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.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

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.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with employment attorney and HR tech founder Ali Oromchian for a candid and eye-opening conversation about the legal pitfalls facing dental practice owners. Ali, who is the CEO and co-founder of HR for Health, shares the shocking truth about why even well-intentioned dentists are at high risk for employment lawsuits—and what they can do to avoid them.

From missed lunch breaks to post-sale lawsuits by longtime team members, Ali shares real-world examples of how things can go wrong and how HR for Health is helping thousands of practices future-proof their compliance. They also talk about biometric data lawsuits, best practices in termination, and why having airtight HR systems can be the difference between a thriving practice and a legal nightmare.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Penny Reed, Executive Vice President at ADOM and a trailblazer in dental practice management. Penny shares her journey from being recruited by her dentist to manage a practice, to becoming a nationally recognized consultant and leader in dental office management. She reveals the five key revenue drivers for practice growth, why active patient engagement starts in hygiene, and how simple, enthusiastic patient interactions can powerfully increase new patient referrals.

Penny also dives into her new role at ADOM, highlighting the organization's mission to support and empower office managers through community, education, and leadership training. Whether you're a dentist or team leader, this episode is packed with tactical insights on how to build a more efficient, profitable, and harmonious practice.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

In today’s Part 2 episode, Dr. Mark Costes continues his compelling conversation with Dr. Lincoln Harris, CEO of RIPE Global, diving deep into the innovation behind their game-changing dental training platform. In this second half, Dr. Harris reveals how their software and hardware ecosystem is built for scalability, with a focus on improving clinical outcomes and associate productivity—fast. From cutting-edge cloud simulators and proprietary mannequins to custom LMS channels and data-driven ROI models for DSOs, it’s all about getting measurable results and breaking down barriers to skill adoption.

Plus, the two discuss strategies for associate engagement using “carrot and stick” methods, and how RIPE is positioning itself as the productivity partner for DSOs worldwide. Mark also shares his vision for sustainable global mission clinics through Smile Outreach International, and Lincoln generously offers RIPE’s support to train local clinicians in underserved areas.

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

In today’s Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with the always insightful Dr. Lincoln Harris, founder of Harris Dental Boutique and CEO of RIPE Global. Fresh off recording 26 podcasts at Thrive Live, Mark kicks things off with high energy and hands over the mic to Dr. Harris, who shares his incredible journey from Queensland, Australia to Colorado, USA.

The conversation dives into the evolution of RIPE Global from an in-person CE provider to a global force in dental education, now offering cloud-based procedural training, proprietary LMS software, and cutting-edge hardware. Dr. Harris unpacks how their unique platform helps new grads and DSOs alike boost productivity and clinical skill, all while tracking real implementation and ROI. You’ll hear how they tailor training programs to individual needs and how the system can even be white-labeled for other educators.

EPISODE RESOURCES

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