The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

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

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with Dr. Taher Dhoon, co-founder of the Colorado Surgical Institute (CSI), to talk about all things surgery, education, and giving back. They dive into CSI's explosive growth over 2025, including their largest-ever course with over 130 attendees, and highlight the wide variety of hands-on training opportunities CSI now offers—from single implants and wisdom teeth to full-arch, veneer, frenectomy, and IV sedation courses.  Dr. Dhoon also shares exciting plans for a live-patient cosmetic course and the launch of CSI's first Brazil-based zygoma and pterygoid training. Plus, the duo discusses Arches Across America, a national initiative to provide free full-arch treatment to underserved patients, and the powerful impact of volunteering. Whether you're a surgical pro or new to complex cases, there's something for every clinician in this jam-packed update. 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

Ashlee Hirschfeld, COO of the Dental Success Network, joins Dr. Mark Costes for a lively discussion on pressing dental community questions. They explore innovative ways to motivate employees beyond paychecks, emphasizing recognition and culture. The duo tackles how to manage troublesome patients and the need for clear dental benefits to minimize team conflicts. They also discuss the importance of financial literacy among staff and share exciting news about upcoming webinars and a new book launch, promising fresh insights for dental professionals.

Join Steijn Pelle, co-founder and CEO of Lassie and former tech expert from Robinhood and Coinbase, as he dives into revolutionizing dental revenue cycle management with AI. He highlights how traditional billing methods are outdated and shares insights on how Lassie can save practices up to 80 hours of administrative work monthly. Steijn emphasizes a pay-for-results model, future innovations like insurance verification, and the importance of nurturing a strong company culture—all inspired by the iconic rescue dog, Lassie.

Steijn Pelle, co-founder and CEO of Lassie and a former scaling expert for Robinhood and Coinbase, shares his journey from the Netherlands to Silicon Valley. He discusses how AI can revolutionize dental administration, particularly in tackling the complexities of revenue cycle management. Steijn highlights his hands-on experience working in a dental practice to address real-world challenges. He believes there's immense potential for innovation in this niche industry, making the case for embracing tech to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

On today's episode, we continue with part two of Dr. Mark Costes' in-depth conversation with Kyle Francis of Professional Transition Strategies. Kyle breaks down why recapitalizations have become more difficult for DSOs, how deal overhang and shifting market conditions are impacting valuations, and why understanding the right equity structure is crucial for dentists.   He also shares what makes a dental practice a "first-round draft pick" in the eyes of top DSOs, including the importance of EBITDA, geography, provider risk, and infrastructure. Kyle closes with key insights on how to time your transition and why it's essential to begin with the end in mind. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://professionaltransition.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Kyle Francis, founder and CEO of Professional Transition Strategies, for part one of a powerful interview. Kyle shares his journey into the world of dental mergers and acquisitions, how he built a company focused solely on seller-side representation, and why time can be a deal's biggest enemy.  He dives into the intricacies of practice valuations, the differences between individual-to-individual sales versus private equity-backed DSO sales, and the common misconceptions many owners have about liquidity and equity. Kyle also sheds light on how market competition has driven higher multiples and what makes some DSOs thrive while others fail. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://professionaltransition.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with longtime friend and dental sleep medicine expert Dr. Erin Elliott. Broadcasting from Thrive Live in Las Vegas, the two dive into a lively and powerful discussion about the lesser-known signs of sleep apnea, particularly in young, fit women. Dr. Elliott shares how anatomical and physiological factors—like a scalloped tongue or early morning wake-ups—often point to overlooked sleep disorders that dentists are uniquely positioned to detect.   They also discuss the emotional impact of restoring quality sleep to patients and families, how dental professionals can start screening today, and why "mild" sleep apnea isn't mild at all. Plus, you'll hear about Erin's passion for pickleball, her love for clinical practice, and why she's not planning to slow down anytime soon. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://3d-dentists.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In a lively discussion, Doug Fettig, a CPA and dental business advisor, shares his insights on effective dental practice management and leadership. He tackles the common struggles dentists face, from burnout to the pitfalls of poor delegation. Doug encourages breaking free from an "Eeyore" mindset by adopting abundance thinking and emphasizes the transformative power of hiring the right office manager. He advocates for outsourcing tasks while retaining leadership and clinical roles, ensuring dentists can thrive without feeling overwhelmed.