Teeth Matter

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 sweat 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 p...

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 ...

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 plan...

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 hygi...

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—...

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 o...

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 mean...

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 Hollyw...

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 biomimeti...

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 desi...

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 int...

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 transi...

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 ye...

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 h...

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...

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 offe...

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...

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...

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 offi...