2584: Why Ownership May Be the Best Repayment Strategy

2584: Why Ownership May Be the Best Repayment Strategy

Author: Dental Consulting August 27, 2026 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, practice ownership, and long-term financial planning for dentists. Mark shares how he first began working with dental students and residents after realizing how little traditional financial planning addressed the realities of six-figure student loan debt. 

He explains why young dentists should build a financial foundation that includes emergency savings, disability insurance, retirement contributions, and a thoughtful student loan repayment strategy. Mark also discusses the new repayment assistance plan, why practice ownership can be one of the most powerful ways to accelerate income and pay down debt, and how dentists can begin preparing financially, clinically, and emotionally to become owners within a few years of graduation.

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…
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…
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…