The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today's episode, recorded at DSS 2023 in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Mark Costes delves into a summit that brought together 700 dental professionals, amassing a staggering 6420 years of collective dental experience. This episode is not just a recount of an event; it's a blueprint for transforming the dental profession through collaboration and collective wisdom. As we celebrated a decade of remarkable gatherings, we ventured to a location that symbolically and geographically represented the unity and midpoint of our diverse community. Despite the boutique setting's cozy limit, the energy and potential within these walls were anything but small. We tackle pressing issues facing the dental world today, from the urgent need for dental education reform to navigating the intricacies of dental insurance. With the average dental student burdened by a colossal $292,000 in debt, and the clinical experience waning amidst rising tuition costs, the call for change has never been louder. This episode passionately argues for a systemic overhaul, one that aligns the cost of education with the quality and quantity of clinical training provided. Insurance, a perennial thorn in the profession's side, is scrutinized for its increasing dominance and the stagnation of dentist reimbursements. This discussion isn't just about identifying problems; it's a rallying cry for unity and action against the forces that undermine dental practice autonomy and financial health. We also shed light on the workforce crisis, touching on the gradual yet hopeful signs of recovery as the pendulum swings back towards a more balanced employer-employee dynamic. The episode takes an honest look at the hygiene department's challenges, advocating for dialogue and mutual respect amidst rising tensions and wage disparities. Central to this conversation is the profession's cultural crisis— a lack of professionalism and camaraderie that threatens the very fabric of our dental community. This episode is a plea for a higher standard, where colleagues support rather than undermine each other, recognizing that the strength of our profession lies in unity rather than division. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/2024-dental-success-summit https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, recorded at DSS 2023 in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Mark Costes unveils the rigorous standards and transformative journey of achieving DSI's coveted black belt status in dental practice management. With an unwavering focus on excellence, Dr. Costes breaks down the classifications from white to black belt, revealing the core areas of systemization, culture, leadership, and financial control that define the success of a dental practice. He shares compelling stories of dentists who have escalated from the ground up, highlighting the disciplined approach to enhancing practice profitability, system efficiency, and team culture. This episode is a deep dive into the methodologies that have turned average practices into exemplary models of success, offering listeners a clear roadmap to elevate their practices. Dr. Costes emphasizes the importance of facing increasingly complex challenges head-on, a testament to growth and leadership in the demanding world of dentistry. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/2024-dental-success-summit https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we embark on a profound journey through the landscape of success, framed by the innovative "Four Futures" framework, which encompasses mind, meaning, muscle, and money. Each quadrant offers a unique lens through which we can evaluate and enhance our lives, challenging us to rethink our definitions of success. The discussion delves deep into the essence of emotional mastery, the richness of personal relationships, the pursuit of legacy, and the tangible metrics of financial freedom. Listeners are invited to explore the delicate balance between professional aspirations and the invaluable treasures of personal fulfillment. The episode also sheds light on the inherent pressures and challenges within the dental profession, underscoring the critical importance of managing stress and cultivating resilience. Through personal anecdotes and reflective questions, the conversation serves as a catalyst for listeners to assess their own lives across these four pivotal areas. In a world where time is our most precious commodity, this episode is a timely reminder to cherish our relationships, prioritize our wellbeing, and navigate our professional journeys with intention and purpose. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode offers timeless wisdom and practical insights for anyone looking to lead a more balanced and meaningful life. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/2024-dental-success-summit https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Dr. Justin Scott, CEO of Virtual Dental Offices and a dentist, discusses leveraging virtual assistants in dental practices. He shares his Iceland trip, workforce crisis solutions, tasks handled by virtual assistants, and data security measures. The podcast dives into the benefits of outsourcing non-core tasks, team structure in virtual offices, and ways to optimize efficiency with virtual support.

