2568: What High-Level Dental Operators Do Differently Pt. 1

2568: What High-Level Dental Operators Do Differently Pt. 1

Author: Dental Consulting August 5, 2026 Duration: 1:04:25

On today's episode, Part 1 of a two-part keynote, Dr. Mark Costes shares a tactical playbook for leading and operating a high-performing dental practice. Drawing from his experience owning 16 practices—and from the mistakes he made along the way—Mark explains why a practice that cannot run without the owner is ultimately just a job with overhead. 

He breaks down the current state of dentistry, including workforce shortages, rising operating costs, declining practice ownership, burnout, and the growing pressure on dental leaders. Mark also introduces the leadership, systemization, accountability, patient-experience, marketing, and financial frameworks that can help dentists remove themselves as bottlenecks and build healthier, more profitable businesses.

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
2559: The Lease Mistakes That Can Sink Your Dental Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:47
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Eric Pook, owner of Cirrus Consulting Group, live from Thrive Live 2026 in Las Vegas. Eric shares how his background in medical and dental entrepreneurship led him into…
2558: How to Find Opportunity in an Uncertain Real Estate Market [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:51
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jacob Vanderslice, co-founder of VanWest Partners, to explore the opportunities, risks, and realities of self-storage investing. Jacob shares how he went from single-fam…
2557: The Unfair Advantage - Fireside Chat With Gino Wickman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:26
On today's episode, recorded live at the Dental Success Summit 2026, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Gino Wickman, creator of the Entrepreneurial Operating System and author of Traction, Rocket Fuel, and Shine. Gino share…
2556: The Capacity Trap That Holds Practices Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:31
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes answers listener questions in this Ask Me Anything special, covering ownership strategy, practice growth, scaling decisions, and the team of advisors every dental owner should build. M…
2554: Evolve - Thriving in Dentistry's New Reality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:28
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes delivers his main stage presentation during the 13th Annual Dental Success Summit, using the story of Jerry the lobster as a powerful metaphor for growth, vulnerability, and the need t…
2553: Inside a High Tech Dental Practice Built for Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:03
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Brett Titensor live from Thrive Live 2026 to talk about digital dentistry, technology, and building a practice designed for the future. Brett shares what it was like…
2552: Paying Yourself & The Influence You Have Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:59
On today's episode, this Part 2 conversation features Jake Conway continuing his April 2026 Mastermind presentation with a deeper look at hygiene performance, owner compensation, cash flow strategy, and practice valuatio…
2551: Paying Yourself & The Influence You Have Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:33
On today's episode, this Part 1 conversation features Jake Conway presenting during the April 2026 Mastermind and breaking down how practice owners can better understand the numbers that drive their income. Jake explains…