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Mario Mario

Mario Santiago, CPA, CFP®

Tax and Business Advisor at McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors

“Having grown up with parents who are both dentists, I witnessed the positive impact that McGill and Lyon had on their careers and finances. That’s what inspired me to join the firm—to help other dentists navigate complex financial decisions with clarity, confidence, and a customized approach that supports their goals.”

About Mario

As a Tax, Business, and Financial Planning advisor, Mario has helped dentists across the country develop strategies to reduce taxes, improve practice profitability, and plan for retirement. He is a frequent speaker at local and state dental societies, and national seminars hosted by McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors. He also regularly contributes to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter and participates in the Drilling It Down webcast and podcast, covering key topics in dental practice financial management.

Mario aims to help clients feel a true sense of financial freedom, confident in their game plan, clear on how to execute it, and free from the burden of financial uncertainty. Growing up with two parents who are dentists has given Mario a unique perspective on both the personal and professional challenges dentists face, and this understanding shapes every client relationship. Mario values honesty and transparency, and believes in fostering open, straightforward conversations to help clients make informed decisions. His goal is to support dentists in making choices that align both financially and emotionally, allowing them to spend more time with their families and focus on their most valuable asset—their practice.

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Academic Background

Mario graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School, with an additional major in Public Policy. He also completed a summer program at the London School of Economics (LSE) in Economics and Political Science. He then obtained his Master of Accounting Degree from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as the President of the Master of Accounting Student Association. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

Professional Background

Prior to joining McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors, Mario worked as an External Auditor for Deloitte and Touche in New York City. As an external auditor, Mario worked with a large financial institution, gaining valuable experience in financial analysis, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. This role enhanced his ability to interpret complex financial data with precision, which he now applies to helping dental professionals optimize their financial strategies.

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Personal Background

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mario enjoys returning to the island whenever possible. In his free time, he can often be found on the tennis court, reading, traveling, or volunteering with his church. Mario and his fiancée, Sarah, are looking forward to getting married next spring in Charlotte, surrounded by their friends and family.

Client Testimonials