On today's episode, we have the second installment of our deep dive into student loans and financial strategy with Jake Courtney, a financial planner specializing in student loan consulting from Student Loan Planner. We tackle the tangible scenario of "young Mark," a hypothetical new dental graduate saddled with substantial debt and faced with the daunting task of financial planning. This episode serves as a case study, putting Jake's expertise to the test. We navigate through a realistic situation that many new graduates can relate to — weighing the desire for homeownership against the backdrop of significant student loans and an entry-level associate position. Jake lays out the roadmap for managing a whopping $425,000 in loans while still aspiring to financial goals like purchasing a home or saving for retirement. Our discussion unveils the myths surrounding student loan debt and its impact on acquiring additional loans, like those for a mortgage or dental practice. Jake debunks the idea that a large student loan balance necessarily spells doom for future financial ventures. It's not the debt amount that creditors scrutinize, but rather the ratio of your debt payments to your income. Listeners, especially those just starting in their professional journey, will gain insight into the balance between paying off loans and investing in their future. With Jake's sage advice, we learn about the power of maintaining a high savings rate, the importance of not allowing lifestyle creep with increasing income, and strategic tax filing for minimizing student loan payments. The call to action is clear: for those navigating the complexities of student loan repayment, particularly with looming deadlines like the April 30th consolidation tip shared by Jake, it's critical to seek specialized advice. Engage with professionals at Student Loan Planner, and consider an hour-long consultation that promises to be an invaluable investment in your financial future. EPISODE RESOURCES studentloanplanner.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we have an insightful two-part series, diving into the complex world of student loans and repayment strategies. Joining us is Jake Courtney, a seasoned student loan consultant and financial planner from Student Loan Planner, whose expertise lies in aiding dentists to navigate the often overwhelming terrain of hefty student loans. We explore the evolving landscape of student loan repayment. Jake, hailing from Dayton, Ohio, brings over nine years of financial advice to the table, helping clients forge individualized plans to maximize savings over their loan repayment timeline. We discuss the shockingly high average debt for dental graduates, the potential for reform, and the introduction of income-driven repayment plans like the new SAVE plan. With the possibility of loan forgiveness after 25 years and the daunting "tax bomb" that could follow, we dissect the risks and strategies necessary to manage this significant financial burden. Whether you're fresh out of dental school or years into your practice, understanding the interplay between your adjusted gross income and your student loan payments is crucial. As we wrap up part one of our discussion, we invite you to join us for part two, where we'll delve deeper into these topics. Remember, preparation is key when it comes to managing student debt effectively. If you're seeking guidance on navigating your student loans or planning for potential forgiveness, reach out to a specialized financial planner like Jake and consider tuning into resources like the Student Loan Planner podcast. EPISODE RESOURCES studentloanplanner.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we're joined by Mike "C-ROC", who interviews Dr. Mark Costes for his "What Are You Made Of?" podcast. Mark shares his journey from facing multiple rejections from dental schools to becoming the successful owner of multiple practices and a leading dental coach. With stories of early career struggles, learning the importance of culture and leadership, and how to scale businesses effectively, Mark offers invaluable insights into the mindset and strategies that have propelled him to the forefront of dental entrepreneurship. Listeners will hear about the moments of realization that led to significant changes in Mark's business approach, the role of core values in building a strong company culture, and the impact of mentorship and continuous learning on personal and professional growth. Mark also discusses the potential of artificial intelligence in dentistry and shares his advice for aspiring dental entrepreneurs. EPISODE RESOURCES https://mikecroc.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we dive into the heart of dentistry and explore the stories that shape our profession. We have a remarkable assembly of guests from the Dental Legacy Foundation. Dr. Dan Nelson, Ryan Passey, Dr. Jared Hill, and Jared Galovich join us to share their recent experiences and the incredible impact of their work in Tanzania. We discuss their inspiring journey with Smile Outreach International and the creation of sustainable dental care in Tanzanian communities. Our guests detail the transformative mission trip that not only provided dental care but also resulted in essential infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a life-changing water tower. From touching ceremonies to the construction of computer labs and visions of new dental schools, this episode is an incredible testament to what can be accomplished with passion and partnership. For those inspired by today's conversation and eager to contribute to these life-altering missions, your opportunity to make a difference is just a step away. Get involved with the Dental Legacy Foundation and Smile Outreach International to continue this wave of positive change. Your skills and donations can help bring consistent, quality dental care and so much more to communities in need. EPISODE RESOURCES dentallegacyfoundation.org https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we have friend and fellow dentist, Dr. Ben Kacos, in a conversation that feels both casual and richly informative. They discuss the demands and intricacies of dental practice, from handling complex procedures under sedation to strategic practice expansion. Dr. Kacos shares his personal experience of incorporating a paramedic into his sedation procedures, enhancing both efficiency and patient safety. Dr. Kacos also delves into the challenges of expanding a dental practice and the metrics that indicate when it's time to do so. His growth journey from a small setup to a multi-operatory enterprise offers listeners a blueprint for scaling their operations. The discussion turns towards the demographic considerations of practice location, emphasizing the importance of choosing a place with a conducive patient-to-dentist ratio and potential for growth. Listeners are encouraged to think ahead about their practice's lifecycle, from inception to the eventuality of selling or partnering with larger organizations. Dr. Kacos stresses the importance of demographic research in planning a successful dental practice and provides insights into managing a large team under one roof. EPISODE RESOURCES https://shreveportsdentist.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we have special guest, Dr. Paul "Nacho" Goodman, and we dive deep into the fascinating world of dental professional networking, career paths, and the importance of kindness in achieving success. We discuss the vibrant community within the "Nachos Kind of Facebook Group," boasting an impressive membership of dental professionals, and how Dr. Goodman has cultivated a platform for job connections and career advice in the dental field. The conversation highlights the unnecessary competitiveness within the profession and champions a more collaborative and empathetic approach. Dr. Goodman, founder of Dentist Job Connect, shares insights into the challenges and opportunities facing dental professionals today, from navigating job markets to the intricacies of dental practice sales. He stresses the importance of early career planning, proactive job searching, and the critical role of personal development beyond clinical skills. The episode also explores the dynamics between private practice and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), offering listeners a balanced view of the current dental landscape. For anyone in the dental profession, from students to seasoned practitioners, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on building a fulfilling career, embracing lifelong learning, and fostering positive relationships within the dental community. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.dentistjobconnect.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast