The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

Latest Episodes:

2265: The Power of Storytelling in Practice Growth Pt. 2 Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

On today's Part 2 episode, Joshua Scott sits down with Dr. Mark Costes, and the focus turns to the power of attention in modern marketing. They reflect on the early strategies of Ryan Holiday and the ethical implications of manipulating media—then apply those insights directly to the dental world. Josh explains why attention, not just leads or new patients, is the true top of the marketing funnel, and how practices can shift their thinking from conversions to community impact. The conversation also explores the pitfalls of cheap attention (like $399 crowns), and the importance of designing strategies that attract the right type of patient for long-term loyalty. Josh and Mark also talk about Studio 8E8's powerful documentary projects, "Untold Stories," and how storytelling—done right—brings value far beyond ROI. To wrap up, Josh shares the experience of collaborating with Justin Moody on the Moody Adlin Winery, and how his love for wine and creativity collided in a truly unforgettable Napa project.

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

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2264: The Power of Storytelling in Practice Growth Pt. 1 Jun 09, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back one of the Dentalpreneur Podcast's most frequent and valued guests—marketing leader and Studio 8E8 CEO, Joshua Scott. In this first installment of a two-part series, Josh and Mark unpack the chaos of Q1, balancing the grind with intentional downtime, and what it means to be "busy for the right reasons." Josh reflects on his journey from sitting in the audience at his first Dental Success Summit to earning a coveted main stage spot, and shares the thoughtful approach he takes when deciding which speaking gigs to accept. The conversation then shifts to the evolution of Studio 8E8, how AI is reshaping the marketing space without sacrificing the human element, and the importance of creating high-quality, authoritative content in an age where digital noise is constant. Plus, Josh tells the story of his early dinner with Gary Vee and the advice that eventually led to starting his own business.

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

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2263: The Case for Simplicity in Scaling Dental Practices Jun 06, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Jan Jaffer, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of TREC Dental, a values-based dental organization out of Calgary, Alberta. Broadcasting live from the Thrive Live exhibition hall in Las Vegas, the two dive into the unique structure of TREC Dental—an 18-practice group that operates without production targets, budgets, or bonuses.

Dr. Jaffer shares how simplicity, trust, and a patient-first mindset have helped their model thrive, while maintaining a 25–30%+ profit margin across practices. He also discusses their global and local charitable efforts, how volunteerism shaped his personal life, and why building genuine relationships with patients is at the core of everything they do. With AI integration, full-hour new patient consults, and a heavy focus on gratitude and team health, TREC Dental is proving that scaling can be both impactful and deeply human.

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

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2262: How to Build Lasting Wealth in a Shaky Economy Pt. 2 Jun 05, 2025

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On today's Part 2 episode, Troy Eckard returns to demystify the difference between mineral rights and working interests in oil and gas investing. He breaks down how mineral rights function like the "house" in a casino—offering truly passive monthly income with no risk, liability, or operating expenses. In contrast, working interests carry greater risk but are rewarded with aggressive tax benefits, including up to a 100% deduction of your investment against ordinary income.

Troy explains why each has its place in a smart investment strategy, depending on whether your goal is maximizing tax efficiency, building long-term income, or both. He shares detailed return examples, strategic asset allocation ideas for dentists with liquidity events, and why owning direct interests—rather than partnerships—offers far more flexibility and wealth-building potential. With monthly distributions, potential 12–15% cash-on-cash returns, and the ability to defer or minimize taxes year after year, this episode offers a powerful look at one of the most misunderstood asset classes.

