The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Chris Green of The Practice Launchpad and Justin "JJ" Ditkofsky of WeCare to talk about all things dental startups—from the earliest planning stages to scaling for long-term success. The trio dives deep into the real-world challenges dentists face when launching a practice, including costly lease mistakes, undersized offices, decision fatigue, and lack of future scalability.   JJ shares wild personal stories (including why he's podcasting from his backyard), real estate insights from Frisco, Texas to Tribeca, and what separates a smart startup from a money pit. Chris outlines his proven three-phase approach to launching and optimizing a startup, while Mark breaks down why thinking like a CEO from day one is critical. Plus, they announce a free live event in NYC on September 18, 2025, for dentists considering startups—complete with networking, lectures, and champagne.  Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.thepracticelaunchpad.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Gary Bird interviews Dr. Mark Costes to unpack the real-world complexities of scaling from one dental practice to ten. Mark shares hard-earned lessons from building and managing 26 practices, explaining why early success can mislead dentists into rapid expansion and how to avoid the common pitfalls. They explore why strong systems beat superstar staff, how to "red team" your practice to identify weaknesses, and why pressure-testing your operations is critical before adding new locations.   Mark also dives into financial realities—like the limits of traditional bank lending and when to consider private equity—and makes a compelling case for focusing on same-store growth over ego-driven expansion. If you've ever wondered when to scale, how fast to move, or how to protect your cash flow while growing, this episode is full of strategic insights. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://thegarybird.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Eric Appelsies and Alexandra Kantor, hosts of the Just a Couple of Dentists podcast, sit down with Dr. Mark Costes to explore the philosophies that have fueled his success in dentistry and beyond. From spotting potential in others and connecting people for exponential growth to giving without expectation, Mark reveals the mindset that has shaped the Dental Success Institute and his legacy.   He also shares the story behind Smile Outreach International, his foundation providing sustainable dental care to underserved communities, and how living with integrity and abundance has allowed him to grow intentionally without compromising quality. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coupleofdentists.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Taher Dhoon for a Surgical Saturday deep dive into one of the most underrated clinical procedures in dentistry: frenectomies. As co-founder of the Colorado Surgical Institute, Dr. Dhoon outlines the powerful impact frenectomies can have on both pediatric and adult patients—improving airway, sleep, behavior, and overall development.   He shares details about CSI's upcoming hands-on frenectomy course, including patient selection, surgical technique (CO2 and scalpel-based), and the referral relationships it can unlock with myofunctional therapists, pediatricians, and speech pathologists. This episode also explores how frenectomies can open the door to long-term care like ortho, expansion, and even full-arch treatment. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coloradosurgicalinstitute.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Ryan Gross, CEO of CMOShare and a dental marketing expert with over 15 years of experience, joins the conversation to discuss the significant impact of AI on dental practices. He emphasizes the evolution of AI from a novelty to an essential tool for improving patient acquisition and ROI. Ryan shares insights on AI-driven website optimization, adaptive marketing strategies, and effective use of call bots to capture patients after hours. He also explains how to accurately calculate ROI and the differences in marketing strategies for PPO versus fee-for-service practices.

Dr. Khamir Patel, a practicing dentist and founder of SmartChair AI, dives into the innovative ways AI and IoT are revolutionizing dental practices. He reveals how his technology tracks chair occupancy and production accurately, helping practices boost efficiency. Patel discusses essential benchmarks for chair utilization and shares real-world success stories from his platform. The conversation also explores the future potential of AI in dentistry, emphasizing the importance of data integration and operational improvement for enhanced patient care.

Discover the intense pressures that dental practice owners face, including decision fatigue and rising student debt. Explore the pros and cons of starting a new practice versus acquiring an established one. Learn about the unique challenges new owners encounter and the mindset shifts needed for success. Gain insights into strategies for attracting new patients and ensuring long-term sustainability. Understand the critical role of strong vendor relationships and how consultancies can support aspiring dentists in navigating this complex landscape.

Dive into the reality of dental practice ownership with a discussion on massive student debt and alarming burnout rates. Explore the humorous side of communication mishaps through a Whole Foods story. Reflect on the journey of creating sustainable clinics in underserved areas, while also uncovering the financial challenges and emotional strains that plague dental professionals. Learn how meaningful relationships and community collaboration are vital in tackling these issues. Don't miss out on exclusive offers and networking opportunities for dental practice owners!

In this conversation, Brian Mills, founder of ROAM Commercial Real Estate and a seasoned expert in real estate for healthcare professionals, shares his 25 years of insights into the importance of strategic real estate decisions for dentists. He dives into common pitfalls in lease negotiations and offers tips on finding scalable locations. Brian reveals how landlords view dentists as long-term tenants and emphasizes the need for tenant representation. With engaging anecdotes and practical advice, he equips dental professionals with the tools to ensure their practice thrives.

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend and mentor Dr. Aaron Nicholas to reflect on their recent experience with the Dominican Dental Mission Project (DDMP). Now in its 43rd year, this unique and tightly-knit mission trip delivers full-scope dental care—including PEDO, restorative, surgery, and prosthodontics—to underserved communities across the Dominican Republic.   Aaron, a 29-time veteran of the trip, shares the story of how he got involved, the logistical complexities of running mobile clinics, and the deep sense of fulfillment that keeps him—and others—coming back year after year. Mark also opens up about how this annual trip has become a cherished family tradition and a powerful remedy for burnout. If you've ever considered giving back through mission dentistry, this heartfelt conversation is packed with inspiration and practical insight. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast