The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

Latest Episodes:

2365: Startup or Acquisition? A Banker's Take on What Works Best Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Danny Cammarosano, Regional Director at Provide, a division of Fifth Third Bank. With over 20 years of experience in banking and healthcare lending, Danny offers an in-depth look into the world of dental financing—from first-time startup loans to multi-practice acquisitions. They discuss what lenders really look for when evaluating a borrower, the myths around student debt, why liquidity matters more than your credit score, and how practice-specific metrics like EBITDA and operatory count influence loan approvals. Danny also breaks down how Provide supports dentists throughout the ownership journey, why the default rate skyrockets after three practices, and what key differences to look for when comparing multiple term sheets. Whether you're a D4, new associate, or seasoned owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with insider advice and practical takeaways.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2364: The Entrepreneurial DNA of Dentists and Lawyers Oct 23, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with long-time entrepreneur, attorney, and fellow Dan Kennedy disciple Ben Glass for a wide-ranging, inspiring conversation. Ben shares his journey from soccer-playing law student to founder of both Ben Glass Law and Great Legal Marketing. With over 40 years of legal experience—especially in long-term disability claims for high-income professionals—Ben offers powerful insight into why dentists need to understand their disability policies before they ever file a claim. They explore the major gaps that leave dentists unprotected, why working with a broker who understands your profession is crucial, and how to bulletproof your future if injury or illness ever forces you out of the operatory. From the power of mastermind groups to the enduring effectiveness of long-form copy and direct mail, Ben and Mark bond over their entrepreneurial journeys and shared roots in the Dan Kennedy world. This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to build a purpose-driven life and practice—while protecting what matters most along the way.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2363: Systemization Leadership and the Power of the Right Framework Oct 22, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend, business partner, and Black Belt coach Dr. Addison Killeen to talk about his brand-new book, The Shift: A Leadership Fable of Transition from Overwhelm to Focus. Addison breaks down the motivation behind the book, the real-life struggles that inspired its fictional characters, and why storytelling can sometimes teach business lessons better than a textbook. Together, they walk through the book's core themes—from building core values to mastering systems and hiring the right people—and why these foundational principles can make or break a dental practice. They also dig into Addison's past working with defense contractors and restaurants, how those experiences shaped his view of business, and why mentorship is one of the most powerful resources any dentist can access. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2362: Am I the Problem? Leadership Communication with Positive Impact Pt. 2 Oct 21, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is back for Part 2 of his powerful presentation from the Dental Success Summit, where he dives even deeper into the most pressing challenges facing dental practice owners today—and what to do about them. Mark unpacks the real impact of the shrinking dental workforce, the hygiene "situationship," and how to turn non-producers into high-performing team members by aligning compensation with measurable KPIs. He also explores the nuances of PPO participation, helping listeners understand how to evaluate profitability per procedure, plan, and provider. With a strong emphasis on leadership, culture, and infrastructure, this session is packed with pragmatic insights to help you scale smarter, retain top talent, and reclaim control in a rapidly evolving industry.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2361: Am I the Problem? Leadership Communication with Positive Impact Pt. 1 Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode, we bring you Part 1 of Dr. Mark Costes' main stage keynote from the Dental Success Summit, where he sets the stage for what it truly takes to thrive in modern dentistry. With trademark honesty and humor, Mark shares his own failures, the lessons they taught him, and why making clinical dentistry optional should be every practice owner's north star.

He introduces foundational concepts like the Four Futures, the Elite Practice Blueprint, and the critical importance of building strong infrastructure before scaling. From workforce challenges and hygiene shortages to PPO frustrations and burnout, Mark breaks down why the most successful dentists don't just work harder—they work smarter, with clarity, intention, and community. This is the mindset reset that every dental entrepreneur needs.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2360: How to Legally Slash Your Tax Bill Before July 2026 Oct 17, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with tax and wealth strategist Derick Van Ness for an in-depth look at how the newly passed tax bill is opening the door for dentists to claim Research & Development (R&D) tax credits once again. Derick explains why these credits disappeared for most practices after 2021, how the recent legislation has reversed that change, and why dentists now have a limited-time opportunity to amend previous tax returns for 2022, 2023, and 2024. They dig into the four-part test that determines R&D eligibility, clarify the difference between deductions and credits, and walk through practical examples of how dentists are unknowingly qualifying through the use of new technology, materials, and processes. Derick also discusses the broader tax landscape—from Section 179 deductions to bonus depreciation and SALT workarounds—plus his firm's plan to scale by acquiring accounting firms that serve niche industries like dentistry. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2359: Profitability Booster: My Most Influential Techniques to Increase Production and Profitability Oct 16, 2025

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On today's episode, we're joined by the powerhouse himself, Dr. Ben Kacos—owner of Shreveport Dental Solutions, founder of Peak Dental Resources, and a DSI Black Belt coach. Dr. Kacos shares a high-impact session packed with actionable tactics to boost profitability in 2025. From transforming your practice into an "Amazon practice" to leveraging emergency dentistry, online scheduling, and call grading, Dr. Kacos walks through the exact strategies he uses to increase production, improve team performance, and eliminate bottlenecks.

You'll hear how call tracking and feedback loops supercharge phone conversion, why financing is embedded into every patient conversation, and how staffing, ghost columns, and virtual assistants unlock same-day treatment potential. He also dives into powerful tools like in-office milling, PRF, IV sedation, and a 20-minute whitening protocol—all designed to increase case acceptance and streamline operations. If you're ready to GSD in 2025, this episode is your blueprint.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2358: The Triple Win Marketing Strategy Every Dentist Should Know Oct 15, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with returning guest Dr. Matt Standridge live from the Voices of Dentistry event in Gilbert, Arizona. Dr. Standridge shares the major life and career changes he's made recently, including selling both of his dental practices and moving his family to Oklahoma City. With a renewed focus on education, content creation, and speaking engagements, Dr. Standridge reflects on the transition from ownership to associating, the pros and cons of no longer calling the shots, and how he's using his experience to elevate the practices he's now working with. He also dives into his latest presentation on systematic smile design for GPs—drawing from the principles of Spears and Coyce—and reveals a unique triple-win approach to professional dental photography that builds community goodwill and enhances marketing. If you're a GP looking to integrate ortho, elevate case presentation, or find more balance in your professional life, this is one episode you don't want to miss.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2357: The Real Cost of Unchecked Ambition Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode, you'll hear Dr. Mark Costes' TED talk from the Super Dentist Boost Camp 2025. In this raw and powerful session, Mark opens with a moving passage from his upcoming book, pulling back the curtain on a time in his life when he had achieved every external marker of success—multiple practices, financial freedom, luxury everything—yet still felt completely unfulfilled. He shares the emotional toll of burnout, the cost of ambition without boundaries, and how he nearly lost it all.

Out of that experience came the Four Futures framework—Mind, Meaning, Muscle, and Money—which he now uses daily to build a life of intention and balance. Mark also introduces the mission behind Smile Outreach International and explains why giving back has become the most rewarding chapter of his career. If you've ever questioned whether the price you're paying is worth the life you're building, this one is for you.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

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2356: Power of Purpose, People, and Influence Oct 13, 2025

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In this inspiring presentation, Dr. Matt Slivka shares how purpose, people, and influence have transformed both his life and practice. From launching Roadside Dental without mentorship to becoming a thriving multi-doctor practice and a DSI Black Belt Coach, Matt reflects on how his journey was shaped by small acts of mentorship—like an open invitation from Dr. Jason Campbell—that led to massive ripple effects. He emphasizes the personal growth he found through DSI, the power of community, and his mission-driven nonprofit, Roadside Reach International, which brings dental care and support to underserved communities in Guatemala.

Matt highlights real-life examples of world-changing influence—from a single IT technician funding a water tower in Africa to his own team delivering textbooks to rural Guatemalan students. He reminds us that true legacy isn't measured by recognition, but by the lives we touch through generosity and intention. With heartfelt stories and calls to action, he challenges the audience to think bigger, express gratitude, and ask one key question: "Who can you influence today?"

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