On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by returning guest and longtime friend of the podcast, Dr. Matthew Standridge, live from the Voices of Dentistry conference. Dr. Standridge shares his incredible journey from owning multiple rural practices in Kansas to selling them and transitioning into a career focused on education and clinical mentorship. He opens up about the unique and atypical process of selling one of his practices to a nonprofit organization pursuing FQHC status, and how that created a win-win for both the community and his personal goals.

Now living in Edmond, Oklahoma, Dr. Standridge reflects on the improved quality of life for his family and his renewed passion for teaching. He dives deep into his new online education platform, Orthodontic XP, designed to help general dentists implement clear aligner therapy confidently and effectively—especially those who feel stuck after initial certification courses. Dr. Standridge also shares key insights on team training, patient communication, and systems for case acceptance in ortho.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.drstandridge.com
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with M&A expert Brannon Moncrief to break down the current dental consolidation landscape and what it really means for practice owners considering a sale. They discuss why 2025 was a strong year for strategic sellers despite tighter capital markets, how deal structures have evolved from pure HoldCo models to joint venture alignments, and why organic growth now matters more than simply stacking EBITDA.

Brannon shares insights on recap realities, earn-outs versus earn-ups, and why age and runway dramatically impact leverage in negotiations. They also dive into common seller mistakes, the risks of waiting too long in a shifting consolidation cycle, and how to think critically about equity projections and "unicorn" promises. If you're planning an eventual transition—whether next year or a decade from now—this episode offers a pragmatic look at how to prepare and position yourself for the best possible outcome.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://dentaltransitions.com
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, we're sharing a special DSN webinar featuring Dr. Mark Costes and Kyle Francis, founder of Professional Transition Strategies, titled Mastering Your Practice Valuation: What Today's Buyers Are Actually Looking For. With over 600 dental transitions and 25 practices owned, Kyle brings unmatched insight into how valuations really work in today's changing landscape.

Together, Mark and Kyle explore why the old method of valuing practices based on collections is outdated, and how modern buyers—especially DSOs and private equity groups—assess value through profitability, scalability, and risk. They break down the differences between doctor-to-doctor sales and private equity-backed deals, explain what seller discretionary earnings and EBITDA actually mean, and share how practice size, location, payer mix, and clinical capacity influence multiples. Whether you're planning to sell soon or years from now, this conversation is packed with strategies to make your practice more attractive and maximize its value.

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, Mark answers a wide range of listener questions in a value-packed Ask Mark Anything session focused on practice growth, profitability, leadership, and investing. He breaks down how to know when you're done "tweaking" and when it's time for creative, structural, or transformational change, using objective metrics like systemization, leadership, culture, and profitability benchmarks.

Mark also dives into smart investment strategies beyond the practice, including multi-practice ownership, real estate, and alternative investments, while addressing how to handle employee raises in a fair, systematic, and drama-free way. The episode wraps with insights on avoiding shiny object syndrome, using assessments to guide growth, and the importance of unplugging to recharge.

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 is joined by Chris Richards and Dr. Taher Dhoon to introduce an exciting new concept from the Colorado Surgical Institute — the Seven Figure Associate. They dive deep into what it really takes to build a high-producing, fulfilled associate dentist, emphasizing alignment over simple placement. From personality assessments and leadership development to clinical proficiency in bread-and-butter procedures like endo, crowns, implants, sedation, and wisdom teeth, the conversation outlines a comprehensive 12-month framework designed to elevate associates and support owners.

They also discuss mentorship, business acumen, conflict resolution, and the importance of complementary skill sets within a practice. Plus, they share exciting updates about CSI's new CE experiences, including courses hosted aboard the California Spirit in San Diego.

Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.coloradosurgicalinstitute.com
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, recorded live at Voices of Dentistry 2026, Dr. Mark Costes chats with Dr. Emily Maslovich, a first-time practice owner just weeks away from opening Bronco Family Dental in Gilbert, Arizona. Emily shares her journey from Midwestern dental student to startup founder, including how she found her location, her grassroots approach to hiring, and why she chose a de novo over an acquisition.

They dive into the importance of culture-first hiring, training non-dental team members, and building systems before the chaos of growth begins. Emily also discusses how she's using organic community marketing to build a patient base before day one—and why betting on herself was the best decision she's made.

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. Matt Slivka reframes the way we think about goal setting. Instead of chasing arbitrary production targets or copying what others are doing, he challenges listeners to answer two deeper questions: Where am I living below my potential? And what do I truly want?

From family time and personal health to practice growth and time freedom, Dr. Slivka explains that goals should serve a purpose. When you define what you actually want first, the discipline and hard work required to achieve it become meaningful—and sustainable.

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. Summer Kassmel shares why even well-intentioned goals can slowly fall apart. She dives into common traps like borrowing clarity from others, focusing only on outcomes, underestimating CEO time, and tying success to comparison.

Dr. Kassmel explains how aligning goals with personal values, integrity, and authentic leadership creates stronger teams, healthier cultures, and sustainable growth. Instead of chasing numbers alone, she challenges listeners to build value-based behaviors that naturally drive results—and a practice they actually love walking into.

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