The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

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

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.