The Independent Dental Practice Podcast
DIGRN Presents The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Joke Alesh

Episode Title: The Road to Independent Success: Dr. Jokei Alesh's Journey Through Dentistry, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience
Description:
In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Jokei Alesh to explore her incredible journey from a young girl inspired by her pediatric dentist to a thriving dental entrepreneur. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, Dr. Alesh faced financial hurdles, industry challenges, and the complexities of launching an out-of-network dental practice. She candidly shares her experiences navigating student debt, securing financing, overcoming startup roadblocks, and building a patient-centered brand. Her story is one of resilience, strategic decision-making, and a deep commitment to patient care, making this episode a must-listen for any dentist considering private practice ownership.
Highlights:
Dr. Alesh’s path to entrepreneurship was shaped by early exposure to dentistry, a rigorous education at Tufts University, and years of experience in community health and private practice. She discusses the pivotal decision to open Marigold Dental Studio, the obstacles she encountered in negotiating leases, hiring a team, and managing a practice while remaining out-of-network. She also highlights the importance of effective patient communication, leveraging social media for marketing, and adapting business strategies to increase efficiency. Through both setbacks and successes, Dr. Alesh demonstrates how embracing challenges can lead to meaningful professional growth.
Personal Passions:
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Alesh is a dynamic entrepreneur with multiple ventures, including Primary Weddings and Events, a wedding and event planning business, and Eliqa Headware, an e-commerce brand specializing in satin-lined scrub caps. She is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, increasing workforce diversity, and continuously expanding her knowledge. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond dentistry, proving that balancing multiple passions can enrich both personal and professional life.
Podcast Vision:
The Independent Dental Practice Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sonny Spera, is dedicated to empowering dentists with real-world insights on practice ownership, financial planning, and professional development. This episode embodies the show’s mission by providing valuable lessons on resilience, business strategy, and the power of independent practice. By featuring professionals like Dr. Alesh, the podcast aims to inspire and equip dentists with the knowledge needed to take control of their careers.
Takeaways:
Dr. Alesh’s journey reinforces the importance of financial preparedness, perseverance, and adaptability in the entrepreneurial world. She emphasizes that resilience is key when facing the inevitable challenges of starting a practice. Having a strong support network, continuously improving communication skills, and effectively managing resources are crucial for long-term success. For aspiring dental entrepreneurs, her story is a testament to the fact that, with the right mindset and strategic planning, it is possible to turn a vision into reality while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Connect with Dr. Jokei Alesh:
📍 Practice: Marigold Dental Studio
📧 Email: doctoralesh@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @DoctorAlesh
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera: independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate...
Description:
In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Jokei Alesh to explore her incredible journey from a young girl inspired by her pediatric dentist to a thriving dental entrepreneur. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, Dr. Alesh faced financial hurdles, industry challenges, and the complexities of launching an out-of-network dental practice. She candidly shares her experiences navigating student debt, securing financing, overcoming startup roadblocks, and building a patient-centered brand. Her story is one of resilience, strategic decision-making, and a deep commitment to patient care, making this episode a must-listen for any dentist considering private practice ownership.
Highlights:
Dr. Alesh’s path to entrepreneurship was shaped by early exposure to dentistry, a rigorous education at Tufts University, and years of experience in community health and private practice. She discusses the pivotal decision to open Marigold Dental Studio, the obstacles she encountered in negotiating leases, hiring a team, and managing a practice while remaining out-of-network. She also highlights the importance of effective patient communication, leveraging social media for marketing, and adapting business strategies to increase efficiency. Through both setbacks and successes, Dr. Alesh demonstrates how embracing challenges can lead to meaningful professional growth.
Personal Passions:
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Alesh is a dynamic entrepreneur with multiple ventures, including Primary Weddings and Events, a wedding and event planning business, and Eliqa Headware, an e-commerce brand specializing in satin-lined scrub caps. She is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, increasing workforce diversity, and continuously expanding her knowledge. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond dentistry, proving that balancing multiple passions can enrich both personal and professional life.
Podcast Vision:
The Independent Dental Practice Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sonny Spera, is dedicated to empowering dentists with real-world insights on practice ownership, financial planning, and professional development. This episode embodies the show’s mission by providing valuable lessons on resilience, business strategy, and the power of independent practice. By featuring professionals like Dr. Alesh, the podcast aims to inspire and equip dentists with the knowledge needed to take control of their careers.
Takeaways:
Dr. Alesh’s journey reinforces the importance of financial preparedness, perseverance, and adaptability in the entrepreneurial world. She emphasizes that resilience is key when facing the inevitable challenges of starting a practice. Having a strong support network, continuously improving communication skills, and effectively managing resources are crucial for long-term success. For aspiring dental entrepreneurs, her story is a testament to the fact that, with the right mindset and strategic planning, it is possible to turn a vision into reality while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Connect with Dr. Jokei Alesh:
📍 Practice: Marigold Dental Studio
📧 Email: doctoralesh@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @DoctorAlesh
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera: independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate...
