Grief doesn’t wait for the perfect moment—and neither does oral cancer. In this powerful episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau welcomes Dr. Parul Dua-Makkar to share how personal tragedy transformed her career and fueled a mission to save lives.

After losing her brother—also a dentist—to oral cancer at just 34, Parul now advocates for early diagnosis, clinical vigilance, and emotional healing within dentistry. This isn’t just a clinical conversation—it’s a raw, inspiring look at how loss can fuel purpose, and how every provider can be a part of the legacy of prevention.

You’ll also learn how grief doesn’t follow a linear path, the emotional complexity of legacy, and why speaking about difficult topics can be the most powerful way to connect and lead in the dental community. Dr. Parul reminds us all: life is short, but the impact you make can be lasting.

Some of the powerful insights from this episode include:

• Early detection saves lives: Persistent red or white lesions lasting more than two weeks must be evaluated—biopsies are non-negotiable.
  
  
• Technology is a tool, not a replacement: Light-based oral screening aids are helpful, but only biopsies offer definitive answers.
  
  
• Grief is complex—and valid: Whether from personal or professional loss, grief affects every part of your life and practice. Processing it is crucial to continue showing up fully.
  
  
• Legacy is not about length, but impact: What you leave behind—through your words, your work, or how you treat others—matters more than you know.
  
  
• Support and community are essential: Healing doesn't happen alone. Sharing stories helps others feel seen, heard, and less isolated in their struggles.
  
  

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Key Takeaways

00:45 Introduction to Leaving a Legacy

03:26 The Impact of Oral Cancer

11:45 Grief and Its Many Forms

20:54 Understanding Legacy

24:23 Life Interrupted: A Book of Lessons

27:30 Speaking Out on Oral Cancer Awareness

30:53 Lightning Round Q&A

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🤝 Connect with Dr. Parul Dua-Makkar:

Website: www.parulduamakkar.com

Instagram: @duagoodjob

Coaching & Resources: duagoodjob.com

Explore her free grief and cancer support resources, check out her speaking topics, or grab a copy of her book "Life Interrupted: Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide" available on Amazon.

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Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at: https://www.drlentau.com

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This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more at: https://www.dentalintel.com/

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This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more at: https://www.docsites.com/

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Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

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