The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

2555: Fired Up but Going Nowhere- Turn Today into the Day Everything Actually Changes 17.07.2026 1ó 1p

On today's episode, Dr. Summer Kassmel takes the stage at the Dental Success Summit to help dentists and their teams turn inspiration into real, lasting change. She shares why so many practice owners get caught in the "someday trap," waiting for the right associate, production number, or season of life before building the practice and lifestyle they truly want. Dr. Kassmel breaks down the three keys to fighting the pull of status quo: getting clear on what you want and why it matters, understanding the short-term price of meaningful change, and leading first as the doctor or practice leader. She also offers a practical communication framework for holding standards with grace, creating alignment, and choosing one focused "Monday move" that can help transform your practice for good. 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

2554: Evolve - Thriving in Dentistry's New Reality 16.07.2026 1ó 4p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes delivers his main stage presentation during the 13th Annual Dental Success Summit, using the story of Jerry the lobster as a powerful metaphor for growth, vulnerability, and the need to shed old ways of operating. Mark reflects on his own journey through academic challenges, practice ownership, burnout, and reinvention, then connects those lessons to the current state of dentistry. He breaks down the major headwinds facing the profession, including staffing shortages, rising wages, flat PPO reimbursements, declining practice ownership, margin compression, burnout, and the growing divide between elite independent practices and those stuck in the middle. Mark also introduces the frameworks DSI uses to help dentists build stronger systems, better leadership, healthier lives, and more scalable practices, reminding owners that what got them here will not get them where they want to go next. 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

2553: Inside a High Tech Dental Practice Built for Education 15.07.2026 24p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Brett Titensor live from Thrive Live 2026 to talk about digital dentistry, technology, and building a practice designed for the future. Brett shares what it was like taking over from his father, working alongside him for 10 years, and bringing new technology into a second-generation practice. He discusses his passion for same-day crowns, guided implants, 3D printing, surgical guides, full-arch workflows, and how delegating digital processes to the team can make advanced dentistry more efficient and scalable. Brett also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the new facility he is building in the Dallas area, which will combine a dental practice with an education center where dentists can see real workflows from start to finish in a live clinical setting. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.titensordental.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2552: Paying Yourself & The Influence You Have Pt. 2 14.07.2026 31p

On today's episode, this Part 2 conversation features Jake Conway continuing his April 2026 Mastermind presentation with a deeper look at hygiene performance, owner compensation, cash flow strategy, and practice valuation. Jake explains how hygiene production impacts payroll, fixed costs, doctor production, and overall profitability, while showing how KPIs like perio percentage, fluoride, open hygiene time, exam mix, and production-to-pay ratios can reveal the true causes behind underperformance. He also outlines how owners can think about paying themselves as both clinicians and owner-operators, including W-2 salary, distributions, gap pay, break-even targets, and capital reserves. The session wraps with a practical look at practice valuations, adjusted net income, EBITDA, doctor-to-doctor sales, and how owner production can directly influence the value of a practice in a DSO or private equity transaction. 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

2551: Paying Yourself & The Influence You Have Pt. 1 13.07.2026 33p

On today's episode, this Part 1 conversation features Jake Conway presenting during the April 2026 Mastermind and breaking down how practice owners can better understand the numbers that drive their income. Jake explains why a dental practice should be viewed as a source of information rather than an ATM, and how overhead is not a destination but a measurement of how well the office is being run. He walks through the difference between fixed and variable costs, the symptom-cause-solution approach to diagnosing financial issues, and how management reporting differs from tax reporting. Jake also reviews how cash flows through a practice, from collections and overhead to available funds, and encourages owners to use their reports as investigative tools to identify opportunities, improve decision-making, and create more influence over their pay. 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

2550: Smarter Phones, Better Teams, and Happier Patients 10.07.2026 29p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime dental industry leader Laura Nelson live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas. Laura shares her journey from running the front office in her husband's dental practice to building Front Office Rocks, becoming a trusted voice in dental team training, and now leading AI innovation with Mango Voice. She and Mark discuss why patient experience matters just as much as clinical care, how short-form training changed front office education, and why understanding the "why" behind systems is essential for team success. Laura also breaks down how AI tools like Mango's Margo can help practices capture missed calls, improve patient communication, support overwhelmed teams, and even role-play phone skills through AI-powered coaching. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://mangovoice.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2549: The Hidden Risks Inside Dental Office Leases 09.07.2026 24p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jas Banga live from Thrive Live 2026 in Las Vegas to talk about one of the most overlooked but critical parts of practice ownership: dental real estate. Jas shares how he went from marketing in the dental world to becoming a leading healthcare real estate advisor, helping dentists across North America make smarter, data-driven decisions around site selection, lease negotiations, renewals, expansions, and acquisitions. They discuss common lease traps like narrow use provisions, triple net expenses, assignment language, and seller liability, as well as the big question of whether dentists should buy or lease their space. Jas also explains how demographics, saturation levels, traffic flow, future development, and AI-powered market analysis can help doctors choose stronger locations and build long-term practice value. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.drwecare.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2548: Back to Basics: How to Lead Through Hard Conversations 08.07.2026 51p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Ashlee Hirschfeld for another Back to Basics conversation, this time focused on leadership and difficult conversations. Mark and Ashlee discuss why leadership requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, clear expectations, and the willingness to address issues before they damage the entire team. They also explore how to approach corrective conversations with less drama, why avoiding conflict can create bigger problems, and how strong leaders take ownership before asking others to do the same. This episode is a reminder that great culture starts at the top, and the way you communicate, respond, and hold people accountable will shape the health of your entire 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

2547: From Practice Owner to Purpose Driven Leader 07.07.2026 37p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Matt Slivka, owner of Rockside Dental and DSI Black Belt coach, for a conversation about growth, purpose, and the impact dentists can make far beyond the operatory. Matt shares how mentorship and community helped transform his practice from a chaotic startup into a thriving multi-doctor organization, and how that same mindset pushed him to launch Rockside Reach International, his nonprofit providing dental care in Guatemala. The conversation explores the power of influence, the importance of relationships, lessons from mission work around the world, and why fulfillment often comes from becoming the person you're meant to be rather than simply achieving more. Mark and Matt also preview Matt's upcoming Unlock Your Potential course, a unique personal development experience centered around the Four Futures of mind, meaning, muscle, and money, designed to help doctors, team members, and leaders create a more intentional and impactful life. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://registration.socio.events/e/unlockyourpotential https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2546: The Dentist's Guide to Beating Overwhelm 06.07.2026 1ó 5p

On today's episode, we dive into the very real problem of overwhelm in dentistry and why it is not simply about having too much to do. Dr. Mark Costes breaks down how decision fatigue, multitasking, cognitive load, sleep debt, clutter, caffeine, alcohol, and constant content consumption can push practice owners from intentional leadership into reactive survival mode. He also shares practical ways dentists can reduce overwhelm through better prioritization, delegation, systemization, walking, sleep hygiene, closing open loops, and building the right support around them. From managing hygiene exam overload to knowing when it may be time for a coach or executive assistant, this conversation gives dental leaders a clearer path toward more calm, clarity, and control. 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

2545: The Bite Mistake That Can Derail an FMR Case 03.07.2026 45p

On today's episode, Dr. Taher Dhoon sits down with Dr. Chris Hill to talk through the systems, lessons, and real-world experience behind predictable full mouth reconstruction. Dr. Hill shares how years of cosmetics, occlusion, TMJ, and reconstruction training shaped his approach, and why having a clear, repeatable system is what helps dentists move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident with bigger cases. The conversation covers common FMR challenges like losing the bite, managing vertical dimension, deprogramming, temporaries, lab communication, case phasing, and why doctors need to lead the case instead of relying entirely on the lab. Dr. Hill also explains the importance of photography, collaboration, mentorship, and having a support system that helps clinicians implement complex dentistry more predictably in their practices. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coloradosurgicalinstitute.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2544: Finding Wellness in a High Pressure Profession 02.07.2026 32p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Christian Pavel live from Thrive Live 2026 in Vegas for a grounding conversation on wellness, burnout, breathwork, and purpose in dentistry. Known as the Dental Yogi, Dr. Pavel shares how yoga, intentional breathing, and holistic health became central to both his personal life and his mission to help dental professionals reconnect with themselves. He and Dr. Costes discuss the pressures facing modern dentists, including shrinking margins, rising costs, overstimulation, and the quiet burnout many providers experience while trying to power through. Dr. Pavel also shares the origin of Revive Mission, a dental mission experience that combines service, yoga, breathwork, and deeper human connection. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://dentalyogis.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2543: The Quiet Reinvention: Pt. 2 01.07.2026 45p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes continues his April 2026 Mastermind presentation by exploring the deeper identity shifts required to move out of the hustle trap and into a more sustainable version of success. He shares a powerful eulogy exercise and personal reflections on loss, legacy, and the difference between resume virtues and eulogy virtues. Dr. Costes connects these ideas back to the Four Futures, encouraging dentists to examine their mind, meaning, muscle, and money to determine what needs realignment. He also challenges practice owners to subtract what no longer serves them, delegate more effectively, use the DSI community and coaching resources, and build businesses that create freedom rather than more complexity and obligation. 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

2542: The Quiet Reinvention: Pt. 1 30.06.2026 49p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes opens his April 2026 Mastermind talk with an update on the whirlwind first quarter of mission work through SOI, including trips to Guatemala, Fiji, and Honduras, before shifting into the idea of quiet reinvention. He explains how high-performing dentists often become trapped by the very habits that made them successful, especially hustle, grind, overproduction, and self-sacrifice. Dr. Costes introduces the four seasons of a dental career: spring as the builder phase, summer as the growth phase, fall as the optimization phase, and winter as the reinvention phase. He challenges listeners to identify which season they are currently in and recognize when the behaviors that once created success are now causing burnout, resentment, or stagnation. 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

