The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes celebrates a major milestone for the Dentalpreneur Podcast: 2,500 episodes. Broadcasting from Thrive Live 2026 in Las Vegas, Mark sits down with Steve Hollingsworth, owner of EnLightning Media and the producer, editor, media director, and behind-the-scenes force who helps keep the podcast running five days a week without missing a post. Steve shares his journey from making skateboarding videos as a teenager to working in broadcast, aerial cinematography, live streaming, and eventually building a media business that now supports Dentalpreneur and dental practices across the country. Mark and Steve pull back the curtain on the systems, team, and strategy required to produce consistent long-form, medium-form, and short-form content at scale, while also discussing why organic content has been one of the biggest drivers of growth for the Dental Success Companies. They reflect on the power of education-based marketing, the reach of the podcast around the world, and the people who make the entire operation possible. Tune in to the full conversation for a behind-the-scenes look at the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://enlightningmedia.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Max Shore from Lassie to explore one of the most frustrating and overlooked areas in dentistry—revenue cycle management. They discuss why billing, collections, and insurance follow-up remain such major pain points for practices, how AI is beginning to automate repetitive financial workflows, and what it takes to build a system that improves accuracy, speeds up collections, and reduces administrative burden. Max also shares insights from working with thousands of practice owners, along with Lassie's bigger vision for the future of dental billing, insurance verification, and practice finance automation. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES lassie.ai/dsihttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Matt Mulcock of Dentist Advisors for a wide-ranging conversation about the financial realities dentists are facing right now. They discuss consumer confidence, economic uncertainty, tax planning, retirement strategies, Roth conversions, donor-advised funds, and what it really takes to build long-term wealth while still enjoying life along the way. Matt also shares how Dentist Advisors is expanding its support for dentists across every stage of their career, from new grads to practice owners preparing for major transitions. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://dentistadvisors.com/lp/book-free-consultation-dsihttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Addison Killeen and Ryan Gross to unpack what practice owners can do when hygiene is full, staffing is tight, and growth starts to stall. They explore how to shift marketing toward higher-value patients such as emergency, implant, sedation, and full-mouth reconstruction cases, while creating systems that keep doctor production strong even when hygiene becomes the bottleneck. The conversation also highlights insights from Addison's new Complete Dental Hygiene Manual, including practical ways to optimize hygiene operations, navigate staffing shortages, and rethink growth strategy in today's dental economy. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskie of the Colorado Surgical Institute to break down what it really takes to manage surgical implant cases the right way from evaluation through long-term maintenance. They dive into practical pre-op and post-op protocols, medication strategies, patient communication systems, suturing tips, and ways to reduce unnecessary follow-up visits while improving outcomes. The conversation also covers healing abutments versus cover screws, incision management, immediate loading philosophy, and how better workflows can create a smoother experience for both the patient and the practice. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coloradosurgicalinstitute.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Collin Myrick to talk about his journey from dental school graduate during the chaos of 2020 to building a fast-growing dental organization in Northwest Florida. Collin shares how an early mentor helped steer him away from medicine and toward dentistry, where he found the perfect blend of hands-on healing, entrepreneurship, and family-centered balance. He also opens up about buying his first small-town practice, scaling from a single four-operatory office into a multi-location group, and why faith, service, and long-term vision remain at the center of every decision he makes. Mark and Collin also dive into the realities of leadership, culture, and growth at scale. They discuss the importance of mission, vision, and core values, how to attract the right people, and why meaningful community impact can become a practice's greatest competitive advantage. From Give Kids a Smile Day to building an organization where team members feel connected to a bigger purpose, this conversation is packed with insight for dentists who want to grow without losing sight of what matters most. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://defuniakspringsfamilydental.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we're featuring Dr. Mark Costes' live talk from ASDA 2026, where he delivers a powerful and deeply personal message to dental students about resilience, failure, and redefining success. Mark shares his journey from being rejected by 20 dental schools to eventually building multiple practices and a thriving career, emphasizing that his greatest lessons came from mistakes—not easy wins. He challenges the traditional definition of success in dentistry, highlighting the dangers of burnout and the importance of mastering not just clinical skills, but also business, leadership, and self-awareness. Through his "Four Futures" framework, he explains why true fulfillment comes from balancing mental health, relationships, physical well-being, and financial success. This talk is both a reality check and an inspiring roadmap for young dentists looking to build a career that offers not just income—but freedom and purpose. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes answers powerful questions from high-level operators in this Ask Me Anything session, focusing on the real challenges of scaling dental practices. He dives into overcoming founder dependency, building a strong executive team, and creating systems that drive accountability without sacrificing culture. Mark also shares practical strategies for adding production days without burning out your team, structuring lean and profitable schedules, and transitioning out of the day-to-day firefighting role. From leadership development to operational efficiency, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help practice owners grow sustainably while maintaining control and clarity. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Tom Fow and Dr. Dan Briskie for a deep dive into dental implant complications and how to avoid them. The conversation unpacks real-world lessons from high-volume implant practices, covering everything from proper case selection and patient health considerations to surgical precision and prosthetic planning. They break down common pitfalls like poor primary stability, improper drilling techniques, and the risks of cover screws, while also highlighting advanced concepts like pterygoid implants and reducing cantilevers in full arch cases. Most importantly, they emphasize that many complications can be prevented through better planning, communication, and understanding of biology and biomechanics. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help clinicians reduce failures, improve outcomes, and build more predictable implant workflows. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coloradosurgicalinstitute.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with precious metals expert David Morgan to break down the role of gold and silver in protecting and growing wealth. David shares his decades of experience in finance, explaining why all fiat currencies eventually fail and how the shift away from the gold standard has accelerated inflation. He dives into the importance of using precious metals as a hedge—not a gamble—and outlines practical strategies for getting started, including portfolio allocation, dollar-cost averaging, and balancing physical metals with mining equities. The conversation also explores real-world considerations like storage, borrowing against metals, and generating income through leasing or equities. This episode delivers a clear, grounded perspective on how dentists and high-income professionals can safeguard their financial future in an uncertain economic landscape. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.themorganreport.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costas sits down with Dr. Barry Oulton, The Confident Dentist, to explore the real key to case acceptance—effective communication. Barry shares his journey from running a successful practice to becoming a global coach, driven by both professional success and deeply personal challenges. He breaks down how understanding patient psychology, NLP principles, and emotional drivers can dramatically improve trust, connection, and treatment acceptance without relying on outdated sales tactics. From future pacing to identifying how patients process information, Barry reveals how aligning communication with each patient's mindset leads to better decisions and stronger relationships. This episode highlights how mastering communication doesn't just grow your practice—it transforms your impact both professionally and personally. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES http://www.drbarryoulton.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark sits down with financial advisor Jeff Condren to break down the biggest money mistakes high-income professionals make—and why earning more doesn't automatically lead to wealth. Jeff challenges common assumptions around debt, investing, and financial planning, explaining how overconfidence, lifestyle creep, and poor strategy can quietly erode long-term success. The conversation dives into practical frameworks for managing student loans, balancing investing with debt repayment, and building a financial plan that evolves through each stage of a dental career. They also explore the importance of emergency funds, the psychology behind spending, and why "set it and forget it" often outperforms trying to outsmart the market. If you want to turn income into lasting financial freedom, this episode delivers a clear, grounded roadmap. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.mesirow.com/bio/jeff-condrenhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark welcomes back Dr. Kristin Yont to dive into one of the most overlooked challenges in dentistry—chronic stress and burnout. Drawing from her work with the SMART (Stress Management and Resiliency Training) program, Kristin shares how high-performing professionals can better regulate their nervous system, quiet negative self-talk, and build true mental resilience. The conversation explores practical tools like breathwork, mindfulness, and cognitive reframing, along with the science behind why our brains default to stress and how to shift back into a more calm, focused state. They also discuss the power of awareness, meditation, and self-compassion in creating lasting change—not just in your career, but in your overall quality of life. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, mentally drained, or stuck in a loop of pressure and perfectionism, this episode offers a grounded, actionable path forward. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES http://www.mndbodyteacher.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark sits down with Brandy Kinnear, founder of Your Ideal Patients, to explore how AI is transforming the way healthcare practices attract, convert, and retain patients. With a background in scaling functional medicine clinics, Brandy shares how most practices are unknowingly leaking revenue through broken systems, missed calls, and poor follow-up—and how AI can plug those gaps. From automated patient journeys and 24/7 communication to smarter marketing strategies and data-driven decision-making, this conversation breaks down how to build a scalable, efficient practice without burning out your team. Brandy also dives into the importance of multi-channel marketing, personal branding, and why AI should be viewed as a team of digital employees—not just a tool. If you're looking to modernize your practice and stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES Community Outreach Strategist: Brand Rx - Website Analysthttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark delivers a powerful talk on what truly separates thriving dental practices from those stuck in stress and inefficiency. Breaking down the concept of the "leaky bucket," he explains why more patients, more procedures, or more marketing won't fix deeper operational issues. Instead, success comes from building strong systems, dialing in overhead, and creating a clear vision for your practice. From organizational structure and KPIs to patient experience and team culture, this episode highlights the foundational pillars every dentist must master to achieve profitability and long-term sustainability. Whether you're a student, associate, or owner, this is a blueprint for turning chaos into a well-oiled, systemized machine. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we're featuring a recent Dental Success Network webinar where Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Bill Keith and Dr. Ben Kacos to break down what it really takes to prepare your practice for a successful transition. They dive into the key drivers of valuation—including EBITDA, systems, and scalability—while highlighting common pitfalls like key man risk and over-reliance on a single provider. The conversation also explores what buyers are truly looking for in today's consolidation-heavy market, how to structure your practice for long-term growth, and why timing your transition correctly can significantly impact your outcome. Whether you're years away from selling or actively exploring options, this episode delivers practical insights to help you build a more valuable, resilient practice. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Kyle Francis of Professional Transition Strategies to unpack the current state of the DSO and private equity marketplace. They dive into why valuations for single practices remain strong despite industry noise, how interest rates are impacting large group recapitalizations, and what's really happening behind the scenes with private equity-backed DSOs. Kyle shares insights on deal structure, liquidity challenges, and why smaller practices continue to be highly attractive acquisition targets. The conversation also explores the pros and cons of selling to a DSO versus a doctor-to-doctor transition, including autonomy, risk, and long-term upside. This episode is a must-listen for any dentist considering a transition or trying to understand where the market is headed next. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://professionaltransition.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Brent Saunier and Chris Sands from Pro-Fi 20/20 for a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in dentistry—entity structure and tax strategy. In this conversation, they break down the critical differences between LLCs, S Corps, and partnerships, and explain why choosing the wrong structure too early can trap losses, limit deductions, and cost new practice owners thousands. They share real-world examples of common mistakes dentists make when starting or acquiring a practice, including relying on generic advice from the internet or misaligned guidance from advisors. The discussion also covers stock basis, tax timing strategies, and how to think proactively about growth, partnerships, and long-term planning from day one. This episode is a must-listen for any dentist looking to build a strong financial foundation and avoid costly early missteps. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.profi2020.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes hosts another Ask Me Anything session, answering thoughtful and high-level questions from the dental community around growth, leadership, and finding balance. He dives into how to scale a practice to $3M and beyond without sacrificing culture, patient experience, or personal time, while also explaining how to recognize the difference between a healthy growth phase and a broken model. Mark also tackles deeper questions around defining "enough," the tradeoffs of success, and how to transition out of the constant hustle phase by building the right infrastructure and team. Plus, he shares practical insights on patient perception—from attire to trust-building—and how small details can influence case acceptance. This episode is packed with both tactical advice and big-picture perspective for dentists at every stage of their journey. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Lior Tamir to unpack a remarkable journey from a struggling new grad during the 2009 recession to building a thriving $5M de novo practice in one of the most competitive markets in the country. Lior shares how stepping away from clinical dentistry to build a marketing tech company shaped his approach to growth, patient experience, and data-driven decision-making. He dives into the concept of "experiential dentistry," revealing how small but intentional touches—from office design to giving away electric toothbrushes—fueled explosive patient acquisition and loyalty. The conversation also explores his innovative hybrid PPO model with a concierge-style fee, the power of in-house specialty services, and how he scaled to over $1M per chair. Finally, Lior introduces The Dental App, a cloud-based, all-in-one platform designed to modernize practice management, integrate real-time analytics, and leverage AI for automation and patient follow-up—offering a glimpse into the future of dental operations. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.thedentalapp.comhttps://www.truedentalsuccess.comDental Success NetworkThe Dentalpreneur Podcast