The Dentalpreneur Podcast Archives - Dental Success Institute

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.

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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes back Dr. Brandon Chapek for a deeper dive into the mindset, discipline, and values that have shaped his journey from Division I football player to high-level dental surgeon. In this conversation, Brandon shares how his athletic background influenced his time management, work ethic, and leadership style—and how those lessons now serve his growing dental practice and young family.

They also discuss clinical pearls for general dentists getting into wisdom tooth surgery, post-op complications, case selection strategies, and the benefits of IV sedation. Brandon opens up about his reasons for not pursuing a surgical specialty and how his surgical fellowship prepared him to scale his practice profitably and sustainably. This one’s all about growth, grit, and intentional living.

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On today’s episode, Part 2 of this two-part Golden Rhino special, we highlight the incredible turnaround of Dr. Monica Urda. What started as a promising practice with a hidden undercurrent of burnout, toxic culture, and financial strain evolved into a $4.5M powerhouse in the heart of Chicago.

Hear how Monica went from working seven days a week to earning over $1.3M in take-home income – all while reducing clinical days, expanding to 13 operatories, and transforming into a confident, culture-first leader and Black Belt Coach. This episode is packed with insight into building sustainable growth, developing systems, and leading with purpose.

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In today’s episode, Part 1 of this special two-part series, we dive into the powerful history of the Golden Rhino award – an honor given to dental entrepreneurs who have achieved extraordinary practice transformations through the Dental Success Institute.

Dr. Mark Costes shares the journeys of past recipients like Dr. Ben Kacos, Dr. Summer Kassmel, Dr. Matt Slivka, and Dr. Reza, detailing their incredible growth, leadership evolution, and operational overhauls. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a Black Belt Coach and how the Mastermind community supports high-level performance and accountability.

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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by his good friend and fellow Black Belt Coach, Dr. Taher Dhoon—co-founder of the Colorado Surgical Institute and owner of an 18-operatory dental practice—for a deep dive into implant complications. They kick things off with a candid conversation on time management, shiny object syndrome, and how to balance business success with family life and fulfillment. Dr. Dhoon shares the systems he uses to juggle clinical days, content creation, and high-level strategy, including his cleverly titled “Get Your Sh*t Done” days.

From there, they dive into the nitty-gritty of implant surgery complications—from the importance of case selection and managing patient expectations, to specific pre-op protocols like vitamin D, antibiotic regimens, and why SSRIs and bisphosphonates need extra attention. Dr. Dhoon also outlines his intraoperative strategies for preventing failures, such as the 50/50 drilling technique and why 45 Ncm of torque should be your new standard. The episode wraps with a practical post-op game plan for soft tissue management, follow-up protocols, and how to handle setbacks with confidence and composure. This conversation is a masterclass in surgical systems thinking, built from years of real-world experience.

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Dr. Taher Dhoon – (858) 692-3533‬
Chris Richards – (970) 420-6148‬
https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
Dental Success Network
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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes reconnects with longtime friend and Dental Success Institute Black Belt coach Dr. Aaron Nicholas for an open, no-agenda conversation covering everything from mission trips and scuba diving in Fiji to launching new hands-on CE programs in Alabama. Aaron shares how recent legislative changes in Florida forced a pivot for his popular extraction and root canal courses—and how a stroke of good fortune led him to partner with a free clinic in Huntsville.

They also dive into the power of purposeful travel, the simplicity of surf-town life, and the challenges of balancing growth with authenticity in rapidly changing communities like Sayulita and San Pancho. Toward the end of the episode, Mark and Aaron tease an upcoming discussion around patient communication and case acceptance—highlighting the blind spots that can kill productivity and trust. It’s a casual, insightful episode packed with takeaways for any dentist looking to sharpen their skills and find more meaning in the profession.

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On today’s episode, we welcome powerhouse dental duo Dr. Kelly and Dr. Steve Dove, DSI Black Belt Coaches and entrepreneurs who’ve scaled their practices from $300K to over $7 million in revenue. The Doves share the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how they built and sold multiple practices, navigated gritty remodels, and turned overlooked “dirt” practices into high-value diamonds.

With a mix of strategic acquisitions, bold startups, and creative negotiations, they reveal how leveraging relationships, analyzing financials, and staying people-focused can drive massive growth. This episode is packed with practical steps and inspiration for dental entrepreneurs at any stage—especially those ready to grow smarter, not just bigger.

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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes launches the first-ever DSN “Ask Me Anything” session, where he answers top community-submitted questions about leadership, fitness, business growth, AI tools, personal development, and more. From how he stays consistent with workouts through 60+ cities of travel per year to his daily prioritization system using the Four Futures framework, Dr. Mark gives an honest and tactical look into how he stays energized, focused, and balanced.

He also shares the AI platforms his team uses to streamline operations, his go-to podcasts and mentors, how to retain top talent beyond just pay, and what he’d tell his younger self after buying his first dental practice. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, sharpen your leadership, or simply stay grounded while doing it all, this AMA is packed with practical insights from one of dentistry’s most respected voices.

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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes welcomes Dr. William Balanoff, a prosthodontist, educator, entrepreneur, and CEO of Smile Perfected. Dr. Balanoff shares his unique journey into dentistry, from being accepted into Northwestern at 19 to becoming an academic, business owner, and advocate for general dentists nationwide. He dives into the evolution of prosthodontics training, how surgical and restorative worlds are merging, and why general dentists are more capable than ever of delivering complex care with the right support.

Dr. Balanoff also explains his role at Renew, a tech-enabled implant company offering access to full-arch solutions without forcing a one-size-fits-all model. He discusses how their software empowers GPs with clinical guidance and team-based workflows while keeping ownership and autonomy intact. Finally, he unpacks the origin of Smile Perfected, a whitening system created out of frustration with overpriced and clunky alternatives, and how it’s now used in thousands of offices across the U.S. This is an inspiring episode full of practical wisdom and stories from a dentist who has spent his career helping others grow.

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On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Troy Eckard, a 40-year oil and gas industry veteran and the driving force behind Eckard Enterprises. With over $1.3 billion in assets and $210 million distributed to investors, Troy breaks down the current landscape of oil and gas investing—highlighting how the space has shifted from wild speculation to a more data-driven, transparent model.

They tackle everything from the political and economic chaos in the U.S. to the mechanics of working interest vs. mineral rights, and why high-income earners—like dentists—are uniquely positioned to benefit from oil and gas investments. Troy also unpacks the powerful tax advantages, long-term cash flow potential, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the industry. This is an unfiltered, honest look at what’s real—and what’s risky—in alternative investing.

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2405: The Productivity Myth That’s Burning You Out

2404: Why General Dentists Should Rethink Wisdom Teeth

2403: Case Study – The Blackbelt Standard Pt. 2

2402: Case Study – The Blackbelt Standard Pt. 1

2401: How to Prevent and Manage Implant Failures in Your Practice

2400: Building Skills, Serving Others, and Living the Dental Dream

2399: Uncovering Value: Strategies for Selecting a Cost-Effective Dental Practice

2398: Ask Me Anything: Leadership, Workouts, AI, and More

2397: A Dentist’s Role Beyond the Operatory

2396: Avoid the Sharks and Win Big in Oil and Gas