On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Ben Kacos for a powerful and tactical conversation on what it really takes to evolve from a standard general dentist to a Super GP. Dr. Kacos shares his personal journey of 700% growth by strategically adding advanced clinical procedures like surgical extractions, socket grafting, molar endo, and IV sedation. Together, they break down the path of clinical progression—starting with strong communication skills and moving into more complex treatments—and explain how expanding your skill set directly impacts production, patient loyalty, and practice growth. They also discuss the critical role of team training, realistic onboarding for new procedures like PRF and implants, and how you don’t need to do it all yourself to create a Super GP practice. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your practice to the next level, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a more comprehensive, profitable, and patient-focused operation. 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 Jane Levy, co-founder and CEO of Plan Forward, for a powerful conversation on how dental membership plans can help practices take control of their revenue and reduce dependence on underperforming insurance plans. Jane shares her unique path from Wall Street investor to dental tech entrepreneur, including her pivotal encounters at Henry Schein and Jarvis Analytics. She breaks down the structure and strategy behind successful membership plans, explains why they outperform traditional discount models, and offers insight into the potential for recurring revenue and increased treatment acceptance. From onboarding and team training to PMS integration and marketing strategies, Jane outlines how Plan Forward helps practices convert more uninsured patients while improving care access and boosting profitability. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.planforward.io https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with his longtime friend and DSI Black Belt Coach, Dr. Taher Dhoon, for a deeply reflective and inspiring conversation on redefining legacy, creating balance, and building sustainable impact. From humble beginnings to scaling a $5M+ practice, Dr. Dhoon shares how his perspective has evolved over the years—from chasing traditional success metrics to prioritizing meaningful relationships, cultural roots, and purposeful living. The two discuss the origins and explosive growth of the Colorado Surgical Institute, their shared journey in launching global outreach through Smile Outreach International, and practical financial strategies like micro-harvesting to fund life experiences without sacrificing long-term goals. If you’ve ever felt the pull between professional ambition and personal fulfillment, this episode offers a roadmap to having both—and building a legacy far beyond the walls of your practice. 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
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Vishal Bhalla, founder and CEO of Wieldy.ai, an innovative AI platform transforming revenue cycle management in dental practices. Vishal shares how observing inefficiencies in his brother-in-law’s orthodontic offices during the pandemic sparked the idea for Wieldy. With a background in AI and machine learning, he explains how Wieldy's suite of AI agents automates claims posting, denial management, EFT reconciliation, and is soon expanding into insurance verification. The conversation covers how AI is reducing manual labor, improving collections, and boosting operational efficiency across both private and DSO practices. Vishal also opens up about the startup journey, the importance of preserving human empathy in patient interactions, and the future of scalable, tech-driven dental practice management. Stick around for a personal story swap about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—proof that both entrepreneurship and dentistry require stamina, strategy, and vision. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://wieldy.ai https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by sales strategist and full-arch consultant Stacy Farley, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate sales to becoming a key driver behind one of the most successful single-location implant centers in the U.S. Stacy breaks down the often-overlooked steps of the full-arch patient journey, from lead generation and call center strategies to clinical handoffs and closing high-dollar cases with empathy and purpose. She explains how her sales approach, rooted in personal motivation and genuine care, helped scale her father's practice from $2.2M to $8M in under eight years. Packed with actionable insights on improving case acceptance, handling inbound and outbound leads, and training team members to present with confidence, this episode is a masterclass in dental sales psychology. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://fullarchsalesexperts.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Taher Dhoon to introduce an exciting new addition to the Colorado Surgical Institute (CSI) lineup: a hands-on, live-patient cosmetic dentistry course focused on 10 over 10 veneer cases. The two discuss how this program differs from traditional full arch or surgical training, with an emphasis on preserving dentition while delivering life-changing aesthetic outcomes. Dr. Dhoon explains the comprehensive approach to case selection, smile design, deprogramming, and lab communication. He also details how participants will prep, temporize, and later deliver their own patient’s case over two weekends—mirroring the CSI philosophy of experiential, clinically immersive education. Whether you're experienced in cosmetics or new to aesthetic work, this course promises to level up your skill set, reduce complications, and drive high-value revenue into your practice. 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
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Dr. Mark Tholen, a former dentist turned renowned dental office architect, to unpack the art and science of designing a practice that maximizes productivity and minimizes stress. With decades of experience and thousands of projects under his belt, Dr. Tholen explains how to right-size your office for long-term growth, avoid common design pitfalls, and keep construction projects on time and on budget. He shares insights on ergonomics, workflow efficiency, and the critical role of complete plans in preventing costly change orders. Whether you’re building from the ground up or renovating an existing space, this conversation is packed with practical advice to ensure your office becomes a powerful asset for your practice. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://mynewdentaloffice.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes wraps up an incredible run of podcasting at Thrive Live with a conversation about one of dentistry’s most transformative tools—3D printing. He sits down with Dr. Michael DeFee to talk about digital workflows, chairside design, and the future of restorative dentistry. As a founding partner of the MOD Institute and an expert in Exocad and additive manufacturing, Dr. DeFee shares his journey from virology PhD to tech-forward dental leader, and how his team is shaping education around everything from veneers to full-mouth rehabs. Plus, the two explore how 3D printing can revolutionize care delivery in mission settings around the world. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.themodinstitute.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Chris Green of The Practice Launchpad and Justin “JJ” Ditkofsky of WeCare to talk about all things dental startups—from the earliest planning stages to scaling for long-term success. The trio dives deep into the real-world challenges dentists face when launching a practice, including costly lease mistakes, undersized offices, decision fatigue, and lack of future scalability. JJ shares wild personal stories (including why he's podcasting from his backyard), real estate insights from Frisco, Texas to Tribeca, and what separates a smart startup from a money pit. Chris outlines his proven three-phase approach to launching and optimizing a startup, while Mark breaks down why thinking like a CEO from day one is critical. Plus, they announce a free live event in NYC on September 18, 2025, for dentists considering startups—complete with networking, lectures, and champagne. 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, Gary Bird interviews Dr. Mark Costes to unpack the real-world complexities of scaling from one dental practice to ten. Mark shares hard-earned lessons from building and managing 26 practices, explaining why early success can mislead dentists into rapid expansion and how to avoid the common pitfalls. They explore why strong systems beat superstar staff, how to “red team” your practice to identify weaknesses, and why pressure-testing your operations is critical before adding new locations. Mark also dives into financial realities—like the limits of traditional bank lending and when to consider private equity—and makes a compelling case for focusing on same-store growth over ego-driven expansion. If you’ve ever wondered when to scale, how fast to move, or how to protect your cash flow while growing, this episode is full of strategic insights. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://thegarybird.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today’s episode, Eric Appelsies and Alexandra Kantor, hosts of the Just a Couple of Dentists podcast, sit down with Dr. Mark Costes to explore the philosophies that have fueled his success in dentistry and beyond. From spotting potential in others and connecting people for exponential growth to giving without expectation, Mark reveals the mindset that has shaped the Dental Success Institute and his legacy. He also shares the story behind Smile Outreach International, his foundation providing sustainable dental care to underserved communities, and how living with integrity and abundance has allowed him to grow intentionally without compromising quality. 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, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Taher Dhoon for a Surgical Saturday deep dive into one of the most underrated clinical procedures in dentistry: frenectomies. As co-founder of the Colorado Surgical Institute, Dr. Dhoon outlines the powerful impact frenectomies can have on both pediatric and adult patients—improving airway, sleep, behavior, and overall development. He shares details about CSI’s upcoming hands-on frenectomy course, including patient selection, surgical technique (CO2 and scalpel-based), and the referral relationships it can unlock with myofunctional therapists, pediatricians, and speech pathologists. This episode also explores how frenectomies can open the door to long-term care like ortho, expansion, and even full-arch treatment. 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
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back marketing expert and CEO of CMOShare, Ryan Gross, for an in-depth conversation about the transformative role of AI in dental marketing. They dive into how AI has evolved from novelty to necessity, with real-time applications improving everything from phone call conversions to website performance and patient scheduling. Ryan shares how his company leverages AI to create adaptive websites, analyze massive data sets, and deliver original content that ranks with Google's evolving algorithm. They also discuss the rise of AI-powered call bots and how they’re revolutionizing after-hours and weekend patient acquisition. The conversation touches on fee-for-service vs. PPO marketing strategy, how to calculate true ROI, and what to look for when hiring a dental marketing agency in this new era. If you're a practice owner looking to future-proof your operations, this is a must-listen. 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 sits down with Dr. Khamir Patel, practicing dentist and founder of SmartChair AI, to discuss how his innovative technology is transforming the way dental practices measure and optimize chair utilization. Dr. Patel shares how his firsthand experiences in private practice inspired the development of this data-driven platform, which uses AI and IoT sensors to track chair occupancy and production per hour with unprecedented accuracy. They discuss benchmarks for optimal chair utilization, how practices can use the data to boost efficiency and profitability, and the exciting future of AI integrations in dentistry. Dr. Patel also shares real-world examples of how SmartChair AI has already improved practice workflows and how practices can start leveraging this powerful tool. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.smartchair.ai https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
On today’s episode, we bring you part two of Dr. Mark Costes’ live presentation from Nashville at a Shine event, where he uncovers the immense pressures dentists face in practice ownership. From the isolation of clinical work to skyrocketing student debt and decision fatigue, Mark explains why fewer dentists are choosing ownership and how this impacts the future of the profession. He breaks down the pros and cons of startups versus acquisitions, explores the growing influence of DSOs and private equity, and shares why building scalable practices is critical for long-term success. Mark also offers practical guidance for vendors and consultants to become invaluable partners to doctors navigating this complex landscape. 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 share part one of Dr. Mark Costes’ live presentation from Nashville at a Shine event. Mark sets the stage with a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of dental practice ownership—massive student debt, declining ownership rates, and staggering burnout statistics. He also shares financial benchmarks for dentists compared to physicians, insights into gender and generational trends in practice ownership, and why isolation is such a pervasive issue in the profession. Mark explains the challenges young dentists face as they start their careers and how vendors and partners can build meaningful, long-term relationships by truly understanding these pressures. 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 Brian Mills, founder of ROAM Commercial Real Estate, to discuss the critical role real estate plays in the success of dental practices. Brian shares insights from 25 years in the industry, covering everything from common lease mistakes and negotiation pitfalls to strategies for ensuring your first location is scalable and profitable. He also explains why tenant representation is essential, how landlords view dentists as long-term tenants, and how to avoid locking yourself into a space that limits growth. If you’re planning a startup, moving to a new location, or renewing a lease, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can’t afford to miss. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.roamcommercialrealty.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 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
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dental Success Network COO Ashlee Hirschfeld for a fast-paced and insightful conversation on trending questions from inside the DSN community. The duo dives into topics like employee motivation beyond financial incentives, how to handle red-flag patients before they become a problem, and why clearly defined dental benefits are essential for avoiding team drama. Mark and Ashlee also explore the evolution of lifestyle practices, hiring temp doctors, and the importance of financial literacy for team members. Plus, get the inside scoop on upcoming DSN webinars, live events, and the launch of Dr. Addison Killeen’s latest book The Shift. 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