The Dentalpreneur Podcast w/ Dr. Mark Costes 2445: Lessons from a Dental CEO Who Started with a Typewriter
Feb 13, 2026
Dr. Andrew Kokabi, Georgia Tech alumnus and owner of Brookhaven Family Dentistry, grew a mission-driven fee-for-service practice from a 3-op office to 17 ops with plans for 30. He discusses immigrant roots shaping his work ethic. He recounts burnout and podcast-inspired reinvention. He covers building culture, onboarding and calibrating associates, tracking team performance, and community-focused growth.
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Use Personalized Letters To Build Rapport
- Send personalized follow‑up letters to new patients mentioning one unique thing you remembered from the visit.
- Use that personal touch to convert legacy patients and build rapport quickly.
Burnout Sparked A Structural Shift
- By 2016–17 Andrew hit burnout despite strong revenue, working five‑six days and doing bookkeeping and maintenance himself.
- Dental podcasts convinced him to hire associates and change the practice structure.
Three Buckets That Justify Fee‑For Care
- A fee‑for practice must deliver demonstrable clinical philosophy, customer service, and community presence to justify being out‑of‑network.
- These three buckets attract and retain patients despite higher costs.
