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Explore every episode of the podcast The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

Dive into the complete episode list for The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
2635: Don't Fear the Sinus06 nov. 202601:05:13

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes joins Dr. Michelle Caldwell for a DSN webinar on predictable sinus lifts for general dentists. Drawing on her implant dentistry and teaching experience, Dr. Caldwell explains how anatomy, available bone, and implant positioning influence the choice between crestal and lateral approaches. She shares her conservative philosophy on staging treatment, allowing adequate healing, and managing complications such as membrane perforations. 

The discussion also covers patient selection, imaging, postoperative instructions, and building relationships with specialists for referral support. Throughout the webinar, Dr. Caldwell emphasizes hands-on mentorship, clear patient expectations, and knowing when to pause or refer a case.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2634: What Happens After You Get Out of Clinical Dentistry?05 nov. 202600:54:54

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with Dr. Steve Dove, a DSI Black Belt coach who, alongside his wife, Dr. Kelly Dove, grew their dental practices from $300,000 to $7 million in revenue. Steve shares lessons from turning around a struggling practice, building systems, and improving case acceptance through patient connection and visual education. 

They also discuss the unexpected challenges of stepping away from clinical dentistry, including the loss of structure and the adjustment to measuring your value beyond daily production. Steve explains how he stays involved with his teams and introduces Hype My Rep, a social media tool designed to simplify content creation, posting, and tracking.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2633: Simple Rules, Extraordinary Results04 nov. 202600:56:43

On today's episode, Dr. Addison Killeen takes the stage at the recent DSI Mastermind in October to explain why core values should be the first system a practice owner puts in place. He breaks down the differences between mission, vision, and core values, showing how clear behavioral expectations help teams make decisions without constantly turning to the owner. Drawing from his own practice, he shares how those values shape patient experiences, continuing education, teamwork, and hiring and firing decisions. 

Addison also guides members through an exercise to uncover their own values and turn them into actionable statements. His message is simple: values become meaningful when leaders invest in them, hold people accountable to them, and use them consistently in everyday decisions.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2632: The Retirement Gap Practice Owners Overlook03 nov. 202600:40:12

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Micah Brown, founder of Legacy Financial Solutions and author of Owner's Blind Spot, to discuss why selling your practice shouldn't be your entire retirement strategy. Micah shares his three-part approach to protecting your income, keeping more of what you earn, and converting your assets into retirement income. 

They explore gaps in disability coverage, how cash balance plans can fit into retirement planning, and why buy-sell agreements need regular attention. From understanding your spending to looking beyond a practice's sale price, this conversation highlights the planning decisions owners often put off until retirement gets close.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2631: Looking Beyond the Valuation in a Practice Partnership02 nov. 202600:35:07

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes and Dr. Bill Keith share the story behind Dental Success Partners and their nearly three-year search for the right partnership. They explain why DSP was created to help successful practice owners explore transition options and reflect on two deals that fell apart along the way. Mark and Bill discuss the lessons they learned about financial backing, deal structure, due diligence, and choosing a partner whose strengths complement their own. 

They also outline their planned partnership with MB2 Dental and what attracted them to its infrastructure, retained ownership model, and approach to practice autonomy. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that building a strong, profitable practice creates more options, whether an owner chooses to remain independent or eventually partner.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2630: The Difficult Conversations Your Team Needs You to Have30 oct. 202600:39:28

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes and the DSI coaching team recap day-one hot seats at the recent Mastermind in October, highlighting difficult conversations, team development, and underused coaching resources. They discuss how recorded training, structured onboarding, and clearer financial reporting can help owners support their teams more effectively. The conversation then turns to two members navigating employee performance and behavior issues that are affecting patient experiences and practice culture.
 
Through these examples, Mark and the coaches explore how to set specific expectations, document conversations, establish follow-up timelines, and balance empathy with accountability. They also encourage owners to bring possible solutions to coaching calls and recognize how delaying a difficult decision can affect the entire team.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2629: Giving Your Money a Purpose Beyond Paying Bills29 oct. 202600:49:22

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes wealth advisor and author Lyndon Davis to discuss why high earners can still struggle to build financial security. Lyndon shares how two major income setbacks and more than $600,000 in personal debt changed his approach to money and shaped his work with medical professionals. Drawing from his book, Air Supply: How to Financially Breathe Easier, he explains how spending habits, delayed gratification, and intentional saving influence long-term wealth. 

They also explore his framework for directing money toward everyday expenses, depreciating purchases, appreciating assets, and charitable giving. The conversation closes with a discussion of the tax-planning challenges facing W-2 earners and the importance of planning beyond the next paycheck.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2628: From Practice Owner to Leader of Leaders28 oct. 202600:46:49

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Dr. Beau Sparkman, a DSI Black Belt coach, to share his journey from a small hometown startup to two thriving dental practices. Beau reflects on a demanding period of relocation, acquisition, and mentoring new associates, including the lessons he learned about expanding too quickly. He explains how team autonomy, clear expectations, and consistent leadership meetings have helped him reduce his clinical schedule while supporting continued growth.
 
They also discuss coaching associates on patient communication, strengthening culture across locations, and developing leaders within the team. Beau closes by sharing how he's using AI to build software for dental practices, including tools for social media, reputation management, and insurance verification.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2627: Simple Rules That Shape a Stronger Dental Practice27 oct. 202600:45:17

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes talks with Dr. Addison Killeen about his new book, Simple Rules, Extraordinary Results, and why core values and a clear vision matter to practice success. Addison shares an exercise for creating meaningful values with your team and explains how to turn them into everyday behaviors, from supporting coworkers to delivering a fantastic guest experience.
 
They also discuss how good intentions can create unhealthy expectations when values aren't clearly defined. The conversation closes with a vision exercise to help owners decide what they want their business to make possible and build toward their own definition of success.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2626: NEXT - Success Reimagined26 oct. 202600:46:09

On today's episode, Gale Northrop, a senior vice president at Fidelity and Dr. Mark Costes' sister, challenges members at the recent DSI Mastermind in October to rethink what success means as their lives evolve. Drawing from her corporate career and client stories, she explores the gap between achieving financial goals and feeling satisfied with the life those achievements create. 

Gale introduces a "success portfolio" spanning personal growth, connection, professional achievement, freedom, purpose, and impact. Through reflection exercises, she encourages members to identify what deserves protection, what they can release, and where they want to invest more time and energy. She also shares how small, intentional shifts can create room for health, relationships, and a meaningful legacy while continuing to build a successful practice.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2625: What Buyers Know That Practice Owners Often Don't23 oct. 202600:51:11

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Kyle Francis of Professional Transition Strategies to discuss how practice owners can evaluate a sale or DSO partnership with their long-term goals in mind. Kyle shares his path into dental transitions and explains why building a larger practice group doesn't always lead to a better outcome once debt, risk, and management demands are considered. 

They explore unsolicited offers, the information gap between buyers and sellers, and how a competitive sale process can strengthen negotiating leverage. Kyle also discusses delayed recapitalizations and what younger dentists should weigh before selling a profitable practice. They close with why EBITDA calculations differ and why the earnings behind an offer matter as much as the headline multiple.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2624: Black Belt Level Leadership22 oct. 202600:56:48

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes continues his live workshop with a practical look at hiring and onboarding. He explains why asking a new employee to shadow someone for a couple of days rarely prepares them for the job. Mark breaks training into two stages: an introduction to the practice, its people, and its values, followed by training for the specific role.
 
He shares how clear expectations, capable trainers, and 30, 60, and 90-day benchmarks help new hires see what success looks like and help leaders spot where more support is needed.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2623: 23 Practices. 1 Pattern21 oct. 202601:11:37

On today's episode, Dr. Bill Keith draws on a quarter of coaching calls across 23 practices to explore why growing production doesn't always translate into more cash in the bank. In his presentation from the recent DSI Mastermind in October, he separates compensation for clinical work from the return on practice ownership and examines common leaks in insurance write-offs, collections, and hygiene performance.
 
Bill explains how reporting methods can distort production numbers and why owners need to review their balance sheet and statement of cash flows alongside the P&L. He also discusses patient financing, cash reserves, debt payments, and the importance of understanding the full cost of collecting revenue. The presentation closes with a look at normalized EBITDA, practice valuation, and planning for a future partnership or exit.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2622: The Missing Step Between Learning and Implementing20 oct. 202600:40:47

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with Dr. Taher Dhoon to discuss practice growth, burnout, and finding purpose through teaching. Taher shares how he transformed his practice through systems and overhead control while overlooking signs that his own health needed attention. 

They reflect on why taking care of yourself can't wait until you've reached your business goals. Taher also outlines a plan for turning continuing education into action, including preparing the team before a course, assigning responsibilities, and lining up patients so new skills become part of everyday practice.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2621: Why Patients Say No to Treatment They Need19 oct. 202600:44:46

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with Dr. Chris Bowman to discuss how better communication helps patients understand and accept recommended care. Chris explains why the conversation should begin with the patient's goals, followed by a clear explanation of the problems standing in their way.
 
He shares how photographs, thoughtful questions, and team involvement build trust before the doctor enters the room. They also explore why discussing concerns before the cleaning can keep patients engaged and make treatment recommendations feel like a natural next step.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2620: The Priority Matrix16 oct. 202600:49:33

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes leads a workshop from the recent DSI Mastermind in October on choosing which practice initiatives deserve focused attention. He introduces a priority matrix that scores opportunities by impact, the bottleneck they address, readiness, and effort, helping owners narrow a long list of improvements to their most important priorities.
 
Through stories and practical examples, Mark illustrates how focusing on the wrong problem can distract leaders from urgent operational needs. He then guides members through a 90-day planning exercise to define a measurable outcome, assign ownership, and establish a first seven-day milestone. The workshop also explores how delegation, testing assumptions, and deliberately postponing other projects create the capacity to follow through.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2619: Breaking Through the Fee-for-Service Growth Plateau15 oct. 202600:50:36

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Blake Hamblin, a 2026 Golden Rhino Award co-winner, to discuss building a thriving out-of-network practice in Houston. Blake shares how his experience as a college quarterback shaped his discipline and leadership, and how he grew a $1.2 million practice through expanded clinical services, patient retention, and targeted marketing. 

They explore the numbers behind patient acquisition, his approach to practice mergers, and why systems must evolve as the business grows. Blake also explains how involving the team in testing new processes creates stronger ownership and accountability. His advice for practice owners centers on defining why they want to grow, focusing on a few priorities at a time, and staying flexible as new opportunities emerge.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2618: What Dentists Overlook About Their Legal Responsibilities14 oct. 202600:57:01

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back attorney Evan Sampson to explore the legal risks behind common dental practice decisions. They discuss how AI is raising questions around recording consent, patient privacy, and responsibility for automated chart notes. Evan also highlights potential pitfalls involving insurance billing, routine copay waivers, provider credentialing, and marketing practices. 

The conversation covers the privacy concerns surrounding responses to negative online reviews and the importance of documenting employee performance before termination. Throughout the episode, Evan emphasizes clear policies, accurate records, and professional guidance as technology and practice operations evolve.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2617: What 21,000 Implants Teach You About Patient Trust13 oct. 202600:43:41

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Timothy Kosinski to discuss the evolution of implant dentistry and the lessons behind placing more than 21,000 implants. Dr. Kosinski shares his perspective on overtreatment, preserving natural teeth and bone, and choosing treatment based on each patient's needs. 

He explains how clear communication, patient education, and a trusted team support case acceptance, while digital planning helps clinicians work toward more predictable outcomes. They also explore why mentorship, continued education, and giving back can help dentists navigate burnout and build a fulfilling career.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Timothy Kosinski to discuss the evolution of implant dentistry and the lessons behind placing more than 21,000 implants. Dr. Kosinski shares his perspective on overtreatment, preserving natural teeth and bone, and choosing treatment based on each patient's needs. 

He explains how clear communication, patient education, and a trusted team support case acceptance, while digital planning helps clinicians work toward more predictable outcomes. They also explore why mentorship, continued education, and giving back can help dentists navigate burnout and build a fulfilling career.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2616: Economics of a Lifetime Patient12 oct. 202600:30:20

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes breaks down how every patient interaction can influence trust, retention, and referrals. Using a conservative example, he illustrates how a patient's lifetime value could reach $45,000 when referrals are included. He introduces the three E's of energy, empathy, and edification, and explains how teams can apply them from the first phone call through post-op follow-up. 

Through practical examples of greetings, confirmation texts, and personal conversations, he shows how thoughtful handoffs help patients feel comfortable with each person they meet. He also shares why involving your team in creating and practicing these systems is essential to delivering a consistently welcoming experience.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2615: The Implant Complications Every GP Should Prepare For09 oct. 202601:01:13

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Tom Fowle for a webinar on managing complications in implant dentistry. Using real cases, Tom walks through a fractured buccal plate, a sinus perforation, and the factors behind early implant failure. 

He also explains why tissue, occlusion, and careful treatment planning matter long after an implant is placed. The conversation closes with practical pre-op checks and a memorable case that shows the value of staying calm, assessing the problem, and knowing when to ask for help.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2614: The Art of Team Onboarding08 oct. 202600:42:17

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes continues his live workshop with a practical look at hiring and onboarding. He explains why asking a new employee to shadow someone for a couple of days rarely prepares them for the job. Mark breaks training into two stages: an introduction to the practice, its people, and its values, followed by training for the specific role. 

He shares how clear expectations, capable trainers, and 30, 60, and 90-day benchmarks help new hires see what success looks like—and help leaders spot where more support is needed.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2613: Operational Mastery07 oct. 202600:59:59

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes shares part of his live workshop on building a systems driven dental practice. He recalls returning to work just four days after neck surgery because his practices depended on him to keep running—a turning point in how he thought about ownership. 

Mark explains why clear systems, team involvement, and accountability give owners room to step away. He also walks through setting goals and core values, and why dentists should strengthen their first practice before expanding to another.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2612: How to Build a Dental Career That Still Feels Good06 oct. 202600:51:27

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes talks with psychotherapist Tiffany Castellanos about anxiety, burnout, and the pressure dentists put on themselves. Tiffany explains how high standards can turn into perfectionism, making it harder to delegate and easier to mistake anxiety for a leadership problem. 

They also discuss why professional success can feel empty when life outside the practice gets neglected, plus practical ways to interrupt rumination and recognize when it's time to seek support. Tiffany shares what dentists can expect from therapy and how to find an approach that fits their goals.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2611: What Should You Ask Before Selling to a DSO?05 oct. 202600:46:47

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes and Dental Success Network co-founder Michael Lomotan answer questions from DSN members. They start with a challenge many practice owners know well: how to hold a team accountable without becoming everyone's reminder system. 

Mark then looks back at his decision to grow to 16 practices and explains why he would focus on profitability, location, and room to expand if he were starting over. They close with questions to ask before selling to a DSO, including how the deal is structured and what happens to the portion of the practice's value that isn't paid at closing.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2610: Workshopping Leadership02 oct. 202601:00:51

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes speaks to DSI Mastermind members about the difference between having the right information and putting it to work. He encourages owners to ask for help, take responsibility for what's happening in their practices, and use the experience of the people around them.
 
Mark then breaks down what effective leadership looks like: clear expectations, useful training, regular feedback, and accountability that helps team members grow. He also shares a way to move larger projects forward by defining the outcome, assigning responsibilities, setting deadlines, and checking progress with the team. It's a reminder that reaching the next goal takes more than a good idea—it takes consistent execution.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2609: Is Your PPO Contract Costing You More Than You Think?01 oct. 202600:49:36

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes talks with BoomCloud founder Jordan Comstock about rising practice costs, flat PPO reimbursements, and the write-offs that can quietly erode profits. Jordan explains how patient membership plans can create recurring revenue, strengthen retention, and give owners more freedom to decide which PPO contracts are worth keeping.
 
They cover where to find new members, from existing patients to local businesses, and how to get a plan started. The conversation also explores how a loyal patient base and predictable revenue could affect a practice's value when it's time to sell.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2608: Is Hustle Dead?30 sept. 202601:03:19

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes shares how practice owners can make more progress while spending fewer hours at work. He explains why hard work is essential in the early stages of ownership, but can become a habit that holds you back as your practice grows. Mark talks about setting priorities, protecting time for your family, and resisting the urge to chase a new opportunity before you've solved the problems already in front of you. 

He also walks through the different roles people play in a practice and why creators, providers, and managers need dedicated time to do their best work. If your CEO time keeps disappearing into interruptions and daily fires, this episode offers a practical way to rethink how you use it.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2607: What to Fix When Your Dental Day Starts Falling Apart29 sept. 202600:56:33

On today's episode, Dr. Aaron Nicholas presents a practical framework for identifying where the dental day starts to go sideways and what to do before small problems turn into full-blown chaos. He breaks down how to create backup protocols for procedures, analyze workflows, schedule with more intention, prepare assistants and operatories, and delegate tasks that do not require doctor time. 

Aaron also explains how morning huddles, decision trees, standardized setups, scripts, and procedure timing can make the day more predictable and productive. The goal is not simply to move faster, but to create systems that help the entire team know what to do when something stops working as planned.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2606: From Office Manager to Helping Dental Practices Modernize Payments28 sept. 202600:40:37

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Bryanna Walker of Flex Dental Solutions to talk about her journey from dental assisting and office management into helping practices modernize their front office systems. Bryanna shares how her years inside dental practices shaped the way she now approaches payment workflows, patient financing, insurance verification, online scheduling, and case presentation. 

They discuss Flex Payments, compliant surcharging, buy now pay later options through Affirm and Klarna, automated payment posting into Open Dental, and the ways technology can reduce manual work and human error. Bryanna also explains how better integration between payments, treatment plans, scheduling, and insurance can save teams time while creating a smoother experience for patients.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2605: The Systems Leadership and Risk Issues Dentists Cannot Ignore25 sept. 202600:49:05

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend and Dental Success Network co-founder Michael Lomotan for a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges dental practice owners are facing today. Michael shares what he is hearing from dentists around systems, overhead, staffing, technology, AI, exit planning, and financial organization, while reflecting on his own journey from struggling practice owner to building a stronger, more profitable business.
 
They also discuss the evolution of DSN, the value of community and coaching, the importance of leadership, and why risk management, HR compliance, and operational discipline can be just as important as production and growth.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2604: The Mindset Shift That Makes Better Habits Finally Stick24 sept. 202600:41:14

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes explores why lasting transformation starts with identity, not simply goals, motivation, or willpower. He explains how thoughts, behaviors, and small consistent habits provide the evidence your subconscious needs to believe that you are becoming a different version of yourself. 

Mark breaks down four steps for personal and professional reinvention, including visualizing your ideal future, releasing limiting identities, reinforcing new beliefs through action, and creating an environment that supports continued growth. He also examines fixed versus growth mindsets, the power of internal self-talk, accountability, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate meaningful change in every area of life.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2603: The Payment Processing Mistakes Quietly Eating Into Your Profit23 sept. 202600:42:32

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Chris Sands, founder of Crown Card Services, to unpack the confusing world of dental credit card processing and explain where practices may be losing money without realizing it. Chris breaks down the difference between integrated and interfaced payment systems, how bridge technology is opening up more processor choice, and why locked-in rates, transparent statements, and regular audits matter. 

They also discuss compliant surcharge programs, online payments, text-to-pay, accounts receivable, and how small percentage differences in processing costs can translate into major gains in EBITDA and long-term practice value. The conversation gives practice owners a practical framework for evaluating their current processor and becoming more informed consumers of payment technology.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2602: The Systems-Driven Dental Practice22 sept. 202600:39:42

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes presents a practical introduction to building a systems-driven dental practice for dental students preparing to enter the profession. He explains why clinical skill alone is not enough to create a profitable, sustainable practice and why dentists need to understand business fundamentals whether they plan to become owners or associates. 

Mark breaks down the importance of mission, vision, core values, operational systems, patient experience, human resources, cash flow, and overhead control. He also covers the APE framework, financial phases of practice growth, KPIs, operations manuals, effective meetings, and organizational charts, emphasizing why dentists should strengthen their infrastructure before adding more patients, procedures, or locations.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2601: What Dentists Should Know About the Changing Dental Supply Market21 sept. 202600:42:04

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with David Charnowitz, founder and CEO of DC Dental, to discuss how the dental supply market is changing and what independent practices should understand about purchasing, pricing, and value. David shares how he built DC Dental from a startup into a major independent supplier, why the company focuses heavily on private practices, and how a lean operating model can create more competitive pricing. 

They also discuss house brands, distribution strategy, service models, pricing transparency, and the importance of understanding the true value behind every expense in a dental practice. The conversation closes with practical business lessons around reading financial statements, managing costs, and building a more efficient operation.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2600: Above the Hillary Step: The Lifestyle Practice on Your Terms18 sept. 202600:50:23

On today's episode, Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Chris Green present a practical framework for scaling a dental practice during the Dental Success Summit 2026. Using the journey up Mount Everest as a metaphor for practice growth, they break ownership into three stages: clinical, entrepreneurial, and aspirational. They explain what leadership, systems, staffing, provider growth, and operational structure are needed at each level. 

They also share deeply personal stories that show why building redundancy and freedom inside a practice matters far beyond production, including the ability to step away when family needs you most. The presentation challenges dentists to define their own vision, grow intentionally, develop stronger leaders, and build a practice that supports the life they actually want.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2599: The Tale of 2 Worlds in the Dental Office17 sept. 202600:55:29

On today's episode, Dr. Allen Gotora presents a powerful framework for bringing the dentist's world and the team's world into better alignment during the Dental Success Summit 2026. Drawing from his own leadership journey and a recent dental mission in the Dominican Republic, Allen explains how unclear expectations, weak communication, toxic behavior, and lack of leadership development can create unnecessary division inside a practice. 

He breaks down practical ways to strengthen culture, normalize feedback, improve communication, recognize team members, eliminate gossip, and create clearer roles and accountability. The goal is simple but essential: build a practice where doctors and team members understand each other better, lead from their positions, and work together around a shared mission.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2598: The Unexpected Path From Endodontics to Mission Work in Fiji16 sept. 202600:30:24

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes takes the podcast offshore, recording from the ocean in Fiji with Dr. Jeff Clark for a conversation on military dentistry, endodontics, practice ownership, and mission work. Jeff shares how the Navy helped shape his early career, why he ultimately chose endodontics, and how he found the opportunity to return to his hometown in Montana and become a partner in an established specialty practice. 

They also discuss aircraft ownership, the flexibility that comes with building the right business, and why mission trips have become such an important part of Jeff's life. Jeff reflects on the relationships formed through service, the perspective that comes from treating patients with limited access to care, and why experiences like Fiji can make dentistry back home feel simpler and more meaningful.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2597: Building Community in a Profession That Can Feel Isolating15 sept. 202600:44:00

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend Dr. Paul Goodman to reflect on nearly a decade of Dental Nachos and the evolution of the community, business, and relationships built along the way. Paul shares how Dental Nachos grew from a simple Facebook group into a broad dental community, why his original vision for a CE subscription business did not unfold as expected, and how sponsorships, live events, and Dentist Job Connect became important parts of the larger Nacho universe. 

They also discuss social media, building authentic communities, hiring associates, the value of comparing multiple candidates, hygiene staffing challenges, and why dentists need to make business decisions based on math instead of emotion.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2596: Two Philosophies for Building a Surgical Program14 sept. 202600:59:26

On today's episode, Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskie present two different approaches to building a successful implant practice during the Dental Success Summit 2026. Dr. Dhoon shares lessons from growing through acquisition, including how to introduce advanced procedures gradually, train the entire team, improve case acceptance, build clinical confidence, and avoid overwhelming the practice with too much change at once. 

Dr. Briskie breaks down his startup journey, covering real estate, equipment, marketing, CRM systems, full-arch growth, staffing, lab workflows, and the importance of matching marketing spend to clinical readiness. Together, they show how thoughtful systems, mentorship, repetition, and clear ownership can help dentists scale advanced services while protecting the practice and the team.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2595: From Chaos to Control11 sept. 202600:57:33

On today's episode, Ashley Keith, Sydney Robinson, and Amy Hernandez present a practical framework for moving a dental practice from chaos to control during the Dental Success Summit 2026. They break down how unclear roles, weak workflows, inconsistent billing processes, and poor handoffs can create unnecessary stress, lost revenue, and team burnout. 

The presentation covers how to create clearer ownership, build backup systems, improve delegation, strengthen insurance and billing workflows, and connect better systems to stronger case acceptance. They also share simple ways teams can identify bottlenecks, reduce confusion, and implement processes that actually support growth.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

2594: From Immigrant Roots to Building a Dental Group With Purpose10 sept. 202600:36:26

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Albert Voravong in Fiji during a Smile Outreach International mission to talk about dentistry, entrepreneurship, family, and purpose. Albert shares his parents' immigration story, his path into dentistry, and how he went from launching a rural startup to building a multi-practice organization in Canada.
 
They discuss the lessons that came from both successful and difficult practice growth, the importance of strong operational leadership, building the right team, navigating acquisitions, and creating alignment around a long-term vision. Albert also reflects on mission dentistry, the influence of his parents' sacrifices, and how service has become an important part of defining success beyond business growth.

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2593: The Leadership Habits That Make Work and Life More Sustainable09 sept. 202600:52:37

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes explores the connection between prioritization, leverage, simplicity, and the people we choose to surround ourselves with. He shares lessons from his travels and mission work, including how service, gratitude, adaptability, and reducing unnecessary complexity have reshaped the way he approaches both business and life. 

Mark also challenges listeners to evaluate their first-quarter progress, eliminate negative patterns, improve fulfillment, and focus on no more than a few meaningful priorities at a time. He closes with a practical breakdown of labor efficiency, overhead, profitability, and "the spread," showing how better stewardship of every dollar can create a stronger, more sustainable dental practice.

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2592: From Cavities to Code: How AI is Revolutionizing the Dental Workspace08 sept. 202600:51:43

On today's episode, Dr. Steve Dove and Dr. Beau Sparkman breaks down practical ways dental teams can move beyond casual AI use and start building repeatable workflows that actually improve the practice. 

They walk through tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and NotebookLM, explain how to build stronger prompts, and show how AI can support everything from PR responses and Google reviews to SOPs, team training, research, and decision-making. They also discuss automations, AI agents, HIPAA considerations, and why the real advantage comes from systemizing AI instead of simply asking random questions.

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2591: Using AI Agents to GSD - A Practical Approach to Patient Relationship Management and Scaling Outreach07 sept. 202600:53:54

On today's episode, Dr. Lior Tamir speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about using AI, systems, and intentional follow-up to grow a more efficient and profitable dental practice. Drawing from his experience building a marketing agency, returning to dentistry, and scaling multiple practices, Dr. Tamir explains why patient experience, social proof, marketing, and a clear sales process are essential for growth. 

He breaks down the hidden opportunity in unscheduled treatment, why most follow-up systems fail, and how practices can use dedicated "setters," scripts, financing conversations, and consistent outreach to help patients move forward with needed care. Dr. Tamir also shares how AI agents can support dental teams by identifying outstanding treatment, drafting personalized outreach, tracking conversations, and helping practices create more human, trustworthy patient experiences without replacing the people who make those relationships work.

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2590: From Clinical Burnout to Business Ownership That Works04 sept. 202600:40:21

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes takes the stage at The Practice Launchpad event to share the business lessons he wishes more dentists learned before becoming practice owners. Drawing from his experience owning 16 practices and making nearly every mistake along the way, Mark breaks down why so many dental practices struggle with profitability, leadership, systemization, team retention, and cash flow. 

He explains the importance of building a systems-dependent practice instead of a people-dependent one, creating a strong patient experience, understanding the numbers behind the business, and surrounding yourself with the right support. Mark also shares the Four Futures framework and why financial success means very little if your health, relationships, mindset, and overall quality of life are falling apart.

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2589: Building Better Dental Payments Without the SaaS Overload03 sept. 202600:48:25

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Mark Rasmussen, CEO and co-founder of Moolah, to unpack the company's journey from general payment processing to a dental-focused technology platform serving thousands of practices. Mark shares how an introduction to the Dental Success Network helped spark Moolah's move into dentistry, why narrowing the company's focus accelerated growth, and how staying committed to simple pricing, no SaaS fees, and strong customer support has shaped the business. 

They also discuss PMS integrations, the shift toward cloud-based software, automated accounts receivable, building a strong visionary-integrator relationship, navigating private equity interest, and why customer experience continues to drive Moolah's growth.

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2588: Recap Reality: Understand the Truth Behind Recapitalization Events02 sept. 202600:58:33

On today's episode, Kyle Francis speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about recap reality and what dentists need to understand before entering a recapitalization event. Kyle breaks down how assets, liabilities, equity, and risk all factor into practice ownership, and explains that recaps can include anything from refinancing debt to selling a majority stake to a private equity-backed group. 

He clarifies why recap events became so common during the low-interest-rate years, why today's market has created longer hold times and more scrutiny, and how private equity groups evaluate dental platforms using growth, margin improvement, acquisition arbitrage, and discounted cash flow models. Kyle also unpacks rollover equity, earn outs, earn ups, joint venture versus holding company equity, pari passu rights, liquidity expectations, founder syndrome, and the importance of understanding a buyer's funding structure, track record, and incentives before choosing a partner.

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2587: Milestones In Motion01 sept. 202600:59:52

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes hosts the Milestones in Motion transformation contest during the Dental Success Summit 2026, featuring powerful stories from Dental Success Institute members who have created major growth in their practices and personal lives. Dr. Josh Hall shares how DSI helped him shift from scarcity to abundance, expand into a larger facility, build a stronger team, and create more time for family experiences. 

Dr. Kelly Grubbs and Dr. Marianne Weatherford discuss how partnership, culture, systems, and faith over fear helped them transform Ridge Dental and Aesthetics while navigating real-life challenges. Dr. Andrew Kung and Kathy Lin share how Vitality Dental evolved from a scratch startup into a healthier, more team-led practice, while Dr. Mary Margaret Vaughn tells her inspiring story of taking big leaps before feeling ready, expanding her practice, building systems, growing her team, and creating more freedom while raising two sets of twins.

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2586: How to Choose the Right Practice Exit Path31 août 202600:41:12

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Brannon Moncrief of McLerran & Associates for a timely conversation about the current dental transition market, DSO consolidation, and how practice owners should evaluate their exit options. Brannon breaks down why the DSO market has shifted since the white-hot acquisition years of 2021 and 2022, how higher interest rates and more disciplined buyers have changed valuations and deal structures, and why alignment between sellers and DSOs matters more than ever. 

He also compares DSO affiliations with private doctor-to-doctor sales, explaining how revenue, EBITDA, cash at close, work-back expectations, equity risk, and operational support all factor into the decision. Together, Mark and Brannon discuss when a private sale may make more sense, when a DSO deal may be worth exploring, and why understanding both the economics and the "why" behind a sale is essential for making the right transition decision.

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