Welcome to a profound conversation with Dr. Raid Ali, a remarkable dentist who journeyed from the war-torn streets of Baghdad, Iraq to the peaceful landscapes of Cardiff, Wales. Dr. Ali shares his powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and the life-altering power of education. His unique perspectives and experiences serve as a testament to the transformative power of ambition, with a strong emphasis on the importance of teamwork, effective management, and the inextricable role of mentorship in the field of dentistry.
Just when you thought his story is inspiring enough, Dr. Ali takes us a step further into the future of dentistry. With a growing prevalence of dental implants, we discuss the importance of hands-on experience during courses and whether the procedure is suitable for everyone. His insights into this evolving facet of dental care provide a fascinating peek into the future of dental practices.
But if you thought Dr. Ali was all about teeth, you’re in for a surprise. He’s a fervent Manchester United fan and shares his passion for football as enthusiastically as he does about dentistry. We dig into his encounters with famous personalities at Old Trafford, his remarkable experience at the World Cup in Qatar, and his speculative thoughts on the potential takeover of Manchester United by the Qataris. We conclude with an invigorating conversation about dreaming big, setting goals, and believing in oneself to achieve success. Join us on this journey as we unearth the incredible story of Dr Raid Ali.
Welcome to a profound conversation with Dr. Raid Ali, a remarkable dentist who journeyed from the war-torn streets of Baghdad, Iraq to the peaceful landscapes of Cardiff, Wales. Dr. Ali shares his powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and the life-altering power of education. His unique perspectives and experiences serve as a testament to the transformative power of ambition, with a strong emphasis on the importance of teamwork, effective management, and the inextricable role of mentorship in the field of dentistry.
Just when you thought his story is inspiring enough, Dr. Ali takes us a step further into the future of dentistry. With a growing prevalence of dental implants, we discuss the importance of hands-on experience during courses and whether the procedure is suitable for everyone. His insights into this evolving facet of dental care provide a fascinating peek into the future of dental practices.
But if you thought Dr. Ali was all about teeth, you’re in for a surprise. He’s a fervent Manchester United fan and shares his passion for football as enthusiastically as he does about dentistry. We dig into his encounters with famous personalities at Old Trafford, his remarkable experience at the World Cup in Qatar, and his speculative thoughts on the potential takeover of Manchester United by the Qataris. We conclude with an invigorating conversation about dreaming big, setting goals, and believing in oneself to achieve success. Join us on this journey as we unearth the incredible story of Dr Raid Ali.
Hi everyone, welcome to episode eight of the Diary of a Dental Coach. Thanks guys for all the well wishes Last week. I wasn't well and I've now recovered and I wanted positive thoughts and positive prayers. So thanks guys for helping me on the road to recovery. We had some amazing guests. In fact, our last episode was one of the best episodes ever. It was actually with Professor John Gibson, who talked about suicide, and we also had Dr Adam Harrison, who's also an executive coach, and he talked about the importance of kindness and kind leadership. We discussed bullying and toxic work cultures and we've had some amazing, amazing guests. So today we've brought on for you only the best on this show. Welcome, dr Raid Ali.
Speaker 2:Thank you. Thank you, professor, thank you, we're very kind of you, thank you.
Speaker 1:Thanks for joining us. You've got a phenomenal story and we're all waiting to hear about this today, so tell us about your journey. I know that you were born in Iraq, in Baghdad, is that right?
Speaker 2:Yes, yeah, yeah. So I was born in Iraq, in Baghdad. I studied, I did my BDS in Iraq as well, in Baghdad University. 1996 I graduated, and 1998 I decided just to explore the world a little bit. So then I started like going back and forth to Iraq. Then 2005 decided to sit the IQ exam. So it took about a year to finish the IQ exam and then decided to stay.
Speaker 1:I just wanted to discuss a little bit more, because this week, actually, we've got a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist on Wednesday and we're talking about masculinity and the importance of childhood and childhood experiences and how they shape you into adulthood. And I know that before we went live on air, you described a little bit about how you had to deal with several wars in Iraq. What was that like? Tell us your first experience of that, especially, for example, the Gulf War, and how did that affect you as a child?
Speaker 2:So the first war started in 1980, when we were seven, and that lasted eight years and in fact it ended on my birthday, on 8th of August. So always my birthday is well remembered by all my friends because 8th of August is the day where the war ended. So after 1988, at that time you know, as a child at primary school and secondary school a little bit of secondary school, secondary school it's not easy to live in a war zone, let's say. But the good thing that our parents, that they kept, you know, pression on us is like the importance of education, because whatever will happen then your education will be your future and then through education you can progress and even if you to leave Iraq or if anything to happen, if you have a good education then you can survive outside. But never in my mind I would think of leaving Iraq at that time. But you know, we were education was number one for us and you know, like families in between them, like they, if they own a rub in something, they don't talk about money or talk about cars or houses. Seriously, if my mother wanted to rub in something in front of all other ladies in the area she'd just talk about oh, he did this. He succeeded in that he's gonna start studying dentistry and so on. So we felt like everything was nice and easy in 1988.
Speaker 2:Then we Iraq entered another war in 1990, so two years later, at that time I was sitting my equivalent to A-levels, so it's our work we call national, national bachelor, so the basically it was the same year that the 1991 war, or what we call like the second war, happened. So we were like on our yeah, a-level equivalent and we had to study in a very difficult situation like there's no electricity, no water, because all the infrastructure of Iraq was affected by the war. We even thought that that tier as an education or or academic here it's all will be postponed, but it never. So it went through. So we had to sit the exams and we missed about three and four months of education. I mean laughing about it now, because when COVID happened, a lot of year five well, I mean students all over like they missed about six to seven months of proper education. So at that time, yes, so finished.
Speaker 2:That it did affect us, not mentally, but you know, as young people. Well, guys, and we want to go out, we want to see, it was just a little bit difficult to adapt to it. So, yeah, so the war ended end of 1991 and we at that time we I was my first year in uni studied for five years. So during those five years there was a sanction on Iraq. So resources were, resources were a little bit difficult Financially. Iraq that time as a country was in a bit of, let's say, difficulties, big difficulties, so we went through that. So, yes, I agree, I mean these situations will shape people better. In my opinion it will affect you psychologically as in you want to do the best for yourself, for your family, not to give up and just wait for something to happen.
Speaker 1:So what was your motivation? Were people encouraging you to continue with your degree during this time?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean, I had all support from my parents, my friends. You know my family and not just me. You know the whole of Iraq carried on and you know, to be honest, like people who graduated in my year, especially in dentistry, who are now in the UK, they're all doing very well and they're all successful. And when we sat the IKE exam you know all people, all my colleagues who graduated from Iraq they all did very well, which that could indicate it's, you know, like this never affected them.
Speaker 1:I think historically, iraq has been known as one of the centres of medicine and development. So I think we underestimate the power of education in those countries, and for you guys to be one of the successful dentists here is remarkable, isn't it?
Speaker 2:It's amazing. I think we were lucky. We're still lucky in Iraq because you know the foundation of I'm talking about dentistry, the foundation of dentistry in Iraq. It was set up by really good professors and big names. We learned a lot from them. They supported us with the little of resources we've had that time, but they gave education 100% and regardless of all circumstances around. We have always been given the best by them and we've learned. We've learned very well.
Speaker 2:I mean you will be shocked to see anyone coming from Iraq who hasn't got any good skills of extractions, because that is, it starts very well there. I mean it's always a fight between us and the tooth. There isn't such a thing called the tooth cannot come out or you have to refer to a hospital. No, no, this tooth is going to. It's either me or that tooth. I mean I'm just giving an example about the extractions. But yeah, I mean the way we've been taught was remarkable and it did show. I mean when I wanted to sit to the exam I was worried oh my God, like would I be able to pass? Can I pass? Isn't that easy? But when we started like revising, we realized we've been really lucky to the way we've been taught.
Speaker 1:So do you mean like both clinical experience as well as academic knowledge, as well as application of everything?
Speaker 2:Yes, yeah, yeah, I mean our dental school used to be like a big building, six stories and each floor is a whole department, and I mean all aspects. We worked very hard in every single aspect of it. I mean I'm talking up until 96 when I graduated, and so we've never had a problem and we had requirements to do, as in prosthetics, pediatrics, whatever. I mean like each you would have that good requirement to fulfill before you can graduate. So, yeah, I mean I thought it wasn't enough experience, it wasn't enough. But and then I realized, like some dental schools here, like students would graduate extract in one tooth or maybe did one or two fillings, anything, I mean we were doing very well during the war and sanction compared to, you know, sometimes local universities here.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think this is one of the recurring themes we've talked about on this podcast. Actually, nothing. Dr Hammond Barty feels quite strongly about this that currently the the systems failing the young dentists and the fact that they need mentorship very early on, sometimes perhaps doing very basic procedures, means that somewhere either the universities are failing or the foundation trait there's too much emphasis on the foundation training and it's leading to more and more unskilled dentists who then need a lot, lot more help. And you're probably seeing that yourself, aren't you?
Speaker 2:Yes, no, it's not just that, because I dealt a lot with that as well. I used to teach undergraduates year four and year five from the university, especially during COVID, and you know, especially that year. You know I shouldn't say anything, but it was difficult for them. I don't know, they have graduated, they are, they are working now, but it was, it was difficult, it was difficult and we look at the requirement and how many of each procedure they have done. I mean, majority of the time it's really it's good. But then they during DF training as well. That's that's better during DF training. I know a lot of people think it's not enough, but again, that this 12 months would would really help them, because the past five years it's it's really not up to what would you expect a year five students to have.
Speaker 1:So tell us, why did you decide to leave Iraq and you went to Yemen? Is that right?
Speaker 2:Yeah, in the beginning I went to Yemen. I mean, it was during the sanction and during the second war. After that it was just a bit off. We were very limited. I wanted to progress, I wanted to do something different, so I thought, let's, let's see what's what's in the world for us. So I went to Yemen first as a first step, stayed in Yemen about a year Think that I was working. Then I had few options to do. One of the options was to go to Qatar. I wish I did that now. Yeah, so I didn't go to Qatar. I had another offer from Emirates in Dubai and I declined that because I had the UK in my mind and the funny like. When I said to my father I decided to go to Britain, he said oh, I know you're going to go to Manchester. I said, no, no, no, no, I haven't decided yet. I ended up in Cardiff.
Speaker 1:So how did you end up here? Did you have friends? How did you end up in the UK?
Speaker 2:UK. I had friends and family so I arrived in London and it was nearly impossible to live in London so expensive, yeah. Then I had a friend who lives in Cardiff. He offered me just to come for a visit first, so came in to look and I really liked it and it was, everything was nice and I said, no, I'm going to stay here. And yeah, I just stayed. So I still love Cardiff, regardless of me. Actually, I have seen some of your like posts You've got the Wales T-shirt on.
Speaker 1:Yes, yeah, proud to be Welsh, I have heard a couple of other people mention that you're proud of adopting the Welsh culture.
Speaker 2:Yes, yeah, yeah. And also I went to the World Cup to support Wales. I played all the games, yeah. Now I really love Cardiff and I mean what Cardiff not just Cardiff, you know UK in general but Cardiff gave me. I mean it's my home now and I really I can't imagine leaving Cardiff, to be honest.
Speaker 1:It's actually a place I don't know if I've ever visited, but tell me, what is it about Cardiff, or the area that you fell in love with and you still love about it now, I Think mainly people.
Speaker 2:So people here are really nice, very friendly, chatti. You know I can see the difference there because I do work in London and in Bristol. I'm not saying London is different, but you know like in in Cardiff is easy to speak to patient and you know to know about them. And so people Convenience, I mean everything in Cardiff, I mean you can't find any. There is nothing not to hear in Cardiff. Friends, you know the Iraqi community here, the Arabic community, the, the, the Muslim community here, sir, it's never felt not home. Oh, always nice I'm, because I've been all these years here. So you kind of start to know in everyone and yeah, yeah, and everyone know, know you. So if I need anything I know who to call and yeah.
Speaker 1:So how did your journey begin to become a practice owner? How did that come about?
Speaker 2:I I started working in this practice in 2009 and the owner was like he wasn't thinking of selling at all. And you know the conversation of Like buying a practice or him selling his practice to me. It was it wasn't there. And one day I just I was just like you know, let's just just making a joke and I said, peter, if you ever want to sell, let's me know. And he just laughed and he said no, no way. And you know, circumstances change.
Speaker 2:So it was three practices in Cardiff to to in Cardiff or not one outside Cardiff, with really a big Contracts in each of them, and it's just contract. And I see the text message from him one day and you know, like the all text messages, that time is like he like included everyone, so I can see another two names, or now both my business partners, like would you like to meet up next week Regarding the practice and I realized it's him. Now he has decided to sell my business partners. I mean like. I mean we used to work together in the practice, so and it was just like a new, new opportunity and it can come like, yeah, I would love to, and that's that's how it started. So we started with the three practices and now we have we expanded in buildings and in contracts, so now it's it's like five practices. Yeah, so when we took over we used to be 33 members of staff. Now we are 85 members of stuff.
Speaker 1:Wow In terms of like your business. How do you decide who does what you know between the partners and how do you delegate your tasks?
Speaker 2:You know the the first year, or the first lesson, the first couple of years we started knowing our strength in Subjects. We have a very good managers as well. I must admit all all the work we've done. Without those good managers it wouldn't have happened. So our managers are really looking after us and in terms of decisions, I mean touch wood, touch wood. We've never had yet, you know, a subject that we had to like say one of us to say no. We always have good discussion about it and and always been taken there the right decision. It's, it's it's teamwork and luckily we all believe in that teamwork and we all, we all, contribute into it.
Speaker 1:Got a couple of messages from your supporters. I've got Nadha al-Qunani saying she's very proud of you as a colleague and friend, and then you've got Nibras al-Nahimi saying it's an honour knowing you, dear, dear Ray Dali.
Speaker 2:Oh my god, like I'm really humbled to hear that from them. They're really good, good friends and colleagues and you know it's very kind of them, very nice and yeah, I can see there's a lot of people actually watching this show as well.
Speaker 1:A lot of the time people just dipping and out, but To be honest, I think you've got quite a big following here and a lot of supporters who are watching you today.
Speaker 2:Probably they're gonna question me after that why did you say this? How come you didn't say that?
Speaker 1:So tell us your journey into dental implants. How did you decide that was your specialty? I know you said it's only recently that you've actually solely limited your practice to dental implants predominantly. How did that come about?
Speaker 2:Yeah. So after the purchase of the practices, well, we did that in 2013, about 2015, you know when, when you sit down and you try and just think about what am I gonna do next, what am I gonna do next? And I thought less, let's enroll in one of these Implant courses. I wanted to know more, I wanted like just to explore more and again, I was lucky with that because there was a course running in Cardiff. So I thought, yeah, that's just like it's another like one day a week away from the practice, so at least an execuse to do something. So After I finished the the the 12 months course, I was like shocked to know how many patients are waiting from one of us in the practice to start placing implants. So I started slowly in the beginning and then I'm just just really lucky with you know, like I had so many patients.
Speaker 1:I just love this chilled out attitude of just have a go at doing an implant, go see how it goes and see if I'm good at it or not and see if it works out.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, that's life, that's life, that's life, yeah.
Speaker 1:But I think for a lot of people there's that thinking of well, it's going to cost this many thousands of pounds, am I going to get the return on investment on it? Am I going, is it? Am I good enough to? Is it too complex? Is it too stressful? All these factors just prevent you from even, like you said, looking at an implant course, or what would be your advice to people like that?
Speaker 2:Amazing it's. I remember like I was speaking to a friend and he he said to me something which it always stayed inside me in any aspect of dentistry or any aspect in in in life. So he said to me that time, before I did implants, he said in your opinion, who's the best dentist in in the world, or in, in, in, in Cardiff? So I gave him a name and he said why do you think that? I said that he does this, he does that, he is very famous. And he and he said well, make him better than you. I said, no, nothing, make him better than me. And he said I said, why did he reach to that level? I said, well, he like it's by experience, mentoring, you know, enrolling in courses. And he said, yeah, that's it. So anyone can be that dentist if you have dedication, if, if you, if you want to be in that position.
Speaker 2:And that was one of the best advices I've ever had in in my life. To be honest, it's like you can be anyone you want to be and it's it's a race with yourself, with no none else. It's it's just how you overcome yourself and and do it. Of course, you need big support from your family, from your friends and I'm lucky with that because, to be honest, my wife have always, always been the big supporter. I hope she's not listening now because she she will take that until you just just remind me of it. Yeah, she's been a very like a good supporter to me and, yeah, without you know, like love and support from your family, you can't. You can't be where, whatever you are.
Speaker 1:I think it's really, really powerful advice that and I think you know, if people who are listening take on board that that advice of you know, if you really want to do something and succeed in something, you can look at what somebody else did and you can easily do it yourself. It's just convincing yourself that you, you're capable of doing it. And that's the biggest battle we all have. We have this inner kind of battle with psychological battle between ourselves thinking am I good enough? Can I do that? I'm not, I'm not like that person, perhaps, etc. Etc. And you don't really know your full potential until until you just decide to run with it and and and and believe in yourself. And, like you said, I think it does really, really help having the support of people like your family, your friends, having a peer group that pushes you and causes you, gets you motivated, gets you moving. We've got a comment here from Dr Haider, mia. He said you've been a great supporter to the Iraqi community in the UK and a great ambassador and coach thank you.
Speaker 2:That's really kind of your Haider, really. I mean, haider himself is an amazing person. He's, he helps everyone. I mean I really I really appreciate these comments because you know, it means a lot to me. It means a lot to me and you know, I'm lucky to have friends like, like Haider, nabras and Anadha. Of course it's it's just, and not because they're the contributing today. You know like it means, like it means a lot because when, when you have good friends, that's that's when you know that you have succeeded in your life. Seriously. I mean, I mean, that's a seriously we're talking about, about you know, like when, when, when we think about can I do it, can I not do it?
Speaker 2:I'll give you a small story. I once decided to run the 10k again because they told me too fat, you can't do it. So I thought, no, no, I will do it. So I was just a laugh. So I decided to run the 10k.
Speaker 2:My first thing I did about five or six 10k's and my third or fourth one. I didn't train, I didn't do anything, I was. I was really like the day before I was just eating, like there was no tomorrow, as usual, and while I was running, and I thought that's it, you know I can't do it anymore. And I saw a sign and I thought, oh, that's gonna tell me how many kilometers left for me. And I saw number one and I'm thinking is that one left or I've only run one kilometer? Probably I only run one kilometer. That's so I really.
Speaker 2:But then I called the friend while I was running, a friend who wasn't. He was about to sixth the, the ORE exam, and I wanted to tell him my experience. Now I'm dying. It's not easy, it's really killing me, but I have to do it because it's. I will be embarrassed not to do it because I started it and hopefully that will encourage him to know like it's difficult to sit the exam. But just go for it and luckily he's done it wow, spoken like his true coach there no, no, not the coach, but you have to be there for your friends.
Speaker 2:If they need you or if they don't need you, you have to be there for them.
Speaker 1:I think one thing that I have noticed I personally haven't seen it in in my kind of heritage or my kind of community in terms of that community spirit that the Iraqi dentists have, and I do sometimes notice I've never obviously got friends.
Speaker 1:And you, you guys also have your own dental society and community and helping each other and pushing each other, and I actually feel quite envious of that, because when I, when I see that I think, wow, this, this is what really dentistry should be about. You know, it should be about being a friend, being a colleague, being there when you need them, pushing each other forward, helping each other, utilizing each other skills, trying to bring people into it and and I think you know, when I see this and I see this happening, you know I'm I'm quite like I think, wow, I wish the rest of the profession and use utilize this model and try to encourage growth for everyone, rather than kind of the toxic culture that I've actually witnessed or seen and and the one that we see that gets played out in the, on the, I'd say in the mainstream of dentistry. Um, tell us, why do you think you guys have this sort of connection, togetherness, support each other? It can't just be obviously your heritage.
Speaker 2:There must be more to this yes, it's definitely like the way we've been brought up and it's good like it's. It's also related because that that generation of people that they witnessed the war and it became, you know, social life is, is, is is important part of your life. So, having not just the dental, I mean you see Iraqis in in general, they know each other and the kind of trying to help each other. I love this part. Of course, you will find like exceptions here and there. Probably people will say that about me, probably think I'm not the helpful, but we are trying, we're trying, I'm, I'm, I'm really glad like a, like I'm, we are like witness this Iraqi community, like dental community. Uh, it's, it's really nice to to meet colleagues and try and help them, try to listen to them, learn from them as well and, of course, be there for them if they need you.
Speaker 1:Excellent, excellent. I think it's really, really powerful and I think having that strength in numbers, having that friendship group, having that person you can always talk to, because everyone will have different, like you said, different skills, different things, you know, We've got another message now from Jamal Salim al-Sayidi, rady should be proud of yourself for all the hard work you put into reaching your goals.
Speaker 2:Oh, thank you. Thank you, jamal. That's very kind of you, very kind of you. I'm proud of them all as well. I'm proud of them and everyone else. They all have been very well.
Speaker 1:Wow, amazing. So tell us about your journey as a mentor in implants and how that began, because I know that you feel quite passionate about teaching, don't you?
Speaker 2:Yes, I mean I started teaching first with undergraduate in Cardiff University and I really enjoyed that. But then when the opportunity came in to be a tutor at Dentali, that was really big for me, I must admit. When I applied for that post I thought you know, no way I will get it. You know, like the big names they employ and you know, like the big names on the board, it's like you think no way, but it's not that.
Speaker 2:So so when I send my CV and I send my cover letter and I receive a very nice welcoming, you know, and inviting me for an interview, it was really, really, you know, one of the, you know, happiest days when you realize people like do recognize your work, because I thought when I go there I need to, like, you know, sell myself or like try and say I can do this, I can do that, but luckily it was easy on that day.
Speaker 2:And then, you know, like it went clinically, like to the practice, and started like watching some of the at that before I took the job, and you know I thought, oh no, I really like it, because when I did my implant training, I learned the hard way, as we say, because I was nearly on my own, you know, doing it like I had some mentoring, but not as much as I would want because it was a bit difficult. So I've learned the hard way and now I want to give that and to give the experience and hopefully to help as many as I can and tutor as many as I can and hopefully, hopefully, I will succeed with that.
Speaker 1:So any messages for people obviously thinking about getting into implants, perhaps people who because I've heard mixed things some absolutely love it, some don't. So there's some courses where they don't provide that much clinical experience and people don't feel confident at the end of it. You know, what advice would you give for somebody who's perhaps not sure or really thinks that it is the career way, career pathway that they want to go into? What kind of tips would you give people who are looking into getting into dental implants?
Speaker 2:I fully support now that every dentist should learn how to at least restore dental implants, because recently I mean I think I know like I read some studies to say, you know, when I, when I did it about six, seven years ago, it was like the UK at about like 5% capacity of dental implants and it's growing, growing and at that time we used to refer everything. We didn't even have the option for any implant dentist to come to our practice. Then it started having more options and now I can't see any practice in the whole UK that do not offer dental implants. So I think we are becoming more of a you know like dental implants to become like part of dentistry, like when, when, when you offer, you know extractions, fillings, you know edge bondings and visee line, or like clear and any clear aligners, you know orthodontic treatment offering dental implants would be part of. I mean I can't see any practice now that they do not offer that. So I would, I would advise, I mean everyone to go to it. To be honest, it's never, I never regret, you know a single. It's not. It's not that easy Because it's different than any other aspect of dentistry, but like anything in life, if you have passion if you believe in yourself and, as I said, like it's it's, it's your race against yourself, it's not anything else.
Speaker 2:Regarding courses, of course there are so many elements in every course, but of course the hands on element is is one of the important things to think about. Some, some courses would offer that you place four or five, some would say 10, some would say 15,. Some will take you outside the UK. I mean, I cannot recommend any of them, but of course, if you can place, if you can do the same while you're staying in the UK, that would be, I mean, a no brainer for me. I'm not, I'm not criticizing any other course. To be honest, that the course that we I'm serious, I'm not advertising that course as well, but the, the, the hands on experience is really how, when, when you are guaranteed up to 20 implants I mean between 15 to 20 implants we say we're 15 to place and to restore as many in the UK. And I'm not saying, okay, and you don't need to find these patients. All these patients are provided by the, you know, by the course. So that is, that is something really good.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so I think, like you said, clinical experience, volume of patients, I suppose is a big factor in terms of helping you grow. We actually got one of our first guest. Dr Amin Barti says Ray Dali, the man, the legend.
Speaker 2:Oh, the one and only I'm on party. The one and only I mean he's great. I've attended this course twice, I really. I mean, he's one of the guys you always look to see, oh my God, like he's doing very well. And you know, talking about Iraq, he did. I don't know if he went yet, but he was. He told me he's going to do a course in Iraq with Sal Italiano. Imagine, look at the big name of him on bat. Thank you, man.
Speaker 1:Wow, you've got some big, big fans in dentistry.
Speaker 2:I'm lucky. I'm lucky to have all these friends. To be honest, I'm lucky.
Speaker 1:I always don't think the look plays a part in this. I do think that it's genuinely about you as a person. I think you've probably touched a lot of lives and you've touched a lot of people's hearts and obviously that will help you as well, you know, in your life. But um, I'm on, Barty goes. He's making him blush.
Speaker 2:I would love to see him blush and I would love to see him.
Speaker 1:It's really, really refreshing seeing that, encouraging you know, words from colleagues, people supporting you, people wanting you and to go further, and, you know, applauding what you've done. So I think you know you have to be proud of, you know, your legacy. This is, this is what you've created over these many, many years. These are your friendships, these are the people you helped out or they've helped you and vice versa, and you know it seems like you've got a really, really good reputation.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, it's not just that. It's like, as you mentioned, like, for example, like a man like I remember, like I'm calling a man like 10 o'clock in the night and just asking for some advice about this case, and how do you think about this? And he's always there, he would always willing to help and and and you kind of feel you're really lucky to know people, you know like they are there Sometimes. You just need that. That. You know support by the yeah, you can do it, you will do it, it's fine, that's, that's, that's all you want. And they are all helpful, they are.
Speaker 1:It's amazing, isn't it? You know, having somebody on your side, because that's all you need a lot of the time with dentists. You just need that reassurance that you you're doing the right thing or there's nothing that you haven't overlooked or something, and having that, you know, at any time. You know, like you said, if you can pick up the phone to someone, even at 10 o'clock at night, it doesn't have to be a formal chat. I just said, can you just have a quick look at this? For me, having those kind of people, you know it's, it's what everyone needs, and I think it really helped, you know, for your confidence as well.
Speaker 2:Of course, of course, 100%, 100%.
Speaker 1:Do you think implants are for everyone?
Speaker 2:Of course it's not. Of course it's not, but it's majority majority of dentists would would would be okay and try. I would always advise all young dentists or dentists that haven't started implant journeys so start at least restoring implants, simple cases, and just just just to see how, how, how it is and and have a knowledge about it as well. But I know like a lot of people don't come near a dental implant. But you would understand that's good because it's more business for us. But we want more. We want more.
Speaker 1:When you reflect back on your life, when do you think you'd say, like you probably said to yourself I've made it. Would you say that that time when you became the mentor at Dentale was, was that one of the pinnacle moments where you thought to yourself you know, I'm, I've actually made it. Or giving you that validation that you have made it?
Speaker 2:Quite a lot of things in life and makes you feel that but yeah, I mean then Tali was, was, was one of them. When I bought my practice, I've made it. You know, when I see my happy family, I've made it. When I look at my phone and see how many people ask about me, I think I've made it. So, so a lot of things in life, yeah, and dentistry, so many things. I think you started with buying the practice. I think buying buying the practice was, was the big, you know, step I have taken and I'm glad I've taken it.
Speaker 1:And tell us a little bit about, like this, human connections and how you continue to make them and continue to touch people's lives. Is that intentional? Is that something you've always thought I need to? I want to help people because perhaps the suffering that you went through or the difficulties and challenges you went through and you're trying to show your gratitude perhaps Tell us about, about that and how that works for you.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's, it's, it's part of you know, the way I was brought up is like you help people, not not not just to gain something from it, but one day you will need help. So at that time then I would I would you know if I need help. I know a lot of people will help me because if you do good, you get good. Look, look, I mean trying to help is is I mean I feel happy when I do such a thing. I think you know like when I started the some sort of dental treatment in Calais, I took a big. I was. It was a very courage decision because that time it was very difficult to deal with the French GDC. But to be honest, the our GDC was very supportive. Probably a lot of dentists would think, oh my God, no way you tell him to hear that the GDC not seriously, the GDC was very supportive. When I asked them, can I work there, can I do? I had all the support from them and the reply was so quick, like within half an hour I received an email reply to say yes, yes, and it was very, very, very, you know, reassuring letter from them that I can. I can help people with the French GDC.
Speaker 2:I had to go for an inspection by the French GDC, as in you know, clinically there to for me to be able to start treat people in Calais and luckily I mean thank God also that was. I passed that because they came to inspect a small caravan in the middle of the jungle and they saw the autoclave and the guy who came I thought he couldn't even enter the camp, he was so scared. So I had to escort him from from the from the gate inside, and when he came in he was. He was really shocked and I'm glad that time we had so many dentists volunteered from the UK I can't remember the number, I was, I was so happy, like every week, some weeks we had to turn down at least 15 or 20 dentists to say sorry, we'll fall, we cannot, we don't have but so many I like I can't even remember the number of how many dentists from the UK went to Calais to to to help, so you feel quite passionate about helping refugees.
Speaker 1:Why do you think that is?
Speaker 2:not just refugees, to be honest, any, any, anyone, charity charity.
Speaker 2:Yes, anyone. I mean. Now I'm in talk with with one of the big homes in in in Cardiff to try and help homeless people on one night a week to do some emergency treatment for them, but again we have to go through some legislations and some paperwork for because they say like it's lack of dentistry. This is the problem is lack of furniture dentistry. How come? It will be easier for some people than others. That's the only problem currently. But the talk is with them is how can we help? Because I know there are some people that they can't even have an access to to anything. So we will try and and do something for them.
Speaker 1:So where is the future life for yourself and what do you want to achieve in dentistry? But personally, Obviously I. How old are you now? I'm 15 next month 50, 50, 50.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah big five or next month?
Speaker 1:Yeah, so maybe you've got another 15 years, maybe in dentistry.
Speaker 2:No way. No probably, probably clinical work. Another five, six years clinical work and probably after that. I was having this, this conversation, with one of my colleagues. We went to Valencia recently. I think after 55 probably I will concentrate more on mentoring and in a teaching. Probably by that time I mean I'll work until my, my hands stop working. Yeah, but yeah, I think we would reduce work by that time.
Speaker 1:Yeah, or any personal goals that you have.
Speaker 2:I can't say I've done them all. But clinically I learned every day and hopefully we can still do well in five, ten years time. But as goals nothing set up yet.
Speaker 1:So obviously we're both passionate Manchester United fans. You're a season ticket holder for many, many years. It's been painful to be a United fan for the last ten years. What are your thoughts surrounding United and surrounding football?
Speaker 2:By the way, season ticket holder, I managed last season to have a season ticket in mining. Before that I was just buying tickets anytime anywhere just to go and watch United. I would never say no to a ticket, but last year was amazing. Yes, it's been hard because we've lost the big coach. I always say to a lot of my students I say losing a big coach or losing your coach is not easy. So the big name of Sir Alex Ferguson has made a change since he left. Hopefully now the club is getting back. I know you don't think much of 10-hug, but at least I think there is some hope. We've done very well compared to the past years. But that's so seriously. Even if they don't do well, would I stop? No way Would I not go to any game. I will just go to all games that I can go to Every time I go to All-Trafford. It's something different.
Speaker 1:You've met some famous people as well. I've seen some photos of famous people.
Speaker 2:My phone is always in my hand. Every time you see someone famous, you're going to go and take it. Sometimes, luckily, I haven't been turned down yet by anyone. Every time anyone you approach, they will just say yeah, you can have.
Speaker 1:So are you for this takeover? Would you want the Qataris to take over?
Speaker 2:100%. I mean, when I went to Qatar for the World Cup and I saw Doha and Qatar it was my first time there I saw the development there and how could they invest in the club? How could they improve this club? It would be a dream if they take over. It would be a dream.
Speaker 1:Tell us about that experience at the World Cup, because obviously in the UK I had quite, I suppose, negative coverage about the World Cup. A lot of the stories that came out weren't even true. What was your experience like at the World Cup?
Speaker 2:I mean. Probably you might think I'm biased. My opinion is biased because I'm 100% With Qatar hosting the World Cup. It was a dream come true for someone like me. I wanted it to be hosted in an Arab country or Islamic country, so why not? What's wrong with us? We need to host such a thing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so when we went there, I had in my mind an expectation, but when we arrived I thought, oh my God. Not even my imagination was to think how organized they are and how everything was done in the right way. Then I hear lots of negative stories, but mainly from people who haven't even traveled, who haven't even been there. I mean, there are certain couple of names that they were there and they kept their opinion about, like to be against it, but they didn't have any valid point. They didn't have any good point and everything was good, nothing wrong. It's like a country to host the whole tournament, which is the last one, probably Because from the next World Cup it will be costed by three countries. So it will be Canada, america and Mexico, and so we were all in one city, nearly one city, and we had the privilege in one day, to watch three live games.
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:The facilities were good and the distances between those, like two of the stadiums, were about an hour on the bus. But they've done it and I mean I mean I mean all credit to them, all credit to them.
Speaker 1:That's the amazing thing, isn't it? The infrastructure, the transport, the links you can't get that anywhere else and you don't get that anywhere else. And I think they've obviously carefully and spent a lot of money building that infrastructure and building the stadiums, as well as the facilities and everything to make it as positive experience. And I think it's sad when people like Gary Linke, you know, spoil things for people in, you know, in the UK, when they don't really see the behind the scenes, what actually went on and how they really really made a strong effort to make it a memorable world cup, which it was, and the football was memorable.
Speaker 2:Amazing and, to be honest, I mean I've never seen anyone who went there came back with negative thoughts about it, and it was the first time like I attend England Wells game and there's no fights, there is no problem, there is no, you know violence. So everything was was really great, was really great in that tournament.
Speaker 1:Excellent. So are there any lasting thoughts that you want the viewers to before we finish this podcast?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean it's always, always. Dream big. Don't just dream small. Dream big, so, and have goals and just set yourself to achieve your goals. No one will stop you from achieving your goals, except yourself. You're the person who's going to stop yourself. That's all I'm going to say.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. You have that self-belief, self-confidence. Thank you so much for coming on this show, thank you.
Speaker 2:Thank you for this. Thank you Appreciate it. I have some valuable lessons.
Speaker 1:Thanks, guys, for watching. Our next broadcast should be on Wednesday with Dr Stephen Pulto. I'll let you know more about this soon. Take it, guys. Enjoy the rest of the week. You've got a final message from Ennis Dohey Ray a great inspiration to success. Well done.
Speaker 2:Thank you, Ennis. Thank you. I really appreciate that and I learn a lot from them and Ennis has been a very good supporter for the last few years. Now Really appreciate that.
Speaker 1:Thanks, guys, for watching. Take care, I'll see you on Wednesday. Thank you, thanks, bye.