2504: The Conversations That Save Associate Relationships

2504: The Conversations That Save Associate Relationships

Author: Dental Consulting May 7, 2026 Duration: 54:08

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Summer Kassmel to unpack one of the most common frustrations in dental practice ownership: the disconnect between owner doctors and associate doctors. They discuss why owners often expect associates to think, work, and hustle the same way they do, and why that assumption can quickly create misalignment, resentment, and underperformance.
 
Summer shares how to define expectations before hiring, ask better questions during interviews, clarify non-negotiables, and create a stronger onboarding process that gives associates a real path to success. They also talk through what to do when the relationship is already strained, including how to take ownership, reset expectations, discuss financial goals, and have direct conversations without creating defensiveness.

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
2465: Dentistry Without the Stress of Overhead or On-Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:08
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes chats with Dr. Tianna Hall live from the Voices of Dentistry conference. Dr. Hall shares her unconventional path from private practice burnout to a fulfilling career providing dental c…
2464: The Real Reason You're Burned Out and What to Do About It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:11
On today's episode, we're bringing you Dr. Mark Costes' full keynote talk at KC Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, where he pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to scale a successful, profitable dental practice…
2463: Behind the Scenes at Thrive Live and the Power of Dental Events [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:58
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by two dynamic leaders shaping the landscape of dental continuing education—Dr. Mike DiTolla and Traci Stephenson. Mike shares stories from his 37-year dental career, his pas…
2462: Lessons from 16 Practices and a Life Beyond the Op [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 jo…
2461: Clinician Transition: Leveraging What You've Built [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:17
On today's episode, Jake Conway breaks down the evolution every dental practice owner experiences—from clinician to owner-operator to true CEO. He explains why early success often creates a dangerous reliance on the owne…
2460: The Power of Aligner Education and Letting Go of the Drill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:45
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by returning guest and longtime friend of the podcast, Dr. Matthew Standridge, live from the Voices of Dentistry conference. Dr. Standridge shares his incredible journey from…
2459: The Dental Consolidation Tipping Point Is Coming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:21
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with M&A expert Brannon Moncrief to break down the current dental consolidation landscape and what it really means for practice owners considering a sale. They discuss why 20…
2458: The Truth About Dental Consolidation and Practice Worth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:16
On today's episode, we're sharing a special DSN webinar featuring Dr. Mark Costes and Kyle Francis, founder of Professional Transition Strategies, titled Mastering Your Practice Valuation: What Today's Buyers Are Actuall…
2457: Knowing When to Tweak Versus Transform Your Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:09
On today's episode, Mark answers a wide range of listener questions in a value-packed Ask Mark Anything session focused on practice growth, profitability, leadership, and investing. He breaks down how to know when you're…
2456: Building High Performing Dental Associates the Right Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:56
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Chris Richards and Dr. Taher Dhoon to introduce an exciting new concept from the Colorado Surgical Institute — the Seven Figure Associate. They dive deep into what it real…