What Success Really Takes (And Why It Starts With You)

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re finding time to recharge this summer—but also reflect, re-align, and re-energise.

From recognition in Dentistry’s Top 50, to 26 miles in hiking boots, podcast launches and panel events—this month has been full of meaningful movement. And every part of it ties back to helping you maximise your potential, minimise stress, and master leadership.

Here’s what’s been happening—and what it means for you:

🏆 Dentistry Top 50 Recognition

I’m honoured to share that I’ve been listed in the Dentistry Top 50—an incredible acknowledgement of the impact and influence we’re making through wellbeing and performance across the profession.

This isn’t about clinical accolades—this is about changing the culture of dentistry. From leadership to burnout prevention, team dynamics to personal energy—this recognition belongs to all of you who are part of the MedDent and BREATHE movement.

🥾 What 26 Miles Taught Me on the Macmillan Mighty Hike

This month, Team NAIL-IT completed the Macmillan Mighty Hike—26 miles of blisters, joy, pain, laughter, and purpose. It was my 4th time doing it, and no matter how fit you are, it hurts!

Here’s what I took away from the walk:

1. You are stronger together

2. A united cause and deeper purpose helps you keep going

3. Your mind will try to keep you safe and not always be the champion you expect – so question it

4. The more you deposit in your confidence bank from previous successes, the more you can draw from it in times of need

5. Celebrating smaller milestones along the way helps you push towards the bigger goal – check out the photos to see some of the

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   🌿 This Month’s Training Focus: Integrating Wellbeing into Practice

   Wellbeing isn't just a buzzword—it's a business strategy.

   ✅ Practices that prioritise wellbeing see up to 20% more productivity, improved team engagement, and a healthier bottom line:
   • Less absenteeism
   • Better retention
   • Easier recruitment
   • More motivation and trust across the team

   We’ve been working with teams to embed MedDent’s Essential Wellbeing Pack—a toolkit of 26+ resources, including:
   📋 Policies | 📊 Audit tools | 🎓 Training videos | 🎨 Team-building activities | 🧘‍♀️ Posters & Rituals

   💼 And yes—it’s now a CQC requirement to have a wellbeing programme in place. We’ve made it easy—and even fun—to get started.

   🛒 Grab your pack from the MedDent Store

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🌟 Beyond Dentistry – What Does Success Really Look Like?

I’m proud to be speaking at Beyond Dentistry on 27th September, an inspiring event hosted by Dr Ash Parmar. It brings together 6 leading voices in dentistry to explore:

• Personal and business growth
• Emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing
• True fulfilment and financial success

It’s an unforgettable one-day experience with ALL proceeds going to charity.
🎟️ check out the details here

🎙️ The Young Dentist Podcast Feature

Another highlight this month—I was invited onto The Young Dentist Podcast, where I shared stories, tools and mindsets around:

• Defining success on your terms
• The NAIL-IT blueprint for optimal performance
• Why energy, joy, and clarity matter more than titles or targets
• How young dentists can future-proof their career and wellbeing

If you want to feel inspired again about dentistry, give it a listen on Spotify or Your Tube

💬 Mastering Communication – This Month in Private Dentistry

This month’s column focused on communication mastery—not in the form of roleplay, but in real, effective tools that improve relationships and results.

We broke it into 5 pillars:

1. Persuasion – Psychology-based influence without conflict

2. Personality – Adapting to communication styles with DiSC

3. Purchase – Making “sales” a team skill that feels authentic

4. Power – Using language to lead with clarity and confidence

5. Practicality – Mastering the micro-moments that shape culture

All of it comes from the NAIL-IT Leadership system we teach at MedDent.

🧘‍♀️ Summer Reset – Reflect, Don’t Just Rest

Holidays bring a shift in rhythm—exams are over, routines change, and many of us finally slow down. But don’t drift. Reflect.

One of the components of the NAIL-IT system is taking time for reflection. It’s how we create sustainable growth.

🪞 Take 10 minutes to ask:
• What’s gone well so far this year?
• What would I change if I could do it again?
• How do I want to feel heading into September?

Reflection builds resilience. Resilience creates momentum.

🎙️ Coming Soon: The NAIL-IT Podcast

It’s happening! The NAIL-IT Podcast is officially in production.

🎧 Want to lead better, live fully and laugh more?
Start with our intro episode, hosted by myself and Dr Bhavin Patel.

Search NAIL-IT on Apple, Spotify or Audible to tune in.

More amazing interviews are coming soon!

💬 Leadership & Wellbeing Tips of the Month

🧘‍♀️ Leadership Tip – Communicate with Curiosity
Before you assume someone’s intention, ask.
Before you correct behaviour, ask.
Before you escalate, ask.

Communication improves when we pause and get curious.

🌞 Wellbeing Tip – Celebrate the Wins
Whether it’s completing a form, holding a boundary, reframing a negative thought, or asking for help—micro-wins matter.
Pat yourself on the back. Smile. These moments wire your brain for future success.

🛠️ Don’t Just Read—Take Action

• Want to improve retention?
• Want to manage conflict better?
• Want to increase productivity without burnout?

🧭 MedDent trains you in all of this.

Explore Gold and Titanium Membership to receive full training and mentoring in the NAIL-IT leadership system—designed to help you and your team thrive.

🫶 We’re Stronger Together
Please forward this newsletter to colleagues or friends—it might be the shift they need.
Together, we’re transforming dentistry for good.

Warm wishes,
Dr. Rana Al-Falaki
Founder, MedDent & BREATHE