2449: Solving Missed Calls and Overflow with AI

2449: Solving Missed Calls and Overflow with AI

Author: Dental Consulting February 19, 2026 Duration: 24:37

On today's episode, recorded live at Voices of Dentistry 2026, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with DSI Black Belt coach and tech entrepreneur Dr. Deren Flesher. They dive into Deren's latest venture, Airo Dental, an AI-powered platform starting with a smart scheduling assistant built to handle missed calls, after-hours requests, and overflow—without replacing your front desk team. They discuss real-world applications, AI's limitations, and where the future of dental tech is headed.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES


Running a dental practice is about so much more than clinical skills; it's a complex business that demands leadership, strategy, and personal resilience. The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes directly addresses that reality, moving past generic advice to offer concrete conversations for growth. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading voices from dentistry and beyond, focusing on the actionable lessons that have shaped their success. You'll hear candid explorations of practice profitability, team management, systems efficiency, and the personal development required to lead effectively. The dialogue acknowledges the unique pressures and isolation that can come with the profession, providing a sense of community and practical solutions. This isn't just about working harder, but about working smarter to build a practice that supports a more balanced and fulfilling life. By translating high-level business and entrepreneurial concepts into the specific context of a dental office, the podcast serves as a ongoing resource for dentists who see themselves as innovators and business owners. Tune in for honest stories, strategic insights, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive both in the operator and in the marketplace.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
Podcast Episodes
2486: The Systems Drive Dental Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:24
On today's episode, Dr. Mark delivers a powerful talk on what truly separates thriving dental practices from those stuck in stress and inefficiency. Breaking down the concept of the "leaky bucket," he explains why more p…
2485: Why Some Practices Sell for More Than Others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:26
On today's episode, we're featuring a recent Dental Success Network webinar where Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Bill Keith and Dr. Ben Kacos to break down what it really takes to prepare your practice for a successful…
2484: The Future of DSOs and What It Means for You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:55
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Kyle Francis of Professional Transition Strategies to unpack the current state of the DSO and private equity marketplace. They dive into why valuations for single practi…
2483: What Every Dentist Needs to Know Before Choosing an S Corp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:04
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Brent Saunier and Chris Sands from Pro-Fi 20/20 for a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in dentistry—entity structure and tax strategy. In this convers…
2482: Scaling Without Sacrifice in a $3 Million Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:54
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes hosts another Ask Me Anything session, answering thoughtful and high-level questions from the dental community around growth, leadership, and finding balance. He dives into how to scal…
2481: From a Struggling Associate to a $5 Million Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:58
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Lior Tamir to unpack a remarkable journey from a struggling new grad during the 2009 recession to building a thriving $5M de novo practice in one of the most competi…
2480: From Analog to AI Inside the Modern Dental Lab [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:34
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Steven Fey, VP of Business Development at Maverick Dental Lab, to explore the rapid evolution of dental lab technology, the growing role of AI, and what it takes to stan…
2479: The Real Reason Your Practice Feels Chaotic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:49
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes and COO Ashlee Hirschfeld kick off a back-to-basics series designed for both new and seasoned dental professionals, diving into the often-overlooked foundational principles of building…
2478: Cutting Costs and Recovering Revenue With Virtual Staffing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:39
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Timothy Boyle of Reva Global Medical to talk about how virtual staffing is helping healthcare practices reduce administrative overload, improve efficiency, and recover l…
2477: Practice Valuation Crash Course [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:28
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes introduces a powerful talk from Bill Keith on one of the most important and often misunderstood topics in dentistry: practice valuation, consolidation, and ownership strategy. Bill bre…