In this insightful interview, Chris and Ashley reconnect with Karl Walker Finch, the proud owner of a dental practice in the Kirklees area of Yorkshire. For the second time, we delve into Karl’s remarkable journey.

Setting an ambitious goal, Karl aimed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of his practice. Astonishingly, he achieved a reduction of over 35% in just the first year! But that’s not all—his practice is now proudly climate-positive.

Karl speaks with such passion that you’ll be motivated to bring similar changes to your own practice. Here's what you'll discover in this podcast:

• Engaging the team: Learn how Karl successfully involved his team in this project, boosting their motivation and commitment.

• Tree-planting for referrals: Discover the unique initiative of planting a tree for every new patient referral.

• The 'One Idea a Week' concept: Explore how ensuring accountability with weekly ideas has led to consistent progress.

• Focusing on key areas: Understand how concentrating on three main areas helps Karl maintain a carbon-neutral dental practice.

• Financial Benefits: See how striving for a carbon-neutral practice can actually enhance the bottom line.

• Patient appreciation: Find out why patients love what Karl is doing.

And much more!

After graduating in 2012, Gareth Edwards spent the first 5 years of his dental career by treating patients in Middleton, North Manchester. He then embarked on an 18-month journey through Asia and South America, dedicating time not only to traveling but also to reading a diverse range of books.

In 2019, Gareth returned to Bournemouth, his hometown, and formed a partnership with Zak Kara. Sharing similar philosophies about dentistry and business, they initially took over a three-surgery practice. However, they quickly outgrew it and moved into a larger, purpose-built clinic, giving birth to Smile Stories. Their philosophy was centered around creating an experience "nothing like your old dentist."

Gareth generously shares here the secrets that make Smile Stories a success.

In this podcast, you'll discover:

• How Smile Stories has become a unique dental practice by fostering lifelong patient relationships, incorporating innovative design, and utilising comprehensive digital dentistry. You'll also learn about their ideal client;

• Their inspiration from outside the dental field and various examples of where they gain this insight;

• The creation of a work environment where team members are eager to come to work, engaging every team member in each stage of the patient journey with their "Triangle formula";

• Gareth and Zak's calculated approach to risk, enabling rapid growth and expansion;

• Their strategies for marketing, enhancing patient experiences, and cultivating a strong team culture that resulted in 571 five-star Google reviews. You'll learn their "Peak End Rule", identifying the optimal time and method for requesting reviews.

• Examples of how they surprise and delight patients, including team celebrations at the end of treatments;

• Personalised marketing approaches for each new patient, sending tailored marketing messages that cater to the individual needs and desires of the patient.

And much more!

In this exciting episode of Two Reds Are Better Than One, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter share their personal and professional aspirations for 2025 within the dental industry. From digital workflows and AI to personal communication mastery, this conversation is packed with insights to help dental professionals navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and agility.

Key Takeaways:

• Digital Dentistry Advancements:Chris and Ashley highlight the game-changing impact of intraoral scanning, treatment planning software, and 3D printing. AI is poised to revolutionise all areas of dental operations, making this an exciting time for forward-thinking practices.

• Adapting to Change:The importance of staying agile and innovative cannot be overstated. Chris encourages listeners to “fail fast” and adapt quickly to market trends and new technologies, creating resilience regardless of external economic conditions.

• Personal Communication is Key:Despite rapid technological advancements, Ashley and Chris agree that empathetic, face-to-face communication remains vital. Delivering a high-quality personal service can still set a practice apart—Ashley’s new book focuses on this very topic.

Ashley is thrilled to announce that his new book, The Eight Steps to a Perfect Consultation, is 95% complete and scheduled for release in spring 2025. This updated work will guide dentists in conducting exceptional consultations, helping more patients say "yes" to their treatment plans and enabling practices to deliver outstanding care.

Ashley shares his excitement about his upcoming speaking engagements in California (May) and Australia (March). He’s also looking forward to a potential visit to the stunning Yosemite National Park.

What are you looking forward to in 2025? Chris and Ashley invite you to share your goals and aspirations by emailing us.

• Don’t buy into the economic doom and gloom

• Stay innovative and embrace change

• Be agile and willing to fail in the pursuit of success

• Keep an eye out for Ashley’s book release and invest in your consultation skills!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Two Reds Are Better Than One and share it with your network. Let’s continue the conversation on how to make 2025 a remarkable year for dentistry!