On today’s episode, we have a presentation titled "Hacking The Consult" from the Dental Success Summit 2024, where Dr. Taher Dhoon shared his insights and innovative approaches to dental consultations. Dr. Dhoon, co-founder of Colorado Surgical Institute and a DSI Black Belt Coach, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and communicative environment for patients during dental consultations. He highlighted how dentists can enhance patient understanding and comfort through effective communication strategies, enabling them to comprehend complex surgical procedures like full arch makeovers and sedation dentistry.
Dr. Dhoon shared personal anecdotes and related his approach to other fields, drawing analogies that underscored the importance of depth in patient consultations. He stressed that just as treasure hunters explore deeply to uncover significant finds, dentists should delve deep into understanding patient needs and fears to uncover their true concerns and desires, thus leading to better treatment outcomes. Throughout his presentation, Dr. Dhoon provided practical advice on enhancing patient interaction, building trust, and fostering a deeper connection with patients to facilitate successful consultations and treatments. His talk was rich with strategies for engaging patients before, during, and after consultations, ensuring they feel valued and understood throughout their dental care journey.
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On today’s episode, Mark and Dr. Ben Kacos kick off the episode by delving into the critical factors considered when deciding to hire an associate, such as ensuring they can be kept busy, the importance of providing honest feedback, and the necessity of a thorough onboarding process. They share insights into managing unique situations, such as hiring a husband and wife dentist team, discussing the additional layers of complexity this brings and the strategic considerations involved.
The conversation touches on the significance of maintaining a steady flow of new patients and the impact of online scheduling on patient acquisition. Ben also talks about the role of hygiene flow in keeping associate schedules full. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing training and feedback for new associates, outlining the detailed process his practice uses to ensure associates meet clinical standards and improve their skills.
The episode highlights the role of leadership in developing a successful dental practice. Ben shares how his team uses morning huddles and a comprehensive playbook to ensure everyone is aligned and continuously improving. For more information about upcoming mastermind events and training sessions, visit Peak Dental Resources. Join the Dental Success Network for more insights and networking opportunities with fellow dental professionals.
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On today’s episode, we dive into the dynamic world of dental success with the energetic COO of DSN, Ashlee Hirschfeld. Today, they discuss the critical importance of mental health awareness and the resources available through DSN, like Talkspace, which offers psychiatric and therapy services to its members. The episode also explores the isolation often felt in dentistry and how DSN’s supportive community helps mitigate it. They touch on DSN’s referral program, upcoming dental courses, and practical tips on creating a nurturing and productive workplace. Ashley shares her journey within the dental community, emphasizing the power of networking and mentorship in building a fulfilling career. Join Dr. Marcosas and Ashley as they offer insights into maintaining professional vigor and compassion in the fast-paced world of dental practice.
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On today’s episode, we have a captivating interview with Alison Farber on Method Procurement Technologies' podcast. Mark shares his inspiring and unconventional journey into dentistry. Early in life, a sports injury thrust him into the dental world as a patient, leaving him in awe of the dental professionals who meticulously repaired his teeth. This experience ignited his passion for dentistry, despite the challenges posed by dyslexia and academic struggles. Undeterred, he worked diligently to overcome 20 dental school rejections before finally gaining acceptance to Marquette University.
Drawing on his family's entrepreneurial spirit, Mark pursued an MBA while launching his first business—a catering truck. After graduation, he embraced a rigorous associate position at a Medicaid clinic, refining his clinical skills through intense practice. During that time, he diligently learned the intricacies of practice management by shadowing the office manager, which laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial success.
Mark's journey culminated in the creation of Dental Success Institute (DSI), a consultancy founded in 2012 after a well-received live event. Over the years, DSI grew from an initial 11 members to over 230, boasting a team of 20 coaches who are successful dentists themselves. Utilizing a unique belt system akin to martial arts, the organization encourages practitioners to hone their skills and build efficient, profitable practices.
In 2015, the Dentalpreneur podcast further expanded DSI's reach. As the fourth-ever dental podcast, it now boasts over 2,000 episodes, reaching a global audience in 151 countries. Mark emphasizes that business education remains a crucial yet overlooked component in dental school, highlighting DSI's role in filling this gap. By sharing his vast knowledge and mistakes made along the way, Mark fosters a supportive community where dentists of all levels collaborate and share best practices.
