2462: Lessons from 16 Practices and a Life Beyond the Op

2462: Lessons from 16 Practices and a Life Beyond the Op

Author: Dental Consulting March 10, 2026 Duration: 55:21

On today's episode, we're sharing Dr. Mark Costes' live talk at Midwestern University, where he gives dental students an unfiltered look into life after graduation—and what it really takes to succeed. Drawing from his journey as a former owner of 16 practices and founder of multiple dental businesses, Mark delivers a fast-paced, high-impact presentation on business fundamentals, practice profitability, leadership, and personal fulfillment.

He explains why most dentists in the U.S. operate with dangerously thin margins—and how to avoid becoming one of them. With real-world examples and clear, digestible math, Mark shows the difference between running a high-earning but unprofitable practice versus a lean, well-managed one. He also shares his personal story of reaching financial freedom and realizing that money alone wasn't enough—leading to the creation of the Four Futures framework, focused on mind, meaning, muscle, and money. This is the talk every dental student should hear before stepping into the real world of practice ownership.

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
2526: AI, Leadership, and the Next Era of Dentistry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:45
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with longtime friend and returning guest Joshua Scott, owner and CEO of Studio 8E8, for a wide-ranging conversation on growth, leadership, AI, and the realities of scaling a…
2525: The Hidden Cost of Giving Away Ownership Too Soon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:27
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back longtime friend, mentor, and returning guest Alastair Macdonald for a deep conversation on dental partnerships, practice ownership, and the costly mistakes many dentists…
2524: Why Credentialing Is Costing Your Practice More Than You Think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:22
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Shaju Puthussery and Deepak Ramaswamy, co-founders of Lightspun, to unpack one of dentistry's least glamorous but most costly problems: insurance administration. From cr…
2523: The New Rules for Getting Better Patients [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:42
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Ryan Gross, CEO of CMOShare, to talk about the rapid evolution of AI in dental marketing and how practices can use smarter data to drive real revenue growth. Ryan explai…
2522: Why Associates Leave and What Owners Miss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:05
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Paul Goodman, founder of Dental Nachos and Dentist Job Connect, for a candid conversation on connection, career growth, and the real challenges dentists face behind…
2521: The Red Flags Every Dental Buyer Should Catch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Brent Saunnier and Chris Sands, co-founders of Profi Dental CPAs, for a deep dive into the real-world consequences of neglecting your accounting. They unpack a cautionar…
2520: The Total Health Conversation Dentists Are Missing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:37
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down live at Thrive Live with Dr. Uche Odiatu for a high-energy conversation about whole-body health, patient connection, and why dentistry has the power to go far beyond fixing t…
2519: How Dentists Can Think Like the Bank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:54
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dave and Josh Stech to explore private lending, family offices, and how dentists can build wealth beyond the chair. Dave shares his journey from humble beginnings to bec…
2518: Where Does The Day Go Sideways Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
On today's episode, Dr. Aaron Nicholas continues the conversation with practical systems for protecting the schedule when things go wrong. From difficult extractions and blocked endo cases to patients who won't get numb,…
2517: Where Does The Day Go Sideways Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
On today's episode, Dr. Aaron Nicholas dives into what causes a dental practice day to go sideways—and how to bring it back under control. He breaks down the biggest gaps that create chaos, from unclear ownership and poo…