Jon Mathis, Author at Dental Success Institute

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes shares a powerful case study of Dr. Rex, a struggling dental practice owner who transformed his business from barely surviving to thriving. Dr. Costas walks through the Elite Practice Blueprint, the Four Futures framework, and how strategic overhead control, systemization, and leadership can create massive financial success.

Mark also highlights the importance of tracking key metrics, improving collections, and shifting practice culture to build a business that runs smoothly without relying on the owner’s constant presence. Whether you’re an aspiring dental entrepreneur or a seasoned practice owner, this episode is packed with game-changing insights to increase profitability while reducing stress.

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In today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes dives deep into the critical elements of creating an operational infrastructure that drives revenue, efficiency, and work-life balance. He shares his personal journey—owning 16 practices, suffering from burnout, and ultimately developing the frameworks that transformed his businesses.

Dr. Costes outlines his 6 Pillars for Business Success, including operational systemization, patient experience, and cash flow control. He also introduces the Four Futures Framework, emphasizing the importance of balancing financial success with personal well-being. Using real-life case studies, he breaks down overhead reduction strategies, ideal expense ratios, and how to identify bottlenecks that limit profitability.

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In today’s episode, we bring you Part 2 of the Elevation Association panel discussion from the 2025 Life Summit in Nicaragua featuring James Heaton, Michael Allen, Jared Hill, Mark Costes, Matt Mulcock, and Ryan Isaac. The conversation continues with deep insights on partnerships, vision alignment, and the ongoing shift in dentistry toward DSOs and private equity.

The panelists break down why shared vision is essential for a successful partnership and how lack of leadership can trap dentists in a cycle of burnout. They also tackle the growing presence of DSOs, discussing when selling makes sense, the risks involved, and why private equity firms are reshaping the industry. With private practice ownership declining and consolidation increasing, the group explores whether dentists have a responsibility to preserve the profession for future generations.

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In today’s episode, we bring you Part 1 of the Elevation Association panel discussion from the 2025 Life Summit in Nicaragua. This powerhouse panel—featuring James Heaton, Michael Allen, Jared Hill, Mark Costes, Matt Mulcock, and Ryan Isaac—dives into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of running a successful dental practice: leadership.

The conversation explores why leadership is often missing in dental education, how private practice owners struggle with management, and why poor leadership can lead to burnout and even practice failure. The panelists break down the difference between management and true leadership, the dangers of micromanagement, and the impact of company culture on long-term success. They also discuss why DSOs are rapidly growing while many private practices struggle to keep up.

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On today’s episode, we’re back with part two of our live panel from the Women in DSO event, featuring Dr. Mark Costes and his powerhouse executive team—Ashlee Hirschfeld, Kay Lange, Sydney Robinson, and Mary Lafferty. This conversation dives deeper into the key operational strategies and leadership principles that drive growth and efficiency in DSOs.

The team explores the importance of accountability in systemization, how to form a strong internal “board of directors,” and the role of marketing in patient acquisition and retention. They also discuss strategies for reducing staff turnover, overcoming resistance to change, and leveraging AI for smarter business decisions. Plus, Mary shares game-changing insights on optimizing marketing efforts for real impact.

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In today’s Part 1 episode, Dr. Mark Costes takes the stage at the Women in DSO event, sharing insights into the incredible growth of Dental Success Companies and the lessons learned from scaling multiple businesses. He’s joined by his powerhouse executive team, including Ashlee Hirschfeld, Kay Lange, Sydney Robinson, and Mary Lafferty, who break down key strategies for running a thriving DSO.

They discuss everything from the operational bottlenecks that prevent growth to how AI is reshaping the dental industry. The conversation dives into the importance of standardizing care, creating a solid hiring process, and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Plus, they share practical tips on making job postings more attractive, retaining top talent, and building a culture that fosters innovation.

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On today’s episode, we take a deep dive into the personal journey of Dr. Mark Costes as he shares an exclusive reading from his book, Rich, Fit, and Fulfilled: Redefining What It Means to Have It All. Dr. Costes pulls back the curtain on the reality of achieving financial and professional success—only to find himself overwhelmed, disconnected, and unfulfilled.

Dr. Costes challenges the traditional definition of “success” and introduces the Four Futures framework as a way to cultivate true fulfillment in all areas of life. From personal finance and net worth strategies to the psychology of happiness, fulfillment, and purpose, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to build a life that’s not just successful—but truly meaningful.

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On today’s episode, Dr, Mark Costes dives into the psychology of success, the power of identity, and how small, consistent changes can create massive long-term results. Learn why focusing on who you want to become rather than just what you want to achieve is the key to sustainable change.

Dr. Costes also discusses the impact of accountability, habit stacking, and identity-based goal setting, referencing powerful examples from James Clear’s Atomic Habits and real-world success stories. Plus, he breaks down the importance of financial planning, estate strategies, and legacy-building to secure your future and set your family up for generational wealth.

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On today’s episode, we dive into a revolutionary way to approach periodontal disease with Dr. Ben Kacos and Dr. Ashlee Hirschfeld. Instead of getting lost in probing depths and pocket numbers, Dr. Kacos shares how his practice shifts the conversation to what truly resonates with patients—the systemic health risks of gum infections.

Dr. Kacos explains how implementing a microscope in hygiene appointments has transformed case acceptance, making periodontal diagnosis more black-and-white for both patients and providers. Plus, he details how his team seamlessly integrates this into their workflow without slowing down efficiency.

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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes dives into the reality of hustle culture and why working harder doesn’t always lead to better results. He breaks down the different seasons of entrepreneurship and explains how practice owners can transition from grinding endlessly to optimizing their time and efficiency. By setting clear non-negotiables, leveraging delegation, and focusing on high-value activities, you can achieve more while working less.

We also explore common struggles like reactivity, ineffective CEO time, and comparison traps that lead to burnout. Dr. Costes shares practical strategies for maximizing productivity, improving leadership, and creating a well-structured practice. Tune in for insights that will help you work smarter and build a thriving business.

EPISODE RESOURCES

2215: Finding Hidden Profit Leaks and Turning Them into Revenue

2214: The Hidden Constraints Holding Your Practice Back

2213: Why Leadership Might Be the Biggest Threat to Private Practice Pt. 2

2212: Why Leadership Might Be the Biggest Threat to Private Practice Pt. 1

2211: Inside Dental Success: Leadership, Growth & Industry Trends Pt. 2

2210: Inside Dental Success: Leadership, Growth & Industry Trends Pt. 1

2209: The Hidden Cost of Success & How to Find True Fulfillment

2208: Why Planning, Not Willpower, Creates Real Change

2207: How to Ditch the Perio Lecture for Good

2206: Shifting from Grind Mode to Growth Mode in Your Practice