Back in 10

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.

Learn how to:

• Nail your confer...

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 chat on time off, bonuses, and why...

Annual reviews: outdated tradition or essential leadership tool?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 Solid Media, our recording partner!

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.

Spoiler: culture isn’t created in...

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). This one’s a must-listen for dental ...

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 else does.

Special thanks to Chris ...

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 thanks to our recording partner, C...

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, memes are encouraged), this one’s pac...

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 packed with real talk and practical l...

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 she caught an employee ste...

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 everything. Also, a yellow blazer mak...

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 nearly a decade of knowing each other h...

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 talk, a few tangents, and maybe even a...