The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. David Reznik, a pioneering force in public health dentistry and founder of the HIV Dental Alliance. Speaking from the Exhibitor Hall at Thrive Live in Las Vegas, Dr. Reznik shares his decades-long journey in treating HIV-positive patients, his role in establishing the Oral Health Center at Grady Health System, and the critical need for proper infection control in dental offices.   He dives into topics from waterline safety protocols and hemoglobin A1C testing to post-exposure prophylaxis and advances in HIV treatment. With over 6,000 HIV patients in care and a leadership role in training the next generation of dentists through NYU Langone’s AEGD program, Dr. Reznik brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt advocacy to a conversation every dentist should hear. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES linkedin.com/in/david-reznik-ab83522 https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back David Harris, CEO of Prosperident and one of dentistry’s leading experts in embezzlement investigation. Ten years and over 2,300 episodes later, David returns to shed light on just how rampant financial crime is in dental practices—with nearly 70% of dentists becoming victims at some point in their careers. He explains the most common theft strategies, behavioral red flags of embezzlers, and why many doctors unintentionally sabotage investigations by mishandling evidence.  David also shares how his team stealthily uncovers theft using forensic accounting and how Prosperident boasts a 90%+ success rate in criminal prosecutions. From shocking stories to actionable prevention tips, this episode is a must-listen for any dental professional wanting to safeguard their practice. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.prosperident.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Dave Monahan, CEO of Kleer (soon to be Clerri), dives into the major merger with Membersy and the future of dental membership plans. He explains how the unified platform aims to enhance patient access and boost practice profits. The conversation touches on the psychology behind patient loyalty and the measurable ROI of subscription models. Monahan also reveals how AI will play a pivotal role in reactivating dormant patients. A must-listen for dental professionals seeking to innovate and grow!

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Cristian Pavel—dentist, certified yoga instructor, and wellness advocate—live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas. Dr. Pavel shares his unique journey of integrating breathwork, yoga, and mental wellness into dentistry and how that evolved into biannual service retreats in the Dominican Republic.   Listeners will hear the inspiring story of how a life-changing breathwork session sparked the creation of his mission-based retreats, his plans to develop a permanent dental wellness clinic abroad, and how cacao—yes, chocolate—has become part of his daily sacred ritual. You’ll also get a peek into Dr. Pavel’s morning routine, the evolution of his cacao-based wellness brand Sacred Mornings, and his vision for bringing holistic care to underserved communities through both service and stillness. 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

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes the always engaging Dr. Paul “Nacho” Goodman for a wide-ranging conversation about upcoming events, practice ownership, and the realities of stepping out of the operatory. They dive into the origins and purpose of Super Dentist Boost Camp, discuss the value of live events for building relationships and opportunities, and highlight why balancing EBITDA with what Paul calls “SBITDA” (stress building inside toward dental annoyance) is essential for long-term success.  The two share candid stories about the challenges and freedoms that come with being out of clinical practice while still owning multiple businesses, and why dental students and early-career dentists must prioritize networking and learning outside the classroom. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.penningtondentalcenter.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Brian Mills, founder of Rome Commercial Real Estate, for a no-fluff, boots-on-the-ground conversation about one of the most overlooked but mission-critical elements of dental startups and practice growth: real estate. With over 25 years in the dental industry, Brian has seen the good, the bad, and the financially disastrous when it comes to lease agreements, landlord negotiations, and practice capacity planning.  They discuss the biggest mistakes dentists make when negotiating leases (or skipping representation altogether), how to future-proof your space for growth and resale, and the right questions to ask any real estate firm before hiring them. Brian also breaks down how his firm gets paid, why his loyalty lies with the doctor—not the landlord—and why building the right team of aligned professionals can make or break a startup. If you’re thinking about a new lease, relocation, or buying your own building, this is required listening. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.roamcommercialrealty.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas by Eric Pook, president of Cirrus Consulting Group, North America's leading dental office lease negotiation firm. Eric shares eye-opening insights into how dentists—despite being the most reliable tenants—are frequently overpaying for their leases due to lack of awareness, leverage, and negotiation expertise.  They explore the most common pitfalls dentists face in lease agreements, including missed renewal deadlines, dangerous personal guarantees, inflated tenant improvement allowances, and how landlords quietly strip away leverage from unsuspecting practice owners. Eric offers a crash course in lease strategy for both startups and acquisitions, explaining why the best time to engage a lease expert is far earlier than most assume. Whether you’re starting, growing, or exiting your practice, this conversation could save you hundreds of thousands. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.cirrusconsultinggroup.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s Part 2 episode, Gary Bird joins Mark in an in-depth conversation on how dental practices can unlock serious growth through smarter systems, strategic pricing, and AI integration. Gary shares powerful insights into the rise of AI receptionists, how they’re changing the way practices manage phone calls, scheduling, and follow-ups—and why they’re not quite ready to fully replace humans. He breaks down the real reasons practices miss out on ROI, including poor call handling, lack of follow-up, and scheduling gaps.   You’ll also learn why distinguishing between leads and qualified leads matters more than you think, and how block scheduling can make or break your growth. Plus, Gary dives into one of the most controversial topics in dental marketing: pricing. He explains why discounting can attract the wrong crowd and how strategic, data-driven pricing wins in competitive markets. If you're serious about scaling without sacrificing your margins, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://smcnational.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Gary Bird, founder of SMC, empowers dental practices with a keen focus on marketing and operations. In this discussion, he reveals why many dental marketing efforts fail, stressing the importance of operational efficiency over flashy tactics. He highlights that 35% of calls go unanswered, significantly hurting ROI. The conversation also dives into the vital connection between lead generation and effective operational execution, advocating for better appointment availability and follow-up systems to enhance patient acquisition.

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Stephanie Botts, a seasoned dental hygienist turned ergonomics expert, to explore the physical toll dentistry takes on clinicians and how to prevent it. Stephanie shares how her own experience with chronic back pain inspired her to launch a business focused on helping dental professionals practice pain-free.   From proper patient positioning and the dangers of “chicken winging,” to the benefits of micro-breaks, loop upgrades, and targeted strength training, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to protect your body and extend your clinical career. Whether you're seated, standing, or working in extreme mobile settings, Stephanie offers solutions you can implement immediately to feel better at the end of the day. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.polishedposture.net https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast