On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas by Eric Pook, president of Cirrus Consulting Group, North America's leading dental office lease negotiation firm. Eric shares eye-opening insights into how dentists—despite being the most reliable tenants—are frequently overpaying for their leases due to lack of awareness, leverage, and negotiation expertise.
They explore the most common pitfalls dentists face in lease agreements, including missed renewal deadlines, dangerous personal guarantees, inflated tenant improvement allowances, and how landlords quietly strip away leverage from unsuspecting practice owners. Eric offers a crash course in lease strategy for both startups and acquisitions, explaining why the best time to engage a lease expert is far earlier than most assume. Whether you’re starting, growing, or exiting your practice, this conversation could save you hundreds of thousands.
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On today’s Part 2 episode, Gary Bird joins Mark in an in-depth conversation on how dental practices can unlock serious growth through smarter systems, strategic pricing, and AI integration. Gary shares powerful insights into the rise of AI receptionists, how they’re changing the way practices manage phone calls, scheduling, and follow-ups—and why they’re not quite ready to fully replace humans. He breaks down the real reasons practices miss out on ROI, including poor call handling, lack of follow-up, and scheduling gaps.
You’ll also learn why distinguishing between leads and qualified leads matters more than you think, and how block scheduling can make or break your growth. Plus, Gary dives into one of the most controversial topics in dental marketing: pricing. He explains why discounting can attract the wrong crowd and how strategic, data-driven pricing wins in competitive markets. If you're serious about scaling without sacrificing your margins, this episode is a must-listen.
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On today’s episode, Gary Bird, founder of SMC, joins Dr. Mark Costes to unpack the real reasons most dental marketing fails—and why operations are often the true growth limiter. They discuss the dangers of focusing on “activities” like websites or SEO instead of real outcomes, and how busyness is often mistaken for productivity. Gary shares why 35% of calls in dental practices go unanswered during business hours and how that one stat alone crushes marketing ROI.
The conversation dives deep into the link between lead gen and operational execution, including conversion rates, appointment availability, and the need for follow-up systems. Gary also explains why his agency focuses more on operational performance than flashy marketing tactics—and why that gives their clients a competitive advantage. If you’re looking to double your new patient flow but your schedule is already full, this episode is a wake-up call you don’t want to miss.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Stephanie Botts, a seasoned dental hygienist turned ergonomics expert, to explore the physical toll dentistry takes on clinicians and how to prevent it. Stephanie shares how her own experience with chronic back pain inspired her to launch a business focused on helping dental professionals practice pain-free.
From proper patient positioning and the dangers of “chicken winging,” to the benefits of micro-breaks, loop upgrades, and targeted strength training, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to protect your body and extend your clinical career. Whether you're seated, standing, or working in extreme mobile settings, Stephanie offers solutions you can implement immediately to feel better at the end of the day.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Wendy Briggs, RDH, powerhouse speaker, hygienist, and co-founder of The Team Training Institute. Broadcasting live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas, Wendy shares her expert insights on the current hygiene crisis affecting dental practices across the nation. She discusses the root causes of the growing divide between hygienists and practice owners, the impact of inflated wage expectations, and why many offices are mistakenly eliminating hygiene positions altogether.
Wendy also explains her proven system for transforming underperforming hygiene departments by elevating care standards, boosting productivity, and shifting providers to practice at the top of their license. With a deep dive into preventive therapy, periodontal therapy, patient advocacy, and the true definition of assisted hygiene, this episode is a must-listen for any dental team looking to improve efficiency and patient care without sacrificing profitability.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Darren Shaw, founder of Whitespark and one of the most trusted voices in local SEO. Darren breaks down exactly how dentists can dominate local search results—not just on Google, but also on emerging platforms like ChatGPT. He explains the three overlooked pillars of local SEO: optimizing your Google Business Profile, having a smart and consistent review strategy, and building citations that boost your online presence.
Darren shares practical tips on everything from uploading weekly photos and selecting the right categories, to responding to reviews and leveraging “best of” lists for AI visibility. He also explains how dentists can hold marketing teams or agencies accountable using real, measurable metrics. Whether you're doing it yourself or outsourcing, this episode is packed with next-level strategies to attract more patients through smarter online visibility.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with longtime friend and repeat guest JJ Ditkofsky, founder of WeCare, live from the Thrive Live event in Las Vegas. JJ dives deep into one of the most critical yet often misunderstood components of running a successful dental practice: real estate. From lease negotiations and expansions to practice startups and real estate purchases, JJ shares insights into how to avoid getting boxed into limiting contracts and make the smartest real estate decisions possible.
They discuss the common pitfalls of signing inflexible leases, how to unlock hidden opportunities with current landlords, and why not all real estate is worth buying—despite the allure of ownership. Plus, the duo teases a high-impact event coming to New York City this fall for dentists interested in starting or expanding their practices the right way.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down live from the Thrive Live exhibition hall in Las Vegas with Dr. John Meis, founder of The Team Training Institute and a true pioneer in dental group growth and leadership. He shares his journey from a rough start as a fourth-generation dentist to leading the expansion of over 120 dental practices.
With a deep focus on operational clarity, team leadership, and retention over acquisition, Dr. Meis dives into the philosophies that power sustainable success in both single and multi-location dental practices. The conversation also explores the shifting landscape of hygiene, the rise of mid-level providers, and the practical uses of AI in radiology, phone systems, and beyond. This high-level discussion is a must for any dentist looking to grow with integrity, strategy, and heart.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Kristin Yont, a Calgary-based dentist with a remarkable journey from clinical practice to becoming a leader in mind-body medicine. Kristin shares how her personal experience with emotional stress and burnout led her to explore yoga, mindfulness, and ultimately the SMART program—an eight-week stress management and resiliency training course developed by Harvard’s Benson Henry Institute.
Kristin opens up about how stress manifests physically, how to break the cycle of negative self-talk, and the importance of building emotional awareness and community within dentistry. From resilience to compassion fatigue, this conversation dives deep into the science and strategy behind sustainable well-being for dental professionals.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Jonathan Moffat, founder of Aligned Advisors, live from the Thrive Live conference in Las Vegas. With a background in scaling dental practices and advising dentists across the country, Jonathan shares his approach to turning overwhelmed dental professionals into confident business owners with a clear financial plan.
He breaks down the concept of a family office—traditionally reserved for ultra-high-net-worth individuals—and how he’s made it accessible to dentists through a flat-fee model that includes 200 annual checkpoints, customized financial flowcharts, and a collaborative team of dental-specific experts. Whether you're looking to scale, sell, or simply get your financial life in order, this episode is packed with game-changing strategies for dentists at any stage of their journey.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes catches up with the dynamic Dr. Kristine Adland live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas. A tech-savvy dentist known for pushing the limits of CAD/CAM dentistry, Kristine shares how she grew a three-chair startup into a 10-operatory powerhouse and built a team of diverse partners to align with her multi-passionate life.
But it’s not just about dentistry—Kristine is also building a boutique winery and wine cave in Napa Valley with fellow dentist Dr. Justin Moody, while simultaneously pursuing a law degree with a focus on contract law. From aesthetic same-day crowns to custom cabernet blends, Dr. Adland talks about what it takes to stand out in both competitive industries, the parallels between dentistry and winemaking, and her ultimate vision for creating unique CE and wine experiences in California wine country.
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In today’s Part 2 episode, Morgan Hamon returns for Part 2 of his conversation with Dr. Mark Costes, diving headfirst into the intricate realities of selling a dental practice. From decoding EBITDA and enterprise value manipulation by private equity-backed DSOs to the critical role of quality of earnings reports and add-backs, Morgan unpacks what dentists need to know before entering any transaction. They explore the benefits and tax pitfalls of owning versus leasing commercial real estate, the real story behind cost segregation studies, and how depreciation recapture can sting if you're not prepared.
Morgan also shares eye-opening advice on selling timing, managing post-sale windfalls, and the limited tax mitigation options available to W-2 dentists. Plus, they wrap up with some lighthearted stories and unforgettable insights from Morgan’s days landing F-18s on aircraft carriers.
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In today’s Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Morgan Hamon, a former Navy F-18 pilot turned CPA, who now dedicates his expertise to helping dental practice owners achieve financial clarity and profitability. Morgan shares his unique journey from landing on aircraft carriers to launching a specialized accounting firm with his father—one that eventually joined EisnerAmper.
Morgan dives deep into the common financial blind spots of dentists, the vital importance of understanding profit margins, and how to identify whether revenue shortfalls or bloated expenses are holding a practice back. Plus, he explains why variable cost control and staff efficiency are critical, and how tax mitigation strategies like S-Corp elections and proper expense categorization can drive long-term success.
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On today’s episode, repeat guest and oil and gas expert Troy Eckard returns to unpack the massive changes affecting the energy investment space. With decades of experience and over $850 million raised for oil and gas projects, Troy offers a deep dive into the differences between mineral rights and working interests, the tax advantages of each, and how savvy investors can take advantage of recent policy changes like the One Big Beautiful Bill.
He and Dr. Mark Costes also discuss global economic factors influencing oil prices, including tariffs, the dollar’s value, and the geopolitical landscape. Whether you're looking for passive income or aggressive tax strategies, Troy breaks down the practical ways investors can build wealth in today’s energy market—without falling victim to the growing number of questionable promoters in the space.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with licensed mental health counselor and life coach Nikolai Blinow, who specializes in burnout, high-functioning anxiety, and adult ADHD. From a former fundraising executive to a TEDx speaker and mindfulness-based therapist, Nikolai shares her powerful origin story and how a pivotal trip to Costa Rica helped her redefine success and fulfillment.
The conversation dives into the unique stressors dental professionals face, how burnout can quietly erode productivity and personal relationships, and why mindfulness, movement, and even Yoga Nidra can be game-changers for anyone navigating the demands of business and life. This is a compelling listen for any high-achiever seeking to avoid—or recover from—mental and emotional fatigue.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Kwane Watson, the visionary founder and CEO of Kare Mobile Inc. With a background in both private practice and corporate dentistry, Dr. Watson has pioneered a transformative model of mobile dental care using single-operatory vans combined with proprietary technology. He shares how Kare Mobile addresses healthcare inequities by partnering with insurance companies, counties, and institutions like jails to bring care directly to underserved populations.
Dr. Watson also explains the inner workings of his fleet, the ROI of mobile care, how self-scheduling software boosts efficiency, and why he's expanding his tech-forward DSO model. From manufacturing vans in-house to scaling digital dentures and tele-dentistry, this episode showcases the future of accessible, scalable, and entrepreneurial dentistry.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Kyle Guerin, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Henry Schein, to explore the transformative power of service in dentistry. Kyle shares incredible stories from nearly two decades of humanitarian outreach—including 16 trips to Ethiopia—where dental care and education have created ripple effects of hope and opportunity. He explains Henry Schein’s commitment to health equity through initiatives like Shine Cares kits, sustainable clinic models, and partnerships with dentists and nonprofits worldwide.
From outfitting clinics in remote areas to 3D-printing dentures in the Bahamas, Kyle unpacks how clinicians can use their skills to not only restore teeth, but also dignity and opportunity for underserved populations. Whether you’ve done one mission trip or none at all, this episode will inspire you to make service a meaningful part of your career.
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In today’s Part 2 episode, Dr. Mark returns with a powerful message on the critical importance of practice infrastructure over sheer production. From leadership and culture assessments to systemization, He shares the real metrics that matter in dental practice ownership. He emphasizes how many practices in the U.S. operate at 2% or even negative profitability—and what that means for your financial legacy.
Dr. Mark introduces foundational frameworks like the Six Pillars of Practice Optimization and the Four Futures—mind, meaning, muscle, and money—to help dentists achieve holistic success, not just financial wins. Drawing from his own experience of building six practices and achieving millionaire status only to find himself unfulfilled, Dr. Mark reminds us that success without balance is an illusion. He also touches on why dentistry is a hot target for private equity, the workforce crisis post-COVID, and how to think like a sophisticated business owner.
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On today's episode, Dr. Mark dives deep into the realities of dental business ownership, emphasizing the importance of strong operational infrastructure over just increasing production. Dr. Costes shares insights into his coaching and consulting work with over 230 private clients, the vibrant and supportive community inside the Dental Success Network, and the powerful impact of the world's largest dental buying group.
Dr. Mark also introduces his passion project, Smile Outreach International, which brings free dental care to underserved regions across the globe. With lessons learned from scaling multiple practices and a candid approach to leadership, profitability, and culture, this episode delivers actionable wisdom for dentists seeking sustainable growth.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Holli Perez, CMO and co-founder of DirectDental, to discuss the workforce challenges reshaping the dental industry. Holli shares her journey from being laid off in a DSO leadership role to launching a game-changing dental staffing platform that now serves practices in all 50 states. The conversation dives deep into the realities of temp staffing, the growing hygienist shortage, and why nearly 30% of dentists are reportedly doing their own hygiene work.
Holli also unpacks practical strategies for improving employee retention, creating compelling job listings, and recognizing when toxic leadership is sabotaging team culture. With DirectDental now a part of Henry Schein, Holli gives a behind-the-scenes look at their future initiatives to onboard new grads and streamline dental hiring across the nation.
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with dental transitions expert Greg Auerbach, Senior Director at Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions. Greg unpacks the critical mistakes dentists make when preparing to sell their practices—and why waiting until you're ready to retire could cost you big.
From understanding valuation methodologies like cap rate and EBITDA, to the difference between DSO deals and private practice transitions, Greg offers data-driven insights on how to boost your practice’s value well before it hits the market. Whether you're five months or 15 years from a transition, Greg lays out a clear case for how and when to start preparing for one of the biggest financial events of your career.
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In today’s Part 2 episode, Dr. Mark Costes dives deep into the tactical side of building a scalable and profitable dental practice. He outlines his proven frameworks for streamlining operations, conducting effective team meetings, and mastering key performance indicators (KPIs). Dr. Costes shares real-world examples from his journey managing multiple practices, emphasizing the importance of organizational charts, performance reviews, and clear leadership expectations. He also breaks down the true cost of procedures, from crown preps to implants, so you can make data-driven decisions—especially when considering insurance plans or expanding your services.
With insights on staff retention, associate training investment, and systemizing roles through time journaling, this episode is a must-listen for any dentist looking to grow efficiently without burnout. The episode closes with powerful audience Q&A, addressing everything from managing multiple cultures across locations to building a fee-for-service startup in a PPO-heavy world.
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In today’s Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes shares the captivating journey that took him from 20 dental school rejections to owning 16 successful dental practices and becoming a global leader in dental outreach. Speaking to a live audience, Dr. Costes breaks down the economic realities of private equity’s growing influence in dentistry and why understanding overhead and operational efficiency is more crucial than ever. He dives into the emotional and physical tolls of the profession, sharing why dentistry ranks high in burnout and what practice owners can do to regain their passion and purpose.
From systemization and KPIs to building a sustainable business that can thrive without you in the chair, this episode is packed with the mindset and strategy shifts needed to create lasting success. Mark also introduces the Four Futures framework and his belt system for assessing practice performance, offering a high-level view of how to grow while avoiding burnout.
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