The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Wendy Briggs, RDH, powerhouse speaker, hygienist, and co-founder of The Team Training Institute. Broadcasting live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas, Wendy shares her expert insights on the current hygiene crisis affecting dental practices across the nation. She discusses the root causes of the growing divide between hygienists and practice owners, the impact of inflated wage expectations, and why many offices are mistakenly eliminating hygiene positions altogether.   Wendy also explains her proven system for transforming underperforming hygiene departments by elevating care standards, boosting productivity, and shifting providers to practice at the top of their license. With a deep dive into preventive therapy, periodontal therapy, patient advocacy, and the true definition of assisted hygiene, this episode is a must-listen for any dental team looking to improve efficiency and patient care without sacrificing profitability. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://theteamtraininginstitute.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Darren Shaw, the founder of Whitespark and a local SEO expert, shares crucial strategies for dentists to enhance their online presence. He discusses the three pillars of local SEO, focusing on optimizing Google Business Profiles and developing a consistent review strategy. Darren provides practical tips, such as using targeted categories and engaging with reviews. He highlights the importance of accountability in marketing efforts and how emerging AI tools can reshape local search, ensuring dentists attract more patients through improved visibility.

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with longtime friend and repeat guest JJ Ditkofsky, founder of WeCare, live from the Thrive Live event in Las Vegas. JJ dives deep into one of the most critical yet often misunderstood components of running a successful dental practice: real estate. From lease negotiations and expansions to practice startups and real estate purchases, JJ shares insights into how to avoid getting boxed into limiting contracts and make the smartest real estate decisions possible.   They discuss the common pitfalls of signing inflexible leases, how to unlock hidden opportunities with current landlords, and why not all real estate is worth buying—despite the allure of ownership. Plus, the duo teases a high-impact event coming to New York City this fall for dentists interested in starting or expanding their practices the right way. 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

In a dynamic discussion, John Meis, founder of The Team Training Institute and a leader in dental practice growth, shares his transformative journey in dentistry. He emphasizes the critical role of patient retention over acquiring new clients for sustainable success. They delve into navigating team dynamics post-COVID, the increasing significance of AI in dental services, and the need for effective communication and collaboration in practice management. Listeners will gain valuable insights on improving operational efficiency and fostering meaningful relationships in the dental industry.

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Kristin Yont, a Calgary-based dentist with a remarkable journey from clinical practice to becoming a leader in mind-body medicine. Kristin shares how her personal experience with emotional stress and burnout led her to explore yoga, mindfulness, and ultimately the SMART program—an eight-week stress management and resiliency training course developed by Harvard’s Benson Henry Institute.   Kristin opens up about how stress manifests physically, how to break the cycle of negative self-talk, and the importance of building emotional awareness and community within dentistry. From resilience to compassion fatigue, this conversation dives deep into the science and strategy behind sustainable well-being for dental professionals. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://mindbodyteacher.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jonathan Moffat, founder of Aligned Advisors, live from the Thrive Live conference in Las Vegas. With a background in scaling dental practices and advising dentists across the country, Jonathan shares his approach to turning overwhelmed dental professionals into confident business owners with a clear financial plan.  He breaks down the concept of a family office—traditionally reserved for ultra-high-net-worth individuals—and how he’s made it accessible to dentists through a flat-fee model that includes 200 annual checkpoints, customized financial flowcharts, and a collaborative team of dental-specific experts. Whether you're looking to scale, sell, or simply get your financial life in order, this episode is packed with game-changing strategies for dentists at any stage of their journey. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://alignedadvisors.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with the dynamic Dr. Kristine Adland live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas. A tech-savvy dentist known for pushing the limits of CAD/CAM dentistry, Kristine shares how she grew a three-chair startup into a 10-operatory powerhouse and built a team of diverse partners to align with her multi-passionate life.  But it’s not just about dentistry—Kristine is also building a boutique winery and wine cave in Napa Valley with fellow dentist Dr. Justin Moody, while simultaneously pursuing a law degree with a focus on contract law. From aesthetic same-day crowns to custom cabernet blends, Dr. Adland talks about what it takes to stand out in both competitive industries, the parallels between dentistry and winemaking, and her ultimate vision for creating unique CE and wine experiences in California wine country. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.aadlanddental.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In today’s Part 2 episode, Morgan Hamon returns for Part 2 of his conversation with Dr. Mark Costes, diving headfirst into the intricate realities of selling a dental practice. From decoding EBITDA and enterprise value manipulation by private equity-backed DSOs to the critical role of quality of earnings reports and add-backs, Morgan unpacks what dentists need to know before entering any transaction. They explore the benefits and tax pitfalls of owning versus leasing commercial real estate, the real story behind cost segregation studies, and how depreciation recapture can sting if you're not prepared. Morgan also shares eye-opening advice on selling timing, managing post-sale windfalls, and the limited tax mitigation options available to W-2 dentists. Plus, they wrap up with some lighthearted stories and unforgettable insights from Morgan’s days landing F-18s on aircraft carriers. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.eisneramper.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In today’s Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Morgan Hamon, a former Navy F-18 pilot turned CPA, who now dedicates his expertise to helping dental practice owners achieve financial clarity and profitability. Morgan shares his unique journey from landing on aircraft carriers to launching a specialized accounting firm with his father—one that eventually joined EisnerAmper.  Morgan dives deep into the common financial blind spots of dentists, the vital importance of understanding profit margins, and how to identify whether revenue shortfalls or bloated expenses are holding a practice back. Plus, he explains why variable cost control and staff efficiency are critical, and how tax mitigation strategies like S-Corp elections and proper expense categorization can drive long-term success. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.eisneramper.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, repeat guest and oil and gas expert Troy Eckard returns to unpack the massive changes affecting the energy investment space. With decades of experience and over $850 million raised for oil and gas projects, Troy offers a deep dive into the differences between mineral rights and working interests, the tax advantages of each, and how savvy investors can take advantage of recent policy changes like the One Big Beautiful Bill.   He and Dr. Mark Costes also discuss global economic factors influencing oil prices, including tariffs, the dollar’s value, and the geopolitical landscape. Whether you're looking for passive income or aggressive tax strategies, Troy breaks down the practical ways investors can build wealth in today’s energy market—without falling victim to the growing number of questionable promoters in the space. 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