

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

Sep 13, 2024 • 36min
2072: The Forever Associate Pt. 2
On today’s two-part episode, Mark Dr. Soraya Safi continue their conversation, delving into the pros and cons of dental practice ownership versus remaining an associate. Mark discusses the financial benefits of owning a practice, including tax advantages and building equity, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with ownership. Dr. Safi shares her insights on navigating a high-tax environment as an associate and discusses her long-term career goals, including balancing work and personal life. They also explore advice for dental students, the importance of relationships in the workplace, and Dr. Safi’s journey in building her social media presence to support other dental professionals. The episode wraps up with a look at Dr. Safi’s new coaching program and future plans. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.drsaficoaching.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 12, 2024 • 32min
2071: The Forever Associate Pt. 1
On today’s two-part episode, Mark interviews Dr. Soraya Safi, also known as the "Forever Associate Dentist." Dr. Safi shares her journey into dentistry, discussing her time at Midwestern University and the factors that led her to become a dental associate rather than a practice owner. They explore the challenges and rewards of being a long-term associate, including job options, mentorship, and navigating career transitions within the dental industry. Dr. Safi also offers valuable insights on what makes an ideal work environment for associates, and how dental practice owners can improve retention and satisfaction beyond financial compensation. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.drsaficoaching.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 11, 2024 • 25min
2070: Navigating Dental Practice Sales Pt. 2
On today’s episode, we continue with Brandon Moncrief with their discussion on dental practice sales, focusing on the financial intricacies of selling to DSOs (Dental Support Organizations) and private equity. They explore key concepts such as recapitalization cycles, different equity structures like joint venture and holding company models, and how they impact a seller’s cash flow and control over their business. Brandon explains the importance of understanding EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) manipulation by buyers and how it affects valuation. He emphasizes creating competitive bidding environments to maximize practice value and protect sellers from undervalued offers. This episode provides detailed insight into how dental professionals can navigate complex financial decisions when selling their practice. EPISODE RESOURCES www.dentaltransitions.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 10, 2024 • 41min
2069: Navigating Dental Practice Sales Pt. 1
On today’s episode, we have the first of 2-parts with Brandon Moncrief, a seasoned expert in the dental industry with 20 years of experience as a banker, broker, and sell-side advisor. Brandon explains the current landscape of dental practice sales, focusing on the growing trend of younger dentists selling their practices to DSOs (Dental Support Organizations) and private equity. He highlights how consolidation is shaping the industry, with valuations and interest rates playing a crucial role. Brandon also discusses how practice size, EBITA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization), and revenue affect whether a practice is sold to a private buyer or a DSO. He provides valuable insights into the financial and structural differences between traditional doctor-to-doctor sales and DSO transactions, emphasizing the importance of timing and financial strategy for practice owners. EPISODE RESOURCES www.dentaltransitions.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 9, 2024 • 47min
2068: Innovating Dental Care
On today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Quinn Smith, a multi-doctor practice owner and co-founder of Smile Warranty. Dr. Smith shares his journey from growing up on a family farm in Idaho to becoming a successful dentist in Texas. They discuss Dr. Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit, the rapid growth of his practice, and how his company, Smile Warranty, is filling a gap in the dental industry by offering a unique six-year warranty on dental work. Tune in to hear valuable insights on practice management, patient care, and the importance of innovation in dentistry. EPISODE RESOURCES Mysmilewarranty.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 6, 2024 • 45min
2067: Mastering Dental Insurance
Vivek Kinra, a serial dental entrepreneur and founder of Verrific, shares his insightful journey toward modernizing dental insurance verification through AI and crowdsourcing. He discusses the hurdles faced in PPO fee negotiations and emphasizes the need for innovation in dental practices. The conversation explores the emotional landscape of business growth, the importance of community in finding fulfillment, and the critical role of data accuracy in enhancing operational efficiency. Tune in for a blend of entrepreneurial wisdom and practical solutions!

Sep 5, 2024 • 35min
2066: Fortifying the Dental Core Pt. 2
On today’s second part of this engaging two-part episode, we continue our in-depth conversation with Dr. Paul Goodman, also known as Dr. Nacho. The discussion dives into some of the most pressing issues facing the dental profession today, starting with the ever-increasing cost of dental education and the staggering student loan debt that new graduates face. Dr. Goodman candidly shares his perspective, acknowledging that if he were faced with the current financial realities of dental school—potentially graduating with over $550,000 in debt—he might not choose to pursue dentistry again, unless he were specializing in a field with immediate high earning potential. The conversation also touches on the emotional and financial burden of student debt, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly understanding the financial implications and having a solid plan to manage the debt post-graduation. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.dentalnachos.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 4, 2024 • 31min
2065: Fortifying the Dental Core Pt. 1
On today’s first part of a two-part episode, we have Dr. Paul Goodman, widely known as Dr. Nacho, for a lively and insightful conversation. Dr. Goodman is the founder of a vibrant online dental community and has been making significant strides in the dental world through his unique approach to education and mentorship. The episode kicks off with a lighthearted chat about their mutual love for good food and coffee, with Dr. Goodman reminiscing about past culinary adventures in Philadelphia. As the conversation progresses, Dr. Goodman shares details about his recent event, the Super Dentist Boost Camp, where he gathered dental professionals to focus on the core aspects of practice ownership, leadership, and efficiency. Dr. Goodman highlights the invaluable contribution of DSI coach Dr. Aaron Nicholas, who gave an impactful presentation on improving clinical efficiency—an area often overlooked in traditional dental training but crucial for success in practice. The two doctors delve into the challenges faced by new dentists, particularly the pressure to perform quickly and effectively in a real-world setting, and the importance of building a strong dental "core" that goes beyond clinical skills. Dr. Goodman also discusses his passion for supporting dental students and new dentists, emphasizing the importance of real-world education and mentorship in helping them navigate the often unpredictable world of dentistry. The episode is packed with practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and a genuine passion for improving the dental profession, making it a must-listen for anyone in the field. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.dentalnachos.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 3, 2024 • 49min
2064: AI Innovation
On today’s episode, Mark sits down with Ryan Miller, CEO and co-founder of Peerlogic, a company at the forefront of AI-powered solutions for dental practices. Ryan shares his journey into the dental industry, driven by a combination of his corporate development background and insights gained from his wife’s experience in the field. They discuss Peerlogic’s innovative AI assistant designed to enhance front office efficiency, boost patient engagement, and ultimately increase practice revenue. Ryan delves into how Aimee seamlessly integrates into dental practices, handling tasks such as analyzing patient calls, following up on missed opportunities, and even managing appointment scheduling—all with minimal human intervention. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI in the industry, the challenges of technology adoption in dentistry, and the potential future of AI in business. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.peerlogic.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Sep 2, 2024 • 48min
2063: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Success
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is interviewed by Wes Whitten of Neodent, where he shares his inspiring journey from overcoming academic challenges to becoming a successful dental entrepreneur. Mark opens up about his early struggles with learning and attention difficulties, which fueled his determination to succeed in dental school and beyond. He reflects on his initial goal of achieving financial success through multiple practice ownership, only to realize that true fulfillment required a more balanced approach to life. Mark discusses the development of his "Four Futures" framework, focusing on mind, meaning, muscle, and money, which has become a cornerstone of his coaching practice. He emphasizes the importance of daily habits, mindfulness, and personal development in achieving overall success, not just financial gains. Throughout the conversation, Mark underscores the value of having a clear "why" behind one’s endeavors, sharing how this mindset shift led to the founding of Smile Outreach International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dental care to underserved communities around the world. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast