2524: Why Credentialing Is Costing Your Practice More Than You Think

2524: Why Credentialing Is Costing Your Practice More Than You Think

Author: Dental Consulting June 4, 2026 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 credentialing delays and paper claims to fragmented payer workflows and manual back-office bottlenecks, Shaju and Deepak explain why the "plumbing" of dentistry is overdue for a major upgrade. 

They share how their experience at Overjet led them to build an AI-first platform designed to streamline credentialing, claims, provider data, and payer-provider communication. The conversation dives into the opportunity cost of waiting 90 to 120 days for a new associate to be credentialed, how Lightspun's partnership with the ADA and CAQH is helping standardize provider data, and why reducing administrative waste could free teams to focus more on patient care, relationships, and practice growth.

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
2445: Lessons from a Dental CEO Who Started with a Typewriter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:45
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Andrew Kokabi, owner of Brookhaven Family Dentistry and a true example of grit, growth, and purpose-driven leadership. From his early days in a three-operatory pract…
2444: What Two Startup Docs Learned from Launching a Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:42
On today's episode, recorded live at Voices of Dentistry 2026, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Drs. Eric Appelsies and Alex Kantor, the duo behind the podcast Just a Couple of Dentists. They share how podcasting helped th…
2443: How to Protect Your Dental Practice from Legal Trouble Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:49
On today's episode, we continue our conversation with dental attorney Evan Sampson as he and Dr. Mark Costes tackle the real-world legal challenges practice owners face. In Part 2, they unpack best practices for avoiding…
2442: How to Protect Your Dental Practice from Legal Trouble Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:19
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with dental attorney Evan Sampson for a deep dive into the legal issues dentists face every day—often without realizing it. In Part 1, Evan shares his journey from litigator…
2441: Building a Dental Practice From Vision to Opening Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:19
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes joins Dr. Mike Lundy for a crossover conversation from the Ownership Awakened: The Dental Journey podcast, focused on what comes next after deciding you're ready for practice ownership…
2440: 21-Day Challenge to Transform Your Mind, Body, and Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
On today's episode, recorded live at the October 2025 DSI Mastermind, Dr. Mark Costes unveils a powerful 21-day Four Futures Challenge designed to reset your mindset, strengthen relationships, improve physical health, an…
2439: The Science Behind Mercury Removal & Root Canal Alternatives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:00
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Dr. Paul O'Malley, a pioneer in holistic and biomimetic dentistry with over 25 years of clinical and entrepreneurial experience. Dr. O'Malley shares his evolution from traditi…
2438: How to Save Thousands on Credit Card Fees in Your Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:58
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Steven Patala and Roman Shtimerman of NadaPayments, the company leading the charge in compliant credit card surcharging for dental practices. They discuss how their solu…
2437: The Marketing Mistakes That Kill New Patient Flow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:31
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Ryan Gross, founder and CEO of CMO Share, for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of dental marketing, operations, and how to thrive in uncertain economic…