- Broadcast on:
- 02 Feb 2025
Episode Title: The Road to Independent Success: Dr. Jokei Alesh's Journey Through Dentistry, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience
Description:
In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Jokei Alesh to explore her incredible journey from a young girl inspired by her pediatric dentist to a thriving dental entrepreneur. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, Dr. Alesh faced financial hurdles, industry challenges, and the complexities of launching an out-of-network dental practice. She candidly shares her experiences navigating student debt, securing financing, overcoming startup roadblocks, and building a patient-centered brand. Her story is one of resilience, strategic decision-making, and a deep commitment to patient care, making this episode a must-listen for any dentist considering private practice ownership.
Highlights:
Dr. Alesh’s path to entrepreneurship was shaped by early exposure to dentistry, a rigorous education at Tufts University, and years of experience in community health and private practice. She discusses the pivotal decision to open Marigold Dental Studio, the obstacles she encountered in negotiating leases, hiring a team, and managing a practice while remaining out-of-network. She also highlights the importance of effective patient communication, leveraging social media for marketing, and adapting business strategies to increase efficiency. Through both setbacks and successes, Dr. Alesh demonstrates how embracing challenges can lead to meaningful professional growth.
Personal Passions:
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Alesh is a dynamic entrepreneur with multiple ventures, including Primary Weddings and Events, a wedding and event planning business, and Eliqa Headware, an e-commerce brand specializing in satin-lined scrub caps. She is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, increasing workforce diversity, and continuously expanding her knowledge. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond dentistry, proving that balancing multiple passions can enrich both personal and professional life.
Podcast Vision:
The Independent Dental Practice Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sonny Spera, is dedicated to empowering dentists with real-world insights on practice ownership, financial planning, and professional development. This episode embodies the show’s mission by providing valuable lessons on resilience, business strategy, and the power of independent practice. By featuring professionals like Dr. Alesh, the podcast aims to inspire and equip dentists with the knowledge needed to take control of their careers.
Takeaways:
Dr. Alesh’s journey reinforces the importance of financial preparedness, perseverance, and adaptability in the entrepreneurial world. She emphasizes that resilience is key when facing the inevitable challenges of starting a practice. Having a strong support network, continuously improving communication skills, and effectively managing resources are crucial for long-term success. For aspiring dental entrepreneurs, her story is a testament to the fact that, with the right mindset and strategic planning, it is possible to turn a vision into reality while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Connect with Dr. Jokei Alesh:
📍 Practice: Marigold Dental Studio
📧 Email: doctoralesh@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @DoctorAlesh
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera: independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate...
Description:
In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Jokei Alesh to explore her incredible journey from a young girl inspired by her pediatric dentist to a thriving dental entrepreneur. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, Dr. Alesh faced financial hurdles, industry challenges, and the complexities of launching an out-of-network dental practice. She candidly shares her experiences navigating student debt, securing financing, overcoming startup roadblocks, and building a patient-centered brand. Her story is one of resilience, strategic decision-making, and a deep commitment to patient care, making this episode a must-listen for any dentist considering private practice ownership.
Highlights:
Dr. Alesh’s path to entrepreneurship was shaped by early exposure to dentistry, a rigorous education at Tufts University, and years of experience in community health and private practice. She discusses the pivotal decision to open Marigold Dental Studio, the obstacles she encountered in negotiating leases, hiring a team, and managing a practice while remaining out-of-network. She also highlights the importance of effective patient communication, leveraging social media for marketing, and adapting business strategies to increase efficiency. Through both setbacks and successes, Dr. Alesh demonstrates how embracing challenges can lead to meaningful professional growth.
Personal Passions:
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Alesh is a dynamic entrepreneur with multiple ventures, including Primary Weddings and Events, a wedding and event planning business, and Eliqa Headware, an e-commerce brand specializing in satin-lined scrub caps. She is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, increasing workforce diversity, and continuously expanding her knowledge. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond dentistry, proving that balancing multiple passions can enrich both personal and professional life.
Podcast Vision:
The Independent Dental Practice Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sonny Spera, is dedicated to empowering dentists with real-world insights on practice ownership, financial planning, and professional development. This episode embodies the show’s mission by providing valuable lessons on resilience, business strategy, and the power of independent practice. By featuring professionals like Dr. Alesh, the podcast aims to inspire and equip dentists with the knowledge needed to take control of their careers.
Takeaways:
Dr. Alesh’s journey reinforces the importance of financial preparedness, perseverance, and adaptability in the entrepreneurial world. She emphasizes that resilience is key when facing the inevitable challenges of starting a practice. Having a strong support network, continuously improving communication skills, and effectively managing resources are crucial for long-term success. For aspiring dental entrepreneurs, her story is a testament to the fact that, with the right mindset and strategic planning, it is possible to turn a vision into reality while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Connect with Dr. Jokei Alesh:
📍 Practice: Marigold Dental Studio
📧 Email: doctoralesh@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @DoctorAlesh
Connect with Dr. Sonny Spera: independentdentalpractice@gmail.com ___________________________________________________________________
Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate...