038: Take Bigger Swings — A Conversation with Dr. Savanah Craig

In this episode of The Story Project, Joanna speaks with Dr. Savanah Craig — a dentist, podcast host, and powerful new voice for early-career professionals in dentistry. Savannah shares the unfiltered side of her journey, from the hyper-competitive grind of dental school to the moments of burnout that forced her to ask: is this the life I actually want? With honesty and vulnerability, she talks about redefining success, separating identity from performance, and choosing alignment over achievement. Savanah also opens up about the story behind her podcast Beyond Graduation, and why building connection, mentorship, and community for new dentists has become a mission close to her heart. Whether you're in the thick of a career shift or just trying to hold it all together, this episode is a beautiful reminder of the strength it takes to choose a path that's truly your own — and the courage it takes to take bigger swings.   Key Takeaways Point 1: Take bigger swings. Point 2: Community is critical for early-career dentists. Point 3: "Patients don't actually know if your margin is perfect… they know if you treated them kindly."   Guest Information Dr. Savanah Craig is originally from Chicora, PA but has spent her higher education becoming an honorary Buckeye. Following graduation, she dedicated a year to advancing her education at Prisma Health Richland, a level-one trauma center in Columbia, SC. She is passionate about patient education and utilizes her advanced training to provide excellent care for her patients. Outside of her typical clinical hours, Dr. Craig can be found treating complex patients in the operating room at the University Of Cincinnati or collaborating on projects and podcasting. In her free time, Dr. Craig enjoys reading, exploring new restaurants, and traveling with her husband, Adam.   How to Connect with Savanah Craig Instagram: @savannahcraigdds Podcast: Future Dentists: Beyond Graduation IgniteDDS: @ignitedds   —Welcome to The Story Project—a video-driven podcast spotlighting the voices of high-achieving women in dentistry. These are the educators, innovators, and leading voices shaping the future of the profession. Each episode offers an intimate look at the stories behind their leadership—why they chose dentistry, what drives them forward, and how they're navigating the complex intersection of purpose, business, and personal growth.We celebrate the courage it takes to lead, the challenges they've overcome, and the legacies they're building—not just in their practices, but across the industry. This is a space for fearless, thoughtful conversation with the women redefining what's possible in dentistry. To connect or inquire about being a guest, reach out to @joannafscott or visit www.joannascott.com.   Connect With Joanna  Website: https://www.joannascott.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannafscott/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannafscott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-scott-052a0812/