

The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
Mark Costes
The goal of this podcast is to assemble the greatest minds of the dental profession and to pass on their most valuable and succinct lessons, in order to help you to achieve your full potential in practice and in life. Let's face it. Dentistry can be a frustrating and isolating profession... but you don't have to be an island anymore.
It's possible to become more profitable, less stressed and more fulfilled in your career and it's our mission is to help you get there.
For a whole host of free practice building tips and resources, visit our website at TrueDentalSuccess.com
It's possible to become more profitable, less stressed and more fulfilled in your career and it's our mission is to help you get there.
For a whole host of free practice building tips and resources, visit our website at TrueDentalSuccess.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2025 • 35min
2350: The Safe Money Strategy Dentists Overlook Pt. 2
On today’s episode, Part 2 of Dr. Mark Costes’ conversation with Eric Goodman dives deeper into the nuts and bolts of investing through private credit. Eric explains how Goodman Capital vets deals, why real estate-backed loans offer exceptional downside protection, and how their funds provide monthly cash flow with powerful tax advantages like the QBI deduction. They discuss how different types of dentists—from high-earning W2s to recent sellers—can benefit from short-duration, risk-conscious investment strategies. Plus, Eric shares how Goodman Capital supports investors with frequent reporting, direct communication, and even in-person real estate walkthroughs in Manhattan. This episode is a masterclass in how to preserve capital, generate yield, and avoid the common traps in alternative investing. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://goodmancapitalllc.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
2349: The Safe Money Strategy Dentists Overlook Pt. 1
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes kicks off Part 1 of a value-packed conversation with Eric Goodman, co-founder and managing partner of Goodman Capital. Broadcasting from his blimp office (or at least a virtual version of it), Eric shares the story of his journey from Wall Street to running a billion-dollar family-founded investment firm focused on private credit. Dr. Mark opens up about his recent private equity transaction and the questions that follow a major liquidity event—questions many dentists are now facing. Together, they explore what alternative investments actually are, why private credit is becoming more popular among high-income professionals, and how to assess risk in an unfamiliar investment space. If you’ve ever been curious about how the ultra-wealthy build wealth with lower risk and higher tax efficiency, this episode is your on-ramp. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://goodmancapitalllc.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 1, 2025 • 28min
2348: Why Community and Innovation Matter More Than Ever
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes hosts a lively and wide-ranging conversation live from the Voices of Dentistry event in Gilbert, Arizona. Joining him are Julieanne O’Connor of Influential Dental and Kim Toovey, COO of Ripe Global. The trio discusses the unexpected revival of VOD, the energy of a smaller, more intimate gathering, and the power of connection in the dental community. Julieanne shares her journey into influence coaching, the creation of the Influence for Dental Professionals magazine, and how a decision to take the high road during conflict led to building a brand rooted in positivity. Kim gives a deep dive into Ripe Global’s evolution, offering powerful insights into how hands-on simulation training and cloud-based mentorship are revolutionizing dental education across 35 countries. From mindset to mentorship, this episode captures the magic of collaboration, innovation, and staying focused on what truly matters in dentistry—and in life. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://influentialdentists.com https://www.ripeglobal.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 30, 2025 • 42min
2347: Ryan Holiday - Fireside Chat at Dental Success Summit 2025 Pt. 2
On today’s episode, we bring you Part 2 of the powerful Fireside Chat with Ryan Holiday, live from the 2025 Dental Success Summit. Dr. Mark Costes continues the in-depth conversation with Ryan, diving deeper into the core of Stoicism and what it really means to live with courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom. Ryan explains the third grade version of Stoicism, saying it’s about understanding that we don’t control what happens but we do control how we respond. He brings this idea to life through stories from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and his own daily practices like cold plunges and early morning runs. They discuss common misconceptions about Stoicism, the importance of humility in learning, and how wisdom is something earned through experience, curiosity, and consistent effort. Ryan also gives a sneak peek at his upcoming book, Wisdom Takes Work, the final volume in his series on the Stoic virtues, and shares how the virtues interconnect in both leadership and life. 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

Sep 29, 2025 • 36min
2346: Ryan Holiday - Fireside Chat at Dental Success Summit 2025 Pt. 1
On today’s episode, we kick off Part 1 of an unforgettable fireside chat with bestselling author and modern-day philosopher Ryan Holiday, recorded live at the 2025 Dental Success Summit. Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Ryan to explore his journey from college dropout to Director of Marketing at American Apparel, and eventually to becoming a bestselling author and one of the leading voices in contemporary Stoic philosophy. Ryan shares how mentorship from Robert Greene shaped his writing career, what it was like working inside a chaotic billion-dollar startup, and how his first book on media manipulation laid the groundwork for his later philosophical works. He also discusses the founding of his Bastrop-based bookstore and content studio, the Painted Porch, and explains how the wisdom of ancient Stoics remains powerfully relevant in today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world. 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

26 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 47min
2345: Turbocharging Tax Savings for Dentists
Brent Saunier, a CPA and CEO at Pro-Fi 20/20 and Phase One Dental CPAs, shares his expertise on tax strategies for dentists. He dives into the Big Beautiful Bill and explains tax advantages like 100% bonus depreciation and the new SALT cap. Brent discusses practical strategies such as the Augusta Rule, employing family members, and the implications of the PTE tax election. He also introduces Phase One, a budget-friendly accounting solution for growing practices. A treasure trove of tips for maximizing tax savings!

Sep 25, 2025 • 46min
2344: The Harsh Truth About Dental School Debt
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Alan Mead at a pop-up Voices of Dentistry event for a raw, wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, hard truths, and a whole lot of wisdom. From six-dog households to six-figure student loans, they explore how the golden age of dentistry is fading—and why the business side of practice ownership matters more than ever. Mark breaks down the difference between being an entrepreneur by nature versus nurture, and why modern dental students can't afford to ignore practice management. They also discuss whether W2 employment makes more sense for some doctors, the realities of debt and delayed gratification, and how modern medicine and dentistry compare when it comes to value and patient experience. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating career decisions, business ownership, or just wondering how many dogs is too many. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.verydentalpodcast.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 10min
2343: Why You Can't Produce Your Way Out of a Broken Practice
On today’s episode, you'll hear Dr. Mark Costes' high-impact keynote from the Voices of Dentistry 2025. With over a decade of experience building and scaling practices, Dr. Costes shares the hard-won lessons that transformed his early success—and near burnout—into a sustainable, purpose-driven career. He breaks down the real reason most dental practices struggle with profitability and why simply adding procedures or new patients won't fix a broken infrastructure. You’ll hear the origin story of the Four Futures framework and how Dr. Costes uses it to help dentists achieve balance across mind, meaning, muscle, and money. He also unpacks the Elite Practice Blueprint, a six-pillar system for building a true business—one that thrives even when the doctor isn’t in the chair. From practical leadership assessments to financial benchmarks, this episode is a roadmap for creating not just a better practice, but a better life. 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

Sep 23, 2025 • 57min
2342: Smarter Strategies for Scaling Your Dental Practice Pt. 2
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is back for Part 2 of his powerful presentation from the Dental Success Summit, where he dives even deeper into the most pressing challenges facing dental practice owners today—and what to do about them. Mark unpacks the real impact of the shrinking dental workforce, the hygiene “situationship,” and how to turn non-producers into high-performing team members by aligning compensation with measurable KPIs. He also explores the nuances of PPO participation, helping listeners understand how to evaluate profitability per procedure, plan, and provider. With a strong emphasis on leadership, culture, and infrastructure, this session is packed with pragmatic insights to help you scale smarter, retain top talent, and reclaim control in a rapidly evolving industry. 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

Sep 22, 2025 • 45min
2341: Smarter Strategies for Scaling Your Dental Practice Pt. 1
On today’s episode, we bring you Part 1 of Dr. Mark Costes' main stage keynote from the Dental Success Summit, where he sets the stage for what it truly takes to thrive in modern dentistry. With trademark honesty and humor, Mark shares his own failures, the lessons they taught him, and why making clinical dentistry optional should be every practice owner’s north star. He introduces foundational concepts like the Four Futures, the Elite Practice Blueprint, and the critical importance of building strong infrastructure before scaling. From workforce challenges and hygiene shortages to PPO frustrations and burnout, Mark breaks down why the most successful dentists don’t just work harder—they work smarter, with clarity, intention, and community. This is the mindset reset that every dental entrepreneur needs. 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