The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes Mark Costes

On today’s episode, Mark Costes delivers his presentation titled "Core Drivers of a World-Class Organization." Dr. Costes starts by introducing the prestigious Golden Rhino Award, a highlight since its inception in 2019. He then engages the audience in a box breathing exercise, demonstrating how to manage stress in high-pressure situations—a common scenario in dental practices.
Mark sets the stage for a detailed case study on one of the summit's most successful members, Dr. R., which promises to provide practical insights into the application of the principles discussed. He offers an honest look at the high-stress environment of dentistry, discussing the financial and personal risks involved, and compares the average earnings in the sector to those of the general workforce.
The talk then shifts to the issues of isolation post-dental school and the lack of preparedness among dentists for managing the business aspects of their practices. Mark touches on the prevalence of mental health issues within the profession and emphasizes the support available through DSN, which includes therapy and psychiatric care.
He concludes with a poignant discussion on the dangers of working in isolation, the ignorance about financial health many dentists endure, and the personal toll it takes, leading to higher rates of substance abuse, depression, and even suicide among professionals. Mark advocates for continuous education and community involvement, as seen in DSN's support network, which helps members share struggles and successes, significantly impacting their professional satisfaction and mental health. This episode provides a blend of practical advice, professional insights, and supportive strategies essential for running a world-class dental organization. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Mark will delve deeper into operational strategies that elevate dental practices.
EPISODE RESOURCES
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On today’s episode, we have guest, Stephen Nance, partner and vice president at Drilldown Solution. Stephen has a wealth of experience in taxation, beginning his career as an auditor with the Utah State Tax Commission before transitioning to DrillDown Solution, where he now helps clients mitigate tax penalties and assessments. He discusses how changes in presidential administrations can influence tax obligations and shares strategies for managing tax liabilities to maximize savings.
Stephen and Mark delve into the nuances of tax credits, starting with Employee Retention Credits (ERCs). Stephen explains how these credits are legitimate and have provided significant refunds to some clients, but also how the IRS has halted processing due to overwhelming claims and potential abuse. He urges listeners to ensure their CPA carefully calculates qualifications to avoid future issues.
They also explore the Research and Development (R&D) tax credits, which Stephen affirms are valid but can raise red flags if aggressively claimed without proper justification. He highlights that this credit has a long-standing history and is available to dental professionals who conduct innovative research within their practices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of working with trusted tax professionals who understand the complexities of these calculations to avoid drawing undue attention from the IRS.
Tune in to this informative conversation for insights into navigating these credits and learning strategies to legally minimize your tax liability.
EPISODE RESOURCES
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On today’s episode, we have the captivating finale of the 11th Annual Dental Success Summit, Alastair MacDonald presented "The Indestructible Practice," a profound exploration of resilience and strategic foresight in dental practice management. Drawing from his diverse experiences, from the wilds of Africa to high-stakes entrepreneurship, MacDonald emphasized the necessity of preparing for unpredictable challenges that can impact a dental practice. He shared personal anecdotes about his encounters with wildlife and the lessons these experiences taught him about crisis management and preparation. MacDonald urged dental professionals to adopt a 'red teaming' approach—systematically challenging plans to uncover hidden threats—to ensure their practices are robust against all adversities. His speech was not only a reflection on personal courage but also a call to action for leaders to fortify their practices through proactive and strategic thinking.
EPISODE RESOURCES
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On today’s episode, we have Sydney Robinson, the executive director of DSN, discussing the most recent DSN posts that have garnered significant engagement.
Sydney reflected on the recent event she organized in Charlotte, North Carolina, which was a major success. She described how practice leaders came together to share insights and learn from the FOA coaching team, creating a deeply supportive environment. The primary focus was on defining the differences between leadership and management in dental practices. Sydney noted that many office managers lack a clear understanding of their roles, which the workshop aimed to address. They utilized DSN resources, such as the operations manual, and engaged participants in breakout groups for hands-on learning and collaboration.
Mark emphasized the value of live interaction, sharing his experiences from a recent ThriveLive event. He expressed how meeting people face-to-face provides an irreplaceable energy and connection. They both agreed that, while virtual communication is important, live workshops offer unique opportunities to exchange best practices and build meaningful relationships.
Together, they delved into a question about hiring office managers. Sydney highlighted the importance of hiring individuals who fit the practice’s culture and values, stressing that alignment is crucial for successful leadership. Mark shared his perspective as a practice owner, encouraging listeners to find candidates who share their vision while balancing strong leadership skills. Their insights provided practical advice for anyone looking to strengthen their team.
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Summer Kassmel. Dr. Kassmel shares her experiences from a recent summit, reflecting on its success and her interactions with attendees, including students and professionals. They discuss the challenges and new ventures in dental education and management, focusing on Dr. Kassmel's work in creating educational programs for dental assistants and front office staff. The conversation also covers leadership qualities, personal growth, and the importance of integrating new members into the dental community effectively.
EPISODE RESOURCES
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On today’s episode, we dive into the themes of Leadership and Cultural Excellence, spotlighting the profound insights shared at this year’s Dental Success Summit. The session opens with reflections on the growth from a small team to a robust panel of seasoned Dental Success Black Belt Coaches, emphasizing the rigorous path of learning through both challenging and straightforward experiences. Dr. Mark Costes leads the discussion, introducing a diverse panel including Dr. Matt Slivka, Dr. Monica Urda, Dr. Beau Sparkman, Dr. Alan Gotora, and Dr. Steve Dove, all of whom have unique stories of integrating strong leadership into their practices.
The conversation explores the indispensable role of leadership in creating and maintaining a positive workplace culture that directly contributes to a practice’s success. Panelists share personal anecdotes and professional strategies, highlighting the necessity of consistent leadership and the impact of mentorship within the dental community. Each speaker brings a unique perspective on how to foster a team environment that not only thrives on the clinical side but also excels in personal and professional development, thereby enhancing overall practice performance.
Listeners will gain insights into the importance of aligning team goals with practice values, the challenges and rewards of expanding practice operations, and the critical role of effective communication and systematization in scaling business. The podcast not only provides actionable strategies for dental practitioners but also inspires with stories of overcoming obstacles through resilience and strong leadership. This is an essential listen for anyone aiming to elevate their practice through principled and impactful leadership.
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast