2344: The Harsh Truth About Dental School Debt

On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Alan Mead at a pop-up Voices of Dentistry event for a raw, wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, hard truths, and a whole lot of wisdom. From six-dog households to six-figure student loans, they explore how the golden age of dentistry is fading—and why the business side of practice ownership matters more than ever. Mark breaks down the difference between being an entrepreneur by nature versus nurture, and why modern dental students can't afford to ignore practice management.

They also discuss whether W2 employment makes more sense for some doctors, the realities of debt and delayed gratification, and how modern medicine and dentistry compare when it comes to value and patient experience. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating career decisions, business ownership, or just wondering how many dogs is too many.

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

EPISODE RESOURCES

• https://www.verydentalpodcast.com
• https://www.truedentalsuccess.com
• Dental Success Network
• Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast