Episode one of season two of Henry Schein One’s Spilling the Teath podcast sets the tone for a timely and thoughtful exploration of the challenges, opportunities and trends shaping dentistry today.
As the profession navigates workforce shortages, rising costs and rapid technological change, the opening episode makes one thing clear: purposeful leadership has never been more important.
Hosted by Alan Mutton, head of marketing UK & Ireland at Henry Schein One, the episode features industry leaders Ben Flewett, VP of international, and James Harker, executive director for UK & APAC at Henry Schein One. Together, they offer dental practice owners, managers and teams a grounded perspective on what it takes to lead effectively in an increasingly complex environment, reflecting on today’s realities while looking ahead to what’s next.
Understanding the current landscape
The episode opens with a reflection on how quickly dentistry has evolved over the past year. Workforce shortages continue to place pressure on practices, stretching teams and limiting capacity at a time when patient demand remains high. Alongside this, economic pressures are influencing patient behaviour, with affordability and access becoming growing concerns.
Ben Flewett highlights how these challenges are deeply interconnected. Practices are being asked to balance operational efficiency with high-quality patient care while supporting the wellbeing of their teams. In this environment, leadership requires more than short-term fixes; it demands clarity of purpose and a willingness to rethink how practices operate.
Technology as an enabler, not a replacement
A central theme of the discussion is the role of technology in supporting dental teams rather than replacing them. James Harker explores how modern practice management systems can reduce administrative burden and streamline workflows, freeing teams to focus on the parts of their work that matter most.
The conversation highlights how technology can take on repetitive tasks, improve communication and help practices operate more efficiently. This not only supports better use of time, but also contributes to more sustainable ways of working that reduce pressure on teams and help address burnout.
Looking ahead to 2026
As the conversation turns to the future, the episode explores trends expected to shape dentistry over the coming years. Artificial intelligence, cloud-based systems and greater integration between digital tools are all set to play a larger role in how practices operate.
Moving to the cloud is highlighted as a critical step for practices looking to avoid fragmented systems and disconnected data. With cyber security threats and regulatory scrutiny increasing, practices will need secure, compliant platforms that support both operational resilience and patient trust.
Enhancing the patient experience
While technology is a key focus, the discussion consistently returns to the importance of patient experience. Efficiency alone is not enough; practices must prioritise meaningful engagement, building relationships that foster trust and long-term value.
Technology should support this goal by simplifying processes and improving communication, not creating distance. From smoother appointment journeys to clearer interactions, the episode encourages practices to think holistically about every patient touchpoint.
Insight beyond the podcast
The themes explored in episode one align closely with Henry Schein One’s latest white paper, Current & Future Perceptions in Dentistry, which examines the forces shaping the profession over the next decade.
Based on insights from more than 700 dental professionals across the UK, Canada and Australia, the white paper explores trends including AI-assisted diagnostics, the rise of DSOs and the shift towards cloud-based practice management. Together, the podcast and white paper offer complementary perspectives, combining real-world discussion with broader industry research.
Continuing the conversation
Episode one marks the start of a new season of Spilling the Teath, with new episodes released every Wednesday. Throughout season two, Alan Mutton and Dr Ryan Hungate lead conversations focused on leading with purpose, covering topics such as mental fitness at work, branding, team culture and the mindset shifts needed to build thriving practices.
Listeners can subscribe on their favourite podcast platforms or on Youtube to catch each episode as it’s released. Season one is also available to listen back to, exploring how AI, digital workflows and next-generation tools are redefining dentistry worldwide.
Listen to episode one of season two of Spilling the Teath and download Henry Schein One’s white paper, Current & Future Perceptions in Dentistry, to explore the trends, technology and leadership shaping the future of dental care.
This article is sponsored by Henry Schein One.
