The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

Gary Bird, founder of SMC, empowers dental practices with a keen focus on marketing and operations. In this discussion, he reveals why many dental marketing efforts fail, stressing the importance of operational efficiency over flashy tactics. He highlights that 35% of calls go unanswered, significantly hurting ROI. The conversation also dives into the vital connection between lead generation and effective operational execution, advocating for better appointment availability and follow-up systems to enhance patient acquisition.

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Stephanie Botts, a seasoned dental hygienist turned ergonomics expert, to explore the physical toll dentistry takes on clinicians and how to prevent it. Stephanie shares how her own experience with chronic back pain inspired her to launch a business focused on helping dental professionals practice pain-free. From proper patient positioning and the dangers of "chicken winging," to the benefits of micro-breaks, loop upgrades, and targeted strength training, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to protect your body and extend your clinical career. Whether you're seated, standing, or working in extreme mobile settings, Stephanie offers solutions you can implement immediately to feel better at the end of the day. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.polishedposture.net https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Wendy Briggs, a Registered Dental Hygienist and co-founder of The Team Training Institute, shares her expertise on addressing the rift between hygienists and dentists. She discusses the hygiene crisis impacting dental practices, driven by wage expectations and cultural misunderstandings. Wendy offers strategies to enhance hygiene department productivity and elevate patient care standards. With insights into preventive and periodontal therapy, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration and a revamped definition of hygiene roles in modern practices.

Darren Shaw, the founder of Whitespark and a local SEO expert, shares crucial strategies for dentists to enhance their online presence. He discusses the three pillars of local SEO, focusing on optimizing Google Business Profiles and developing a consistent review strategy. Darren provides practical tips, such as using targeted categories and engaging with reviews. He highlights the importance of accountability in marketing efforts and how emerging AI tools can reshape local search, ensuring dentists attract more patients through improved visibility.

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with longtime friend and repeat guest JJ Ditkofsky, founder of WeCare, live from the Thrive Live event in Las Vegas. JJ dives deep into one of the most critical yet often misunderstood components of running a successful dental practice: real estate. From lease negotiations and expansions to practice startups and real estate purchases, JJ shares insights into how to avoid getting boxed into limiting contracts and make the smartest real estate decisions possible. They discuss the common pitfalls of signing inflexible leases, how to unlock hidden opportunities with current landlords, and why not all real estate is worth buying—despite the allure of ownership. Plus, the duo teases a high-impact event coming to New York City this fall for dentists interested in starting or expanding their practices the right way. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.drwecare.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In a dynamic discussion, John Meis, founder of The Team Training Institute and a leader in dental practice growth, shares his transformative journey in dentistry. He emphasizes the critical role of patient retention over acquiring new clients for sustainable success. They delve into navigating team dynamics post-COVID, the increasing significance of AI in dental services, and the need for effective communication and collaboration in practice management. Listeners will gain valuable insights on improving operational efficiency and fostering meaningful relationships in the dental industry.

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Kristin Yont, a Calgary-based dentist with a remarkable journey from clinical practice to becoming a leader in mind-body medicine. Kristin shares how her personal experience with emotional stress and burnout led her to explore yoga, mindfulness, and ultimately the SMART program—an eight-week stress management and resiliency training course developed by Harvard's Benson Henry Institute. Kristin opens up about how stress manifests physically, how to break the cycle of negative self-talk, and the importance of building emotional awareness and community within dentistry. From resilience to compassion fatigue, this conversation dives deep into the science and strategy behind sustainable well-being for dental professionals. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://mindbodyteacher.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jonathan Moffat, founder of Aligned Advisors, live from the Thrive Live conference in Las Vegas. With a background in scaling dental practices and advising dentists across the country, Jonathan shares his approach to turning overwhelmed dental professionals into confident business owners with a clear financial plan. He breaks down the concept of a family office—traditionally reserved for ultra-high-net-worth individuals—and how he's made it accessible to dentists through a flat-fee model that includes 200 annual checkpoints, customized financial flowcharts, and a collaborative team of dental-specific experts. Whether you're looking to scale, sell, or simply get your financial life in order, this episode is packed with game-changing strategies for dentists at any stage of their journey. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://alignedadvisors.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with the dynamic Dr. Kristine Adland live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas. A tech-savvy dentist known for pushing the limits of CAD/CAM dentistry, Kristine shares how she grew a three-chair startup into a 10-operatory powerhouse and built a team of diverse partners to align with her multi-passionate life. But it's not just about dentistry—Kristine is also building a boutique winery and wine cave in Napa Valley with fellow dentist Dr. Justin Moody, while simultaneously pursuing a law degree with a focus on contract law. From aesthetic same-day crowns to custom cabernet blends, Dr. Adland talks about what it takes to stand out in both competitive industries, the parallels between dentistry and winemaking, and her ultimate vision for creating unique CE and wine experiences in California wine country. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.aadlanddental.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In today's Part 2 episode, Morgan Hamon returns for Part 2 of his conversation with Dr. Mark Costes, diving headfirst into the intricate realities of selling a dental practice. From decoding EBITDA and enterprise value manipulation by private equity-backed DSOs to the critical role of quality of earnings reports and add-backs, Morgan unpacks what dentists need to know before entering any transaction. They explore the benefits and tax pitfalls of owning versus leasing commercial real estate, the real story behind cost segregation studies, and how depreciation recapture can sting if you're not prepared. Morgan also shares eye-opening advice on selling timing, managing post-sale windfalls, and the limited tax mitigation options available to W-2 dentists. Plus, they wrap up with some lighthearted stories and unforgettable insights from Morgan's days landing F-18s on aircraft carriers. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.eisneramper.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast