
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. 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
Latest episodes

Oct 24, 2024 • 35min
2101: Behind the Scenes of Growth and Impact
On today’s episode, Mark catches up with Ashlee Hirschfeld, COO of the Dental Success Network (DSN). They discuss exciting developments, including DSN’s upcoming transition to the Work Vivo platform, making member interactions more seamless and engaging. Ashlee also provides updates on Smile Outreach International’s latest mission trips and plans for a permanent clinic in Mexico. Mark & Ashlee reflect on personal growth, gratitude, and the power of connection—both within their professional network and in global outreach. Tune in for insights, laughter, and some exciting announcements for DSN members and beyond! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 23, 2024 • 48min
2100: Cracking the Staffing Code
On today’s episode, we sit down with Holli Perez, co-founder, CMO, and lead recruiter of Direct Dental. With extensive experience as a regional manager for DSOs, Holli shares her journey from outside sales to building a nationwide staffing platform tailored to dental practices. They explore how Direct Dental connects practices with qualified professionals, the evolving challenges in dental staffing post-2020, and the importance of onboarding, retention, and workplace culture. Holli offers insights into generational workplace dynamics and strategies for recruiting in competitive markets. Tune in to learn actionable tips for maintaining a well-staffed, thriving practice. EPISODE RESOURCES Direct Dental Blog https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 22, 2024 • 31min
2099: Navigating Dental School Pt. 2
On today’s two-part episode, we continue with JD Folz, who takes the opportunity to ask Mark some insightful questions about his long-term vision and current projects, including his work with a DSO and Smile Outreach International. Mark shares his thoughts on the importance of having a clear direction, leveraging opportunities, and balancing personal and professional fulfillment. The discussion also touches on the sacrifices required for success, the challenges of over-committing, and the evolution of Mark’s career and business philosophy. Tune in for an engaging and reflective conversation about the next chapter in Mark’s journey. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 21, 2024 • 35min
2098: Navigating Dental School Pt. 1
On today’s two-part episode, we have JD Folz, a third-year dental student from Ohio State University, where he is also a finance graduate. JD shares his journey into dentistry, his experiences in dental school, and his passion for cosmetic dentistry. He discusses the importance of balancing academics with hands-on clinical experience, building leadership within a dental practice, and creating a scalable business. JD also touches on the value of mentorship, community, and learning from established dental professionals, providing insightful advice for fellow students and aspiring dentists. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 7min
2097: Team Bonuses
On today’s episode of the "Lady Leader" series within the Dental Success Network, Ashlee Hirschfeld, Dr. Addison Killeen, Dr. Summer Kassmel, and Jake Conway dive into the complexities of team bonuses and incentive systems. They explore the pros and cons of various structures, emphasizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The conversation covers key considerations such as metrics, culture alignment, team-wide vs. individual bonuses, and the importance of avoiding unintended consequences like entitlement or silos. They also discuss alternative approaches—like tiered pay systems and personalized incentives—that foster motivation and retain top talent. If you’ve ever struggled with implementing a bonus system or want ideas on how to align incentives with your team’s values, this episode offers practical advice, real-life examples, and the wisdom of experienced practice owners. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 17, 2024 • 29min
2096: Finding Fulfillment in Dentistry Pt. 2
On today’s two-part episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Jaren Argyle, founder of The Elevated Dentist. Dr. Argyle dives deeper into the challenges perfectionism poses for dentists and shares actionable steps to overcome this mindset, such as embracing "B+ work" and focusing on continuous growth rather than perfection. They also discuss the importance of living in the "gain" rather than the "gap," a concept from Dan Sullivan's work, which encourages dentists to reflect on their progress rather than constantly chasing an unattainable ideal. Dr. Argyle emphasizes self-awareness, defining personal and professional goals, and using coaching to help dentists achieve fulfillment in their practices and lives. EPISODE RESOURCES www.TheElevatedDentist.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 16, 2024 • 33min
2095: Finding Fulfillment in Dentistry Pt. 1
On today’s two-part episode, we have Dr. Jaren Argyle, founder of The Elevated Dentist and a seasoned dental practice owner with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Argyle shares his journey from medical school aspirations to a successful dental career, his approach to building a fulfilling practice, and how he balances work with personal interests. He highlights the importance of understanding emotional intelligence, creating systems that support personal well-being, and coaching dentists to find happiness and fulfillment in their professional lives. Dr. Argyle's unique insights into the dental profession offer valuable advice for achieving success both in and out of the practice. EPISODE RESOURCES www.TheElevatedDentist.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 15, 2024 • 32min
2094: Surgical Precision
On today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Taher Dhoon, co-founder of the Colorado Surgical Institute and a DSI Black Belt coach. They discuss the growth and evolution of the Colorado Surgical Institute, which recently hosted its largest course to date with over 100 attendees. Dr. Dhoon shares insights into the unique procedural focus of the course, from full-arch implants to IV sedation, and the facility’s expansion to accommodate its growing community. The conversation dives into leadership, handling surgical complications, and the importance of maintaining composure in high-stress situations. Dr. Dhoon also highlights the upcoming full-arch course in November, offering advanced training for doctors seeking to improve their efficiency and surgical outcomes. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coloradosurgicalinstitute.com/#1 https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 14, 2024 • 42min
2093: Debunking Bad Advice
On today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Summer Kassmel, DSI coach and entrepreneur, to discuss bad or irrelevant advice often received in dentistry. They share their personal experiences of receiving and giving advice, highlighting the importance of flexibility and evolution in dental practice management. Dr. Kassmel emphasizes how advice, such as striving for perfection or increasing new patient numbers, can sometimes be detrimental if taken too literally. Instead, they focus on balancing efficiency with creativity, and the importance of retaining patients and building a positive culture rather than simply expanding for growth's sake. This insightful conversation sheds light on how the nuances of leadership and patient care often outweigh one-size-fits-all advice. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Oct 11, 2024 • 44min
2092: Building High-Performance Teams
On today’s episode, we have Dr. Heather-Dawn Lawson-Myers, a transformational speaker, coach, and member of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Team. With over 36 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Lawson-Myers shares her journey from private practice in Jamaica to becoming a leadership coach for dental teams. She discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and aligning strengths to foster high-performance dental practices. Dr. Lawson-Myers also dives into her online training programs for dental assistants, emphasizing the need for adaptability and continual growth in today’s evolving dental landscape. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, personal development, and creating cohesive, efficient dental teams. EPISODE RESOURCES trainyourdentalassistant.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast