2243: AI Applications in the Dental Office Pt. 2

In this episode, Dr. Bill Keith breaks down the exact AI tools he’s using to streamline everything from onboarding new patients to managing phone calls and analyzing data from Open Dental. He shows how tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and a custom voice assistant named Abby are changing the game in patient communication, scheduling, insurance verification, and marketing—without needing a tech background or a programming degree.

From writing SQL queries in seconds to having AI bots summarize 200-page legal contracts, this is a tactical breakdown of how to bring cutting-edge automation into a dental practice today.

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2242: AI Applications in the Dental Office Pt. 1

Dr. Bill Keith opens the doctor’s session by pulling back the curtain on how a 20-op, high-efficiency practice outside Kansas City is using AI to run tighter systems, make faster decisions, and actually reduce day-to-day chaos. With a background in accounting and finance.

Dr. Keith breaks down complex concepts like SQL queries, Open Dental integration, and real-time marketing automation into clear, actionable takeaways for any owner-operator looking to level up their tech stack. This talk covers everything from building a custom AI receptionist to analyzing big data in minutes with ChatGPT.

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2241: Building a Drama-Free Dental Community

In today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by the GSD Queen herself, Ashlee Hirschfeld, for a jam-packed session on all things Dental Success Network. From navigating the transition from Facebook Workplace to WorkVivo, to tackling real DSN member questions about taking extended time off, managing front office distractions, investing in team certifications, and hiring personal assistants — this episode dives deep into the operational and cultural challenges facing dental practice owners.

Mark and Ashlee highlight the importance of community, communication, and smart systems, all while keeping it candid and humorous. Whether you’re looking to create redundancy in your practice, strengthen team dynamics, or just get your life back, this episode has something for everyone.

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2240: The Core Principles of Office Efficiency

Dr. Monica Urda went from seven-day workweeks, 70% overhead, and burnout… to a streamlined, $5M practice built on systems, leadership, and relentless execution. In this powerful talk, she breaks down how she scaled from a cramped four-op space to a thriving 14-op facility—without adding providers too early or sacrificing her personal life.

This is a masterclass in real-world efficiency. Monica shares the mindset shifts, tech upgrades, team alignment, and financial discipline that made it all possible—plus the story of how she almost didn’t join DSI because of the check she was afraid to write. A must-watch for any doc trying to grow smart, not just fast.

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2239: Inside the Grind and Gratitude of a Dental Mission Trip

In today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Steve Hollingsworth—media producer extraordinaire and the man behind the daily content for Dental Success and Smile Outreach International. Recorded from their makeshift studio in Roatan, Honduras, this episode captures the raw, real, and deeply meaningful moments from their latest dental mission trip.

Steve shares his perspective on the unique duality of Roatan—lush paradise on one side, stark poverty on the other—and reflects on the rewarding chaos of treating 100+ patients a day with limited resources. The duo dive into what it takes to balance high-volume clinical work with content creation, why this particular mission trip stood out from others, and how even non-clinical volunteers walk away transformed. From gang migration stories to underwater wildlife sightings, and the heart behind volunteer families like those running the Refuge, this episode is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and the impact of service.

Steve Hollingsworth
Founder | EnLighting Media

Steve Hollingsworth is a lifelong creative whose love for storytelling and music started early, with a camera and drumsticks in hand. Over the past two decades, media production has given him front-row access to industries and experiences around the world — from aerial cinematography for aviation brands to cinematic storytelling for dental practices across the country.

As founder of EnLighting Media, Steve leads branded content production, live-streaming for major events like the Dental Success Summit, and post-production for The Dentalpreneur Podcast, the #1 podcast in dentistry, where he has edited over 2,000.

When he’s not filming or traveling for global nonprofit projects with Smile Outreach International, Steve recharges at home in Prescott, Arizona, with his wife Mara, their two cats, and his drum studio — continuing to live out a lifelong passion for creativity, connection, and service.

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2238: What Happens When Founders Step Away

In this mastermind recap, Dr. Mark Costes and the Black Belt Coaches share hard-earned truths on leadership, systemization, and the non-negotiables that build a resilient team and a real business. From honoring the people who built their practices into machines to the cost of avoiding tough conversations, this session pulls no punches.

Whether you’re struggling with staff that no longer fit, partners who aren’t pulling their weight, or burnout masked as boredom, this one’s a must-listen. It’s not about growing for the sake of it—it’s about building with clarity, courage, and consistency so life’s biggest moments don’t come at the cost of your business.

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2237: What Meaning Looks Like Outside the Dental Chair

Live from Roatán, Honduras, Dr. Mark Costas shares a raw behind-the-scenes look at mission dentistry in some of the toughest conditions imaginable—no suction, limited tools, storage containers turned operatories. This isn’t about comfort. It’s about impact. With Smile Outreach International, Mark and his team are building sustainable clinics across the globe, from Mexico to Tanzania, creating long-term solutions where dental care is nearly nonexistent.

For anyone burned out in dentistry or business, this is a reminder: your skill set can change lives. You just have to put it to work where it matters most.

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2236: From Assistant to President and Earning Every Step

At Kay Lange’s wedding, Mark delivers a powerful tribute to the woman who rose from personal assistant to President of Dental Success Companies. From climbing Kilimanjaro to leading a 9-figure organization, Kay’s journey is a masterclass in grit, leadership, and savage determination. Small in stature—massive in impact.

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2235: Prioritization, Leverage, and Simplicity Pt. 2

In this episode, Dr. Mark Costes leads a high-impact session during the DSI Mastermind Quarterly Meeting, breaking down what it takes to operate at a high level when life gets chaotic. He unpacks the mindset shifts, systems, and self-discipline that fuel consistent progress—without relying on rigid routines. From “No Whining Wednesdays” to maximizing team productivity like an NFL franchise under a salary cap, this is a masterclass in creating structure, momentum, and meaning.

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2234: Prioritization, Leverage, and Simplicity Pt. 1

In this episode, Dr. Mark Costes leads a high-impact session during the DSI Mastermind Quarterly Meeting, diving into the core themes of prioritization, leverage, and simplicity. After traveling through 20 cities and 5 countries—including multiple third-world regions—Mark shares hard-earned insights on leadership, fulfillment, and staying productive even while living out of a suitcase. From extracting teeth in shipping containers to hosting mission-driven team retreats, the stories are raw, real, and loaded with practical value.

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