The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Eric Payne, founder and CEO of Tekagogo, a groundbreaking platform that's redefining how dental practices access equipment service. With 21 years at Henry Schein and deep roots in the dental industry, Eric saw firsthand the challenges of service delays, limited tech availability, and logistical headaches. That led to the creation of Tekagogo—an on-demand, Uber-style solution connecting dental offices directly with service technicians, cutting out unnecessary wait times and inefficiencies.  The two dive into the evolving dental landscape, the growing shortage in skilled trades, and how practices can embrace technology to ope...

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Prashant Ohri, President of Henry Schein Canada and Americas, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation. Prashant shares his professional journey—from the beverage industry to rising through the ranks at Henry Schein—and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the company's operations in Canada, Brazil, and beyond.  They dive into the differences between dental markets across North and South America, the evolving role of the GP, consolidation trends, and how Henry Schein's preventative service model and vertically integrated solutions are supporting practices in a rapidly changing landscape. This is a mus...

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskie of the Colorado Surgical Institute, along with special guest Kate Richards, for a deep dive into the strategies that drive high case acceptance for large treatment plans. They unpack the systems and philosophies that help doctors present complex, high-dollar procedures like full-arch cases, implants, and veneers with confidence and clarity.  From pre-consultation prep and lead grading to in-room communication, rapport-building, and tech that wows—this conversation is loaded with pearls. Whether you're a seasoned surgeon or just getting into larger cases, you...

On today's episode, we wrap up the year with a heartfelt message from Prescott HQ focused on gratitude, reflection, and intentionality. Before diving into goals or metrics for the new year, we explore the power of recognizing what truly worked in 2025—no matter how small—and the importance of acknowledging progress without perfection. You'll be encouraged to assess what didn't work as well, not through shame, but through the lens of learning and growth. We also revisit the concept of the Four Futures, highlighting how high performers often stumble by neglecting balance, not from lack of effort. Finally, the mess...

On today's episode, we step into the breakout room at the 2025 Dental Success Summit with none other than Dr. Aaron Nicholas—DSI Black Belt coach, educator, and founder of Monday Morning Dentistry. In his signature style, Dr. Nicholas delivers a high-impact, practical talk centered around one big question: Who's responsible for the efficiency and profitability in your dental office? (Spoiler: it's everyone.)  Through real stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and deeply tactical advice, he shares systems, leadership principles, and clinical strategies to help you streamline your practice, improve case acceptance, and empower your team with clarity and accountability. From tra...

On today's episode, we drop into the breakout room at the 2025 Dental Success Summit for a no-fluff, straight-talking session with financial strategist Jake Conway. Known for his motocross grit and deep financial insight, Jake unpacks the real financial stressors dentists are facing in today's market—and more importantly, how to take back control. He walks through the different financial avatars practices fall into, how mindset impacts business decisions, and why viewing your practice like an ATM instead of a performance engine can stall your growth.   You'll learn how to track key financial KPIs, optimize hygiene as a tru...

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Steijn Pelle, co-founder and CEO of Lassie, for a powerful discussion on how AI agents are transforming the way dental practices manage their administrative tasks. Steijn shares his fascinating journey from entrepreneurial beginnings in the Netherlands to leading innovative AI solutions in the U.S. healthcare space. The conversation covers how Lassie automates insurance payments, claim submissions, billing, and even appeals—boosting revenue while reducing human error and overhead.  They explore the ethical implications of AI's impact on jobs, the resurgence of skilled trades, and how AI agents are pos...

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend and CPA Chris Sands to unpack one of the most overlooked expenses in dental practices—credit card processing fees. In this insightful interview, recorded in the brand-new DSI studio, Chris shares why he co-founded Crown Card Services after noticing rising, unregulated merchant fees across hundreds of dental clients in his accounting firm.  He breaks down exactly how merchant processors operate, why "price creep" is so common, and how practices can save tens or even hundreds of thousands annually with the right setup. Mark and Chris also exp...

On today's episode, you'll hear Dr. Mark Costes in his first-ever recording from the brand-new DSI studio—joined by none other than Dr. Cody Boals, who shares his journey from small-town Illinois to co-owning a thriving 10-operatory dental practice in Colorado Springs. Dr. Boals opens up about launching Kissing Camels Family Dentistry with his wife Alexa, their approach to grassroots marketing, and how they scaled from seeing 40 new patients a month to over 150—all while maintaining a strong family-first philosophy.  Cody reflects on his early leadership missteps, how COVID and a NICU stay changed their practice vision, and t...

In today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes continues his keynote from the SPEA 2025 event by exposing the hidden realities of burnout, financial stress, and isolation in the dental profession—and what can be done to avoid them. With nearly 80% of dentists reporting burnout and 50% saying they wouldn't choose the profession again, Mark breaks down the root causes and explains how better business training, leadership skills, and community support can change the game. He shares eye-opening data comparing dentists and physicians, the real economics of practice ownership, and what it takes to build a truly profitable and fulfilling dental business.  <br...

In today's episode, we dive into Part 1 of Dr. Mark Costes' powerful keynote at the SPEA 2025 event, where he shares the unfiltered truth about the dental profession, what new dentists can expect, and why most practitioners struggle with burnout, finances, and fulfillment. Mark opens up about his journey from being rejected by 20 dental schools to owning 16 practices and founding multiple dental organizations. He talks about the life lessons learned through failure, why systemization and delegation are non-negotiable for success, and how running a practice without knowing your numbers is a recipe for disaster.   Mark also introduces the F...

On today's episode, we take you inside the breakout room at the 2025 Dental Success Summit for an advanced surgical session led by Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskie of the Colorado Surgical Institute. Focused on the concept of "never having a spinner again," this presentation is packed with clinical pearls and real-world strategies to help GPs achieve more predictable outcomes in implant and full arch dentistry.   Drs. Dhoon and Briskie share their protocols for bone assessment, tactile drilling techniques, ideal implant selection, and inventory management—all aimed at reducing complications and increasing profitability. From managing low-torque pla...

On today's episode, you'll hear Dr. Mark Costes in conversation with Dr. Paul "Nacho" Goodman, recorded during a wide-ranging, high-energy catch-up between two of dentistry's most passionate educators and leaders. This episode dives deep into the "you can't train during the game" mindset and how it applies to dental practice culture, associate mentorship, and the constant pressure of clinical life.   Paul shares his reflections on speaking more, traveling less, and how his transition out of the operatory has shifted his perspective on leadership, parenting, and business. They also discuss the ongoing challenges facing new grads, including post-COVID e...

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with John Briggs, a CPA, author, and founder of a 280-person tax firm who is challenging the toxic hustle culture mindset. John shares how a personal wake-up call led him to rethink the way we define success, and how his innovative 3.3 Rule—three hours of focused work followed by a 30% recovery break—can transform your productivity and personal life.   They also dive deep into small business tax planning, audit survival tips, and the dangers of relying on unqualified social media tax advice. Plus, they break down real estate strategies, the p...

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Dr. Brandon Chapek for a deeper dive into the mindset, discipline, and values that have shaped his journey from Division I football player to high-level dental surgeon. In this conversation, Brandon shares how his athletic background influenced his time management, work ethic, and leadership style—and how those lessons now serve his growing dental practice and young family.   They also discuss clinical pearls for general dentists getting into wisdom tooth surgery, post-op complications, case selection strategies, and the benefits of IV sedation. Brandon opens up about his reasons for not...

On today's episode, Part 2 of this two-part Golden Rhino special, we highlight the incredible turnaround of Dr. Monica Urda. What started as a promising practice with a hidden undercurrent of burnout, toxic culture, and financial strain evolved into a $4.5M powerhouse in the heart of Chicago.   Hear how Monica went from working seven days a week to earning over $1.3M in take-home income – all while reducing clinical days, expanding to 13 operatories, and transforming into a confident, culture-first leader and Black Belt Coach. This episode is packed with insight into building sustainable growth, developing systems, and leading with pur...

In today's episode, Part 1 of this special two-part series, we dive into the powerful history of the Golden Rhino award – an honor given to dental entrepreneurs who have achieved extraordinary practice transformations through the Dental Success Institute.   Dr. Mark Costes shares the journeys of past recipients like Dr. Ben Kacos, Dr. Summer Kassmel, Dr. Matt Slivka, and Dr. Reza, detailing their incredible growth, leadership evolution, and operational overhauls. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a Black Belt Coach and how the Mastermind community supports high-level performance and accountability. Be sur...

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by his good friend and fellow Black Belt Coach, Dr. Taher Dhoon—co-founder of the Colorado Surgical Institute and owner of an 18-operatory dental practice—for a deep dive into implant complications. They kick things off with a candid conversation on time management, shiny object syndrome, and how to balance business success with family life and fulfillment. Dr. Dhoon shares the systems he uses to juggle clinical days, content creation, and high-level strategy, including his cleverly titled "Get Your Sh*t Done" days.   From there, they dive into the nitty...

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with longtime friend and Dental Success Institute Black Belt coach Dr. Aaron Nicholas for an open, no-agenda conversation covering everything from mission trips and scuba diving in Fiji to launching new hands-on CE programs in Alabama. Aaron shares how recent legislative changes in Florida forced a pivot for his popular extraction and root canal courses—and how a stroke of good fortune led him to partner with a free clinic in Huntsville.   They also dive into the power of purposeful travel, the simplicity of surf-town life, and the challenges of bal...

On today's episode, we welcome powerhouse dental duo Dr. Kelly and Dr. Steve Dove, DSI Black Belt Coaches and entrepreneurs who've scaled their practices from $300K to over $7 million in revenue. The Doves share the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how they built and sold multiple practices, navigated gritty remodels, and turned overlooked "dirt" practices into high-value diamonds.   With a mix of strategic acquisitions, bold startups, and creative negotiations, they reveal how leveraging relationships, analyzing financials, and staying people-focused can drive massive growth. This episode is packed with practical steps and inspiration for dental entrepreneurs at any stage—esp...