2394: How Data and Discipline Are Reshaping Dental Startups

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Daniel Jimenez, co-founder and CEO of Stride Dental Group and founder of Feestream. After a high-level career in engineering and leadership at Amazon, Daniel took an unexpected leap into the world of dentistry—driven by a passion for operational excellence, data, and innovation. He shares what translated well from corporate life (think: metrics, accountability, systems), what absolutely didn’t, and why building and scaling in dentistry requires a whole different playbook.

Daniel opens up about the cultural and communication challenges of introducing change in a clinical environment, and how Stride is navigating growth while staying grounded in patient care and team culture. He also discusses his SaaS platform, Feestream, a simple but powerful tool that automates the painful process of updating insurance fee schedules in practice management software. If you’re curious about scaling, leadership, or simplifying operations, you’ll find tons of insight in this honest and forward-thinking conversation.

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

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2393: A Half-Cycle Business In A Full-Cycle World Pt. 2

In today’s episode, we continue with Part 2 of Alastair Macdonald’s transformative keynote from the 2025 Dental Success Summit. In this powerful conclusion, Alastair goes deeper into what it means to be a high-agency, sovereign individual in a world that demands adaptability. He shares intense real-world experiences—from war zones in Africa to navigating financial crises—and translates them into timeless lessons for dentists and entrepreneurs.

Alastair challenges us to abandon the illusion of certainty, fight the “single payment fallacy,” and redefine success as the ability to solve increasingly complex problems. With storytelling, grit, and wisdom, he empowers listeners to choose a life pulled by personal legend rather than pushed by borrowed desires.

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2392: A Half-Cycle Business In A Full-Cycle World Pt. 1

In today’s episode, we dive into Part 1 of Alastair Macdonald’s powerful keynote at the 2025 Dental Success Summit. With a background as a safari guide, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and high-level strategist, Alastair brings a unique lens to leadership, economics, and adaptability.

He unpacks how massive global and economic shifts—from AI to inflation—demand a new type of thinking and introduces the concept of becoming a high-agency individual. Through captivating stories—including a high-stakes wildlife encounter—and thought-provoking insights, he challenges the audience to reject fragility, embrace relevance, and think beyond hyper-specialization in their practices and lives.

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2391: Why Front Desk Burnout Is a Systems Problem

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Samad Syed, founder and CEO of mConsent, a powerful all-in-one platform designed to modernize and streamline dental practice operations. Samad shares the origin story of mConsent, which was born out of a frustrating medical billing experience and has since grown into a software solution trusted by over 2,000 dental offices across the U.S.

He breaks down how mConsent integrates seamlessly with major PMS systems like Dentrix, Open Dental, and Eaglesoft to eliminate paperwork, improve patient communication, automate insurance verification, and boost case acceptance through AI-powered tools. The conversation also explores how mConsent is reducing front desk burnout, increasing operational efficiency, and helping practices reactivate patients, manage unscheduled treatment, and build 5-star reputations—without relying on a dozen different software plugins.

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2390: Building a Frenectomy Practice That Runs Itself

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by his longtime friend and fellow UCSD alum, Dr. Taher Dhoon, for another insightful surgical conversation. They kick things off with a nostalgic and lively discussion about UCSD’s emerging basketball program, the culture of streetball, and how a hometown hero nearly changed the NCAA bracket. Then, they seamlessly pivot to a deep dive into frenectomies—highlighting their clinical relevance not just for pediatric patients, but for adults with airway, sleep, and muscular issues.

Dr. Dhoon outlines how general dentists can integrate frenectomies into their practices, the benefits of CO2 laser vs. scalpel techniques, and how this one low-overhead procedure can unlock a powerful referral pipeline from pediatricians, lactation consultants, and myofunctional therapists. They also preview the new frenectomy curriculum launching at the Colorado Surgical Institute (CSI) and how it fits into a growing suite of CSI programs—from full-arch and zygomatic implants to IV and oral sedation, aesthetics, and more.

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2389: Balancing Dentistry, Fatherhood, and a 100-Mile Race

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.

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2388: The Motivation Myth Pt. 2

On today’s episode, we’re diving into part two of Dr. Mark Costes’ keynote from the DSI Mastermind in October 2025. Building on the foundation from part one, Mark takes us deeper into the science of motivation and the brain’s role in developing sustained discipline and resilience. He shares how to operate in the “zone of neuroplasticity,” where challenge meets growth, and how pushing just outside your comfort zone—without overwhelming your nervous system—leads to real transformation.

With insights from neuroscience, personal stories, and proven strategies, Mark explains how to train your anterior mid-cingulate cortex (AMCC), shift your relationship with discomfort, and build willpower through intentional effort and recovery. Learn how deep work, rest protocols like Yoga Nidra, mindful breathing, and the power of social influence can turn temporary motivation into lifelong grit.

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2387: The Motivation Myth Pt. 1

On today’s episode, we bring you part one of a two-part keynote from Dr. Mark Costes, recorded live during the DSI Mastermind in October 2025. In this powerful session, Mark unpacks “The Motivation Myth” and examines what truly drives elite performers—from Kobe Bryant and Thomas Edison to DSI’s own Cody Boals.

Through both inspiring stories and neuroscience-based insights, he explains how motivation, willpower, and grit aren’t traits you’re born with—they’re skills you can train. With research from thought leaders like Andrew Huberman and Peter Attia, Mark shows how to use internal dialogue, identity framing, and dopamine-driven strategies to build sustainable drive and redefine your relationship with hard work and discomfort.

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2386: The Real Cost of Success in Dentistry and What No One Tells You

On today’s episode, we take you inside The Practice Launchpad event from September 2025, where Dr. Mark Costes delivered a powerful keynote to an audience of current and aspiring dental practice owners. Drawing on his experience owning 16 practices across Arizona and California, Mark gives an unfiltered look at the common mistakes dentists make in leadership, operations, and finance—and why most practices in the U.S. are barely profitable (if at all).

He reveals why financial success alone nearly broke him, and how his Four Futures framework—mind, meaning, muscle, and money—helped him find purpose, balance, and joy again. Whether you’re a new grad, a seasoned owner, or somewhere in between, this talk is packed with real talk, big perspective shifts, and actionable business wisdom.

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2385: Why Wisdom Teeth Are the Most Underrated Revenue Stream

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes is joined by Dr. Brandon Chapek, a general dentist turned surgical powerhouse who’s built a thriving, high-production practice centered around wisdom tooth extractions and IV sedation. Brandon shares his unique path from growing up on a farm to walking away from oral surgery residency, opting instead for a fellowship and a business model that prioritizes autonomy and lifestyle balance.

With over $3.5 million in personal production, Brandon dives into how he streamlined surgery protocols, scaled with PPO patients, and created an in-house system that now runs with surgical efficiency. He also introduces his new book, Wisdom Tooth Surgery for the General Dentist, packed with step-by-step guidance for GPs who want to add this lucrative skillset to their practice. Whether you’re looking to stop referring out, expand your clinical scope, or just work smarter, this is a conversation full of actionable takeaways.

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

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