The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today’s 1st of 2-part episode, "When to Bring on an Associate," Ashlee Hirschfeld, Dr. Summer Kassmel, and Mark Costes delve into the critical considerations for dental practice owners contemplating the addition of an associate. The discussion underscores the importance of initiating the process early, noting that many doctors tend to delay due to fear or over-analysis. The trio explores the key indicators and metrics signaling the need for an associate, such as patient flow, physical capacity, and case acceptance rates. They emphasize the necessity of aligning philosophies and implementing effective onboarding processes to ensure a seamless integration of the new associate. Additionally, they address common fears and potential consequences, including concerns about reputation damage, financial loss, and team dynamics, offering valuable insights for mitigating these risks. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we're excited to have Donald and Monica Bailey, the founders of Epic Dental, join us. They are passionate about cavity prevention and the benefits of xylitol, a natural sweetener known for its dental health benefits. Epic Dental offers products like gum, mints, toothpaste, and mouthwash, all containing xylitol to help reduce the risk of cavities. Donald shared how Epic Dental started, pivoting from nasal sprays to oral care and overcoming challenges in finding the right dose of xylitol and marketing to consumers. Monica emphasized the importance of patient compliance and integrating xylitol products into daily routines easily. EPISODE RESOURCES www.epicdental.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Dr. Spencer Greer, a successful practice owner and expert in implant dentistry, shares his insights on optimizing dental practices. He discusses his journey with the carnivore diet to manage an autoimmune disease, revealing unexpected energy boosts. Spencer offers strategies for improving practice management and fostering a positive work environment. He highlights key performance indicators and mentorship through his program, Big Time Dental Producers, designed to elevate fellow dentists' practices. Tune in for valuable tips on enhancing productivity and patient care.

Dive into essential practice metrics that can elevate a dental business! Discover the importance of boosting internal capacity before heavy marketing spends. Learn about reactivating former patients and the critical role of managing collections for financial health. The conversation emphasizes data-driven decisions when considering new hires, alongside recognizing warning signs in practice management. With strategies for tackling staff shortages and fostering a positive culture, this discussion is invaluable for dental professionals aiming for success.

Join Ashlee Hirschfeld, a DSI Black Belt coach, Summer Kassmel, an expert on dental metrics, and Jake Conway, an analytics guru, as they explore the vital numbers that shape dental practices. They dive into the pivotal role of hygiene metrics and their impact on practice success. From analyzing hygiene production percentages to understanding staffing decisions, the trio emphasizes the importance of data-driven strategies. Discover how to utilize these metrics for informed decision-making and practice growth in this insightful discussion!

On today’s episode, we have a clip from a recent Dental Success Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Mark elaborates on the Systemization Jumpstart. He discusses the best ways to initiate systemization in your practice and build a strong foundational infrastructure. Mark covers the End of Day Protocol, explaining its rationale and steps for implementation. He also details the AM Office Manager Protocol, outlining the responsibilities of the office manager before the morning huddle. Additionally, he introduces the Downtime Protocol and references Peter Drucker's famous quote about the inefficiency of being efficient at tasks that shouldn't be done at all. The episode also explores the Time Journal Exercise, offering insights on what tasks to eliminate, outsource, and delegate, along with the most effective methods for doing so. Mark shares valuable tips on creating an organizational chart and conducting weekly growth meetings. He emphasizes the importance of structuring these meetings to engage the team fully, establish lead measures, and implement a framework for key performance indicators (KPIs) and accountability. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we wrap-up with part two of a two-part episode. If you haven't listened to part one of the "When It's Done" episode, make sure to go back and listen to it first. It will make a whole lot more sense. Today, we are going to focus on the entire workshopping exercise that we call the Ideal Practice Exercise. This exercise provides you with a lot of clarity about what you want your practice to look like when you transition out of practice ownership and clinical dentistry. Mark really believes in the power of visualization and having a clear target to aim for, especially as you navigate the minutiae, monotony, and stress of everyday life as a dental practice owner. It's this overall vision that helps you get through some of the toughest times and keeps you focused when the whirlwind seems to get the best of us. Throughout this workshopping exercise, there will be pauses. Listen to each question carefully, and if you can, take the time to follow along and complete the exercise as Mark reads through the questionnaire. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we have a mastermind meeting we had in 2019 in San Diego. We delved into a powerful visualization exercise, exploring what your practice could look like when you transition out of clinical dentistry. In this first part of a two-part series, Mark discusses two of his favorite mentors, Vince Lombardi and John Wooden, emphasizing their focus on mastering the basics to achieve success. He highlights the importance of continuous improvement and the need for experienced professionals to have reminders, minders, and accountability to stay on track. We also touch on Stephen Covey's seminal work, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," particularly the habit of "begin with the end in mind" and its critical role in realizing one's full potential. Mark shares a visualization exercise that we will explore in detail in part two of this series. Additionally, Mark discusses the herd mentality in humans, using a study on sheep and human behavior to illustrate the need for a clear plan to avoid the average, unfulfilled life that many Americans experience. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Navigating difficult conversations is crucial for success in personal and business relationships. Authenticity is key, as we tend to blend in while claiming uniqueness. Understanding the story, characters, and needs is essential in handling tough discussions. Expressing needs clearly is vital for progress and collaboration, focusing on inclusivity and positive communication techniques.

On today’s episode, we have Dr. Aaron Nicholas. Fresh from their annual mission trip to the Dominican Republic, they share reflections on their experiences in San Jose de Acoa and the surrounding villages. This trip, which has been running for 42 years, remains a highlight for both Mark and Aaron, who have found renewed perspectives and gratitude upon returning to their regular lives. Mark and Aaron delve into the logistics and personal impact of these mission trips. Despite the significant time commitment and financial sacrifice, they find immense value in the fulfillment and soul-enriching experiences gained from serving those in need. They discuss the complexities of running such a mission, comparing it to the structure of a dental practice, and the adjustments made since the retirement of the trip's founder, Dr. Frank Serio. They also share humorous anecdotes from their travels, including a minor passport mishap and the challenges of navigating airport security with local purchases. These stories highlight the patience and perspective gained from their mission work. The conversation shifts to the evolution of the mission trip itself, from its early days focused primarily on extractions to the current sophisticated setup offering a wide range of dental services. They discuss the importance of providing comprehensive care, including fluoride treatments and SDF applications, and the potential for further advancements like integrating handpieces for oral surgery and possibly even endodontic procedures. EPISODE RESOURCES https://smileoutreachinternational.org/#volunteer https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast