedicating time not only to traveling but also to reading a diverse range of books. In 2019, Gareth returned to Bournemouth, his hometown, and formed a partnership with Zak Kara. Sharing similar philosophies about dentistry and business, they initially took over a three-surgery practice. However, they quickly outgrew it and moved into a larger, purpose-built clinic, giving birth to Smile Stories. Their philosophy was centered around creating an experience "nothing like your old dentist." Gareth generously shares here the secrets that make Smile Stories a success. In this podcast, you'll discover: How Smile Stories has become a unique dental practice by fostering lifelong patient relationships, incorporating innovative design, and utilising comprehensive digital dentistry. You'll also learn about

In this exciting episode of Two Reds Are Better Than One, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter share their personal and professional aspirations for 2025 within the dental industry. From digital workflows and AI to personal communication mastery, this conversation is packed with insights to help dental professionals navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and agility. Key Takeaways: Digital Dentistry Advancements:Chris and Ashley highlight the game-changing impact of intraoral scanning, treatment planning software, and 3D printing. AI is poised to revolutionise all areas of dental operations, making this an exciting time for forward-thinking practices. Adapting to Change:The importance of staying agile and innovative cannot be overstated. Chris encourages listeners to “fail fast” and adapt quickly to market trends and new technologies, creating resilience regardless of external economic conditions. Personal Communication is Key:Despite rapid technological advancements, Ashley and Chris agree that em

Today we’re thrilled to introduce you to Amber Aplin, owner of "The Gentle Touch" dental practice in Kelso, Scotland. Amber’s journey is anything but ordinary—born in Australia, raised in the UK, and spending 16 years in Army dentistry before carving out her niche as a practice owner. Her story is one of transformation, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In this episode, Amber shares: Her Unique Career Path: From growing up in a military family to studying at Newcastle University and thriving in Army dentistry, Amber’s experiences have shaped her philosophy and leadership style.   The Gentle Touch Philosophy: Discover how her practice focuses on patient experience, a "gentle" approach, and a culture of shared values that keeps her team motivated and thriving—think high standards, consistent branding, and even team trips abroad!   Innovative Dentistry: Amber is a pioneer in biomimetic dentistry, offering longer appointment times for tooth preservation and patient-focused in-house finan

Anushika Brogan is the owner of Damira Dental Group. After graduating from Kings, Anushika was destined to be an entrepreneur. She quickly purchased her first dental practice in 2003, and Damira was born. Since then, she has expanded the group to 42 locations throughout the UK, including brand new practices specialising in facial aesthetics. She is also the only female CEO of a dental corporate in the UK. You might think that managing a thriving Dental group would keep her busy, especially since she operates without a COO or CFO. However, Anushika still finds time to do a full day of dentistry every week. In this podcast, she shares why she prioritises this and why it's so important to her. In this episode of "Two Reds are Better than One," you will discover: How Anushika achieves fantastic balance in her life and the role discipline plays in it How she maintains a strict fitness regime that will inspire you—hint: she wakes up at 4:30 am every weekday The lessons she learned from a messy divorce and

Dr. Katie Blake is co-founder with her husband Alex of Blake Dental, in the small market town of Witham, Essex, mid-way between Chelmsford and Colchester.   Katie has a special interest in dental implants, not only delivering to their own patients but working in other practices, lecturing, training and mentoring.   Alex is a former maths teacher, who has become the Business Manager.   They have also created a strong senior management team within the practice, through internal development and promotion.   In this entertaining conversation, Katie shares with us stories of her childhood, living with entrepreneurial parents, forming her own proto-business as a child (hence the title - you’ll realise), and then volunteering for work experience at a family friend’s nearby dental practice after he suggested to her parents that a career in dentistry would be a good choice.   We follow Katie to University, into hospital to become a maxillofacial first-responder to trauma injuries and then into Ownership.   She will sh

Imagine opening a Practice with no social media, prohibited from advertising, not allowed to have a website, plus you are timing this at the start of one of the worst recessions the country has ever known.   These were the circumstances faced by Dr. Kieran Daly when he opened his squat Practice in North Dublin during 2007.     Fast forward today, 17 years  after opening the doors, his Practice employs over 50 people and has expanded to a multi disciplinary Practice, treating patients with Implants, Orthodontics, Perio, Endo, and Restorative dental treatments, taking referrals from dentists all over Ireland. His journey is nothing short of remarkable.   Kieran never stands still, he is constantly developing himself both personally, and technically, he is the only Irish Orthodontist that is certified by the European Board of Orthodontics & The Angle Society of Europe. He is a leader in his field.    In this podcast you will learn; When Kieran opened his Practice, he was not allowed to have a website or al