2381: What Makes or Breaks Associate Success in Your Practice
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
Release Date: 11/17/2025
2408: Why Most Dentists Burn Out and What You Can Do Differently Pt. 1
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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...
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2407: Predictable Implant Stability: Never Get a Spinner Again
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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...
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2406: Why Communication Skills Matter More Than Your Crown Prep
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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....
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2405: The Productivity Myth That’s Burning You Out
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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,...
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2404: Why General Dentists Should Rethink Wisdom Teeth
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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...
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2403: Case Study - The Blackbelt Standard Pt. 2
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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...
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2402: Case Study - The Blackbelt Standard Pt. 1
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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...
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2401: How to Prevent and Manage Implant Failures in Your Practice
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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,...
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2400: Building Skills, Serving Others, and Living the Dental Dream
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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...
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2399: Uncovering Value: Strategies for Selecting a Cost-Effective Dental Practice
The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
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...
info_outlineOn today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with the always insightful Dr. Paul Goodman (aka Dr. Nacho) for a fun and candid conversation that covers everything from the power of in-person events to the often overlooked art of recruiting rockstar associates. The two reflect on the recent SuperDentist Boostcamp in Philadelphia, sharing their takeaways on leadership, personal growth, and the need to prioritize human connection over pure profit.
They also tackle one of the most common struggles in private practice: why so many dentists fail to attract the right associate. Spoiler: it’s not the market—it’s your job ad. Dr. Goodman offers real-world examples of high-performing associates, why $600-a-day offers don’t cut it anymore, and what it takes to build a team of loyal, productive clinicians. If you're serious about growth, building systems, and leading with empathy, this one is a must-listen.
Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!
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