The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today's episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Thomas Fow, a Scottsdale, Arizona native with a unique and inspiring journey to dentistry. Dr. Fow, who initially focused on basketball, was recruited to play at the United States Air Force Academy where he earned his BS in Biology and served as an orbital engineer for the Air Force. Despite his impressive career start, Dr. Fow was inspired by his family's legacy in dentistry and pursued a Doctoral Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. After a few years in private practice, he returned for advanced training in surgical dentistry. Dr. Fow shares his incredible journey, from the challenges of balancing Division 1 basketball and rigorous academics at the Air Force Academy to his transition from engineering to dentistry. He recounts the demanding nature of military training and how it shaped his resilience and dedication. Dr. Fow's story includes overcoming a low GPA from the academy, retaking essential courses, and ultimately earning his place in dental school despite significant setbacks. Now a traveling implant dentist in the Denver Metro area and a surgical mentor at the Colorado Surgical Institute, Dr. Fow discusses his passion for surgery, particularly full-arch surgeries, and the profound impact it has on patients' lives. He offers valuable advice for dental students and young dentists on finding their passion, the importance of gaining general dentistry experience, and the path to surgical proficiency. Dr. Fow also reflects on his faith and the pivotal moments that led him to pivot his career path, emphasizing the importance of embracing challenges and betting on oneself. His story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence in both personal and professional realms. Listeners are encouraged to follow Dr. Fow on Instagram at @tfowdds or email him at thomas.fowdds@gmail.com for insights into his day-to-day practice and to reach out with any questions. Join Dr. Mark Costas and Dr. Thomas Fow for an inspiring and insightful conversation that highlights the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and following one's passion in dentistry. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.studiozdental.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Dr. Aaron Nicholas, a dental expert, discusses enhancing efficiency in dental practices by writing down procedures, creating standard protocols, training staff, effective communication, and continuous improvement. He highlights the benefits of streamlining processes, delegation, and regular audits for improved productivity and patient care.

On today's episode, we have the first of 2-parts from Dr. Aaron Nicholas' presentation at the recent Mastermind event for the Dental Success Institute (DSI) in June 2024, Dr. Nicholas delved into several critical aspects of achieving success in dental practices. He began by emphasizing the importance of implementation and the need to overcome excuses that hinder progress. Dr. Nicholas discussed the significant value of efficiency and systems within dental practices, highlighting the benefits that protocols, checklists, and standardization bring to improving productivity, reducing stress, and ensuring consistent quality of care. He stressed the necessity of measuring and auditing practice activities to pinpoint inefficiencies and identify areas for improvement. Dr. Nicholas also underscored the crucial role of change and adaptability in maintaining a successful practice, encouraging attendees to embrace and implement necessary changes to stay competitive and efficient in their operations. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we're joined by recurring guest Sydney Robinson, the Executive Director of the Dental Success Network. The conversation touches on common themes within the network and Sydney's insights from her experience as a traveling consultant. Sydney and Mark discuss the current trends in the dental industry, including the rise of de novo practices and the considerations around acquisitions. They highlight the unique support system within DSN, where dentists can vent frustrations and seek advice in a private and respectful environment. The episode also covers debates on clinical practices, the importance of respectful discourse, and the value of diverse opinions in professional development. Sydney shares her experiences from the road, detailing the common disconnects she observes between practice owners and their teams. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and defining success for team members. The conversation also delves into the significance of having written systems and protocols and the need for regular calibration meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the importance of personal connections and trust within a team, and the value of having a safe space for open and honest communication. Mark and Sydney also share upcoming events and workshops for continued professional development. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Mark sits down with Rachel Wall, RDH and CEO of Inspired Hygiene. Rachel shares insights from her 30-year career as a clinical hygienist and hygiene productivity coach, discussing her journey from starting Inspired Hygiene in 2004 to building a successful coaching firm. The conversation touches on the triple win approach of Inspired Hygiene, which aims to create healthier patients, engaged hygienists, and profitable practices. Rachel and Mark delve into the challenges of balancing family life and professional commitments, particularly during the college exploration phase for their children. They also discuss the history and philosophy of Inspired Hygiene, emphasizing the importance of calibrating hygiene teams with modern practices and technology. Rachel highlights the significance of having a clear standard of care and the benefits of collaborative development within dental teams. The discussion shifts to the current challenges in the dental industry, including the impact of COVID-19 on the supply and demand for hygienists, rising wage expectations, and the adversarial relationships that can develop between hygienists and doctors. Rachel offers practical advice for navigating these challenges, such as the importance of open communication, data-driven decision-making, and maintaining a culture of continuous improvement. Mark and Rachel also explore the nuances of coaching in dental practices, addressing common themes of resistance and the strategies to overcome them. Rachel shares her perspective on the importance of setting realistic expectations and providing support to team members as they adapt to new standards and practices. She emphasizes the need for hygienists to have ownership over their compensation and the potential benefits of shifting towards more innovative compensation models. The episode concludes with Rachel providing information on how listeners can get in touch with Inspired Hygiene for coaching and resources. She invites listeners to visit the Inspired Hygiene website to book discovery meetings and access a wealth of free resources designed to support dental practices. Dr. Costas and Rachel sign off by wishing each other well and expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming summer activities. EPISODE RESOURCES https://inspiredhygiene.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Mark delivers a concise yet impactful discussion on the CEO effectiveness assessment. The focus is on establishing objective baselines for leadership, culture, and systemization in dental practices. He emphasizes that the best leaders maintain a keen awareness of their operation's performance through various measurable data points. He highlights the crucial differences between micromanaging and effective leadership, offering insights into how dental professionals can enhance their leadership skills. The episode introduces the assessment used in DSI to gauge CEO effectiveness, providing listeners with practical tips to elevate their leadership and drive success in their practices. This short but action-packed episode is designed to help dental professionals reflect on their current practices, identify key performance data points, and implement effective leadership strategies. Tune in to gain valuable insights and take the next step towards becoming a more effective leader in your dental practice. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we have the second half of the 2-parts from Dr. Ben Kacos' presentation on "Morning Huddles That Matter" at the Mastermind event, he emphasized the importance of reviewing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) during morning huddles. This practice helps measure and report on daily performance, new patient flow, reappointment rates, and hygiene production, ensuring that the team stays aligned with the practice's goals. Dr. Kacos discussed using morning huddles as an opportunity for teaching and influencing factors such as new patient flow, case acceptance, and treatment planning. He stressed the importance of presenting treatment in terms that resonate with patients, thereby improving case acceptance rates. Continuing his focus on continuous improvement and training, Dr. Kacos highlighted methods such as team retreats, "Back to Basics" cards, and creating a culture of accountability within the team. These approaches help maintain high standards and ensure ongoing professional development. Dr. Kacos also underscored the significance of building a positive office culture. He introduced activities like random acts of kindness, the Kool-Aid Award, culture coins, and patient preference sheets as ways to foster a supportive and engaging environment. Additionally, regularly scheduled team retreats that mix business with fun were highlighted as essential for strengthening team cohesion and morale. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we have the first half of 2-parts from Dr. Ben Kacos' presentation titled "Morning Huddles That Matter" at the Mastermind event, he delved into the crucial role of morning huddles in energizing the team and setting a positive tone for the day. He underscored the importance of leadership in maintaining high energy levels and ensuring team motivation right from the start of the day. Dr. Kacos highlighted how morning huddles can build a strong office culture, focusing on praising teamwork and same-day treatment. He emphasized the use of positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and outcomes within the team. Additionally, he discussed the value of leveraging patient reviews and social media feedback as teaching tools. By breaking down positive reviews, he illustrated how specific behaviors and practices led to successful patient interactions, thereby reinforcing good practices within the team. Furthermore, Dr. Kacos stressed the need for continuous training and development within the practice. He introduced systems like "Back to Basics" cards, team growth meetings, and a document vault of training videos. These tools ensure consistent and effective training for both new and existing team members, fostering a culture of ongoing learning and improvement. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we have a quick but impactful episode, titled "The Paradox of Personal Investment," Dr. Costes shares highlights from his recent keynote presentation at the mastermind meeting in Charlotte. Mark discusses the common stories we tell ourselves to justify why we don't take ownership of our personal marketplace. He delves into the paradox of personal investment and emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who inspire and push you to be better. The episode also covers strategies for closing seemingly insurmountable gaps and introduces a practical hack for managing chaotic and stressful situations. Listeners will learn about the concept of focusing on important tasks over urgent ones and how this shift in focus can significantly impact personal and professional growth. Additionally, Mark highlights key traits to leverage to become a world-class CEO. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we're diving into a recent mastermind meeting with our elite practice mastermind private coaching members. The focus of the discussion was on conversation, rapport building, and building trust quickly. Mark referenced Dale Carnegie's iconic book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," specifically the section titled "Six Ways to Make People Like You." Carnegie emphasizes that the key to turning a conversation into a rapport-building and trust-building process is to get people talking about themselves. People love to talk about themselves, and by engaging them in this way, you can quickly build rapport. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast