Reena, for those that don’t know you, can you introduce yourself please 

Hi, I am Dr. Reena Wadia, a specialist periodontist and Founder of RW Perio which is our specialist periodontal clinic located on 75 Harley Street. I'm also the founder of Perio School, which is our teaching academy, delivering periodontal education to professionals across the globe. 

I'm passionate about simplifying gum health and making it more accessible and exciting for both patients and professionals. I also recently launched the Perio Handbook, designed to be a practical go-to resource for dental students and clinicians.  

I'm delighted to be hosting the fireside chat with Gary Neville at the Dentistry Show. 

How do you feel about this opportunity? 

It's a huge privilege. Gary is someone who I've admired, not just for his football career, but for the way he's transitioned into business and broadcasting with such purpose and clarity. The opportunity to sit down with him, dig into his mindset and draw parallels to the world of dentistry is incredibly exciting. I can't wait! 

Gary Neville is known for his leadership both on and off the football field. What key lessons do you think dental professionals can take from his career, particularly in terms of leadership and teamwork? 

There is a lot to learn, and I'm looking forward to my conversation with him, but I think it is super clear in terms of the importance of consistency, self-awareness, and clearly surrounding yourself with the right people. In a clinic setting, we might not be on a football pitch, but we're definitely playing as a team every day, often with very different personalities. Gary's focus on communication and accountability really resonates with me, particularly when building a high-performance culture. 

Your fireside chat will likely delve into the intersection of personal and professional growth. Can you share any personal stories or challenges that have shaped your journey as a dental professional? 

Absolutely. One defining period was becoming a mum while still running a growing business. It shifted my perspective entirely and reminded me of the importance of energy, boundaries and being present, whether that's with my team, my patients, or my daughter. It's also sparked some of the best ideas. So yes, having a baby has been completely rearranging in the most beautiful way, and I'm about to do it all again, this time with a boy. Maybe a footballer, who knows… 

What are you most excited about for the fireside chat and what do you hope to learn or discuss with Gary considering your background and his?  

I'm curious about his transition moments, how he's navigated change and built ventures that align with his values. I think there's a lot we can draw from his story as dental professionals, particularly when it comes to growth beyond the chair. I also want to explore how he keeps his energy and drive consistent, which is something I think about all the time with my clinical and educational work. 

Gary Neville is known for his strategic mindset. How do you approach strategy in your practice, and what key takeaways can the audience expect when it comes to building a successful dental business? 

For me, strategy starts with a vision and values. It's about knowing your why and then building systems that support excellence. At RW Perio, we have a clear patient journey and strong internal culture, and those didn't happen by accident.  

In terms of takeaways from my discussion with Gary, I think attendees will walk away from the session feeling inspired to rethink how they lead, not just clinically, but I think across the entire patient and team experience. 

The dental industry has faced its fair share of challenges, from COVID-19 to regulatory changes. What advice do you have for professionals navigating these changes and staying resilient? 

Control the controllables. Keep investing in your mindset, your education and your systems. And stay connected to your community, whether it is your team, your patients or your fellow professionals. The most resilient clinicians I know are the ones who are adaptable, open to feedback, and never stop learning. 

The dental world is rapidly changing, with advancements in technology and patient expectations. What are some of the biggest opportunities for innovation, and how can dental professionals stay ahead of the curve? 

There's so much potential in prevention, personalisation and patient education. From digital tools that enhance diagnostics to tech that improves communication, we're in such an exciting era. But innovation doesn't mean having to be complex. It can be simplifying the patient experience or refining your team's systems, and I've found that super helpful over the last few years. So, for me staying ahead means staying curious, open and agile. 

Apart from the talk with Gary, what are you most looking forward to at the show? 

Definitely the buzz. I love connecting with other professionals, hearing fresh perspectives, and seeing new ideas in action. The show is such a brilliant place to spark that inspiration, and I am especially looking forward to seeing what is new in education, tech, team training, anything that really pushes the industry forward.