On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Steijn Pelle, co-founder and CEO of Lassie, for a powerful discussion on how AI agents are transforming the way dental practices manage their administrative tasks. Steijn shares his fascinating journey from entrepreneurial beginnings in the Netherlands to leading innovative AI solutions in the U.S. healthcare space. The conversation covers how Lassie automates insurance payments, claim submissions, billing, and even appeals—boosting revenue while reducing human error and overhead.

They explore the ethical implications of AI's impact on jobs, the resurgence of skilled trades, and how AI agents are positioned to support not only dental teams but also patient communication in the near future. Steijn also shares insights into his new book, which blends personal development with Bushido, the samurai code of honor.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with longtime friend and CPA Chris Sands to unpack one of the most overlooked expenses in dental practices—credit card processing fees. In this insightful interview, recorded in the brand-new DSI studio, Chris shares why he co-founded Crown Card Services after noticing rising, unregulated merchant fees across hundreds of dental clients in his accounting firm.

He breaks down exactly how merchant processors operate, why "price creep" is so common, and how practices can save tens or even hundreds of thousands annually with the right setup. Mark and Chris also explore PCI compliance junk fees, legally implementing surcharges, integration myths, and why poor merchant service can directly impact your revenue. If you're looking to improve margins, grow your practice value, or just understand the back-end of your collections a bit better, this episode is packed with actionable gems.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

On today's episode, you'll hear Dr. Mark Costes in his first-ever recording from the brand-new DSI studio—joined by none other than Dr. Cody Boals, who shares his journey from small-town Illinois to co-owning a thriving 10-operatory dental practice in Colorado Springs. Dr. Boals opens up about launching Kissing Camels Family Dentistry with his wife Alexa, their approach to grassroots marketing, and how they scaled from seeing 40 new patients a month to over 150—all while maintaining a strong family-first philosophy.

Cody reflects on his early leadership missteps, how COVID and a NICU stay changed their practice vision, and the systems that helped them grow to nearly $5 million in collections. He also dives into his passion for endurance racing and what led him to complete the legendary Leadville 100 ultra-marathon just weeks after welcoming their second child. This episode is packed with insight on intentional scheduling, team culture, giving back to the community, and how to grow a practice without sacrificing your values.

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

In today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes continues his keynote from the SPEA 2025 event by exposing the hidden realities of burnout, financial stress, and isolation in the dental profession—and what can be done to avoid them. With nearly 80% of dentists reporting burnout and 50% saying they wouldn't choose the profession again, Mark breaks down the root causes and explains how better business training, leadership skills, and community support can change the game. He shares eye-opening data comparing dentists and physicians, the real economics of practice ownership, and what it takes to build a truly profitable and fulfilling dental business.

You'll also hear two real-world case studies—one from a practice losing $34K/month despite producing millions, and one that earns over $35K/month from a lean, efficient operation. Plus, Mark answers student questions on burnout, preparing for ownership, and building good habits during school. If you're a dental student or new grad, this episode is packed with insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and build a thriving future in dentistry.

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

In today's episode, we dive into Part 1 of Dr. Mark Costes' powerful keynote at the SPEA 2025 event, where he shares the unfiltered truth about the dental profession, what new dentists can expect, and why most practitioners struggle with burnout, finances, and fulfillment. Mark opens up about his journey from being rejected by 20 dental schools to owning 16 practices and founding multiple dental organizations. He talks about the life lessons learned through failure, why systemization and delegation are non-negotiable for success, and how running a practice without knowing your numbers is a recipe for disaster.

Mark also introduces the Four Futures framework—a transformational approach to balance mindset, meaning, muscle, and money—born from personal experience of reaching financial goals but feeling completely unfulfilled. Whether you're a student, associate, or owner, this keynote lays the foundation for building a career and life that's not just successful, but truly 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, we take you inside the breakout room at the 2025 Dental Success Summit for an advanced surgical session led by Dr. Taher Dhoon and Dr. Dan Briskie of the Colorado Surgical Institute. Focused on the concept of "never having a spinner again," this presentation is packed with clinical pearls and real-world strategies to help GPs achieve more predictable outcomes in implant and full arch dentistry.

Drs. Dhoon and Briskie share their protocols for bone assessment, tactile drilling techniques, ideal implant selection, and inventory management—all aimed at reducing complications and increasing profitability. From managing low-torque placements to understanding opportunity costs and improving post-op follow-up, this is a masterclass in surgical efficiency, confidence, and case success.

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, you'll hear Dr. Mark Costes in conversation with Dr. Paul "Nacho" Goodman, recorded during a wide-ranging, high-energy catch-up between two of dentistry's most passionate educators and leaders. This episode dives deep into the "you can't train during the game" mindset and how it applies to dental practice culture, associate mentorship, and the constant pressure of clinical life.

Paul shares his reflections on speaking more, traveling less, and how his transition out of the operatory has shifted his perspective on leadership, parenting, and business. They also discuss the ongoing challenges facing new grads, including post-COVID experience gaps, GPR value, and why communication—not crown margins—often determines associate success. This is a funny, honest, and impactful listen packed with real talk for real-world dentists.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with John Briggs, a CPA, author, and founder of a 280-person tax firm who is challenging the toxic hustle culture mindset. John shares how a personal wake-up call led him to rethink the way we define success, and how his innovative 3.3 Rule—three hours of focused work followed by a 30% recovery break—can transform your productivity and personal life.

They also dive deep into small business tax planning, audit survival tips, and the dangers of relying on unqualified social media tax advice. Plus, they break down real estate strategies, the power of having a personal board of advisors, and the long-term damage of dopamine addiction from always being "on." Whether you're in the grind or looking to reset your work-life rhythm, this episode is packed with tactical and philosophical gems.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

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