The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

Jaksot

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  2597: Building Community in a Profession That Can Feel Isolating 15.09.2026 44min

  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 https://www.dentalnachos.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2596: Two Philosophies for Building a Surgical Program 14.09.2026 59min

  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 https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2595: From Chaos to Control 11.09.2026 57min

  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 https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2594: From Immigrant Roots to Building a Dental Group With Purpose 10.09.2026 36min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://smileoutreachinternational.org https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2593: The Leadership Habits That Make Work and Life More Sustainable 09.09.2026 52min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2592: From Cavities to Code: How AI is Revolutionizing the Dental Workspace 08.09.2026 51min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2591: Using AI Agents to GSD - A Practical Approach to Patient Relationship Management and Scaling Outreach 07.09.2026 53min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2590: From Clinical Burnout to Business Ownership That Works 04.09.2026 40min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2589: Building Better Dental Payments Without the SaaS Overload 03.09.2026 48min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.moolah.cc https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2588: Recap Reality: Understand the Truth Behind Recapitalization Events 02.09.2026 58min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2587: Milestones In Motion 01.09.2026 59min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2586: How to Choose the Right Practice Exit Path 31.08.2026 41min

  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. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://dentaltransitions.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2585: How Frenectomies Can Unlock New Patient Care 28.08.2026 1t 5min

  On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Michael Dienberg and Bethany Dienberg for a Dental Success Network webinar on integrating frenectomies into the general dental practice. Dr. Dienberg shares how tongue and lip ties often go undiagnosed in dentistry, despite their connection to breastfeeding challenges, speech concerns, orthodontic relapse, airway issues, tension, migraines, sleep concerns, and oral dysfunction across patients of all ages.  Together, Michael and Bethany explain the difference between frenectomies, frenotomies, and frenuloplasties, how CO2 laser releases compare with traditional techniques, and why coordinated care with lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, myofunctional therapists, pediatric providers, and bodywork professionals can help create better outcomes. They also discuss practical implementation, including consult flow, post-op care, medical and dental billing considerations, referral networks, patient education, and how general dentists can begin identifying tongue and lip ties already present in their existing patient base. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2584: Why Ownership May Be the Best Repayment Strategy 27.08.2026 54min

  On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Mark Johnson, wealth advisor with RBF Wealth Advisors and founder of Student Loans Rx and Dental Wealth Rx, for a practical conversation about student loan repayment, practice ownership, and long-term financial planning for dentists. Mark shares how he first began working with dental students and residents after realizing how little traditional financial planning addressed the realities of six-figure student loan debt.  He explains why young dentists should build a financial foundation that includes emergency savings, disability insurance, retirement contributions, and a thoughtful student loan repayment strategy. Mark also discusses the new repayment assistance plan, why practice ownership can be one of the most powerful ways to accelerate income and pay down debt, and how dentists can begin preparing financially, clinically, and emotionally to become owners within a few years of graduation. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.studentloansrx.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2583: A Breakthrough in Team Training; What I Learned in a Sorority House 26.08.2026 56min

  On today's episode, Dr. Ben Kacos speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about the evolution of team training, culture, and accountability inside a growing dental practice. Drawing from his experience at Shreveport Dental Solutions, Dr. Kacos shares how his practice moved from informal hallway meetings and undocumented systems to structured growth meetings, alien abduction manuals, onboarding videos, 30-60-90 day goals, tiered compensation, bonuses, and the Big Sister program.  He explains why team engagement, consistency, clear expectations, and aligned incentives are critical for creating a culture where people grow, take ownership, and hold each other accountable. Dr. Kacos also discusses how morning huddles, quarterly retreats, assisted hygiene, review systems, and same-day dentistry have helped his team become more self-governing, more productive, and more committed to the shared vision of the practice. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2582: Partnerships-Navigating Equity, Growth and Retention 25.08.2026 1t 8min

  On today's episode, Alastair MacDonald joins Dr. Mark Costes during the Dental Success Summit 2026 for a powerful conversation on dental practice partnerships, equity, growth, and retention. Together, they unpack why many partnerships fail, especially when they are built from fear, scarcity, or a desire to retain an associate before that person is truly qualified for ownership.  Alastair explains the difference between giving equity as a reaction and designing a partnership with clear incentives, contribution, responsibility, authority, and long-term alignment. He also breaks down why high-producing associates are not always the best ownership candidates, how to think about qualification versus qualities, and why owners must use math, structure, and honest conversations to determine whether partnership, increased compensation, or another path makes the most sense. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2581: How AI Can Improve Case Acceptance 24.08.2026 46min

  On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Roza Ghamari, CEO and co-founder of Healink, for a conversation about AI, patient engagement, and solving one of dentistry's biggest challenges: treatment acceptance. Roza shares her journey from studying computer science and working as a technical lead at Google and Meta to launching a healthcare technology company with her brother, a dentist who saw firsthand how many patients left the office with treatment plans but never returned.   She explains how Healink gives patients secure, interactive access to their treatment information after the visit, helping them better understand their oral health, review pending care, request appointments, and stay engaged without relying solely on manual follow-up calls. Roza also discusses how AI, automation, and smart patient nudges can reduce front office workload, improve reactivation, lower no-shows, and create a more modern, trust-building patient experience. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://healink.ai https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2580: The Truth About Going Out of Network 21.08.2026 40min

  On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes answers listener questions from inside DSN in this Ask Me Anything segment. He starts with a deep dive into the realities of transitioning a PPO-heavy practice in a working-class market toward an out-of-network model, including the importance of understanding patient psychology, calculating attrition risk, training the team on unified language, and moving slowly by dropping lower-paying plans first.  Mark also discusses why execution often breaks down inside practices, emphasizing the need for culture, accountability, simple systems, clear deadlines, and avoiding too many new initiatives at once. He then shares insight on identifying and nurturing key team members, building contagious vision, creating a workplace people want to stay in, and using hands-on training to strengthen front office performance. The episode also highlights Smile Outreach International's mission, how clinic locations are chosen, and what's ahead for upcoming DSN events and the annual gala. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2579: Why Associates Leave and How To Keep Them 20.08.2026 58min

  On today's episode, Dr. Paul Goodman, also known as Dr. Nacho, speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about why associate dentists leave and how practice owners can create a more fulfilling, aligned experience for them. With his signature humor and practical communication style, Paul shares how the words dentists use can shape trust, reduce fear, and make the dental office feel less "weird" for patients and team members.  He breaks down key reasons associate relationships go sideways, from unclear expectations and poor interview processes to lack of mentorship, toxic culture, and pay confusion. Paul also introduces the "M&Ms" that matter most to associate dentists: money, mentorship, morale, and meeting expectations, while encouraging owners to create better systems, more transparency, stronger training, and a culture that helps associates thrive. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
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  2578: Grow for What 19.08.2026 39min

  On today's episode, Dr. Bill Keith speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about understanding your freedom number and building a practice with a clear destination in mind. Drawing from his background in finance, practice ownership, real estate, and DSO leadership, Dr. Keith explains the difference between retirement and true financial freedom, emphasizing that passive income, not active income, is what creates real optionality.  He walks through how dentists can calculate the lifestyle they want, gross it up for taxes, apply a safe withdrawal rate, and evaluate how their practice value, real estate, investments, and business cash flow contribute to that number. Dr. Keith also shares his own journey from buying his father's practice and scaling it, to joining Dental Success Institute, building Dental Success Partners, and choosing a path that gave him more freedom to do the work he loves. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast