Through the Keyhole—Surgery: Home with Imran Rangzeb

Dentists spend most of their waking hours working in practice, and don't get many opportunities to see inside other dentists' surgeries.

Dentaltownuk's recurring feature takes you through the keyhole into surgeries in the UK and around the world. You will meet the dentist, their team, see the practice and learn about what has made it work for them.

ABOUT THE DENTIST

Introduce yourself and tell us why you pursued a career in dentistry.

I'm Imran Rangzeb., and my current role is as a principal dentist working in a private practice, which I set up almost four years ago. I am a general dentist but provide a full range of treatments including orthodontics, smile makeovers and dental implants.

Dentistry is something I was encouraged to look into as a career option by a friend at the age of 15, when I had just finished my GCSEs and was planning to apply for pharmacy at university. I always wanted a career which was 'hands-on' and realised after my work experience that dentistry was the right profession for me.

Which university did you study at, and what qualifications do you have?

I studied at the University of Manchester and completed my BDS in 2002. I am currently preparing to sit the exam for the Implant Diploma at RCS UK.

What are your particular interests/skills in dentistry?

I enjoy treatment planning comprehensive cases where a combination of orthodontics/implants and restorative treatment is required.

Who would you say has had the biggest influence in your career?

Dental: Bhavna and Rahul Doshi, who were my coaches and helped me get my practice to where it is today.
Nondental: My father.

What is your favourite procedure to carry out?

Immediate loading using the intraoral welding technique, developed by Dr Marco Degidi (Italy).

What could you not work without?

My nurse, most importantly, and my digital camera.

Are you involved in any organisations or societies?

I am a member of the International Academy of Dental Implantology (IADI).

What are your interests outside of dentistry?

I love travelling and am involved with several charities.

What is the biggest advancement you have seen in dentistry in your career?

I recently learnt the MIT (minimally invasive tunnelling) technique developed and patented by Dr Sam Lee (president of International Academy of Dental Implantology), a bone-grafting technique which will change implant dentistry.

What do you think is the biggest problem or challenge in dentistry today?

The UDA system within our health service.

Describe the most successful or rewarding experience in your professional life.

Attending Rahul Doshi's seven-day hands-on course as well as owning my own practice.

What is your favourite film?

That's a difficult one, I would say The Shawshank Redemption.

What types of music do you enjoy?

I enjoy all types of music, my favourite being the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

What would you like to see in future issues of DentaltownUK magazine?

Latest developments in dentistry from around the world.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Do you work alongside other dentists? If so, what are their names, and what interests/skills in dentistry do they have?

Dr Kam Chana specializes in cosmetic orthodontics, conscious sedation and cosmetic dentistry. Dr Angela Ly specializes in facial aesthetics, cosmetic orthodontics, conscious sedation and cosmetic dentistry.

How many other members do you have in your dental team, and what are their roles?

There are 10 other team members including therapist, clinical dental technician, practice and business manager, clinical nurse lead, patient relationship manager, patient care coordinators, front of house coordinator, nurses and administration assistant. The goal of the team is to deliver the highest standards of one-to-one care.

What do you think are the most important things about your team?

Understanding my vision and uniting together to deliver this.

Do you have team meetings? If so, what format do they take?

My manager loves meetings and leads the team on a daily basis discussing the day ahead. This is very important to ensure the smooth running of the practice.

What did you do for your last staff Christmas night out?

Lunchtime meal; as an additional reward, the staff takes a five-day holiday abroad.

ABOUT THE PRACTICE

What is the name of your practice and where is it located?

Town Hall Dental. Brighouse, West Yorkshire

How is your practice laid out? What is the workflow like?

We have four surgeries, two consultation lounges, a therapy room and an 80-seat lecture theatre. We have processes in place from initial contact whether that be by email/phone or walk-in, patient is then consulted by a treatment coordinator who discusses patients concerns and books the patient a comprehensive examination with myself.

Do you play music in the practice? If so, what do you play?

Yes, mainstream and some classical by the late Nusrat fateh Ali Khan.

What sets your practice apart from others?

As a practice, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of patient care, both from a technical standpoint and through our patient journey. Patients of Town Hall Dental regularly comment on the positive atmosphere within the practice, and the welcoming and comforting environment.

How do you market your practice?

Our biggest marketing is our patient referrals, as well as a comprehensive online campaign and regular press releases.

What are you most proud of about your practice?

My team.