Claim OwnershipThe Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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© 2015, The Dentalpreneur Podcast & True Dental Success, LLC
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The goal of this podcast is to assemble the greatest minds of the dental profession and to pass on their most valuable and succinct lessons, in order to help you to achieve your full potential in practice and in life. Let's face it. Dentistry can be a frustrating and isolating profession... but you don't have to be an island anymore.
It's possible to become more profitable, less stressed and more fulfilled in your career and it's our mission is to help you get there.
For a whole host of free practice building tips and resources, visit our website at TrueDentalSuccess.com
It's possible to become more profitable, less stressed and more fulfilled in your career and it's our mission is to help you get there.
For a whole host of free practice building tips and resources, visit our website at TrueDentalSuccess.com
2442 Episodes
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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Andrew Kokabi, owner of Brookhaven Family Dentistry and a true example of grit, growth, and purpose-driven leadership. From his early days in a three-operatory practice with no paycheck, to leading a thriving 17-op fee-for-service operation with plans to expand to 30, Dr. Kokabi shares his deeply personal journey. He talks about how his upbringing as the child of Iranian immigrants shaped his business mindset, the painful but transformative experience of burnout, and the pivotal role the Dentalpreneur Podcast played in reigniting his passion and vision. The conversation dives deep into creating a strong culture, onboarding associates with aligned philosophies, tracking performance, building patient loyalty, and giving back to the community in creative, meaningful ways. You'll also hear about Dr. Kokabi's vision for long-term impact—both in dentistry and through empowering underserved populations. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coupleofdentists.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, recorded live at Voices of Dentistry 2026, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Drs. Eric Appelsies and Alex Kantor, the duo behind the podcast Just a Couple of Dentists. They share how podcasting helped them build community, stay curious, and keep perspective as they navigate practice ownership and young family life. The conversation explores burnout, doing mission work to reconnect with dentistry, and the challenges of wearing every hat as a business owner. They also give a sneak peek into their upcoming tech projects aimed at solving real operational pain points in dental practices. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coupleofdentists.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, we continue our conversation with dental attorney Evan Sampson as he and Dr. Mark Costes tackle the real-world legal challenges practice owners face. In Part 2, they unpack best practices for avoiding PPO audits, how to properly dismiss a patient, the right way to handle informed consent, and what to do when it's time to fire an employee—especially during riskier situations like pregnancy. Evan offers practical, step-by-step advice to help dentists stay compliant and avoid unnecessary legal exposure, no matter what state they practice in. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.postschell.com/attorneys/evan-m-sampson https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with dental attorney Evan Sampson for a deep dive into the legal issues dentists face every day—often without realizing it. In Part 1, Evan shares his journey from litigator to dental-focused counsel and how his unique background helps him proactively guide practice owners through employment law, regulatory compliance, and contract issues. From the legal missteps that commonly trigger lawsuits to tips for setting up strong employment policies and handbooks, this conversation is packed with real-world insight to help dentists avoid costly mistakes. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.postschell.com/attorneys/evan-m-sampson https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes joins Dr. Mike Lundy for a crossover conversation from the Ownership Awakened: The Dental Journey podcast, focused on what comes next after deciding you're ready for practice ownership. Together, they walk through the early-stage decisions every future owner faces, including startup versus acquisition, building the right advisory team, leadership development, and designing a practice that can grow and adapt over time. This episode offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the ownership journey as it unfolds in real time. 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, recorded live at the October 2025 DSI Mastermind, Dr. Mark Costes unveils a powerful 21-day Four Futures Challenge designed to reset your mindset, strengthen relationships, improve physical health, and gain financial clarity. With practical habits like daily breathwork, love bombs, movement, and a Friday social media fast, this challenge is both achievable and transformative. The episode also explores deeper conversations around associate accountability, team training, and the realities of leadership in dental practices. DSI Black Belt coaches share insights from their mastermind groups, highlighting common struggles like cancellations, associate retention, and the importance of setting clear expectations. 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 welcomes Dr. Paul O'Malley, a pioneer in holistic and biomimetic dentistry with over 25 years of clinical and entrepreneurial experience. Dr. O'Malley shares his evolution from traditional full-mouth reconstructions to a minimally invasive, adhesive-based philosophy grounded in oral-systemic health. The two dive into root canal controversies, the science of mercury removal, and how dentists can reduce the need for endodontic treatment by preserving the pulp through proper restorative protocols. Dr. O'Malley also discusses the founding of Great Oral Health, his natural oral care company focused on hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste, oral probiotics, and innovative products designed to support healing and remineralization. Packed with insights on patient communication, functional aesthetics, and true prevention, this conversation is a must-listen for forward-thinking dental professionals. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.greatoralhealth.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Steven Patala and Roman Shtimerman of NadaPayments, the company leading the charge in compliant credit card surcharging for dental practices. They discuss how their solution is helping thousands of practices eliminate a top 10 line item on the P&L by shifting credit card fees back to patients—without damaging patient trust or experience. Steven and Roman break down the difference between compliant surcharging and dual pricing, how to roll this out effectively in your practice, and why most patients are already used to this model. They also dive into software integration, compliance across state lines, and the powerful backend tools that make AR management and payment plans easier than ever. Plus, the conversation takes a fun detour into Formula 1, track days, and how their passion for racing fuels their precision and performance in business. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.nadapayments.com/dsi https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Ryan Gross, founder and CEO of CMO Share, for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of dental marketing, operations, and how to thrive in uncertain economic times. They discuss the critical importance of aligning marketing strategies with operational capacity, how to maximize ROI by tracking the right metrics, and the power of Google Analytics over analog systems. Ryan shares how his experience with Disney and data-driven thinking shaped CMO Share's unique approach to dental marketing. They dive into the different strategies for startups versus acquisitions, explore how AI is changing how practices must approach SEO and content, and why patient quality is more important than raw numbers. Plus, they discuss upcoming opportunities like the January 29th Practice Launchpad event in Scottsdale, Arizona—perfect for those planning a startup or acquisition in 2026. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.mycmoshare.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Alexis Gallati, founder of Cerebral Tax Advisors and author of Advanced Tax Planning for Medical Professionals. Alexis brings a wealth of knowledge on proactive, high-level tax strategies tailored specifically for medical and dental professionals. The conversation covers everything from tax-saving tactics for W2 earners like short-term rentals and oil & gas investments, to advanced planning opportunities for business owners, including entity structuring, paying your children, and maximizing retirement contributions through backdoor and mega backdoor Roths. Alexis also shares personal insights on being married to a neurosurgeon and how that inspired her mission to protect high-income professionals from bad financial advice. Whether you're looking to save more on taxes or make smarter long-term financial decisions, this episode is packed with practical gems. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.cerebraltaxadvisors.com/bigbill https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by DSI Black Belt coach and co-founder of The Practice Launchpad, Dr. Chris Green, for an in-depth conversation on startup success in today's challenging dental landscape. Chris shares his journey of building a ground-up dental practice from a shell, highlighting lessons learned around construction, IT, design, and avoiding costly rookie mistakes. The duo also explores why the fundamentals of a successful startup haven't changed, despite the rise in costs and consolidation across the industry. They emphasize the importance of mentorship—not as a sales pitch, but as a strategic move to compress time and reduce the "ignorance tax" that comes with going it alone. Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned doc considering your first (or next) startup, this episode delivers actionable insights to stack the deck in your favor. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.thepracticelaunchpad.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friends and financial experts Brent Saunier and Chris Sands of Profi2020 to unpack some of the most overlooked yet critical financial decisions dentists face. From the often misunderstood process of switching CPA firms and the emotional roadblocks that come with onboarding, to the dangers of outgrowing your entity structure without knowing it, this episode is packed with practical advice and real client stories. The trio dives into why clarity around your finances is essential for long-term success, how to vet a great CPA, and why early education for newer practice owners is now more accessible than ever. Whether you're a new owner or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation will help you assess your financial infrastructure and avoid common mistakes that cost dental entrepreneurs time and money. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.profi2020.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Brian Bhaskar, a newly minted oral and maxillofacial surgeon, third-generation dentist, and founder of Sindi, a digital referral management platform designed to modernize how dentists communicate. Dr. Bhaskar shares his journey from Division I basketball at Gonzaga to completing a six-year oral surgery residency at the University of Washington, and how firsthand frustrations with outdated referral systems inspired him to build a HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based solution for seamless collaboration between general dentists and specialists. The conversation also explores life after residency, the realities of private practice, balancing entrepreneurship with clinical excellence, and why better communication leads to better patient experiences. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://sindireferrals.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Vishal Sharma, Director of Clinical Education and Operations at Spear Education, to explore the evolving landscape of dental education. Dr. Sharma shares his journey from building and scaling private practices to leading clinical education initiatives across DSOs, and now helping shape the next generation of learning at Spear. The conversation dives deep into hybrid education models, the growing role of AI in diagnostics and training, challenges facing early career dentists, and why blending in-person mentorship with virtual and self-paced learning is the future of dentistry. They also discuss how technology, efficiency, and accountability are redefining both clinical excellence and career satisfaction for today's dentists. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.speareducation.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend and marketing leader Joshua Scott for a wide-ranging conversation that blends entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Josh shares what it's really like to scale a company through a "building year," why infrastructure equity matters more than short-term profit, and how navigating overlapping growth curves can feel both challenging and energizing. They dive into predictable success, avoiding shiny-object syndrome, balancing ambition with fulfillment, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people as you grow. This episode is packed with honest reflections on business, creativity, and knowing when enough is enough. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://s8e8.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Ryan Gross, founder of CMO Share, reveals how his background in experiential marketing—from zoos to Disney—perfectly translates into the world of dental marketing. He shares how understanding human behavior, data-driven decisions, and simple brand visibility tactics can significantly grow a practice. Ryan breaks down everything from choosing the right name and logo to leveraging brochures, shirts, and local partnerships for powerful brand repetition. He explains why operational efficiency drives marketing ROI, how missed phone calls are costing you thousands, and why schedule availability matters more than ad spend. With insights on website optimization for AI, dental savings plans, implant marketing, and the importance of internal referrals, Ryan delivers a comprehensive guide for any practice ready to grow smart—not just loud. 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, we bring you Dr. Mark Costes' second impactful presentation from the Music City SCALE 2025 event. In this talk, Dr. Costes blends tactical strategy with raw vulnerability as he opens up about achieving his lifelong financial goals—only to find himself exhausted, unfulfilled, and deeply unhappy. He shares the pivotal moment that led him to rethink success, prioritize fulfillment, and build a model for personal and professional transformation. You'll learn about the six foundational areas that determine practice health, how to avoid burnout with smarter operatory planning, and why redundancy—not minimalism—is the true path to lifestyle freedom. Mark also dives into the power of patient exam counts, how poor leadership affects everything from culture to profitability, and why dentists must think more like NFL head coaches than all-star players. If you've ever wondered why hitting your numbers still doesn't feel like success, this episode is a must-listen. 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 is joined by Bill Keith and Ben Kacos for an in-depth crash course on DSOs—what they are, how they've evolved, and why every dentist should understand their growing impact on the profession. This conversation dives into the history of dental consolidation, the rise of private equity in the industry, and what those infamous EBITDA multiples really mean for your practice valuation. The trio compares doctor-to-doctor transitions with DSO sales, laying out the pros, cons, and critical factors like tax strategy, risk mitigation, and personal goals. With real-world insights, valuation math, and clear advice on navigating offers, this is the foundational DSO knowledge every growth-minded dentist needs. 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 sits down with longtime friend and respected dental entrepreneur Tiger Safarov, founder of Zen One. Tiger shares his incredible immigrant journey—from arriving in the U.S. not knowing English to building a thriving dental construction company, and later pivoting to launch a tech platform revolutionizing dental supply management. They dive into Tiger's inspiration for Zen One, the evolution of the platform from a scrappy startup to a streamlined, AI-powered solution, and his deep commitment to supporting private dental practices in an increasingly DSO-dominated industry. With a strong emphasis on integrity, innovation, and real cost savings, Tiger explains how Zen One empowers practices to take control of their variable expenses and boost profitability without compromising on quality. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://dsn.zenone.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back DSI Black Belt coach and seasoned dental entrepreneur Dr. Summer Kassmel for a power-packed, tactical conversation on case acceptance. Summer walks us through her step-by-step strategy to improve treatment plan acceptance, starting with clearly defined pillars of care and a unified team approach. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, calibrating with hygienists, and tailoring communication to the patient's personality without overwhelming them. From managing chief complaints to using analogies patients understand, she explains how to prioritize treatment effectively and guide patients toward long-term oral health. Summer also shares how game film—recording exams and treatment plan presentations—can transform team communication and case acceptance rates. 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
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