The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes and Dental Success Network co-founder Michael Lomotan answer questions from DSN members. They start with a challenge many practice owners know well: how to hold a team accountable without becoming everyone's reminder system. Mark then looks back at his decision to grow to 16 practices and explains why he would focus on profitability, location, and room to expand if he were starting over. They close with questions to ask before selling to a DSO, including how the deal is structured and what happens to the portion of the practice's value that isn't paid at closing. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes talks with BoomCloud founder Jordan Comstock about rising practice costs, flat PPO reimbursements, and the write-offs that can quietly erode profits. Jordan explains how patient membership plans can create recurring revenue, strengthen retention, and give owners more freedom to decide which PPO contracts are worth keeping. They cover where to find new members, from existing patients to local businesses, and how to get a plan started. The conversation also explores how a loyal patient base and predictable revenue could affect a practice's value when it's time to sell. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://boomcloudapps.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Aaron Nicholas presents a practical framework for identifying where the dental day starts to go sideways and what to do before small problems turn into full-blown chaos. He breaks down how to create backup protocols for procedures, analyze workflows, schedule with more intention, prepare assistants and operatories, and delegate tasks that do not require doctor time. Aaron also explains how morning huddles, decision trees, standardized setups, scripts, and procedure timing can make the day more predictable and productive. The goal is not simply to move faster, but to create systems that help the entire team know what to do when something stops working as planned. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend and Dental Success Network co-founder Michael Lomotan for a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges dental practice owners are facing today. Michael shares what he is hearing from dentists around systems, overhead, staffing, technology, AI, exit planning, and financial organization, while reflecting on his own journey from struggling practice owner to building a stronger, more profitable business. They also discuss the evolution of DSN, the value of community and coaching, the importance of leadership, and why risk management, HR compliance, and operational discipline can be just as important as production and growth. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Chris Sands, founder of Crown Card Services, to unpack the confusing world of dental credit card processing and explain where practices may be losing money without realizing it. Chris breaks down the difference between integrated and interfaced payment systems, how bridge technology is opening up more processor choice, and why locked-in rates, transparent statements, and regular audits matter. They also discuss compliant surcharge programs, online payments, text-to-pay, accounts receivable, and how small percentage differences in processing costs can translate into major gains in EBITDA and long-term practice value. The conversation gives practice owners a practical framework for evaluating their current processor and becoming more informed consumers of payment technology. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://crowncardservices.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with David Charnowitz, founder and CEO of DC Dental, to discuss how the dental supply market is changing and what independent practices should understand about purchasing, pricing, and value. David shares how he built DC Dental from a startup into a major independent supplier, why the company focuses heavily on private practices, and how a lean operating model can create more competitive pricing. They also discuss house brands, distribution strategy, service models, pricing transparency, and the importance of understanding the true value behind every expense in a dental practice. The conversation closes with practical business lessons around reading financial statements, managing costs, and building a more efficient operation. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.crazydentalprices.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Allen Gotora presents a powerful framework for bringing the dentist's world and the team's world into better alignment during the Dental Success Summit 2026. Drawing from his own leadership journey and a recent dental mission in the Dominican Republic, Allen explains how unclear expectations, weak communication, toxic behavior, and lack of leadership development can create unnecessary division inside a practice. He breaks down practical ways to strengthen culture, normalize feedback, improve communication, recognize team members, eliminate gossip, and create clearer roles and accountability. The goal is simple but essential: build a practice where doctors and team members understand each other better, lead from their positions, and work together around a shared mission. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend Dr. Paul Goodman to reflect on nearly a decade of Dental Nachos and the evolution of the community, business, and relationships built along the way. Paul shares how Dental Nachos grew from a simple Facebook group into a broad dental community, why his original vision for a CE subscription business did not unfold as expected, and how sponsorships, live events, and Dentist Job Connect became important parts of the larger Nacho universe. They also discuss social media, building authentic communities, hiring associates, the value of comparing multiple candidates, hygiene staffing challenges, and why dentists need to make business decisions based on math instead of emotion. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.dentalnachos.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Ashley Keith, Sydney Robinson, and Amy Hernandez present a practical framework for moving a dental practice from chaos to control during the Dental Success Summit 2026. They break down how unclear roles, weak workflows, inconsistent billing processes, and poor handoffs can create unnecessary stress, lost revenue, and team burnout. The presentation covers how to create clearer ownership, build backup systems, improve delegation, strengthen insurance and billing workflows, and connect better systems to stronger case acceptance. They also share simple ways teams can identify bottlenecks, reduce confusion, and implement processes that actually support growth. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes explores the connection between prioritization, leverage, simplicity, and the people we choose to surround ourselves with. He shares lessons from his travels and mission work, including how service, gratitude, adaptability, and reducing unnecessary complexity have reshaped the way he approaches both business and life. Mark also challenges listeners to evaluate their first-quarter progress, eliminate negative patterns, improve fulfillment, and focus on no more than a few meaningful priorities at a time. He closes with a practical breakdown of labor efficiency, overhead, profitability, and "the spread," showing how better stewardship of every dollar can create a stronger, more sustainable dental practice. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Lior Tamir speaks during the Dental Success Summit 2026 about using AI, systems, and intentional follow-up to grow a more efficient and profitable dental practice. Drawing from his experience building a marketing agency, returning to dentistry, and scaling multiple practices, Dr. Tamir explains why patient experience, social proof, marketing, and a clear sales process are essential for growth. He breaks down the hidden opportunity in unscheduled treatment, why most follow-up systems fail, and how practices can use dedicated "setters," scripts, financing conversations, and consistent outreach to help patients move forward with needed care. Dr. Tamir also shares how AI agents can support dental teams by identifying outstanding treatment, drafting personalized outreach, tracking conversations, and helping practices create more human, trustworthy patient experiences without replacing the people who make those relationships work. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

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 of practices. Mark shares how an introduction to the Dental Success Network helped spark Moolah's move into dentistry, why narrowing the company's focus accelerated growth, and how staying committed to simple pricing, no SaaS fees, and strong customer support has shaped the business. They also discuss PMS integrations, the shift toward cloud-based software, automated accounts receivable, building a strong visionary-integrator relationship, navigating private equity interest, and why customer experience continues to drive Moolah's growth. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.moolah.cc https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

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 growth in their practices and personal lives. Dr. Josh Hall shares how DSI helped him shift from scarcity to abundance, expand into a larger facility, build a stronger team, and create more time for family experiences. Dr. Kelly Grubbs and Dr. Marianne Weatherford discuss how partnership, culture, systems, and faith over fear helped them transform Ridge Dental and Aesthetics while navigating real-life challenges. Dr. Andrew Kung and Kathy Lin share how Vitality Dental evolved from a scratch startup into a healthier, more team-led practice, while Dr. Mary Margaret Vaughn tells her inspiring story of taking big leaps before feeling ready, expanding her practice, building systems, growing her team, and creating more freedom while raising two sets of twins. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast