The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

Latest Episodes:

2035: Collapsing Time Jul 24, 2024

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On today's episode, we have a clip from a recent Dental Success Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Mark elaborates on the Systemization Jumpstart. He discusses the best ways to initiate systemization in your practice and build a strong foundational infrastructure.

Mark covers the End of Day Protocol, explaining its rationale and steps for implementation. He also details the AM Office Manager Protocol, outlining the responsibilities of the office manager before the morning huddle. Additionally, he introduces the Downtime Protocol and references Peter Drucker's famous quote about the inefficiency of being efficient at tasks that shouldn't be done at all.

The episode also explores the Time Journal Exercise, offering insights on what tasks to eliminate, outsource, and delegate, along with the most effective methods for doing so. Mark shares valuable tips on creating an organizational chart and conducting weekly growth meetings. He emphasizes the importance of structuring these meetings to engage the team fully, establish lead measures, and implement a framework for key performance indicators (KPIs) and accountability.

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2034: When It's Done Pt. 2 Jul 23, 2024

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On today's episode, we wrap-up with part two of a two-part episode. If you haven't listened to part one of the "When It's Done" episode, make sure to go back and listen to it first. It will make a whole lot more sense.

Today, we are going to focus on the entire workshopping exercise that we call the Ideal Practice Exercise. This exercise provides you with a lot of clarity about what you want your practice to look like when you transition out of practice ownership and clinical dentistry. Mark really believes in the power of visualization and having a clear target to aim for, especially as you navigate the minutiae, monotony, and stress of everyday life as a dental practice owner. It's this overall vision that helps you get through some of the toughest times and keeps you focused when the whirlwind seems to get the best of us.

Throughout this workshopping exercise, there will be pauses. Listen to each question carefully, and if you can, take the time to follow along and complete the exercise as Mark reads through the questionnaire.

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2033: When It's Done Pt. 1 Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode, we have a mastermind meeting we had in 2019 in San Diego. We delved into a powerful visualization exercise, exploring what your practice could look like when you transition out of clinical dentistry.

In this first part of a two-part series, Mark discusses two of his favorite mentors, Vince Lombardi and John Wooden, emphasizing their focus on mastering the basics to achieve success. He highlights the importance of continuous improvement and the need for experienced professionals to have reminders, minders, and accountability to stay on track.

We also touch on Stephen Covey's seminal work, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," particularly the habit of "begin with the end in mind" and its critical role in realizing one's full potential. Mark shares a visualization exercise that we will explore in detail in part two of this series.

Additionally, Mark discusses the herd mentality in humans, using a study on sheep and human behavior to illustrate the need for a clear plan to avoid the average, unfulfilled life that many Americans experience.

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2032: Decoding Hard Conversations Jul 19, 2024

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On today's episode, we delve into the intricate art of decoding hard conversations. Alastair emphasizes that the number of challenging dialogues you are willing to engage in is a key determinant of success in any area of life, be it personal relationships or business endeavors. Sharing insights drawn not from textbooks but from personal missteps, Alastair offers a practical template for navigating these difficult discussions.

The crux of the matter lies in our struggle with wanting to be liked while also striving to have our needs met. Authenticity, deemed a vital business asset, plays a crucial role here. We often dress alike and drive similar cars, yet claim to be unique. The same contradiction surfaces in our conversations. By examining a grievance we harbor, we can break down hard conversations into three components: the legend (the story we tell), the characters (those involved), and the need (what we actually want).

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2031: Reflections on Giving Back Jul 18, 2024

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On today's episode, we have Dr. Aaron Nicholas. Fresh from their annual mission trip to the Dominican Republic, they share reflections on their experiences in San Jose de Acoa and the surrounding villages. This trip, which has been running for 42 years, remains a highlight for both Mark and Aaron, who have found renewed perspectives and gratitude upon returning to their regular lives.

Mark and Aaron delve into the logistics and personal impact of these mission trips. Despite the significant time commitment and financial sacrifice, they find immense value in the fulfillment and soul-enriching experiences gained from serving those in need. They discuss the complexities of running such a mission, comparing it to the structure of a dental practice, and the adjustments made since the retirement of the trip's founder, Dr. Frank Serio.

They also share humorous anecdotes from their travels, including a minor passport mishap and the challenges of navigating airport security with local purchases. These stories highlight the patience and perspective gained from their mission work.

The conversation shifts to the evolution of the mission trip itself, from its early days focused primarily on extractions to the current sophisticated setup offering a wide range of dental services. They discuss the importance of providing comprehensive care, including fluoride treatments and SDF applications, and the potential for further advancements like integrating handpieces for oral surgery and possibly even endodontic procedures.

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2030: Balancing Art, Dentistry, & Community Jul 17, 2024

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On today's episode, we have Dr. Arti Jagirdar, who brings a unique and inspiring story to the podcast. Dr. Jagirdar shares her journey from being encouraged to pursue a medical career to discovering her passion for dentistry through a high school program. Her story takes a creative turn as she explores art school before ultimately finding her way back to dentistry, integrating her artistic talents into her practice.

Dr. Jagirdar discusses the challenges and rewards of owning a private dental practice in Manhattan, emphasizing the importance of building a strong community network and providing exceptional care. She highlights the significance of maintaining work-life balance and self-care while growing her practice, and she shares her vision for expanding her services to include more specialized care.

The conversation delves into the philosophy of providing high-quality dental care and the role of concierge medicine in today's healthcare landscape. Dr. Jagirdar emphasizes her commitment to giving back to the community, both locally and globally, through her nonprofit efforts and compassionate approach to patient care.

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2029: Concepts & Reporting Review Pt. 2 Jul 16, 2024

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On today's episode, we wrap up with Jake Conway, founder of Custom Practice Analytics. If you haven't listened to part one, be sure to go back and listen to it for a better understanding of the concepts discussed.

In part two, Jake delves into strategies for improving revenue in the hygiene department. He discusses setting ideal perio percentages, investigating fluoride usage, and considering the introduction of other adjunct services to enhance patient care, experience, and profitability. Jake highlights the significance of effective scheduling and its impact on efficiency, stressing the need for strategic scheduling for both the hygiene and doctor's sides.

Jake also emphasizes the importance of analyzing case acceptance rates and patient experience metrics, focusing on how these key performance indicators (KPIs) reflect system efficiency and overall patient care. These metrics have a direct influence on production and collection numbers.

Finally, Jake introduces the concept of creating a tiered incentive model for the team. He discusses understanding individual motivators beyond monetary incentives and implementing a fair and motivating system for rewarding team members based on their value and contributions to the practice.

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2028: Concepts & Reporting Review Pt. 1 Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode, Jake Conway, founder of Custom Practice Analytics, presents his presentation at a mastermind meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he shared key insights on financial management for dental practices.

Jake emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing financial reports, explaining key terms like overhead, fixed costs, variable costs, and owner income. He discusses the significance of monitoring both variable and fixed costs to improve cash flow and overall financial health.

Additionally, Jake highlights the role of the hygiene department as a profit center, providing strategies to evaluate and enhance its efficiency and productivity. He also underscores the value of establishing budgets and involving the team to identify and solve problems, ultimately reducing overhead and increasing profitability.

Tune in tomorrow for Part 2 of this insightful discussion with Jake Conway.

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2027: Are You Sure It's Time To Panic? Pt. 2 Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

On 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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2026: Are You Sure It's Time To Panic? Pt. 1 Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode, we are thrilled to bring you insights from Dr. Summer Kassmel's presentation titled "Creating a Leadership Team". Dr. Kassmel, who has over a decade of experience and multiple roles including CEO of Castle Peak Dental and Avon Dental, shares her journey in the dental field and the pivotal role of creating a strong leadership team in enhancing business success and personal fulfillment. She talks about the transformational power of viewing challenges as opportunities, which has propelled her professional life forward.

Dr. Kassmel discusses the importance of leadership in dental practice, emphasizing how it can drastically alter the trajectory of one's career, bringing joy and satisfaction. Her talk delves into practical aspects of leadership, including the establishment of a capable leadership team that carries forward the mission and enhances the culture of the organization.

Throughout her session, Dr. Kassmel recounts personal anecdotes and lessons learned from mistakes made along the way, offering tactical advice to dental professionals on how to avoid similar pitfalls. She highlights the effectiveness of her webinars and training programs, such as the Dental Career Academy, in preparing dental professionals across the country to excel in their practices.

Furthermore, Dr. Kassmel passionately speaks about her initiative, the Lady Leaders of Dentistry, which provides a platform for sharing valuable leadership and management strategies not just for women, but for all professionals within the dental community. This initiative reflects her dedication to empowering others by providing the tools and knowledge necessary for success.

This episode not only focuses on the strategic elements of building a leadership team but also touches on Dr. Kassmel's personal experiences that underscore the critical nature of leadership in achieving business success and personal growth. Her message encourages dental professionals to embrace leadership roles not as a burden, but as an opportunity to positively influence their practices and the industry at large.

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