

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

Aug 30, 2024 • 39min
2062: Becoming Every Patient's Favorite Dentist
On today’s episode, Ashlee Hirschfeld hosts a lively discussion with Dr. Ben Kacos, founder of Freeport Dental Solutions and Chief Clinical Officer for Dental Success Partners. They dive into the topic of "How to Be Everyone’s Favorite Dentist," sharing practical strategies that can be immediately implemented to improve patient relationships and satisfaction. Dr. Kacos emphasizes the importance of the new patient phone call as a critical step in building rapport and trust before patients even step into the office. He also discusses the power of active listening, understanding patient preferences, and tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs. The conversation highlights the value of asking the right questions, offering monthly payment plans, and the significance of providing patients with clear, tailored choices rather than overwhelming them with options. As they wrap up, Ashlee and Dr. Kacos touch on upcoming webinars, including a session on thriving during a recession and tips on team retreats. Dr. Kacos shares a discount code for an upcoming DSI event in Dallas, encouraging listeners to invest in continuous learning and practice growth. EPISODE RESOURCES https://peakdentalresources.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 4min
2061: Pathways to Dental Success
On today’s episode, we welcome three enthusiastic D4 dental students from Midwestern University: Christian Putegnat, Andy Palacios, and Sydnie Weis. They discuss their dental school experiences, future goals, and the challenges they face as they transition into the world of practice ownership. Christian shares his journey from mechanical engineering to dentistry, balancing his studies with family life, and his aspirations for practice ownership. Andy, with a strong foundation in faith, talks about his dream of opening a startup practice and his interest in surgery. Sydnie, who combines her love for art and dentistry, plans to own multiple practices and is focused on gaining experience in cosmetic procedures. The conversation delves into the importance of demographic selection for startups, the value of mentorship in associateships, and strategies for managing student loan debt. Dr. Costes offers invaluable advice, emphasizing the need for growth-minded communities and strategic planning for long-term success in dentistry. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 28, 2024 • 50min
2060: Protecting Your Dental Practice From Cyber Threats
On today’s episode, we sit down with Tom Barberio, CIO of Think Forward, to discuss the critical importance of cybersecurity in the dental industry. With over 20 years of experience in delivering technology and security solutions, Tom shares insights on how cybercriminals target small dental practices and why data protection is essential for maintaining trust and avoiding devastating breaches. They explore real-world examples of cyberattacks, the evolving nature of threats, and practical steps dental practices can take to safeguard their operations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their practice from the growing dangers of cybercrime. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.thincforward.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 27, 2024 • 52min
2059: Strategies for Success
On today’s episode, we sit down with Greg Essenmacher, founder of GNA Consult, to discuss the complexities of integrating full-arch procedures into general dental practices. Greg shares his journey from the medical device industry to becoming an expert in dental practice optimization, particularly in the full-arch space. The conversation delves into the importance of proper team structure, marketing strategies, and the patient journey for successful case acceptance. Greg also highlights the critical role of education and training in achieving long-term success in this specialized area. Tune in to learn actionable insights that can help take your practice to the next level. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.dentalconsult4u.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 26, 2024 • 34min
2058: Building a Thriving Dental Community
On today’s episode, we welcome back Ashlee Hirschfeld, the COO of the Dental Success Network (DSN) and a key contributor since the podcast's inception. They dive into DSN's growth, discussing how the platform provides a safe space for dental professionals to get valuable feedback without the negativity common in other forums. Ashlee shares updates on DSN’s upcoming features and community enhancements, as well as her insights on leadership, accountability, and maintaining morale within dental practices. Tune in for a mix of dental strategies, team management advice, and a sneak peek at DSN’s future plans. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 23, 2024 • 41min
2057: Drilling Protocol Pt. 2
On today’s two-part episode, we continue our deep dive into advanced surgical techniques with part two of his conversation with Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskeie, co-founders of the Colorado Surgical Institute. If you’re a surgery enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Dr. Taher and Dr. Dan focus on the challenges of working with D1 bone, emphasizing the importance of accurately assessing bone density through CT scans, push tests, and drill thread analysis. They discuss the precision required in drilling for D1 bone, including the crucial practice of drilling two to three millimeters beyond implant depth to prevent spinning and ensure stability. Additionally, they introduce the 50-50 drilling protocol, a groundbreaking technique from the recent GPS summit. Whether you’re a seasoned surgeon or new to implant placement, this episode is filled with practical advice and innovative strategies to enhance your surgical outcomes. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coloradosurgicalinstitute.com/#1 https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 22, 2024 • 30min
2056: Drilling Protocol Pt. 1
On today’s first part of a two-part episode, we have the co-founders of the Colorado Surgical Institute, Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskie. This is part one of a two-part series focused on advanced clinical and surgical topics. If you’re passionate about implant surgery, this episode is for you! Dr. Taher and Dr. Dan delve into drilling protocols for achieving optimal implant stability, specifically discussing how they consistently reach 45 Newton centimeters of stability with their preferred implant system. They also cover strategic approaches to handling various bone types and weigh the pros and cons of using different burrs in challenging D4 bone scenarios. Be sure to tune in for a deep dive into the technical aspects of implant placement, and don’t miss part two, where they’ll continue this insightful discussion. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coloradosurgicalinstitute.com/#1 https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 21, 2024 • 56min
2055: The Power of Positive Thinking
On today’s episode, we have Neo Positivity, a mindset specialist and advocate of the Law of Attraction. Neo shares his transformative journey from serving as a police officer in one of America’s most dangerous cities to retiring at 28 and dedicating his life to spreading positive mindset techniques. Throughout the episode, Neo discusses the importance of mental exercises, the power of affirmations, and how controlling your thoughts can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life. Mark and Neo also explore the impact of mindset on personal and professional growth, offering listeners practical strategies for improving their daily lives. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming challenges, harnessing the power of positivity, and creating a life that aligns with your goals and values. EPISODE RESOURCES https://neopositivity.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 20, 2024 • 33min
2054: Mastering CEO Time Pt. 2
On today’s second part of a two-part episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Summer Kassmel, a seasoned entrepreneur and one of DSI’s Black Belt coaches. Mark and her dive even deeper into the complexities of CEO time, discussing the discipline and strategies needed to make the most of this crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of running a successful dental practice. Dr. Kassmel and Mark start by exploring the challenges that arise when trying to carve out and protect CEO time. It’s not uncommon for this time to be filled with various tasks that seem urgent but are often low-value. Dr. Kassmel provides a clear framework for identifying and prioritizing tasks into low, medium, and high-value categories, emphasizing the importance of focusing CEO time on high-value tasks that can create significant and lasting improvements in the practice. The conversation then shifts to practical steps for structuring CEO time effectively. Dr. Kassmel highlights the need for intentionality, sharing how she navigates through various departments of her practice, identifying areas where systems can be improved to eliminate recurring issues. By focusing on these high-impact tasks, practice owners can create more efficient systems that reduce daily frustrations and improve overall operations. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Aug 19, 2024 • 26min
2053: Mastering CEO Time Pt. 1
On today’s first part of a two-part episode, we have Dr. Summer Kassmel, a highly successful entrepreneur and one of DSI’s Black Belt coaches. The conversation dives deep into a topic that resonates with many practice owners: the importance of CEO time and how to effectively fill that time once it's freed up. Dr. Kassmel shares her journey and the pivotal moments in her career that highlighted the necessity of dedicating focused, intentional time to work on the business rather than just in it. She explains how transitioning from a clinical role to more of a leadership and strategic role can be challenging, particularly because it involves an identity shift for many dentists who are used to immediate results from their clinical work. Throughout the episode, Dr. Kassmel and Mark discuss practical strategies for structuring CEO time, emphasizing the importance of scheduling it during your most productive hours, whether that be in the early morning or later in the day, depending on your personal rhythm. They also explore how to manage the guilt that often accompanies stepping away from patient care to focus on business strategy, and how this shift, while initially uncomfortable, can lead to exponential growth in both the efficiency and profitability of a practice. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast