The Association of Dental Groups (ADG), in partnership with Agilio, hosted a celebratory dinner in St James’ to mark the first year of the ADG Micro Groups Business Mentoring Programme, launched in December 2025. The event brought together the mentors and mentees to share progress, reflect on achievements, and highlight the tangible business impact of the inaugural year. The ADG is the UK’s leading trade body for dental groups representing delivery across NHS, Private and Community-based dentistry and covers the whole workforce, from dentists to DCPs.
The mentoring programme helps smaller, fast‑growing dental groups strengthen their business foundations through informal, experience‑led advice from senior ADG leaders. The 12‑month scheme begins with an in‑person meeting followed by virtual sessions covering operational efficiency, workforce planning, compliance, technology adoption and long‑term growth strategy.
Highlights:
Pip Dhariwal & Divesh Singh
Divesh of Singh of High Street Smiles shared a compelling update on his year working with Pip Dhariwal, describing how the mentoring has sharpened his strategic focus and strengthened his leadership confidence. Since meeting Pip, he has signed heads of terms for two practices which will take his portfolio from four to six practices in just a few months of mentoring. Divesh said: “Quite simply, I would not be in the position I am today without Pip’s support, wisdom, and encouragement. His influence has been transformational. In just a few months, he has helped reshape how I think about acquisitions, finance, leadership, and growth. More importantly, he has given me the confidence to pursue opportunities that I previously believed were beyond my reach. I can honestly say that the progress I have made this year would not have been possible without his mentorship, and I am incredibly grateful for the role he has played in my journey.”
Ian Gordon & Michael Ojetunde
Michael Ojetunde reflected on his first session with Ian Gordon, describing it as “a powerful moment for his organisation.” Ian’s guidance on standardisation, operational discipline, and working towards clear KPIs has been transformational. Michael and his fellow directors continue to embed this advice across Arkh‑View Dental Group, marking what he called “a pivotal shift in their business direction.”
Anushika Brogan & Rebecca Ding
Rebecca Ding shared how working with Anushika Brogan has given her invaluable insight into the cornerstones of Damira Dental Group’s growth path. She highlighted how Anushika’s practical, experience‑driven advice has helped her “refine Wooding Dental Group’s development strategy and strengthen long‑term planning.”
Jimmey Palahey & Dalip Kumar
Dalip Kumar described how Jimmey Palahey has supported him in shaping future growth plans, optimising staffing models, and understanding the benefits of emerging AI and dental technologies. He emphasised “how the mentoring has broadened his perspective and accelerated his readiness for expansion.”
Shalin Mehra & Bharat Goel
Bharat Goel expressed delight at being matched with Shalin Mehra, having long admired Shalin’s leadership and career trajectory. He said: “I was absolutely thrilled to be matched with Shalin. I consider him one of the giants of the dental group business. The value of the touchpoints I’ve had with him since the programme began has been transformational for Goel Dental. With growth on the cards and standardisation at the forefront, we’re looking forward to an even brighter future. I am hugely grateful to the ADG for enabling me to have the ear of such an experienced mentor.”
Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair, Association of Dental Groups said: “This inaugural year of our Micro‑Groups Business Mentoring Programme has been remarkable. We are thrilled, though not entirely surprised, to hear such compelling stories from our mentees about the tangible impact this mentoring has had on their businesses. The value to micro‑groups who are destined to grow is second to none. This programme has quickly become the ADG’s ‘gold‑standard’ initiative, and we are already inundated with requests for the 2027 cohort. Planning is underway, and we will announce our new line‑up of mentors at the end of the year. Our sincere thanks go to Agilio for their partnership.”
Andy Sloan, Managing Director (Dental), Agilio Software said: “Hearing the progress shared last night reinforces why this programme matters. The mentor–mentee relationships have clearly flourished, and the micro‑groups involved are already demonstrating stronger operational discipline, clearer growth strategies and greater confidence in their leadership. Agilio is proud to support an initiative that is helping shape the future of the dental sector and empowering the next generation of dental group leaders.”
