2002: Creating A Leadership Team Pt. 2
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
Release Date: 06/07/2024
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Samad Syed, founder and CEO of mConsent, a powerful all-in-one platform designed to modernize and streamline dental practice operations. Samad shares the origin story of mConsent, which was born out of a frustrating medical billing experience and has since grown into a software solution trusted by over 2,000 dental offices across the U.S. He breaks down how mConsent integrates seamlessly with major PMS systems like Dentrix, Open Dental, and Eaglesoft to eliminate paperwork, improve patient communication, automate insurance...
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by his longtime friend and fellow UCSD alum, Dr. Taher Dhoon, for another insightful surgical conversation. They kick things off with a nostalgic and lively discussion about UCSD’s emerging basketball program, the culture of streetball, and how a hometown hero nearly changed the NCAA bracket. Then, they seamlessly pivot to a deep dive into frenectomies—highlighting their clinical relevance not just for pediatric patients, but for adults with airway, sleep, and muscular issues. Dr. Dhoon outlines how general dentists can integrate...
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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...
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On today’s episode, we’re diving into part two of Dr. Mark Costes' keynote from the DSI Mastermind in October 2025. Building on the foundation from part one, Mark takes us deeper into the science of motivation and the brain's role in developing sustained discipline and resilience. He shares how to operate in the “zone of neuroplasticity,” where challenge meets growth, and how pushing just outside your comfort zone—without overwhelming your nervous system—leads to real transformation. With insights from neuroscience, personal stories, and proven strategies, Mark explains how...
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On today’s episode, we bring you part one of a two-part keynote from Dr. Mark Costes, recorded live during the DSI Mastermind in October 2025. In this powerful session, Mark unpacks “The Motivation Myth” and examines what truly drives elite performers—from Kobe Bryant and Thomas Edison to DSI’s own Cody Boals. Through both inspiring stories and neuroscience-based insights, he explains how motivation, willpower, and grit aren't traits you're born with—they're skills you can train. With research from thought leaders like Andrew Huberman and Peter Attia, Mark shows how to use...
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On today’s episode, we take you inside The Practice Launchpad event from September 2025, where Dr. Mark Costes delivered a powerful keynote to an audience of current and aspiring dental practice owners. Drawing on his experience owning 16 practices across Arizona and California, Mark gives an unfiltered look at the common mistakes dentists make in leadership, operations, and finance—and why most practices in the U.S. are barely profitable (if at all). He reveals why financial success alone nearly broke him, and how his Four Futures framework—mind, meaning, muscle, and...
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Brandon Chapek, a general dentist turned surgical powerhouse who’s built a thriving, high-production practice centered around wisdom tooth extractions and IV sedation. Brandon shares his unique path from growing up on a farm to walking away from oral surgery residency, opting instead for a fellowship and a business model that prioritizes autonomy and lifestyle balance. With over $3.5 million in personal production, Brandon dives into how he streamlined surgery protocols, scaled with PPO patients, and created an in-house system that...
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On today’s episode, we feature an impactful breakout session led by Amy Hernandez at this year’s Dental Success Summit. Amy, billing coach and fee negotiation expert with PPO Profits and DSI, shares powerful strategies for increasing your practice’s profitability—without adding any extra dentistry. She explains how outsourcing key services like billing, verifications, and PPO fee negotiations can drastically improve collections and reduce administrative headaches. With real-life examples, insights into the most underutilized codes, and a detailed breakdown of how to optimize your...
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On today’s episode, we feature a powerful breakout session presented by Dr. Allen Gotora at this year’s Dental Success Summit. In an inspiring and deeply personal talk, Dr. Gotora shares his journey from Zimbabwe to the U.S., the life-altering moment that ignited his passion for leadership, and how every team member—regardless of title—can lead with purpose and influence. Drawing from experience, mentorship, and real practice dynamics, he outlines the mindset, behaviors, and habits that define great leaders within a dental organization. Whether it’s accountability,...
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with longtime friend and guest Dr. Michelle Jorgensen—holistic health expert, author, and founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle. Michelle shares her powerful journey from traditional dentistry to health-based care after a near-career-ending health crisis caused by mercury toxicity. She opens up about her transformation, the science-backed risks of common dental practices like amalgam removal and fluoride exposure, and how she now leads a thriving, purpose-driven practice that attracts patients and dental teams from around the world....
info_outlineOn today’s episode, Dr. Summer Kassmel continues her discourse on empowering leadership within dental practices from her presentation at DSS 2024. She delved into the importance of audit systems in maintaining the integrity of office protocols, stressing the need for regular checks to ensure consistency and accountability. Dr. Kassmel explained how rotating audit responsibilities among dental assistants (DAs) not only helps in maintaining standards but also cultivates a culture of peer-to-peer accountability.
Expanding on leadership development, she advised against hastily assigning titles to emerging leaders, emphasizing instead the observation of their ability to manage projects and uphold standards consistently. This approach, she suggested, prepares them for leadership by gradually increasing their responsibilities, thereby diffusing power within the practice and strengthening team dynamics.
Dr. Kassmel also discussed the identification and nurturing of potential leaders, focusing on traits like high accountability, internal motivation, and healthy empathy. These qualities, she argued, are crucial for leaders who can sustain high standards without constant external motivation. She highlighted the importance of humility and active listening in leadership, skills that enhance team communication and effectiveness.
Towards the end of her talk, Dr. Kassmel touched on the concept of "disciplined empowerment," which involves trusting leaders to make decisions and holding them accountable for results rather than processes. She shared personal experiences and insights into the challenges of leadership, including the need for honest communication and maintaining high standards to ensure patient care quality.
Dr. Kassmel concluded by reflecting on the personal and professional growth that comes from creating a leadership team that not only meets but exceeds the cultural and operational goals of a dental practice. She offered her leadership packet for further guidance, reinforcing her commitment to developing effective leaders in the dental industry.
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