Horton Hangout Podcast for Dental Professionals!

Episode 6 - Is this normal?

📝 Episode Description

In Episode 6, the team dive into the very real mental load of parenting, preparation, and control — the habits we form “just in case” something goes wrong. From washing school uniforms early to emergency car kits and travel rituals, the conversation quickly turns into a relatable exploration of modern anxiety and organisation.

They also tackle the hot topic of mobile phones in schools, why banning smartphones could actually support children’s wellbeing, and how screen culture is shaping behaviour at home and in classrooms.

Plus, there’s a practical deep dive into using AI and free digital tools to streamline systems for Treatment Coordinators and practice teams — without expensive subscriptions.

And finally… a genuinely unsettling Confessions of a Practice Manager that no one sees coming.

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/   

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

📌 Show Notes

In this episode, we cover:

• The “just in case” habits parents develop (and why we do them)
• Parenting anxiety, organisation, and mental load
• Travel rituals, car safety kits, and comfort routines
• Why Sundays feel stressful when uniforms aren’t done
• Ironing… yes, even the pants
• Should mobile phones be banned in schools?
• The emotional impact of smartphones, WhatsApp groups, and doom-scrolling on children
• How childhood friendships have changed in the digital age
• Managing screen time with YouTube, gaming, and educational alternatives
• Reframing dental language: why “therapy” works better than “treatment”
• Digital tools for TCOs and practice teams, including:
• Why starting with free tools is often the smartest move
• Confessions of a Practice Manager: an aggressive stranger, a glass-fronted practice, and a moment that still has no explanation

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 6
01:00 – “Just in case” parenting habits & travel routines
04:40 – Comfort rituals, Costa stops & car safety kits
08:40 – Uniforms, ironing & mental load
11:45 – Banning mobile phones in schools
14:20 – Screen time, doom-scrolling & childhood changes
19:15 – Banned words: “Root Canal Therapy”
23:15 – AI & digital tools for TCOs and practices
29:50 – Confessions of a Practice Manager
32:55 – Wrap-up & thanks

Episode 5 - Practice Management Reality Checks, “Are you taking NHS?” And Payment Plans.

In this episode, Laura and Leanna dive into some of the most real and pressing challenges facing dental practices right now.

They unpack the upcoming FCA changes to in-house payment plans, why unregulated credit is risky (and unethical), and what practices need to do now to stay compliant.

The conversation then turns emotional, as the hosts respond to a heartfelt message from a newly appointed practice manager who feels overwhelmed, unsupported, and close to giving up. Their advice is honest, compassionate, and practical — especially for anyone who’s stepped into leadership without proper induction or training.

You’ll also hear:

• Why regular team meetings are non-negotiable
• How better communication can transform practice culture
• A brilliant front-of-house script for handling “Are you NHS?” calls
• A reminder that kindness on the phone builds reputation (even when patients don’t convert)
• Plus… a very funny dental nurse confession involving locker pranks and smelly food 😅

Practical, emotional, and laugh-out-loud in places — this is an episode every dental team should hear.

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for general discussion and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or regulatory advice. FCA regulations and requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances. We strongly recommend that listeners consult a suitably qualified professional listed on the FCA Register for tailored advice and clarification relevant to their own practice.

Show Notes

In this episode, we cover:

• Upcoming FCA legislation and why in-house payment plans must stop
• The risks of unregulated credit in dental practices
• Why finance options protect both patients and teams
• A shocking real-world story of a payment dispute gone wrong
• How money conversations damage patient relationships
• The importance of clear communication and team meetings
• Supporting new practice managers properly (induction matters!)
• Advice for PMs feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, or stuck
• Why secondments (“comments”) should be normal in dentistry
• Transitioning from nurse to practice manager — and why it’s hard
• Front desk phone skills: handling NHS vs private enquiries
• Why being helpful (even when you can’t help) builds trust
• Banned words on reception and what to say instead
• Confessions of a Dental Nurse: locker pranks gone too far

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & catching up
 01:10 – Consultation clinic & accountability check-ins
 02:00 – FCA changes to payment plans explained
 03:00 – Why in-house credit is risky and unethical
 04:05 – A real story of payment defaults in practice
 05:00 – When payment conversations turn threatening
 07:30 – Why practices must remove money stress altogether
 08:10 – Deadline for FCA compliance (May changes)
 09:00 – Why chasing payments damages patient relationships
 10:25 – The importance of team communication & meetings
 11:30 – How regular meetings create strong practice culture
 14:10 – Hang Out Question: struggling new practice manager
 15:00 – Why this isn’t about ability — it’s about support
 17:30 – How to approach your boss for help and clarity
 18:50 – Why you shouldn’t quit too soon
 19:10 – Secondments (“comments”) and trialing leadership roles
 20:45 – Transitioning from nurse to practice manager
 22:00 – Banned Words: “Are you NHS?” phone calls
 23:40 – A better script for NHS vs private enquiries
 26:00 – Why kindness on the phone builds reputation
 31:10 – Confessions of a Dental Nurse 🫣
 35:20 – Wrap-up, reviews & sharing the podcast

Show notes links

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/   

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

Guest Pod - Payman on Identity, Ambition, and Building a Life on Your Own Terms

In this episode, we sit down with Payman for an open and reflective conversation about identity, ambition, and the experiences that shape who we become.

Payman shares his personal journey — from early influences and internal struggles to the hard lessons learned through work, responsibility, and self-reflection. We explore what it really means to grow up, take ownership of your decisions, and build a life guided by values rather than external expectations.

This is a thoughtful, honest discussion about discipline, self-belief, relationships, and the quiet moments that often define success more than the loud ones.

Whether you’re navigating your own path, questioning your direction, or looking for grounded perspective, this conversation offers insight you can apply immediately.

In this episode, we cover:

• Payman’s background and early influences
• Navigating identity, pressure, and expectations
• The difference between external success and internal fulfilment
• Learning responsibility through failure and accountability
• Discipline, consistency, and long-term thinking
• The role of self-belief in personal and professional growth
• Relationships, boundaries, and personal values
• Advice for people figuring out their next chapter
• Reflections on purpose, meaning, and the future

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/   

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

Payman’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/paymanlangroudi/

Enlighten https://www.enlightensmiles.com/

Mini Smile Makeover https://dentist.minismilemakeover.com/

Dental Leaders podcast https://www.dentalleaders.co.uk/

Dental leaders instagram https://www.instagram.com/dentalleaderspodcast/

Episode 4 - The Cooking Prenup, Career Glow-Ups & The Energy Drink Debate

Cooking chaos, dental career growth, caffeine controversies and the most committed dental prank you’ve ever heard — Episode 4 delivers it all.

In this lively episode of the Horton Hangout, Laura and Leanna jump between kitchen disasters, career progression in dentistry, caffeine culture, patient communication upgrades, and a truly iconic prank confession.

They kick things off with the now-infamous “lasagna weekend,” exploring the emotional load of cooking, relationship dynamics in the kitchen, and why slow cookers might be the real MVPs of adulthood. Then a brilliant listener question leads into an honest discussion about dental nurse development — radiography, OHE, sedation courses, CPD choices, and how to make sure your qualifications actually get used.

From there, the girls plunge into the debate around energy drink age restrictions, looking at caffeine addiction, teenage access, health concerns and whether energy drinks should become 18+. It gets passionate… and slightly chocolate-fuelled.

Today’s Banned Word sparks a powerful mindset shift, and how one positive word can transform treatment conversations, patient reassurance and appointment booking confidence.

And finally, the confession of the week takes centre stage. It’s outrageous, harmless, hilarious — and exactly why Confessions is a fan favourite.

It’s fun, relatable, educational and packed with practical gems for dental teams.

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/   

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

Episode 3 - Reception Realities & Confessions: Training, Team Challenges & Hilarious Mishaps

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of managing a long-standing reception team and the importance of proper training, documenting mistakes, and building confidence in your staff. Our hosts discuss real-life scenarios from busy dental practices, highlighting the struggles and successes of team development.

We also share some hilarious and cringe-worthy Confessions of a Dental Nurse, including the dreaded office fridge and microwave disasters—proving that every workplace has its unique challenges and memorable moments.

Whether you’re a practice manager, a receptionist, or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and practical advice for improving team efficiency while keeping morale high.

Highlights include:

• How to approach training and documenting mistakes in long-term teams.
• Understanding the “skills gap” and giving your staff every opportunity to grow.
• Corporate examples of top-tier customer service training and how it applies to smaller practices.
• Empathy vs. standards: Balancing support and expectations for reception staff.
• Confessions of office mishaps, including the chaos of shared fridges and microwaves.
• Tips for creating a positive work environment even during high-pressure situations.

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/   

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

Guest Pod - Mindset, Money & The Truth About Leadership with our first co-host Dr Ashish B Parmar

In this combined  guest + cohost edition, you’ll learn:

• The surprising true history of the TCO role in the UK
• Why mindset work is essential for team success
• How to connect with patients on a “soul level”
• What really happens when a team grows too fast
• The emotional truth behind resentment, bonuses & fairness
• How to build a culture that actually works
• Why gratitude matters more than perks
• How spiritual practice and routine can change your leadership
• The power of meditation, chanting, walk routines & stillness
• Why investing in staff is never wasted — even if they leave
• How to separate genuine growth from toxic positivity
• The banned words that always make their way in
• AND…the confessions you didn’t see coming

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/    

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

The Academy by Ash https://theacademybyash.co.uk/

Dr Ashish Parmar Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashparmardentist/

 

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Horton Hangout special guest episode
 00:11 – Introducing Dr. Ash Parmer + today’s confession teaser
 00:24 – Ash joins the co-host seat
 00:34 – What’s coming up: confessions, banned words & Horton Hangout question
 00:51 – Laura & Ash: 21 years of history
 03:04 – Opening practice number four
 03:45 – The real history of treatment coordination
 07:28 – Mindset, development & wanting more
 08:27 – Full circle moment bringing Leanna into the mix
 09:10 – Decks, training & course season chaos
 09:34 – Ash balancing clinical work with teaching
 09:56 – The iconic 8-day aesthetic course
 10:13 – Why dentists thrive on hands-on dentistry
 10:30 – New holistic retreat for dentists
 10:57 – Purpose, mindfulness & wellbeing
 15:11 – Why owners & PMs need mindset awareness
 16:42 – How connection drives treatment acceptance
18:08 – Spirituality vs religion & becoming your best self
31:26 – The team bonus system explained
38:20 – Horton Hangout Question: What makes your team feel valued?
39:59 – Investing in staff even if they leave
40:22 – The emotional mistake leaders make
43:43 – Handling objections with confidence
44:00 – Spirituality and leadership
44:22 – Balancing clinical and personal growth
44:47 – Krishna consciousness & mindful routines
45:06 – 4:30am mornings: chanting & meditation
45:55 – Letting go brings bigger cases naturally
46:34 – Trusting the process

Episode 2 - Summer Survival, Sweet Confessions & the ‘I’ Word

Laura and Leanna are back for Episode 2 of The Horton Hangout — and it’s packed with laughs, honesty, and their signature segments: The Banned Word, The Confession, and The Horton Hangout Question! 🎧

As summer wraps up, the pair talk candidly about surviving the long school holidays, juggling work-from-home chaos, and the reality of balancing business with family life ☀️👩‍👦.

This week’s Banned Word will make every dental professional stop and think — why the word “injection” has no place in the surgery chair! 🚫💉

Then, in The Horton Hangout Question, they tackle a tough listener dilemma about inappropriate comments from a colleague — and share supportive, empowering advice for anyone facing similar behaviour in practice. 💬💪

It’s real, relatable, and full of humour — classic Horton energy from start to finish.

 

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/    

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

The Academy by Ash https://theacademybyash.co.uk/

Dr Ashish Parmar Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashparmardentist/

 

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 2 🎉

00:38 – End of Summer Chat ☀️

01:03 – Life Balance & Self-Employment 💻

02:08 – Routine, Planning & August Getaways ✈️

03:10 – Kids, Netflix & Holiday Clubs 🎮

06:00 – Working from Home Chaos 🌿

07:00 – The Summer Struggle is Real 😅

11:19 – 🚫 Banned Word: “Injection”

11:36 – What to Say Instead 🗣️

12:23 – Laura’s Childhood Confession 🍫

14:26 – Leanna’s Cheeky Confession 😏

16:10 – Modern-Day Weaknesses 🍷

17:19 – Changing the Language Habit 🔄

20:17 – The Horton Hangout Question 💌

20:56 – How to Handle Unwanted Comments 💬

23:10 – Final Thoughts & Sign Off 💕

Episode 1 - Midlife, Perimenopause & Motivation: Real Talk with Leanna & Laura

Welcome back to Season 2 of the podcast where Leanna & Laura spill the truth, share the laughs, and break down the realities of midlife, business, and everything in between! 🌿💪

This premiere kicks off with two fan-favourite segments — Banned Words and Confessions — before diving deep into a brutally honest chat about menopause, hormones, and health.

Laura opens up about her journey through fatigue, brain fog, and HRT — including a hilarious “crab walk” phase involving hormone gel 🦀 — while Leanna reflects on leadership, energy, and learning to prioritise well-being without guilt.

They also tackle a listener’s question about team resistance — offering smart, practical, and heartfelt advice for clinic and business owners navigating communication, money transparency, and what real leadership looks like.

It’s funny, raw, and full of the warmth and honesty that make this duo so relatable. 💛

 

Links:

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/    

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

 

Timestamps:

00:00 🎧 Welcome to Season 2!
 Leanna & Laura return with gratitude, giggles, and a few confessions from the archives ❤️

00:45 🚫 Banned Words Are Back!
 The duo unveils this season’s new words that are officially off-limits — and the hilarious reasons why 😂

01:15 🙈 Confessions Time
 Cue the laughter! Laura & Leanna share their latest real-life “oops” moments (because we’ve all been there)

02:10 🌞 Laura’s Health Journey
 Vitamin deficiencies, fatigue, and finally getting to the bottom of it — including the turning point with HRT

03:25 💊 Menopause, Hormones & Honesty
 Why talking openly about women’s health still matters — and how prioritising your body isn’t selfish

06:00 👩‍⚕️ GP visits & supportive doctors
 Navigating care, research, and advocating for yourself

07:15 🦀 The Crab Walk Era
 Laura’s hilarious experience with HRT gel — and how she finally found a better option 😂

08:09 🩹 Patch Life & Pill Problems
 From messy gels to swallowing struggles — all part of the midlife adventure

09:40 😤 The Rage Is Real
 How perimenopause can sneak up emotionally, and what’s helping Laura stay grounded

10:40 🧠 Why women are starting earlier
 The generational shift no one’s talking about — and what it means for midlife health

11:55 💤 When fatigue takes over
 B12 shots, naps, and the anti-nap brigade get called out 💤

12:20 🐶 Meet Laura’s new puppy!
 Yes, the night sweats and puppy chaos make quite the combo 🌙🐾

13:18 💬 Checking In
 Leanna & Laura reflect on their health, habits, and personal growth

14:00 📩 Listener Question: “How do I deal with resistance from my team?”

15:10 👥 Empathy Over Authority
 Why effective leadership starts with understanding, not control

16:00 💸 The Money Talk
 Why sharing financials with your team isn’t always a good idea — and what to do instead

18:00 🧍‍♀️ Clinic Culture & Clarity
 Bringing your team on board through vision and communication

21:00 💬 Feedback That Works
 How to give meaningful praise and constructive support

22:25 💡 Building Trust & Connection
 The role of honest communication in creating a thriving workplace

23:50 💛 Final Takeaways
 Midlife, leadership, and laughter — it’s all about being real and showing up for yourself and your team

Welcome to a new season of the Horton Hangout

We're bringing something new this season...

 

Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/    

Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/

About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...

Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting

Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting

Laura Horton Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/

Laura Horton Tik Tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult

Leanna Best Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/

Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach

 

Episode 10: High-End Hype, Hair Loss Scams & April Fools Jokes

In this episode, Laura and Leanna dive into the danger of pretending to be premium. They unpack what happens when practices or businesses talk a five-star game but fall short on substance — and how that erodes patient trust faster than you can say “paper cone cup”.

Leanna shares a deeply personal story about hair loss, emotional vulnerability and a clinic that tried to take advantage — emotionally and financially. It's a powerful reminder that the best service comes from empathy, not just a fancy reception.

There’s also a dental nurse prank in Confession Corner that could only have happened in the good old days, and a brilliant Hangout Question on managing persistently rude patients. Plus, this week’s banned word is short but deadly — and we’ve got a better one to use instead.

In this episode:

🏨 Why businesses that look five-star often miss the mark behind the scenes

🛏️ Laura compares two treatment experiences: and one was very bouncy

🥤 Why a paper cup could ruin your entire brand (yes, really)

💇‍♀️ Leanna shares a personal experience of emotional manipulation at a high-end clinic — and how her husband’s common sense saved the day

💸 How looking premium doesn’t mean being premium – and what real value looks like in patient care

🩺 Hangout Question: “How do we deal with a patient who’s continually rude to staff and their dentist?”

🚫 Why zero-tolerance policies matter – and how to make sure your systems back your team, not the patient

😱 Confession Corner: a Dental nurse’s April Fool’s Day prank that nearly gave an associate a breakdown

🚫 Banned Word: “Free” – why we’re swapping it for “complimentary” and what language really says about your brand

 

Link to send in your confession

Link to send in your question for the Horton Hangout

 

Links you may find useful

Horton Consulting

Horton Consulting - About us

Laura Horton - Instagram

Horton - Facebook

Laura Horton - LinkedIn

Laura Horton - TikTok

Leanna Best - LinkedIn

Leanna Best - Instagram