2560: Courageous Conversations That Build Better Practices

2560: Courageous Conversations That Build Better Practices

Author: Dental Consulting July 24, 2026 Duration: 28:14

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Katherine Eitel Belt, dentistry's unscripted leadership communications coach, live from Thrive Live 2026 in Las Vegas. Katherine shares her journey from chairside dental assistant to global authority on leadership communication, including the pivotal moment that shaped her approach to helping leaders raise standards with clarity, courage, and compassion. She breaks down her framework for the three essential leadership conversations: invitation conversations, coaching conversations, and courageous conversations.
 
Katherine also explains how practice owners and managers can address accountability without fear, inspire team members into higher standards, and create a culture where people choose growth rather than simply comply. The conversation also highlights her upcoming book, Lead Yourself, Lead Your Team, and why strong leadership begins with self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a willingness to own your role first.

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: 50

The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes
Podcast Episodes
2580: The Truth About Going Out of Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes answers listener questions from inside DSN in this Ask Me Anything segment. He starts with a deep dive into the realities of transitioning a PPO-heavy practice in a working-class marke…
2579: Why Associates Leave and How To Keep Them [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:38
On today's episode, Dr. Paul Goodman, also known as Dr. Nacho, speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about why associate dentists leave and how practice owners can create a more fulfilling, aligned experience for…
2578: Grow for What [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:04
On today's episode, Dr. Bill Keith speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about understanding your freedom number and building a practice with a clear destination in mind. Drawing from his background in finance, pr…
2577: Protecting Capital in a Chaotic Economy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:17
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Troy W. Eckard for a timely conversation about oil and gas, global energy demand, and how current economic uncertainty is shaping investor behavior. Troy shares why he be…
2576: From Navy Dentistry to Practice Ownership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:48
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Chaz Vittitow, also known as Dr. Chaz, for a conversation about military dentistry, startup ownership, mentorship, and building a career with intention. Dr. Chaz sha…
2575: How to Keep Your Team Compliant and Supported [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:15
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Ralf Tomandl, COO of HR for Health, live from Thrive Live 2026 in Las Vegas. Ralf shares his journey through the dental industry, from his early days with 1-800-DENTIST…
2574: Turning Hygiene Challenges Into Practice Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:18
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Wendy Briggs live from Thrive Live 2026 in Las Vegas. Wendy shares her perspective on the current state of dental hygiene, including the ongoing provider shortage, risin…
2573: The Stress-Free Hygiene System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:21
On today's episode, Dr. Addison Killeen speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about building a stress-free hygiene system that creates clarity, consistency, and less decision fatigue inside the practice. He breaks…
2572: The Daily Money System Every Practice Owner Needs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:10
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Brent Saunier and Chris Sands of Pro-Fi 20/20 and Phase One Dental CPAs for a practical conversation on cash flow planning inside the dental practice. Instead of focusing…
2571: Training the Next Generation of Dental Assistants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:38
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Dr. Heather Dawn Lawson Myers for an inspiring conversation about leadership, mentorship, team development, and the future of dental assisting. Dr. Lawson Myers shares he…