In Part Two of our conversation with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. ( @drnavedfatmi ), we dive into the real-world business of dentistry—beyond the operatory. We unpack what s weat equity actually means, how to approach job interviews with the right mindset, and why treatment planning is one of the most valuable (and overlooked) skills in building trust and case acceptance. Dr. Fatmi also breaks down how your lifestyle choices and personal priorities—like choosing to live in a high-cost city—can direct...
Jun 25, 2025•31 min
What happens when a new grad skips residency and buys a practice? What do DSOs really offer early-career dentists—and what do they take away? And how do you stay ethical in a system that often puts production before patients? In this episode, Teeth Matter host Ellie Halabian sits down with Dr. Naved Fatmi, D.M.D. ( @drnavedfatmi )—a practice owner, educator, and former Chair of the Florida Board of Dentistry . Appointed in 2015 as the youngest board member ever , Dr. Fatmi brings deep experience...
Jun 10, 2025•34 min
In this episode of Teeth Matter , we sit down with Dr. Paresh Shah ( @drpareshshah ) —a respected Canadian dentist, educator, and international speaker—to explore what comprehensive dentistry really looks like in practice. Now leading his third practice , Dr. Shah says he's finally getting to practice the way he wants to - connecting function, esthetics, and long-term health. We dive into how this approach shows up in his treatment planning, his collaboration with specialists, and how he gets fu...
May 27, 2025•50 min
In this episode of Teeth Matter , we're joined by Dr. Tejas Patel ( @tejaspateldds )—a nationally recognized cosmetic dentist based in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Patel shares how he carved out his niche in cosmetic dentistry and transformed his traditional practice into a boutique, high-demand smile studio. You’ll hear: How and why he pivoted fully into cosmetic dentistry The bold decision to eliminate hygiene and insurance—and what that meant for his growth The underestim...
May 13, 2025•44 min
What does it take to build one of the most respected dental labs in Beverly Hills? In this episode of Teeth Matter , I interview Sam Alawie ( @sam_alawie ) —CEO of Magne Education ( @magneeducation ) and co-founder of Beverly Hills Dental Lab ( @beverlyhillsdentallab )—about the future of dental technology and what dentists and dental technicians must know to stay ahead. We dive into:🔹 European vs American dental technician certification —what matters more in 2025🔹 The founding story behind Be...
Apr 29, 2025•42 min
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Adcox ( @the.remote.orthodontist ) —board-certified orthodontist, Clinical Director of Remote Care at Smile Doctors, and founder of The Remote Orthodontist . He’s not just talking about the future of ortho—he’s building it. We dive into how he’s using remote monitoring and digital workflows to transform patient care and practice performance. Dr. Adcox shares how optimizing his schedule has opened up chair time for patients who truly need in-person car...
Apr 15, 2025•46 min
In this episode of Teeth Matter , I sit down with Dr. Craig Spodak ( @craigspodak ) , a third-generation dentist and owner of Spodak Dental Group , to discuss the evolution of dentistry and the realities of practice ownership. As the co-founder of Bulletproof Dental Practice and co-author of The Bulletproof Dental Practice , Dr. Spodak shares insights on building a resilient, efficient, and profitable practice. We dive into what it means to be a "bulletproof" dentist, the difference between visi...
Apr 01, 2025•45 min
Breathing issues aren’t just a medical problem—they’re a dental one too. In this episode, Dr. Victor Khatchaturian ( @drvictordds ), a leading cosmetic and airway-focused dentist, breaks down: The hidden signs of poor airway health How occlusion and breathing are connected Game-changing treatments: mouth taping, Botox & more What this means for restorative dentistry Dr. Khatchaturian leads Sunset Dental Studio in West Hollywood, where he specializes in advanced cosmetic and airway-conscious ...
Mar 18, 2025•50 min
In this episode of Teeth Matter , we sit down with Dr. Mehrdad Raz ( @dr_mehrdadraz ), founder of Oral Design Beverly Hills, to explore the power of biomimetic dentistry and its impact on patient care. Mentored by the world-renowned Dr. Pascal Magne, Dr. Raz has dedicated his career to advancing minimally invasive and adhesive dentistry. As the Clinical Director at Magne Education, he plays a key role in training dentists on biomimetic techniques and restorative excellence. Topics Discussed : Bi...
Mar 04, 2025•48 min
Paul Vigario ( @paulvigario ) is the founder of SurfCT ( @surfctcom ), a leading dental technology integration company transforming over 12,000 practices worldwide. With a background in healthcare technology from the University of Connecticut, he specializes in practice automation, brand development, and digital workflows. As a thought leader and keynote speaker, Paul is redefining the future of dentistry by seamlessly integrating design, systems, and technology. To learn more about SurfCT and t...
Feb 18, 2025•49 min
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Renae Sweeney ( @doctor.renae ), a Florida-based dentist who has built an impressive career owning and managing three successful dental practices. With her unique blend of expertise in nutrition and dentistry, Dr. Sweeney shares how she takes a holistic approach to oral health, focusing on how overall wellness impacts what happens in the chair. We also explore her entrepreneurial journey, diving into how she scaled from one practice to three, the challenges she ...
Jan 28, 2025•35 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Steven Au ( @stevenau_ ), Transition Advisor at Aprio, who brings over 16 years of experience in the dental industry. With a strong background in clinical dentistry and a focus on practice sales across the country, Steven shares his expertise in navigating the complex world of dental practice transitions. Aprio specializes in dental CPA services, accounting, tax, wealth management, and practice transitions, making Steven a trusted advisor for dentists at every st...
Jan 14, 2025•52 min
Let’s be real—New Year’s resolutions are overrated. They fizzle out, leave you feeling like a failure, and never really stick. In this episode of Teeth Matter , I dive into why resolutions are broken by February and what you should be doing instead. I serve up seven game-changing questions to help you ditch the fluff, figure out what actually matters, and make changes that last. Ready to rewrite the rules and take control of your year? Tune in now. COCOFLOSS - Use code TM20 to get 20% off htt...
Jan 01, 2025•8 min
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adamo Notarantonio (@ adamoelvis ), an internationally acclaimed cosmetic dentist, educator, and business leader. Dr. Adamo shares his incredible journey from dental school to becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a distinction held by a select few worldwide. He opens up about his path in dentistry, the critical moments that shaped his career, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Adding an extra layer of insight, we...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In this solo episode of Teeth Matter , I share an honest update on my journey as a dental practitioner, opening up about the challenges of quitting one office (an office that I was working in for over a year). I highlight the reasons I stayed as long as I did, and how I navigated the difficult exit conversation. I also reflect on the importance of leaning into personal and professional growth, from investing in herself to attending the LA Dental Symposium, where I connected with industry experts...
Dec 03, 2024•9 min
In this episode of Teeth Matter , Dr. Jon Marashi ( @drjonmarashi ) shares his extraordinary journey from a broke dental student to becoming one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentists in the world. Known for his innovative approach and a clientele that includes Hollywood's elite, Dr. Marashi dives into the pivotal moments that shaped his career—from securing his first job to taking the leap into opening his own practice. He offers invaluable insights for aspiring dentists and practice owne...
Nov 20, 2024•48 min
In this episode of Teeth Matter , Ellie Halabian sits down with Dr. Lewis Chen ( @dr.lewischen ), the co-founder of Beam Street Dental ( @beam.street ), who shares his journey from financial hardship to entrepreneurial success in the dental field. Despite going broke twice, Dr. Chen’s resilience and strategic mindset enabled him to build a thriving practice that specializes in clear aligners, whitening, and hygiene services in New York City. Listeners will learn about the highs and lows of build...
Nov 13, 2024•28 min
Real talk with Dr. Jennifer Haddad ( @drjenniferhaddad ) about who and what influenced her dental career, including learning from one of the leaders of biomimetic dentistry, Dr. Pascal Magne ( @pascal_magne ). She also defines the "5 year rule" in dentistry, aka professional growing pains and how to deal with them. To learn more about Dr. Jennifer Haddad or to connect with her, check out these links: Website Instagram If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow ...
Nov 05, 2024•44 min
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Varisha Parikh ( @dr.varishaparikh ), a talented prosthodontist who completed her dental education at Arizona and pursued her specialty training at the renowned UCLA. Now the proud owner of her first practice, Parikh Prosthodontics, Dr. Parikh shares her entrepreneurial journey. She opens up about what drove her to become a business owner, how she navigated the process of selecting the right office to purchase, and what it's been like stepping into the role ...
Oct 22, 2024•35 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Ricardo Malise ( @ricardo_malise ), an extraordinary dental ceramist with over 15 years of experience, who has worked with top cosmetic dentists such as Dr. Apa, Dr. Jon Marashi, Dr. Brandon Mack, and Dr. Andi. Ricardo dives into the critical role of communication between dentists and technicians when it comes to creating flawless smiles. We explore the importance of collaboration, highlighting how dental care is truly a team effort, from the clinician to the lab...