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

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2261: How to Build Lasting Wealth in a Shaky Economy Pt. 1 Jun 04, 2025

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On today's Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Troy Eckard for another deep dive into the macroeconomic trends shaping today's investing environment. As one of the most downloaded guests in Dentalpreneur Podcast history, Troy brings 40 years of oil and gas experience to the table, helping dentists and high-income professionals understand how to navigate an uncertain market. The two discuss the current global liquidity crisis, rising interest rates, and why so many private equity deals are stalling. Troy breaks down what he learned from the 2008 crash and shares why having dry powder—and the courage to use it—is critical in downturns. He also makes the case for oil and gas as an alternative investment that offers not only strong returns, but also aggressive tax benefits, especially for high earners. With powerful lessons on emotional discipline, long-term thinking, and investing like you're on the brink of retirement, this episode is packed with clarity for anyone looking to protect and grow their wealth in today's economic landscape.

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

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2260: Transforming Dental Teams Through Vision and Clarity Jun 03, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down live from the Thrive Live exhibition hall with the dynamic Katherine Eitel Belt, founder and CEO of LionSpeak. Catherine shares her remarkable journey from dental assistant to international speaker and communications coach, emphasizing the transformative power of language, leadership, and clear communication.

Together, they explore the framework behind courageous conversations, how to make a clear invitation to your team, and why many dental leaders feel held hostage by their staff—often due to a lack of tools, not leadership potential. Catherine unpacks her A.R.C.H. model for tough talks and gives us a preview of her upcoming book, Something's Got to Change. This episode is a must-listen for any practice owner or manager looking to elevate their culture and lead with clarity and compassion.

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2259: Secrets to Marketing That Actually Converts in Dentistry Jun 02, 2025

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On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes kicks off a special series of live interviews from the Thrive Live exhibition hall in Las Vegas with Ryan Gross, founder and CEO of CMOshare. Ryan shares the origin story of his fractional CMO journey and how his company has grown into one of dentistry's top marketing firms. The two dive deep into the evolution of dental marketing, with a particular focus on data-driven decision-making, ROI transparency, and the increasing role of AI in transforming both marketing strategies and operational efficiencies. Ryan discusses current trends in patient behavior, especially in uncertain economic times, and outlines key indicators that practices should consider when choosing a marketing partner. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve patient acquisition and streamline their dental business operations.

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

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2258: Behind the Scenes of Dental Software's Rapid Rise Pt. 2 May 30, 2025

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In today's Part 2 episode, Dr. Mark Costes chats with Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, about his unlikely journey from mechanical engineering and lawncare deals to leading one of the most influential dental software companies in the U.S. Eric opens up about acquiring Planet DDS via a search fund, scaling through two private equity recapitalizations, and how his team has grown from 25 to over 350 employees.

They explore the evolution of Denticon as a cloud-based platform, its open API ecosystem, and where AI and automation are heading in dental practice management. Eric also dives into the shifting private equity landscape, the challenges of vendor trust in dentistry, and why his leadership team is focused on culture and innovation over politics. This episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the intersection of tech, dentistry, and entrepreneurship.

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2257: Behind the Scenes of Dental Software's Rapid Rise Pt. 1 May 29, 2025

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In today's Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, for a deep dive into how a Harvard-educated engineer ended up revolutionizing dental software. Eric shares his journey from nearly buying a lawn care business to acquiring Planet DDS through a unique entrepreneurial path called a search fund.

He breaks down the evolution of their cloud-based platform, Denticon, and why DSOs are drawn to its open API structure and advanced revenue cycle management tools. The two discuss the cultural quirks of the dental industry, the pain of PMS switching, and the future of automation and vendor trust in dentistry. It's an insightful look into how innovation and business acumen are shaping the tools that drive modern dental practices.

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2256: Behind the Deals No One Talks About Publicly May 28, 2025

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In this episode, Brannon Moncrief returns to the podcast to unpack what's really happening in the DSO market—from tightening deal structures and smarter buyers to the harsh reality that not every recap delivers. With over two decades in the game and 13 years leading McLerran & Associates, Brannon shares what makes a practice desirable in 2025 and why some of the biggest players in the space are hitting walls.

Whether you're a mid-career doc holding high EBITDA or just building toward scale, Brannon breaks down how private equity thinks, how deal terms have shifted, and how to avoid being locked into a losing outcome.

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