Back in 10

As we close out the year and look ahead, the question comes up again and again. What does success actually mean? In this episode, Jen, Savanah, and Chris take a deeply honest look at how their definitions of success have changed. They talk about money, freedom, health, gratitude, grit, kindness, and relationships, and why success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. This conversation is less about...

Growth does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders know what to track and how to use the data to make better decisions. In this episode, Jen and Savanah break down 10 benchmarks that directly impact dental practice growth and stability. They focus on the numbers that actually move the needle, not vanity metrics. You will hear real talk on benchmarks like: • Hygiene reappointment rate • Pa...

Accounts receivable isn’t about bad patients or unlucky timing.  It’s about systems, expectations, and leadership. In this episode, Jen and Savanah dig into the real reasons AR continues to climb in dental practices and why avoiding money conversations creates more problems than it solves. They break down how weak handoffs, unclear financial policies, and “we’ll deal with it later” thinking quietl...

Insurance verification isn’t glamorous, but it’s critical. In this episode, Jen and Savanah break down the real challenges behind verification - from outdated processes to team training gaps- and why treating it like busy work is one of the most expensive mistakes a dental office can make. They discuss confidence in treatment planning, the importance of thorough documentation, the myth of “patient...

This Thanksgiving, Jen and Savanah are reflecting on a year filled with change, growth, challenges, and the friendships that made all the difference. They talk about the people who supported them, the communities that lifted them, and the moments that shaped who they’ve become. It’s raw, real, heartfelt, and very Back in 10. If you’ve had a year that made you rediscover what really matters, you’ll...

A predictable hygiene schedule is the heartbeat of every successful dental practice. In this episode, Jen and Savanah dig into the art and strategy of recall system refinement, from improving patient connections to setting team expectations and creating scheduling systems that prevent costly downtime. They explore controversial approaches, the power of consistency, and why recall must be treated a...

Efficient turnover isn’t busy work, it’s the backbone of a well-run practice. In this episode, Jen and Savanah dive into what it really takes to create smooth operatory flow without cutting corners. They cover infection control, setup strategy, team communication, and the not-so-glamorous side of leadership that keeps the day on track. Whether you’re a hygienist, assistant, or leader, this one’s a...

From omelet disasters to sticky-note chaos, Savanah and Jen tackle one of the least glamorous topics in dentistry - inventory management - with their trademark honesty and humor. They share how to reduce waste, create accountability, and keep your ordering systems simple and sustainable. Whether it’s using scanners and barcodes or setting clear inventory responsibilities, this episode proves that...

What’s scarier than a failed bone graft? Try fraud, micromanagers, or being literally put in the freezer. In this Halloween edition of Back in 10, Jen and Savanah read true listener-submitted “leadership nightmares." Those real stories of chaos, conflict, and lessons learned the hard way. From spooky team drama to chilling HR nightmares, they unpack what went wrong, what could have gone better, an...

Brandi Williams didn’t plan on a career in dentistry - she stumbled into it, stayed for 31 years, and now leads 46 practices as Chief Growth Officer. In this Break Room Session, Jen and Savanah talk with Brandi about her journey from dental assistant to award-winning leader, how emotional intelligence changed her approach, and what it means to grow people, not just practices. She also opens up abo...

A full schedule doesn’t always mean a healthy one. In this episode, Jen and Savanah tackle schedule optimization from every angle - productivity, burnout prevention, and the tools that actually make a difference. They share how to balance high-production appointments, address bottlenecks, and keep your team aligned with realistic, human-centered scheduling. This is real talk about what works, what...

Great marketing doesn’t start with software.  It starts with people. In this episode, Jen and Savanah share how to strengthen patient loyalty and referrals through genuine, personal connection.  Honestly, one handwritten note can do more than a $10K campaign. They explore what happens when you blend the best of technology with a truly human experience, from celebrating patients to creating small,...

When patient conversations get heated, your response sets the tone for your entire team. In this episode, Jen and Savanah talk through de-escalation strategies that every dental leader should know. From using calm tone and pauses, to documenting conversations and knowing when to step in, this episode gives you the tools to keep control of tense situations without burning out your team.   Special t...

The words you use in treatment presentation matter more than you think. Patients don’t respond to jargon, they respond to clear explanations, everyday language, and trust. In this episode, Jen and Savanah unpack what makes treatment presentation successful, from framing diagnoses in simple terms to handling financial conversations with compassion and flexibility. They also share why strong team co...

This episode isn’t about practice management or leadership tips. It is about real life, real struggles, and how we keep ourselves afloat in a demanding industry. Savanah and Jen share candid stories about mental health, setting boundaries, and finding ways to recharge when the weight of the dental world gets heavy. They talk about dancing with kids, sniffing doodle paws, choosing health over hustl...

Chairside manner goes deeper than smiles and small talk. It shapes trust, culture, and the way patients remember your practice. In this unfiltered conversation, Jen and Savanah explore how to manage attitude, energy, and communication across the entire team. They share practical tips on separating personal stress from professional interactions, guiding “cold” providers toward warmth, supporting ad...

Patients remember how they felt when they walked out of your practice, and that memory shapes whether they return or refer. In this episode, Jen and Savanah share practical strategies to transform the end of an appointment into a moment that builds loyalty. From smooth handoffs to thoughtful follow up, and even controversial takes on who should schedule and collect, this conversation offers ideas...

Before a patient ever sees the inside of your operatory, they’ve already decided how they feel about your practice. In this episode, Savanah and Jen spill the real tea on first impressions, from lobby smells and website vibes to front desk titles and cringe clinician greetings. Whether you're a dental leader, practice owner, or the team member who actually makes it all run, this one’s for you. Why...

You’re back from the conference, your brain is buzzing, and your notes are overflowing. Now what? In this episode, Jen and Savanah break down how to transform that inspiration into action without overwhelming your team. From creating a game plan to setting timelines, delegating tasks, and tracking metrics, you’ll learn how to roll out change in a way that actually sticks. Because leadership isn’t...

What makes a dental conference speaker truly unforgettable and what swag is actually worth stuffing into your carry-on? In this episode of Back in 10, Savanah and Jen break down their top speaker picks, the qualities that keep attendees engaged (and emotional), and the giveaways that hit harder than a logo tote bag. Whether you’re planning your next CE trip or curating your own booth swag, this ep...

Conferences aren’t just about showing up, they’re about showing up prepared. In this episode of Back in 10, we’re talking mindset, money, and making every conference minute count. From getting your boss to say “yes” to picking the right events and knowing which speakers will change your game, we’re giving you the strategies that turn a trip into an investment.   Special thanks to Chris "The Wizard...

Headed to a dental conference? Before you pack that extra pair of heels (or worse… that jumpsuit you’ll regret in the restroom), listen in! We’re talking everything from rookie mistakes to pro-level packing tips, networking without burning out, and the must-haves that keep you sane in the chaos. Whether it’s your first event or your fiftieth, this is the survival guide you didn’t know you needed....

Are you actually motivating your admin team or just managing them? In this episode, Savanah and Jen dive into the real strategies that inspire admin teams to show up, step up, and thrive. From leading by example and offering true presence, to setting achievable goals and recognizing hard work in meaningful ways, they share practical, actionable tips every dental leader can implement. Plus, a spicy...

Annual reviews: outdated tradition or essential leadership tool? In this episode of Back in 10, we talk about why it might be time to retire the dreaded once‑a‑year review. From turning them into ongoing conversations to separating performance chats from salary talks, we share how to make feedback less scary and more effective - for everyone.   Special thanks to Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock So...

Are you skipping the small talks that could solve big problems? In this episode, Savanah and Jen unpack the power of micro-conversations - those quick, intentional check-ins that shape team culture, prevent burnout, and build trust. From tone and timing to documentation and delivery, they share real-life examples of what works (and what doesn’t) in leading a dental team, one conversation at a time...