2564: Building Better Dentists Through Better Education

2564: Building Better Dentists Through Better Education

Author: Dental Consulting July 30, 2026 Duration: 24:57

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Lou Graham live from Thrive Live 2026 in Las Vegas. Lou shares the story behind Catapult Education, the independent education-based company he founded 23 years ago, and how it has grown into a powerful platform with speakers, evaluators, and tens of thousands of subscribers. 

He and Mark discuss the evolution of dental education, the growing demand for hands-on learning, the challenge of keeping teams engaged in a distracted world, and how technology, AI, digital workflows, and customized education are shaping the future of the profession. Lou also opens up about transitioning out of clinical dentistry, selling to a DSO, mentoring younger doctors, and building a career around leadership, communication, and helping dentists continue to grow.

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…