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 consultation, from rapport-building and asking the right questions, through to discussing fees with confidence, handling objections and ensuring follow-up that inspires referrals. Along the way, we explore how case studies and real-world stories make the material accessible, practical, and highly relevant to today’s dentist.

Our conversation also touches on treatment plan presentation, the role of AI in communication, and why the human touch remains irreplaceable. We finish with some personal reflections on August downtime, family, cycling, and the importance of creating space to work on the business rather than just in it.

If you haven’t already secured your copy of Ashley’s new book, now is the time. Visit his website, order copies for your team, and give your practice the competitive edge it deserves.

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 replace — clinical decision-making

• What practices are missing when they ignore their reception desk retail

• Why communication and shared purpose build the best dental teams

• The human value AI can’t replicate — and why that matters more than ever

This episode is perfect for listeners who...

• Lead or manage a dental practice

• Work in dental supply or tech

• Are navigating digital transformation in dentistry

• Believe business is about people, not just processes

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 IDDA, including his early adoption of 3D printing technology.

• How advice from his father and cousin shaped his business philosophy—prioritising non-clinical time for strategic thinking, and eventually delegating more responsibilities, adopting the 'Golden Goose' strategy.

• Jit's recent transition to full-time clinical director, embracing delegation, reducing clinical hours, and the exciting discovery of his "blue USB port"—a metaphor for finding new motivation and passion in his dental career.

Jit’s incredible story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning, offering practical insights and profound life lessons for dental professionals at any stage of their careers.

Tune in via the player below or your favourite podcast streaming service and be inspired by Dr. Jit Hindocha’s extraordinary journey and his visionary perspective on dentistry’s evolving landscape.