Starting from Scratch: Why nice guys can win in dentistry

What does it take to open a dental practice from scratch, attract your first patients and keep going when life gets difficult?

In this episode of Two Reds Are Better Than One, Chris Barrow and Ashley Latter welcome Rupchhen Tamang, co-founder of Mapperley Dental Studio in Nottingham, for an honest conversation about ambition, resilience and building a business on your own terms.

Born in Nepal, Rupchhen moved to the UK aged ten. His father’s military career initially pointed him towards the army, but a series of decisions about further education led him to dentistry at Sheffield. What began as an unexpected career choice became the perfect combination of practical work and working with people. 

Alongside his wife and business partner, Nitu, he pursued the dream of opening a squat practice. After years spent searching for suitable premises, they opened in March 2025 with one surgery and a commitment to creating something of their own. 

Eighteen months later, the practice has around 500 registered patients. Rupchhen explains why splitting his week between an associate position and the new business was holding him back, and what changed when he committed to the practice full time. 

The conversation explores the practical reality of attracting patients without bringing across a list from a previous practice. Social media, Google reviews, word of mouth, a bus advertisement and even a wedding fair have all featured. The approach is refreshingly straightforward: try things, learn from the results and do more of what works. 

There is also a valuable discussion about pricing. Having experimented with half-price examinations, Rupchhen realised that filling the diary was not the same as attracting patients who valued the practice. He explains why he stepped away from introductory discounts and chose a slower, more deliberate route to growth.

At the heart of that decision are two priorities: trust and comfort. Patients may not understand the technical details of dentistry, but they know whether somebody has listened, explained their options and allowed them to make decisions without pressure. 

In a personal part of the interview, Rupchhen reflects on a serious challenge he and Nitu faced during the build. Without sharing private medical details, he explains how their partnership helped them through and changed his perspective on business difficulties. 

Looking ahead, the ambition is a fully functioning three-surgery practice, beginning with hygiene recruitment and, later, an associate. His advice to aspiring owners is clear: make sure you genuinely want the responsibility, prepare for sustained hard work, and establish systems and organisation early. 

Along the way, Ashley shares news from his American speaking trip, Chris reflects on joining The Campbell Academy, and the usual Manchester United frustrations provide a familiar backdrop.

Then comes a late revelation involving a Liverpool mug, which threatens to undo all of Ashley’s compliments!

An encouraging listen for prospective practice owners and anyone building a business where the patient experience matters as much as growth. This is a story about commitment, partnership and the determination to create the practice you want to run.

Listen via the player below or your favourite podcast streaming service.