This engaging conversation captures Mark's unwavering dedication to helping dental practitioners navigate the complexities of practice management and business growth. Through DSI's masterminds and live events, Mark's vision remains clear: to empower dentists to scale their practices, whether from a modest startup to a multi-location enterprise or a mega practice.
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On today’s episode, from the Dental Success Summit 2024, a panel of esteemed dentists, Dr. Addison Killeen, Dr. Aaron Nicholas, Dr. Kelly Dove, Dr. Deren Flesher, and Dr. Chris Green, delved deep into the critical role of key performance indicators (KPIs) in dental practice management. Hosted by Ashley, the discussion kicked off with Dr. Deren Flesher highlighting the often overlooked cost creep in dental supplies, emphasizing the importance of vigilant monitoring and resource utilization to maintain budget control.
Dr. Chris Green shared insights on the effectiveness of using daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs to enhance operational efficiency and strategic planning. He stressed the significance of maintaining a proactive approach to managing cancellations and no-shows, which are vital for sustaining practice productivity.
The conversation then transitioned to Dr. Kelly Dove, who operates multiple clinics with her husband. She underscored the necessity of leadership within practice management and the integration of KPI tracking with team development and leadership training to ensure consistent quality and service across all locations.
Throughout the session, the panelists shared personal anecdotes and professional tips on harnessing the power of KPIs to navigate various stages of practice growth—from handling start-ups to managing mature, multi-location practices. The overarching theme was clear: understanding and actively managing KPIs is essential for driving success and sustainability in dental practices.
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On today’s episode, we have the part 2 of Mark Costes' presentation at the Dental Success Summit 2024 titled "Core Drivers of a World-Class Organization," where he continues to provide actionable strategies for dental practice success. He introduces a set of frameworks, honed from years of experience and interaction with a multitude of dental professionals, that aim to address common challenges in dental practice ownership. These frameworks revolve around six main pillars which are foundational principles, operational systemization, lifetime patient experience, new patient acquisition, human resources, overhead, and cash flow control.
Mark emphasizes the importance of "The Four Futures" — mind, meaning, muscle, and money — which are essential for holistic success encompassing personal well-being, meaningful relationships, and financial health. He advocates for the integration of personal integrity, self-awareness, discipline, grit, passion, and empathy into one's professional ethos.
A highlight of his talk is the introduction of the DSI's black belt coaches, who exemplify the success one can achieve through rigorous application of the DSI principles, with each having impressive profit margins and operational efficiencies.
Mark also tackles the 'success tax', explaining that with growth comes more complex and challenging problems, a natural progression as businesses expand. He outlines the DSI belt classification, which helps in measuring the operational maturity of practices from white belt to black belt levels.
To cap off his presentation, Mark gives a detailed case study of a DSI member, Dr. R., whose practice transformed from a struggling setup to a highly profitable model through strategic changes in systemization, patient experience, and leadership, among other areas. This transformation underscores the significant impact of structured mentorship and operational discipline in achieving business success in dentistry.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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On today’s episode, Mark chats with Dr. Bill Keith, a key figure in DSI and COO of the innovative DSO, Dental Success Partners. Dr. Keith shares his journey from finance and real estate to taking over his father's dental practice and its expansion, highlighting the integration of advanced dental technologies. They discuss the evolution of dental practice management, focusing on the balance between clinical skills and business acumen, the impact of good leadership on practice success, and the importance of creating a robust business environment to thrive in the modern dental industry.
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On today’s episode, we welcome Kyle Francis, MBA, the Founder and President of Professional Transition Strategies, who shares his extensive expertise in the consolidation and transition of dental practices. Kyle begins by discussing the inevitable consolidation trend within the dental industry, emphasizing the strategic importance for practice owners to understand this wave, especially those who have scaled their practices to significant valuations. He warns that growing too large can limit selling options, primarily to doctor-to-doctor transactions, and potentially necessitate dealing with DSOs.
Kyle also elaborates on various transition options that his firm offers, which tailor to the unique needs of each practice, setting a new standard in the industry. His personal journey from a potential career in investment banking to specializing in dental practice transitions illustrates a deep commitment to helping dental professionals thrive in a changing landscape. Moreover, Kyle provides a detailed look into the mechanics of private equity, DSOs, and the financial structuring involved in practice sales, explaining how these elements influence the overall valuation and sustainability of dental practices.
This discussion is crucial for any dental professional looking to navigate the complexities of practice ownership, sale, and growth in today's increasingly consolidated market. Kyle's insights into the impact of private equity and the strategic positioning of practices offer valuable lessons on preparing for future transitions and leveraging growth opportunities effectively.
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On today’s episode, we have a crossover from "Hi, I'm Dr." featuring Dr. Mark Costes, hosted by Akhil Chawla. Mark delves into his journey from clinical dentistry to a broader focus on entrepreneurship and education. Graduating from Marquette University in 2002 and starting his practice in Arizona, Mark quickly transitioned from an associate to owning his first of many dental practices. Over the years, he expanded his operations across Arizona and California, eventually owning 16 practices. Despite this success, Mark found his true passion in the business aspects of dentistry rather than clinical practice, leading him to found the Dental Success Institute in 2012, which focuses on coaching and consulting for dental practices.
Throughout the interview, Mark discusses the challenges and insights he gained from managing multiple practices, emphasizing the importance of systems over reliance on individual personnel. He also highlights his shift towards education and philanthropy, particularly through his involvement with the Colorado Surgical Institute and founding Smile Outreach International.
Akhil and Mark explore the intricacies of dental practice management, the impact of dental insurance on the industry, and the future of dental service organizations (DSOs). They discuss the importance of balancing business acumen with clinical skills and how dentists can better position themselves as entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on the need for systemic changes in dental education and the insurance landscape to better support both practitioners and patients.
This episode provides valuable insights for dentists who are looking to expand their professional horizons beyond clinical work and into areas like business management, education, and entrepreneurship within the dental industry.
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On today’s episode, we have Pedro Becker, the founder and CEO of Axle and Zenith Dental IT. Pedro's journey from transforming Billboard and radio advertising to revolutionizing the dental industry through automation and AI is discussed. He shares insights into how his technology has automated processes in over 50 dental practices, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Pedro details his latest innovations in dental technology, focusing on his flagship product, The X-Guide, which assists in efficient and effective implant placement. His efforts aim to make his office a one-stop shop for all dental needs, reflecting his belief that effort is a crucial component of success.
The conversation also touches on Pedro’s personal philosophy and how it aligns with the values of the Dental Success Network, particularly their shared commitment to the abundance mindset and helping others. Pedro's background in technology and his transition into the dental sector are also explored, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of his professional trajectory and current projects.
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On today’s episode, we have Tom Brown, a seasoned expert in dental marketing and the founder and CEO of Tom Brown Consulting. Tom shares his extensive experience in enhancing dental vendors' go-to-market strategies and his current role with My Dental SOP as a business advisor. The discussion delves into the significance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in dental practices and how My Dental SOP helps digitize and streamline these processes for improved efficiency and consistency. Tom’s journey through the dental industry, including his pivotal role in the success of companies like LocalMed, provides valuable insights into effective communication and marketing within the dental sector. The episode is rich with advice for dental professionals on how to manage and grow their practices using strategic systemization and targeted messaging.
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On today’s episode, we’re joined by frequent guest and esteemed colleague, Dr. Ben Kacos. As they delve into the challenges and intricacies of running a large dental practice, Dr. Kacos shares insights from his role as a black belt coach, his experiences with staff and practice management, and his thoughts on leadership within the dental industry. The conversation also covers the exciting new developments at Dental Success Partners (DSP), where Dr. Kacos will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and consistency of care across the organization. This episode is packed with practical advice for dental professionals looking to enhance their practice management and leadership skills.
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On today’s episode, we have this two-part episode from the Dental Success Network's Lady Leaders series, titled “Tackling the Horrors of Hiring Office Managers & For All Positions,” speakers Ashlee Hirschfeld, Sydney Robinson, and Summer Kassmel delve into various crucial aspects of the recruitment process within dental practices. The first part focuses on the importance of aligning potential hires with the cultural values of the practice, emphasizing that cultural fit is often as significant as technical skills. The discussion also covers effective strategies for crafting engaging job advertisements that not only attract applicants but also ensure that they are the right fit for the dental practice's environment.
Furthermore, the speakers explore the use of preliminary assessments to screen candidates efficiently before progressing to the interview stage, which helps in narrowing down the applicant pool to those who are most likely to succeed in the given roles. Another significant point of discussion is the importance of setting clear expectations right from the start and providing comprehensive onboarding to ensure new hires integrate seamlessly into their roles and the practice's culture.
Lastly, they discuss various methods for advertising job openings, including adjusting where and how the ads are placed to optimize the quality of applicants and reduce hiring costs. This part of the discussion is particularly focused on leveraging different platforms and tailoring content to attract the most suitable candidates for the job.
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On today’s episode, we have the second part of the "Lady Leaders" series on "Tackling the Horrors of Hiring Office Managers & For All Positions," Ashlee Hirschfeld, Sydney Robinson, and Summer Kassmel continue to delve into the intricacies of hiring practices within dental offices, with a specific focus on the role of the Office Manager (OM). They emphasized the critical qualities and responsibilities that define an effective OM, underlining that leadership capabilities should be prioritized over mere seniority when considering promotions to management roles. This segment also tackled the hurdles that can arise when hiring an OM from outside the dental industry, stressing the necessity of seamless integration into the team.
The discussion further explored the concept of "extreme ownership," where OMs are encouraged to assume full accountability for the operational success of the practice. This approach fosters a proactive management style that can significantly influence the dynamics and efficiency of dental practices. Lastly, the speakers provided strategies for dealing with scenarios where an OM may not meet the practice's expectations. They discussed realigning the OM's responsibilities or, if necessary, transitioning them out of the role, ensuring that the management aligns well with the practice's goals and the team's needs. This session serves as a comprehensive guide for dental practices aiming to enhance their managerial hires and ensure their leaders contribute positively to their environments.
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On today’s part 3 episode, audience members had the unique opportunity to interact directly with Jocko Willink, posing insightful questions that delved deeper into his experiences and philosophies on leadership and management. The session began with Dr. Summer Kassmel asking about subtle, damaging traits in leaders, to which Jocko emphasized the destructive nature of ego and its ability to block personal and professional growth. He shared anecdotes from his time training SEAL teams, illustrating the critical need for humility and openness in effective leadership.
Another participant explored Jocko's recruitment strategies, particularly interested in how he assesses potential team members for his various business ventures. Jocko detailed the rigorous, real-world scenarios candidates are put through—dubbed the 'Jocotest'—to ensure they can handle the actual pressures and responsibilities of the job.
The discussion also covered how to maintain flexibility within standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid the rigidity that can stifle critical thinking and adaptability among team members. Jocko provided practical advice on ensuring SOPs allow for enough leeway to handle unexpected challenges effectively.
The session was not only a deep dive into the intricacies of leadership but also a testament to Jocko's profound impact on his listeners, many of whom expressed profound gratitude for the insights they had gained from his books and talks. His responses reinforced the importance of adaptability, preparation, and emotional intelligence in leadership—themes that resonated strongly with the professional audience at the summit.
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On today’s part 2 episode, recorded live at the 2024 Dental Success Summit in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jocko Willink for a riveting discussion on leadership and change management. Jocko elaborates on his experience with instituting new processes within teams, particularly a more effective system of information collection during his military career. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and being open to feedback to overcome resistance and enhance operational efficiency.
Jocko also explores the concept of 'dichotomy of leadership', sharing insights on how leaders can maintain balance and flexibility in their roles to foster a productive work environment. He highlights the need for leaders to recognize their emotional triggers and employ detachment techniques to remain calm and focused during high-pressure situations.
Furthermore, Jocko touches on the profound personal impacts of his military service, reflecting on the losses he endured and the deep appreciation for life these experiences instilled in him. He ties these reflections back to business and leadership, advocating for a focus on meaningful, people-centered goals rather than mere profit maximization.
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On today’s episode, recorded live at the 2024 Dental Success Summit, host Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jocko Willink, a former U.S. Navy SEAL commander and celebrated author of "Extreme Ownership." The discussion dives deep into the principles of leadership and ownership, particularly how these concepts apply not only in the battlefield but also in professional settings such as dental practices. Jocko shares riveting stories from his military career, emphasizing the critical nature of true ownership and the dangers of micromanagement. The episode features a live Q&A session, offering attendees the unique opportunity to engage directly with Jocko's insights on leadership, resilience, and team management. This session is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their leadership skills and understanding the profound impact of taking ownership at all levels of an organization.
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