The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

In today's episode, we bring you Part 1 of the Elevation Association panel discussion from the 2025 Life Summit in Nicaragua. This powerhouse panel—featuring James Heaton, Michael Allen, Jared Hill, Mark Costes, Matt Mulcock, and Ryan Isaac—dives into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of running a successful dental practice: leadership. The conversation explores why leadership is often missing in dental education, how private practice owners struggle with management, and why poor leadership can lead to burnout and even practice failure. The panelists break down the difference between management and true leadership, the dangers of micromanagement, and the impact of company culture on long-term success. They also discuss why DSOs are rapidly growing while many private practices struggle to keep up. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.elevationassociation.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we're back with part two of our live panel from the Women in DSO event, featuring Dr. Mark Costes and his powerhouse executive team—Ashlee Hirschfeld, Kay Lange, Sydney Robinson, and Mary Lafferty. This conversation dives deeper into the key operational strategies and leadership principles that drive growth and efficiency in DSOs. The team explores the importance of accountability in systemization, how to form a strong internal "board of directors," and the role of marketing in patient acquisition and retention. They also discuss strategies for reducing staff turnover, overcoming resistance to change, and leveraging AI for smarter business decisions. Plus, Mary shares game-changing insights on optimizing marketing efforts for real impact. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In today's Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes takes the stage at the Women in DSO event, sharing insights into the incredible growth of Dental Success Companies and the lessons learned from scaling multiple businesses. He's joined by his powerhouse executive team, including Ashlee Hirschfeld, Kay Lange, Sydney Robinson, and Mary Lafferty, who break down key strategies for running a thriving DSO. They discuss everything from the operational bottlenecks that prevent growth to how AI is reshaping the dental industry. The conversation dives into the importance of standardizing care, creating a solid hiring process, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Plus, they share practical tips on making job postings more attractive, retaining top talent, and building a culture that fosters innovation. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we take a deep dive into the personal journey of Dr. Mark Costes as he shares an exclusive reading from his book, Rich, Fit, and Fulfilled: Redefining What It Means to Have It All. Dr. Costes pulls back the curtain on the reality of achieving financial and professional success—only to find himself overwhelmed, disconnected, and unfulfilled. Dr. Costes challenges the traditional definition of "success" and introduces the Four Futures framework as a way to cultivate true fulfillment in all areas of life. From personal finance and net worth strategies to the psychology of happiness, fulfillment, and purpose, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to build a life that's not just successful—but truly meaningful. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr, Mark Costes dives into the psychology of success, the power of identity, and how small, consistent changes can create massive long-term results. Learn why focusing on who you want to become rather than just what you want to achieve is the key to sustainable change. Dr. Costes also discusses the impact of accountability, habit stacking, and identity-based goal setting, referencing powerful examples from James Clear's Atomic Habits and real-world success stories. Plus, he breaks down the importance of financial planning, estate strategies, and legacy-building to secure your future and set your family up for generational wealth. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Ben Kacos, a practice owner and black belt coach, unveils transformative strategies for tackling periodontal disease. He highlights the alarming connection between gum infections and systemic health risks, urging a shift in how dental professionals communicate with patients. Utilizing advanced microscopy in dental practices, Dr. Kacos shares how visual aids simplify diagnoses and enhance patient acceptance. His insights promote greater efficiency and understanding in periodontal care, making it a must-listen for dental practitioners!

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes dives into the reality of hustle culture and why working harder doesn't always lead to better results. He breaks down the different seasons of entrepreneurship and explains how practice owners can transition from grinding endlessly to optimizing their time and efficiency. By setting clear non-negotiables, leveraging delegation, and focusing on high-value activities, you can achieve more while working less. We also explore common struggles like reactivity, ineffective CEO time, and comparison traps that lead to burnout. Dr. Costes shares practical strategies for maximizing productivity, improving leadership, and creating a well-structured practice. Tune in for insights that will help you work smarter and build a thriving business. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes dives into creating a strong dental practice culture and leading with structure. He emphasizes the importance of defining core values and involving the team in their creation to foster true buy-in. Dr. Costes also introduces a Cultural Assessment—a simple way to measure alignment with those values, ensuring that team members are motivated, skilled, and contributing to the practice's success. He also breaks down performance reviews, effective meetings, and accountability systems to create a productive, drama-free work environment. From structured morning huddles to weekly growth meetings, he shares the PETA framework (Presence, Intention, Time, and Agenda) to ensure every meeting moves the practice forward. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode Dr. Mark Costes explores the challenges of leading a dental team during a workforce shortage. With a 30% decline in healthcare workers since the pandemic, dental practices are struggling to find and retain skilled employees. Dr. Costes shares his own leadership journey—learning from early mistakes, overcoming high turnover, and shifting from a rigid management style to an approach built on structure, inspiration, and accountability. He also introduces key leadership principles, including defining clear expectations, holding team members accountable, and creating a structured approach to leadership. Tune in to hear how the Four Futures Framework—balancing mind, meaning, muscle, and money—can help dentists build thriving businesses while maintaining personal well-being. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes chats with Michael Lomotan, co-founder of the Dental Success Network, and Cameron Buhman, DSN's vendor relations specialist. They dive into the power of group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and how DSN helps dentists negotiate better pricing on supplies, lab fees, patient financing, and more—saving members tens of thousands without increasing production. They also break down the dangers of "price creep" and why keeping a close eye on vendor relationships is crucial for maintaining profitability. Dr. Costes shares his newfound love for Formula One and the strategy behind the sport. Tune in for insights on cutting overhead and running a more efficient practice. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast