NOLA Lab Fest is back, and Voices From the Bench will be recording live from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside on October 16th and 17th! Join Elvis and Barbara as they hang out with the HyperDent team, talk shop with some of the best in the dental industry, and host the always-entertaining Lab Family Feud. The fun kicks off Thursday, October 15th, with Jude Grayson leading a half-day workshop for lab owners and department leaders, sponsored by HyperDent. While you're there, check out Roland DGA's CAM trade-in special, where you can trade in your old CAM software for HyperDent and unlock the full potential of your mill with better milling quality, faster milling times, and the ability to mill Ivotion dentures with Elevate denture solutions. Registration is open now at NOLALabFest.com, and spots are limited. Don't miss out on the fun, the learning, and probably a few too many beignets!

This week, we sit down with Milos Miladinov, a dental technician, educator, photographer, and digital dentistry enthusiast who has spent years pushing the boundaries of what technology can do in the dental lab. Milos shares his journey from discovering dental technology almost by accident in Romania, building a lab with his wife, becoming an early adopter of digital workflows, and eventually making the move to the United States and starting over from scratch.

Milos takes us deep into digital dentistry, including virtual patients, intraoral scanning, CBCT, face scanning, digital veneers, print-and-press workflows, and the technology he believes is changing the way technicians work. We also get into one of his biggest passions: dental photography. Milos explains how learning to photograph his own work completely changed the way he saw it, why proper lighting and positioning matter, and how technicians and dentists can improve their photography without spending a fortune.

And because this is Milos, the conversation doesn't stop there. We talk about AI, marketing, SEO, digital tools, new materials, zirconia, microwave sintering, and even his unique approach to creating “tooth tattoos” to add natural-looking details to monolithic restorations. Milos has a constant curiosity for new technology and a willingness to actually try it, test it, and figure out how it can make dentistry better. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about technology, creativity, photography, business, and what it takes to keep moving forward in an industry that never seems to stop changing.

https://www.toothpic.ai/

Your customers are checking you out on social media long before they ever fill out a form or pick up the phone. By the time they reach you, they’ve already started forming an opinion. That’s why consistency on social media matters.

Creating content is hard. Posting consistently is even harder. That’s why we built icortica Social. Create, schedule, publish, and report on your social media all in one place — and let your entire team contribute.

With a simple QR code, your team can send photos and videos straight from their phones to marketing, whether they’re in the lab or at an event. icortica Social works as a standalone app, so no existing icortica subscription is required.

Make social media easier. Stay consistent. Grow your presence.

Check it out at icortica.com/social.

Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?”

You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing.

Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free.

LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.

Special Guest: Milos Miladinov.

NOLA Lab Fest is back, and Voices From the Bench will be recording live from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside on October 16th and 17th! Join Elvis and Barbara as they hang out with the HyperDent team, talk shop with some of the best in the dental industry, and host the always-entertaining Lab Family Feud. The fun kicks off Thursday, October 15th, with Jude Grayson leading a half-day workshop for lab owners and department leaders, sponsored by HyperDent. While you're there, check out Roland DGA's CAM trade-in special, where you can trade in your old CAM software for HyperDent and unlock the full potential of your mill with better milling quality, faster milling times, and the ability to mill Ivotion dentures with Elevate denture solutions. Registration is open now at NOLALabFest.com, and spots are limited. Don't miss out on the fun, the learning, and probably a few too many beignets!

This week we sit down with Mike Archibald, the “black sheep” of the Archibald family and the third Archibald we’ve had on the show. Mike shares his journey from starting in his dad’s laboratory at just 17 years old to becoming a technician, educator, speaker, and advocate for having the conversations that don’t always happen in dentistry. We talk about functional dentistry, ceramics, teaching, family expectations, imposter syndrome, recovery, mindset, and the importance of being willing to step away and find a healthier perspective on life. Mike also tells us about Table 52, his vision for creating a community where people can have honest conversations about the struggles behind the scenes, along with his work with Harvest Dental and Open Bench. It’s a very real conversation about dentistry, family, personal growth, and what happens when you stop worrying about looking like you have it all together and start focusing on becoming the best version of yourself.

Open Bench: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKvmZEdlxtQM

Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?

He’s a client rep for Derby Dental Laboratory, out in the field every day doing chairside visits and building relationships. His job is simple—keep doctors happy and keep them coming back.

And he couldn’t do it without icortica.

Right from his phone, Elvis can see sales, remake rates, account notes, risks, and cross-sell opportunities—even before he walks through the door. No spreadsheets. No surprises. Just the info he needs to grow accounts.

Stop digging for data and start taking action.

Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.

Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?”

You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing.

Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free.

LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.

Special Guest: Mike Archibald.

According to Dr. Ed McLaren, “Of all the zirconia’s he's tested, the optical properties of Ivoclar’s e.max zirconia are the closest to natural teeth.” (And I second that with everything I’ve see – if Barb does the read)

Discover what’s redefining the possibilities with IPS e.max Zirconia.

Join Dr. Ed McLaren for Zirconia Reimagined—an informative webinar exploring the latest advancements, clinical insights, and practical applications of zirconia in modern dentistry.

October 5th @ 7:00 pm. Register today at Vivalearning.com

As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

This week we head across the pond to Leeds, England, for a conversation with Phil Reddington of Beever Dental Technology lab. Phil’s journey into dental technology is one of those stories that sounds completely made up until you hear him tell it. At 15 years old, Phil skipped school, wandered into a dental laboratory, and convinced them to give him a bench test. Armed with a scalpel and a bar of soap, he carved an ornate little bottle and somehow impressed them enough to land himself a job. From that accidental introduction to dentistry, Phil has spent more than 35 years learning, building, and evolving in the dental laboratory world.

