If you’re passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I’m honored to be part of Ivoclar’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.

Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.

When it comes to digital dentures, design is easy—manufacturing is where things get messy.

That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by Roland DGSHAPE, Ivoclar, and FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.

Want to simplify production and scale with confidence? Check it out at rollanddga.com/elevate.

Live from LMT Lab Day Chicago, Elvis and Barb bring the mics to the Ivoclar stage for three very different conversations that all point to one big theme—this industry is evolving fast, and you better evolve with it.

First up, Savannah Elkins and Josh Williams from GPS Digital RPD jump into the digital removable world, where analog roots meet full-on additive workflows. Savannah shares how she went from pouring models to cranking out 100+ RPD frameworks a day, learning design in record time through hands-on training and a little “YouTube University.” The conversation dives into printed frameworks, flexible materials, and the push toward becoming a full lab-to-lab removable resource. It’s fast, it’s scalable, and yes… they absolutely test durability by throwing, stepping on, and possibly feeding things to alligators.

Next, Darin McCue from SalesLift Consulting flips the script and talks about what’s really holding labs back—and it’s not production. With a mix of passion and hard truth, Darin explains that most lab owners aren’t failing because they can’t make teeth—they’re failing because they don’t run a business. From leadership and communication to sales and team culture, he challenges owners to step off the bench and into a leadership role before burnout or failure forces the issue. His message is clear: if you don’t work on your business, it will eventually work against you.

Finally, Vicki Thomas and Carrie Ling bring a completely different energy, focused on community, collaboration, and leveling the playing field for smaller labs. Vicki shares the story behind launching Savvy Lab Solutions, a buying group built to give small and mid-sized labs access to the same pricing and vendor relationships as the big players. Carrie backs it up with real-world experience, explaining how vendors now proactively reach out with discounts and new products—saving time, money, and opening doors she didn’t even know existed. The conversation highlights the power of partnerships, word-of-mouth growth, and the realization that 78% of the industry is made up of labs that have historically been overlooked.

Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the FIRST 5k run on the coast! And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.

Special Guests: Carrie Ling, Darin McCue, Josh Williams, Savannah Elkins, and Vicki Thomas.

TO DONATE: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/

Select: Race for the Future
Enter the name of the racer you want to support: BARB WARNER or THE CROWN JEWELS
Enter the amount (One Million Dollars)

August 14 & 15: PrograMill CAM Academy: A Hands-On Introduction to Digital Milling for Dental Professionals
Ivoclar Academy – Amherst, NY : https://www.ivoclar.com/en_ca/course/programill-cam-academy-module-i-introduction/251438?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Pardot&utm_campaign=Academy+Newsletter&utm_term=July

This episode is featuring two conversations that Elvis and Barb got while in Gemany at the exocad booth at IDS 2025. First up is Paul Dowling & Jacqueline Ffrench who come from PD Ceramics in Ireland. Paul grew up in a dental family and played in the shed in the backyard that was the lab. After attending lab school in London, Paul came back to Ireland and opened his own lab. Knowing teeth and not business, Paul recruits Jacqueline from a dental office to help. Jacqueline is good with business and saw the struggles in the lab and set out to make it a better place. Now she and Paul are starting to do it all over Ireland.

Then from many miles away (at IDS it seems that way) we are joined by Thomas Baaske, the Global Technical Product Manager at Ivoclar Vivadent AG. That means he oversees a lot of the digital materials and equipment for Ivoclar and there is a lot. Thomas talks about his lab background, being with Ivoclar for over 14 years, the evolution of the milled denture, their new inventory system, and the new Ivotion Based Printed denture.

Let's be honest. There are a LOT of zirconia on the market these days. How do you know which is which? Is one better than another? Is there one that can handle every situation? Check out a FREE webinar from Ivoclar called Zirconia Unboxed with Jeff Smith, CDT.

"This introductory webinar is the first in a five-part series designed to address the most frequently asked questions by dental labs when selecting zirconia for their restorations. With a focus on practical guidance, this session explores the key considerations in choosing the right zirconia, including material properties, esthetics, and processing techniques. This introductory webinar is the first in a five-part series designed to address the most frequently asked questions by dental labs when selecting zirconia for their restorations. With a focus on practical guidance, this session explores the key considerations in choosing the right zirconia, including material properties, esthetics, and processing techniques."

Check it out at: https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/course/zirconia-unboxed/246115?utm_source=External+-+Voice+from+the+Bench&utm_medium=QR+code&utm_campaign=Academy&utm_term=August

Special Guests: Jacqueline Ffrench, Paul Dowling , and Thomas Baaske.

Go show some love to Jaume Aisa Moreno who is reuniting Elvis with his podcast laptop!

Shaana Gripp started off as a dental assistant because of her grandmother. After getting into doing some lab work, found out that she really enjoyed it. In the early 2000s she was exposed to CEREC and a passion for designing started. Moving to a full-time position in a lab was where she picked up all the skills as they moved her from models, waxing, and eventually ceramics. Now Shaana is running an in-office lab that does the work of 8 dentists in 4 locations. Shaana talks about her journey, learning how to self-teach, daily life in her lab, and how photography plays a big part in her full arch work.

Wanting to take your knowledge and skills to the next level? If you are looking for the best education dedicated to dentistry in both the labs and clinics, check out Ivoclar Academy.

From on-demand webinars to in-person training, Ivoclar Academy has a program to meet your busy schedule. Check out all they have to offer HERE!

Whether you are looking to elevate your craftsmanship or looking to cut back costs, look no further – VITA MFT Teeth are the ultimate solution for creating lifelike and stunning smiles.

Crafted with precision and backed by cutting-edge technology, VITA MFT Teeth offers unparalleled esthetics and durability. And since VITA believes in the power of experiencing excellence firsthand, for a limited time only, they’re offering you the chance to get a complimentary case sample. That’s right, a full case, absolutely free. Just visit vitanorthamerica.com/freemft

Don’t wait any longer to start providing your customers with a premium tooth at an economy price. Redeem your free case sample and if you’re ready to buy, VITA will even give you an extra 10% discount by shopping online on their newly launched online store.

Join the VITA family today.

Special Guest: Shaana Gripp.

As we get into 2023, we get to celebrate our 250th episode of the podcast! What an honor it is to bring you so many great conversations with all the wonderful people in our industry. This week we get to talk to Tra' Chambers from Express Dental Laboratory out of Oklahoma. Tra's story is a bit different than what we usually hear. Starting as an assistant, then a practice manager, and then a lab owner, Tra' was able to understand what the dental offices needed from a lab when he started his own. Great stories from the early days of same day crowns with the Cerec system to positioning himself a leader in the digital dental lab workflow.

Your digital inspiration is important to Ivoclar and they have the technology to support your digital future. Whether you are just about to introduce digital production into your laboratory, or if your laboratory is already set for the digital revolution – Ivoclar has the technology, support, and service package for YOUR specific needs. From the NEW and impressive PrograScan scanners to the PrograMill line up of milling systems and Programat furnaces, Ivoclar has you covered with technology AND trusted materials like Ivotion, e.max and ZirCAD Prime. All of this under one roof!

Customize YOUR Digital journey today by contacting your friendly Ivoclar sales representative!

Does your lab use Magic Touch? If not, you should think about switching just so you can use icortica. Icortica is a program that uses all the data you already collect in Magic Touch and puts it in one easy to see, use, and understand dashboard. Look at every account and see trends, sales, notes, payments, and even remake percentages. Use the data you already have to take your lab and your customer service to the next level. Elvis uses it daily and swears it is a huge part to his success working at the lab. Head over to icortica.com/voices to learn more or send an email to Rob Nazzal at rob@icortica.com and tell him you heard about it on Voices From the Bench!

Special Guest: Tra’ Chambers.