On today’s Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by longtime friend and fellow podcaster, Dr. Paul Etchison. As the host of the Dental Practice Heroes podcast and author of two books on dental practice management, Paul shares his journey of building a large group practice in the Chicago suburbs. The conversation kicks off with stories about aging, injuries, and the unexpected challenges of staying active while balancing work and family.

Paul also dives into a real-life leadership challenge he recently faced in his practice—a near mutiny at the front desk. He shares how a misunderstanding snowballed into workplace drama, leading to a deeper look at accountability and leadership structure. The two discuss how even the best-run practices still have challenges, why checklists and accountability matter, and the unexpected side effects of stepping back from clinical work.

EPISODE RESOURCES

2224: Building a Stronger Team Through Adversity Pt. 1