2571: Training the Next Generation of Dental Assistants

2571: Training the Next Generation of Dental Assistants

Author: Dental Consulting August 10, 2026 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 her journey from Howard University to practicing in Maryland and later building a career in Kingston, Jamaica, where she has served in private practice, dental association leadership, dental council governance, and mentorship for young dentists. 

She also discusses her work as a John C. Maxwell leadership team member, her passion for helping dental teams understand their strengths, and why dentists must become better leaders if they want to create less stressful, more effective practices. The conversation also explores the growing dental assistant shortage, the importance of training people with the right cultural fit, and how her online platform helps practices develop assistants through flexible, trackable education in general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, implants, and more.

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
2590: From Clinical Burnout to Business Ownership That Works [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:21
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes takes the stage at The Practice Launchpad event to share the business lessons he wishes more dentists learned before becoming practice owners. Drawing from his experience owning 16 pra…
2589: Building Better Dental Payments Without the SaaS Overload [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:25
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Mark Rasmussen, CEO and co-founder of Moolah, to unpack the company's journey from general payment processing to a dental-focused technology platform serving thousands o…
2587: Milestones In Motion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:52
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes hosts the Milestones in Motion transformation contest during the Dental Success Summit 2026, featuring powerful stories from Dental Success Institute members who have created major gro…
2586: How to Choose the Right Practice Exit Path [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:12
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Brannon Moncrief of McLerran & Associates for a timely conversation about the current dental transition market, DSO consolidation, and how practice owners should evaluate…
2585: How Frenectomies Can Unlock New Patient Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:04
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Michael Dienberg and Bethany Dienberg for a Dental Success Network webinar on integrating frenectomies into the general dental practice. Dr. Dienberg shares how tongue…
2584: Why Ownership May Be the Best Repayment Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Mark Johnson, wealth advisor with RBF Wealth Advisors and founder of Student Loans Rx and Dental Wealth Rx, for a practical conversation about student loan repayment, pra…
2582: Partnerships-Navigating Equity, Growth and Retention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:59
On today's episode, Alastair MacDonald joins Dr. Mark Costes during the Dental Success Summit 2026 for a powerful conversation on dental practice partnerships, equity, growth, and retention. Together, they unpack why man…
2581: How AI Can Improve Case Acceptance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Roza Ghamari, CEO and co-founder of Healink, for a conversation about AI, patient engagement, and solving one of dentistry's biggest challenges: treatment acceptance. Ro…