2231: How Small Cues Shape Patient Experiences in Dentistry Pt. 2

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes breaks down the psychology behind patient communication, case acceptance, and building trust through ethical persuasion. He emphasizes the importance of empathy—especially when patients share negative past experiences—and explains why you should never throw a colleague under the bus. Instead, focus on making the patient feel heard and understood.

Dr. Costes introduces the “Oregon vs. Oregon Trail” concept, illustrating how to sell patients on the outcome, not the painful process. He also explores the impact of personal financial biases on treatment presentations and why true conviction is essential in getting patients to say “yes” to necessary care. Plus, he dives into the art of conversation, identifying common pitfalls like the interrupter, the one-upper, and the conversational narcissist—and how to avoid becoming one yourself.

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2230: How Small Cues Shape Patient Experiences in Dentistry Pt. 1

On today’s episode, we dive into the power of nonverbal cues, emotional intelligence, and the science behind human connection. Dr. Mark Costes starts with an engaging exercise on facial expressions—teaching us how a genuine smile builds trust while a fake one sends negative signals. He then unpacks the impact of energy and attitude in both personal and professional settings, revealing studies that show how the people we surround ourselves with can directly influence our success.

Dr. Costes also breaks down the importance of mastering patient touchpoints and delivering an exceptional patient experience—especially when external marketing isn’t an option. From the role of trust transfer within your team to the nuances of effective communication, this episode is packed with insights on how small changes can lead to massive improvements in relationships, case acceptance, and overall practice success.

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2229: How to Build and Sell a Dental Practice the Right Way

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with dental attorney Matthew Odgers, founder of Odgers Law Group, to break down the legal essentials every dentist needs to know. Whether you’re buying, selling, or entering a partnership, Matthew shares expert insights on avoiding costly mistakes, negotiating lease agreements, and structuring airtight contracts.

They also discuss the importance of due diligence when purchasing a practice, navigating lease challenges, and why well-defined partnership agreements are crucial for long-term success. Plus, they dive into the pros and cons of selling to a private buyer versus a DSO.

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2228: Why Doing Less Can Make You More in Real Estate Pt. 2

On Part 2 of Dr. Mark Costes’ interview with real estate investor and entrepreneur Paul Moore, they dive deeper into the philosophy of “boring investing.” Paul breaks down the difference between speculative investing and steady, recession-resistant strategies, explaining why patient, long-term investors tend to come out ahead. He shares insights on syndications, passive income funds, and the importance of due diligence when evaluating investment opportunities.

Plus, they discuss legacy investing—using wealth to create lasting change, including efforts to combat human trafficking. Whether you’re a high-earning professional looking to preserve your wealth or someone navigating a financial windfall, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

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2227: Why Doing Less Can Make You More in Real Estate Pt. 1

On today’s Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back real estate investor and entrepreneur Paul Moore. Paul shares his journey from being an entrepreneurial risk-taker to embracing the “boring investor” philosophy, a strategy focused on steady, recession-resistant real estate investments. He discusses the pitfalls of hands-on real estate investing for busy professionals, the importance of picking the right operators, and how syndications and funds can provide solid returns without the headaches of direct ownership.

Paul also dives into how his investments align with a higher purpose, funding initiatives to combat human trafficking. If you’re looking to grow your wealth without the stress, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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2226: How Top Dentists Grow Their Practices While Working Less

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes shares the core drivers of a world-class dental organization and why mindset, leadership, and systemization are the keys to long-term success. He reflects on the toxic scarcity mindset in dentistry, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why personal accountability is a non-negotiable trait of top-performing dentists.

Mark also breaks down how dentists can increase profitability, reduce overhead, and create sustainable growth while maintaining work-life balance. He also highlights real data from the Dental Success Institute, showing how mastermind members dramatically increase income while working fewer clinical hours.

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2225: Building a Stronger Team Through Adversity Pt. 2

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes continues his conversation with Dr. Paul Etchison, host of the Dental Practice Heroes Podcast and owner of a thriving group practice. They dive into the unavoidable drama of running a dental office, the psychology behind why people create conflict, and how leadership plays a crucial role in managing team dynamics.

Paul shares a real-life example of a team dispute, the lessons learned from it, and why proactive management is key to a smooth-running practice. They also discuss associate onboarding, the importance of personality in hiring, and the systems that keep a multi-doctor practice thriving.

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2224: Building a Stronger Team Through Adversity Pt. 1

On today’s Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by longtime friend and fellow podcaster, Dr. Paul Etchison. As the host of the Dental Practice Heroes podcast and author of two books on dental practice management, Paul shares his journey of building a large group practice in the Chicago suburbs. The conversation kicks off with stories about aging, injuries, and the unexpected challenges of staying active while balancing work and family.

Paul also dives into a real-life leadership challenge he recently faced in his practice—a near mutiny at the front desk. He shares how a misunderstanding snowballed into workplace drama, leading to a deeper look at accountability and leadership structure. The two discuss how even the best-run practices still have challenges, why checklists and accountability matter, and the unexpected side effects of stepping back from clinical work.

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2223: Mastering Overhead and Profitability in Private Practice

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes shares his personal journey from overworked and underprepared to building a highly systemized and profitable dental practice. He reflects on his early struggles, including the financial and operational challenges that forced him back to work just days after major surgeries.

Mark also introduces the Elite Practice Blueprint and Four Futures Framework, which help dentists achieve efficiency, profitability, and personal fulfillment. Through a powerful case study of “Dr. Rex,” he demonstrates how a struggling practice with high overhead and low take-home income can be transformed into a thriving, profitable business. If you’re looking for practical strategies to reduce overhead, increase collections, and gain control over your practice, this episode is a must-listen.

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2222: The Blueprint for Elevating and Training Office Leaders Pt. 2

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Dr. Addison Killeen to dive deeper into The Dental Office Manager Position Manual, co-authored with Dr. Chris Green. They explore how to take an average office manager and transform them into a high-performing, servant-style leader using the detailed playbook they’ve developed. From assessing leadership readiness and navigating tricky team dynamics, to mastering emotional intelligence and prioritization, this episode is a masterclass in leadership development within the dental office.

They also tackle real-world scenarios like promoting from within, shifting friendship dynamics post-promotion, and the dangers of task fixation over strategic leadership. Plus, Addison shares details about his in-practice event in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the upcoming Dental Success Summit featuring Ryan Holiday.

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