Back in 10

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...

When you're short-staffed, it's tempting to hire fast—but at what cost? In this episode, Savanah and Jen get real about why hiring with culture in mind isn't optional anymore. They break down how the wrong hire can turn your team into a revolving door, what your job ad might be doing wrong, and how to tell your practice’s story in a way that attracts the right people (and repels the wrong ones). T...

In this episode of Back in 10, co-host Jen Steadman - dental leader and founder of Steadman Onboarding Solutions - joins Savanah in a deep dive into the hiring missteps that cost practices their best candidates. Jen's expertise in the hiring scope sheds light on job ads that miss the mark to culture cues that send the wrong message.  Learn how to unpack how to attract the right fit before someone...

Your new hire’s first day shouldn’t feel like a survival show. In this episode, Jen and Savanah break down what real onboarding looks like - SOPs, safety plans, learning styles, desk décor debates, and why a little drawer organizer goes a long way. If you think your onboarding is fine, this might be your wake-up call.   Tune in, laugh a little, and walk away with tips that actually work.   Special...

Let’s be real. Most morning huddles are either rushed, redundant, or downright boring. But what if they didn’t have to be? In this episode, Jen and Savannah spill their go-to strategies for turning “just another meeting” into a powerhouse opportunity to boost morale, productivity, and team connection. From redefining the huddle as an "opportunity meeting" to adding a dash of organized fun (yes, me...

When the office manager and the owner dentist are in sync, the practice thrives. But what happens when they’re not? In this candid episode, Savanah and Jen dive into the essential (and sometimes awkward) dynamics between practice managers and owner dentists. From communication breakdowns and forgotten birthdays to setting boundaries and standing united in front of the team, this conversation is pa...

In this episode of Back in 10, Savanah shines the spotlight on her co-host and partner-in-leadership-chaos, Jen Steadman. From middle school dental assisting to VP of Operations overseeing 17 practices, Jen shares her winding, wild journey through dentistry—full of grit, growth, and a few clogged toilets. You’ll hear: How Jen went from hygienist to managing multiple practices (at once!) The moment...

In this episode, Jen puts the spotlight on Savanah - her co-host, longtime friend, and accidental dental lifer. From loathing the dentist to becoming a dental leader, Savanah shares the surprising path that led her from theater and Harry Potter exhibits to managing busy practices and building dental teams. Expect leadership gems, real talk about burnout, and why answering one phone call changed ev...

In this episode, Savanah and Jen take you back to where it all began - the headshots, the yellow blazer, and the moment they realized they weren’t just peers, they were partners in leadership (and laughter). From study club strangers to co-hosting a podcast, they dive into the kind of friendship that’s built on brutal honesty, big feelings, and showing up messy but real. Plus, they share what near...

Welcome to the very first episode of Back in 10, the podcast for dental leaders who do it all and just need 10 minutes to themselves. In this kickoff episode, Savanah Carlson and Jen Steadman pull back the curtain on why they started this show, how their friendship (and mutual fangirling) began, and what it really looks like to lead in dentistry when you're off the clock. Expect laughter, real tal...

A podcast for dental leaders who do it all—on the clock and off. We’re talking real life, leadership, and leveling up in between the hustle. Because sometimes the best lessons happen when you step away for 10 minutes.