2576: From Navy Dentistry to Practice Ownership

2576: From Navy Dentistry to Practice Ownership

Author: Dental Consulting August 17, 2026 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 shares how his father's example as a dentist first inspired him to pursue the profession, then walks through his path from the University of Kentucky to serving as a dentist in the U.S. Navy across San Diego, Sicily, and Whidbey Island. 

He reflects on the leadership lessons, clinical foundations, and worldview he gained through military service before transitioning into associateship and eventually launching a startup practice in Bellingham, Washington. Mark and Dr. Chaz also discuss the value of choosing the right practice model, leveraging team members through expanded functions, focusing on select clinical strengths, and using mentorship, content, and resources like Glidewell to help dentists jumpstart their careers with greater clarity and confidence.

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
2569: What High-Level Dental Operators Do Differently Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:16
On today's episode, Part 2 of the same keynote, Dr. Mark Costes continues his tactical playbook for building a more effective, systemized dental practice. He breaks down the five core steps of leadership, explains how to…
2568: What High-Level Dental Operators Do Differently Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 mista…
2566: How Dentists Can Build Wealth With Intention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:20
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Matt Mulcock, CFP and Managing Partner at Dentist Advisors, for a practical conversation on financial planning throughout the full arc of a dentist's career. Matt breaks…
2565: The Real Talk Behind Surgical and Prosthetic Complications [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:35
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Dan Briskie and Dr. Thomas Fow for a practical conversation on surgical, prosthetic, and patient management complications in implant dentistry. Together, they discuss…
2564: Building Better Dentists Through Better Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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,…
2563: The Blackbelt Standard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:52
Dr. Mark Costes presents the 2026 Golden Rhino Award case studies, honoring two standout transformations: Dr. Blake Hamlin and Dr. Collin Myrick, both UT Houston grads who joined DSI feeling successful but stuck and isol…
2561: The Real Tradeoffs Behind De Novo Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:41
On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes answers a wide range of listener questions in this Ask Me Anything edition, covering everything from managing serious back issues as a dentist to weighing the pros and cons of a de nov…
2560: Courageous Conversations That Build Better Practices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…