Oct 08, 2024•36 min
This week's episode is a compilation of the top 5 conversations we've enjoyed over the last few episodes. These conversations are with the following guests, and their corresponding episodes are linked below: Dr. Minoo Ghamari - Honesty Is The Way To Go Dr. Tara Aboumahboub - S pring Newness & Intentions Dr. Sonia Chopra - Trust Yourself Dr. Avi Patel - Leveraging Social Media for Dental Success Kirk Teachout - Building A Profitable Culture Tune in to revisit these amazing conversations! If y...
Sep 24, 2024•10 min
In this episode of Teeth Matter, I reflect on my recent two-week summer vacation in Europe and how it transformed my outlook on work and life. After months of working non-stop across multiple dental offices, I finally decided to take a much-needed break with my sister and a long-time friend. Throughout the episode, I discuss the joy I found in the small moments—like being in the sun, walking through local neighborhoods, and savoring good food—and how these experiences made me question why my dai...
Sep 17, 2024•7 min
In this episode, with Dr. Minoo Ghamari ( @gorgeoussmilesdentistry ), cosmetic dentist and owner of Gorgeous Smiles Dentistry, we dive into the power of honesty, humility, and professionalism in patient education—three essentials for building trust and lasting relationships. We break down how being upfront about treatment options, while staying empathetic and humble, makes patients feel seen and supported. Plus, we highlight the importance of being professional with colleagues—no bad-mouthing, j...
Sep 03, 2024•27 min
In this episode of Dr. Ellie sits down with Dora Pesqueda, the passionate founder of The Smile Zone ( @thesmilezone.dentaloutreach ), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing dental care to children in Arizona. Dora shares the inspiring story behind the creation of The Smile Zone, diving into the challenges she faced in bringing quality dental care to those in need and the impact her organization has had on countless lives. As the conversation unfolds, listeners will learn about the im...
Aug 13, 2024•18 min
Join us for an insightful episode featuring Dr. Charlie Cage ( @dr.charliecage ), a highly accomplished dentist and active military officer. With over 11 years of experience, Dr. Cage holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) and a Master's in Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials. In this candid conversation, she shares her ongoing journey to discover her true passions outside of dentistry. From delving into the worlds of film and photography to exploring new creative avenues, she discusses how ...
Jul 30, 2024•57 min
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dylan Sharma ( @doctor.dyl ) to explore his unique journey through professional school in Europe and his experiences in his first year of practice. Dr. Dylan shares his motivation for studying abroad, detailing the differences between European and domestic dental schools, including curriculum, teaching methods, and clinical exposure. He shares valuable advice for new graduates, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, networking, and finding mentor...
Jul 23, 2024•43 min
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Avi Patel ( @doctor.avi ) to explore the power of social media in the world of dentistry. Dr. Avi shares his unique vision for leveraging social platforms to build a thriving dental practice, detailing how his approach has evolved over time. We dive into his creative process, uncovering the strategies behind his successful online presence and discuss some emerging trends in social media that dentists can capitalize on to enhance their reach and engagement. F...
Jul 17, 2024•49 min
In this episode of "The Art of Creating New Habits," we dive into how habits shape our lives and how we can harness their power for personal and professional growth. Inspired by James Clear's four principles, we'll break down what habits are, why they're valuable, and share some no-nonsense tips for building good habits and ditching the bad ones. Whether you're looking to up your game in your dental practice or just want to make some positive changes in your daily routine, this episode is packed...
Jul 02, 2024•15 min
In this episode, I share a personal journey that underscores the transformative power of continuing education (CE) courses. From feeling stagnant in my career to reigniting my passion and discovering new opportunities, a recent CE course provided me with the skills and confidence needed to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry. A few weeks ago, I attended a weekend course with world renowned dentists Dr. Miguel Ortiz and Dr. Carlos de Carvalho and the dialogue went beyond how to improve clinic...
Jun 25, 2024•9 min
In this very episode, I sit down with endodontist and educator, Dr. Sonia Chopra. Over the years, she has gone from clinician to building a brand that serves clinicians, practice owners and patients. In this episode, we talk about what her vision was when she began her career, how does she push through change and if she fears judgement. To learn more about Dr. Sonia Chopra, check out the links below: Instagram: @drsoniachopra Website: www.drsoniachopra.com E School: Online Endodontic Continuin...
Jun 18, 2024•23 min