2541: Why Dental Teams Are Moving Beyond Plugin Overload 29.06.2026 42p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jon Padolsky of Flex to explore how dental technology is transforming the front office experience. Jon shares his journey from growing up around dentistry and spending 14 years as a dental office manager to helping practices streamline operations through Flex. The conversation covers the evolution from paper charts and manual reminders to digital forms, online scheduling, integrated payments, insurance verification, and treatment planning tools built specifically for Open Dental users. Jon also explains how Flex helps teams present treatment more clearly, use patient photos to improve case acceptance, reduce time spent on insurance verification, and consolidate multiple systems into one deeply integrated platform. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://flex.dental https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2540: Life Is Just A Bunch Of Relationships 26.06.2026 1ó 5p

On today's episode, Dr. Allen Gotora shares a powerful message on why relationships are the hidden KPI behind every successful dental practice. Drawing from his own life-changing experience as a high school student in Zimbabwe, where relationships helped him raise funds for a United Nations trip to Sweden, he explains how connection, trust, and intentional communication shape every major outcome in business and life. He breaks down five key relationship pillars: self, family, team, partners and vendors, and patients. From prioritizing health, spirituality, and self-awareness to protecting family time, nurturing your team, strengthening vendor relationships, and creating deeper patient trust, this episode challenges dentists to look beyond production, collections, and case acceptance to the relationships driving those numbers. Dr. Allen reminds listeners that when life is all said and done, it will not be the KPIs we remember most, but the people closest to us and the connections we built along the way. 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

2539: Helping Dentists Rediscover Joy in Practice 25.06.2026 26p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Doug and Catherine Fettig live from Thrive Live 2026 in Vegas for a conversation on mindset, leadership, and improving the dental experience for both teams and patients. Doug shares how dentists can begin thinking more like CEOs, avoid becoming the bottleneck in their practices, and use simple habits like gratitude and generosity journaling to shift their mindset and rediscover joy in the profession. Catherine brings her decades of healthcare and psychiatric mental health experience to the dental space, explaining how dental anxiety impacts patients, teams, and overall practice productivity. She breaks down practical ways practices can support anxious patients before, during, and after appointments through better communication, calming environments, screening tools, and giving patients more choice and control. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.dentaldollarsandsense.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2538: You Were Trained To Fix Teeth. Nobody Trained You To Run A Business 24.06.2026 51p

On today's episode, Dr. Bill Keith speaks during the April 2026 Mastermind about shifting from the clinical brain to the CEO brain and why practice owners must learn to zoom out, identify patterns, and build teams that can surface problems before they become costly. Drawing from examples in aviation, Toyota manufacturing, hospital operating rooms, Southwest Airlines, and the Challenger disaster, he explains how the people closest to the work often hold the most important information, yet may not feel safe or empowered to speak up. The episode explores how dentists can create psychological safety, use one-on-ones and anonymous feedback, encourage team members to "pull the cord," and build systems that move knowledge from the front lines to leadership. Dr. Keith challenges owners to stop being the hero who solves every issue and instead develop a culture where the team is trusted, heard, and equipped to help the practice grow. 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

2537: Oil, Gas, and the New Rules of Economic Uncertainty 23.06.2026 52p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Troy Eckard for a timely conversation on oil and gas, global energy uncertainty, and how current geopolitical tensions are reshaping investor strategy. Troy shares his perspective on the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz, rising oil prices, and why fossil fuels remain critical despite the ongoing push toward alternative energy. He also breaks down why many investors are frozen right now, how inflation and deflationary behavior may affect the broader economy, and why cash flow, liquidity, and real assets matter in uncertain times. The conversation also touches on AI's growing role in oil and gas, from improving drilling accuracy to reducing costs and streamlining data analysis, as well as Troy's advice for investors looking to protect wealth and stay prepared for future opportunities. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://eckardenterprises.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

2536: Why Patient Experience Wins in a Competitive Market 22.06.2026 51p

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Parth Patel, owner of Revive Dental in Alpharetta, Georgia, to unpack his journey from associate dentist to owner of a thriving fee-for-service practice. Dr. Patel shares how his early exposure to different practice models helped him clarify the kind of dentistry he wanted to build, one centered on comprehensive care, patient relationships, and a high-touch experience. The conversation explores the realities of staying out of network, how his team communicates value to patients with PPO benefits, and why alignment in language, systems, and culture is critical from the first phone call through long-term retention. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the importance of vision, intentional growth, premium patient experience, and building a practice that can scale without sacrificing identity. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://revivemysmile.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast