On today's episode, we continue our deep dive into overcoming overwhelm and restoring mental clarity in high-pressure clinical and business environments. Mark unpacks actionable strategies, including batching decisions, minimizing clutter, improving sleep hygiene, and building systems that reduce cognitive load. He explains the link between physical environment, digital inputs, and mental fatigue—while also highlighting the role of movement and recovery in regaining creative and strategic thinking.

In the second half, Mark shifts into leadership and case acceptance, exploring the crucial mindset shift from price-based presentations to value-based conversations. He challenges listeners to build internal team buy-in and emphasizes the ethical responsibility of getting patients to say "yes" to treatment. From empowerment through delegation to moral conviction in clinical care, this episode provides both mindset and tactical takeaways for every growth-focused dental professional.

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, we dive into one of the most common but misunderstood challenges in dentistry and entrepreneurship: overwhelm—the "O word." Mark Costes shares why he bans this word at DSI events and how our internal language and mindset can powerfully shape our lived reality. He breaks down the physiology of overwhelm, explains the mental toll of decision fatigue, multitasking, and cognitive overload, and shares personal stories from the early, chaotic days of juggling multiple businesses.

You'll also learn about the importance of structured delegation, how to build filters to prioritize effectively, and the impact of unclosed loops on our mental bandwidth. From the neuroscience of task-switching to the power of the default mode network, this episode lays the foundation for reclaiming clarity, energy, and intentional leadership.

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 Dr. Andrew Kokabi, owner of Brookhaven Family Dentistry and a true example of grit, growth, and purpose-driven leadership. From his early days in a three-operatory practice with no paycheck, to leading a thriving 17-op fee-for-service operation with plans to expand to 30, Dr. Kokabi shares his deeply personal journey. He talks about how his upbringing as the child of Iranian immigrants shaped his business mindset, the painful but transformative experience of burnout, and the pivotal role the Dentalpreneur Podcast played in reigniting his passion and vision.

The conversation dives deep into creating a strong culture, onboarding associates with aligned philosophies, tracking performance, building patient loyalty, and giving back to the community in creative, meaningful ways. You'll also hear about Dr. Kokabi's vision for long-term impact—both in dentistry and through empowering underserved populations.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.coupleofdentists.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 sits down with Drs. Eric Appelsies and Alex Kantor, the duo behind the podcast Just a Couple of Dentists. They share how podcasting helped them build community, stay curious, and keep perspective as they navigate practice ownership and young family life. The conversation explores burnout, doing mission work to reconnect with dentistry, and the challenges of wearing every hat as a business owner. They also give a sneak peek into their upcoming tech projects aimed at solving real operational pain points in dental practices.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

On today's episode, we continue our conversation with dental attorney Evan Sampson as he and Dr. Mark Costes tackle the real-world legal challenges practice owners face. In Part 2, they unpack best practices for avoiding PPO audits, how to properly dismiss a patient, the right way to handle informed consent, and what to do when it's time to fire an employee—especially during riskier situations like pregnancy. Evan offers practical, step-by-step advice to help dentists stay compliant and avoid unnecessary legal exposure, no matter what state they practice in.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.postschell.com/attorneys/evan-m-sampson
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with dental attorney Evan Sampson for a deep dive into the legal issues dentists face every day—often without realizing it. In Part 1, Evan shares his journey from litigator to dental-focused counsel and how his unique background helps him proactively guide practice owners through employment law, regulatory compliance, and contract issues. From the legal missteps that commonly trigger lawsuits to tips for setting up strong employment policies and handbooks, this conversation is packed with real-world insight to help dentists avoid costly mistakes.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.postschell.com/attorneys/evan-m-sampson
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes joins Dr. Mike Lundy for a crossover conversation from the Ownership Awakened: The Dental Journey podcast, focused on what comes next after deciding you're ready for practice ownership.

Together, they walk through the early-stage decisions every future owner faces, including startup versus acquisition, building the right advisory team, leadership development, and designing a practice that can grow and adapt over time. This episode offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the ownership journey as it unfolds in real time.

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, recorded live at the October 2025 DSI Mastermind, Dr. Mark Costes unveils a powerful 21-day Four Futures Challenge designed to reset your mindset, strengthen relationships, improve physical health, and gain financial clarity. With practical habits like daily breathwork, love bombs, movement, and a Friday social media fast, this challenge is both achievable and transformative.

The episode also explores deeper conversations around associate accountability, team training, and the realities of leadership in dental practices. DSI Black Belt coaches share insights from their mastermind groups, highlighting common struggles like cancellations, associate retention, and the importance of setting clear expectations.

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