Hiring dental assistants is one of the biggest challenges facing practices right now. Keeping them is even harder.

In this extended episode of Back in 10, Jen and Savanah sit down with Stacey Singleton CDA, EFDA, DAADOM to have a real, unfiltered conversation about what is happening in assistant hiring and retention. From bait and switch job ads to onboarding failures, culture breakdowns, pay transparency, flexibility, and leadership accountability, nothing is off the table.

This is not a quick tips episode. It is a full breakdown of why assistants leave, what they actually want, and how leaders can build environments where great team members choose to stay.

If you are constantly hiring assistants or feeling frustrated by turnover, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you practical insight you can use immediately.

Learn more about Stacey Singleton at:

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Interviewing well is a leadership skill, and it is one that most teams are never taught.

In this episode of Back in 10, Jen Steadman, owner of the hiring company JenSOS, leads the conversation on how to interview with confidence, clarity, and intention. Drawing from her real-world hiring experience, Jen breaks down why interviews often fail, how unclear processes lead to poor hires, and what leaders should be listening for beyond resumes and technical skills.

Together, Jen and Savanah talk through behavioral based questions, identifying red flags, evaluating soft skills, and creating an interview process that protects both your culture and your time.

If you want to stop guessing in interviews and start hiring with confidence, this episode gives you the framework to do it right.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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If you are struggling to find the right candidates, the problem may not be the market. It may be your job ad.

In this episode, Jen and Savanah kick off a hiring series by breaking down why job ads are the foundation of every successful hiring strategy. They talk about how language, clarity, and culture show up before a candidate ever applies and why hiring should be intentional, not reactive.

This conversation covers why hiring "starts" long before you have an opening, how job ads reflect leadership and culture, and what great ads actually communicate to the right people.

If your inbox is empty or filled with the wrong candidates, this episode will change how you think about hiring.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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This episode was recorded live at Unlock the C.O.D.E. dental event in Pennsylvania and we are bringing it back for anyone who could not attend in person.

In this live conversation, Jen and Savanah talk about the real power of networking and why making the first move matters more than waiting for the perfect moment. From hallway conversations to LinkedIn messages, this episode breaks down how authentic connection creates momentum in careers and leadership.

They share why networking is not about collecting contacts, how confidence grows with action, and why the relationships you build often matter more than titles or roles. If networking feels awkward, intimidating, or uncomfortable, this episode will change how you think about it.

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Want to learn more about C.O.D.E.?  Circle of Dental Excellence is offering multiple in-person dental learning events, as well as monthly masterminds.  Check them out at www.circleofdentalexcellence.com.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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If you feel busy all day but still behind, this episode is for you.

In just ten minutes, Jen and Savanah share practical time management tips for leaders who are juggling too much. They break down where time actually goes, how to identify leaks in your day, and why better systems matter more than longer hours.

This episode covers delegation, protecting focus time, and shifting away from the idea that being busy equals being effective. It is a quick reset designed to help you work smarter, not longer.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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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 goals and more about values. It is about choosing kindness when life is hard, redefining worth when things shift, and recognizing that success can change season by season.

If you are heading into the new year feeling reflective, uncertain, or ready to define success on your own terms, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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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:

They also explain how these benchmarks connect to team morale, patient experience, and long term sustainability. If you are heading into the new year wanting clarity and confidence instead of guesswork, this episode gives you a practical framework to build from.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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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 quietly drain cash flow. You’ll hear practical insights on setting expectations early, aligning insurance and patient balances, and building confidence around collections without damaging patient trust.

This episode is for leaders ready to stop chasing balances, fix the root causes of AR, and run their practice like the business it is.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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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 “patients should know their insurance,” and the value of investing in tools and education that actually support your team.

A must-listen for any practice that wants predictable production and fewer headaches.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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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 feel right at home in this conversation.

Special thanks to our recording partner Chris "The Wizard" Stone of Rock Solid Media!

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