Phil takes us through his early days working in the lab, learning ceramics and refractory techniques, and eventually taking over his own laboratory. As offshore competition began putting pressure on lab pricing, Phil and his wife made a conscious decision not to compete by simply becoming cheaper. Instead, they invested in equipment, education, and relationships with dentists who wanted to provide high-quality restorative and implant dentistry. That philosophy eventually helped transform the laboratory and allowed Phil to focus on doing the best work possible rather than chasing the lowest price.

A huge part of Phil’s story is the team he has built around him. We talk about what happens when a laboratory develops a blame culture, why people leave toxic work environments, and how changing that culture can completely change a business. Phil shares his approach to hiring for attitude, creating an environment where people can learn from mistakes, bringing educators into the lab for customized training, and giving his team opportunities to grow. He also talks about remaining fiercely independent when it comes to materials and techniques, allowing different technicians to use the systems that work best for them rather than becoming tied to a single manufacturer.

The conversation also dives deep into the technical side of the laboratory, including digital workflows, full-arch restorations, printed try-ins, implant solutions, and the different full-arch options Phil’s team provides. One of the highlights is the laboratory’s work with thimble bars, a restoration they have become known for and one that Phil considers their premium full-arch product. With a focus on repairability and long-term service, the lab even offers a lifetime guarantee on their thimble bar cases.

We also get into the business side of running a laboratory, including marketing through social media and word of mouth, setting realistic turnaround times, knowing when to say no to a case, and the importance of getting the information needed before starting a restoration. Phil explains why sometimes saying “no” is actually one of the most valuable tools a laboratory can have.

Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?”

You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing.

Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free.

LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.

Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?

He’s a client rep for Derby Dental Laboratory, out in the field every day doing chairside visits and building relationships. His job is simple—keep doctors happy and keep them coming back.

And he couldn’t do it without icortica.

Right from his phone, Elvis can see sales, remake rates, account notes, risks, and cross-sell opportunities—even before he walks through the door. No spreadsheets. No surprises. Just the info he needs to grow accounts.

Stop digging for data and start taking action.

Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.

Special Guest: Phil Reddington.

At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn’t have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it’s not just about seeing what’s new—it’s about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers.

Fresh off the beaches and lectures of the beautiful island of Mallorca at the exocad Insights 2026 , Elvis and Barb sat down with three incredible women proving that digital dentistry is global, creative, and fueled by passion. First up is Andreea Bordea, a ceramist and lab owner originally from Romania who found her way into dental technology after narrowly missing acceptance into dental school. From analog waxing and staining zirconia with a single A2 shade to opening her own lab in Spain and building a digital workflow around exocad, Andreea shares the journey of learning everything the hard way. She talks about teaching herself digital dentistry, building a team, and how social media unexpectedly became her outlet while working alone in her lab. The conversation also dives into Ivoclar materials, zirconia, and the excitement around new products launched at Insights.

Then the microphones turn to Denisse Ramos from for one of the most energetic conversations of the event. Denisse talks about her journey from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Coca-Cola into the dental industry, eventually becoming a major force in digital workflows, 3D printing, and equipment sales. From Dentsply to Desktop Health and now leading sales at New Stetic USA, Denisse shares stories about mentorship, industry evolution, women in dentistry, and why labs need to charge for their expertise. We all talk about the rise of digital dentistry, treatment planning frustrations, social media, the future of dentures, and the importance of giving back through organizations like Ladies of the Mill and the NADL.

Finally, Elvis met Daniela Torres, better known online as “Danny Designer,” a digital designer from Chile whose Instagram portfolio turned into a thriving business. Daniela explains how she taught herself exocad through YouTube before traveling to Madrid for advanced training, eventually working at the MOD Institute in South Carolina before returning to Chile to build her own remote design business. From designing full arch restorations and dentures to handling dozens of cases a day entirely through email and WhatsApp, Daniela proves how powerful digital dentistry and social media have become for technicians worldwide. The conversation wraps with excitement around exocad’s newest updates, the exocad Hub, and what it means to be recognized as an exocad Hero.

Special Guests: Andreea Bordea, Daniela Torres, and Denisse Lasso Ramos.

At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn’t have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it’s not just about seeing what’s new—it’s about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers. Beyond the technology, Felix emphasized the value of being there in person—connecting face-to-face with partners, having meaningful conversations, and stepping back to see where the industry is headed. And of course, doing it all in Mallorca doesn’t hurt either.

Mallorca, Spain. exocad Insights 2026 Three completely different conversations somehow all landed on the same theme: digital dentistry keeps getting smaller, smarter, and way more connected. First up, the crew catches back up with digital designer and educator Marjorie de Andrade, who went from Brazil to New Zealand chasing opportunity, only to end up building a global career through remote design, social media, and education. Marjorie talks about creating the Mastering exocad course, freelancing for dentists around the world, and why finding purpose through teaching became more important than simply designing crowns. She also shares thoughts on the newly announced exocad Hub, remote collaboration, and how digital dentistry is making communication between dentists and technicians easier than ever.

Then the microphones turn to Dr. Dwight Pate for one of the most workflow-heavy conversations the podcast has ever had. From hand waxing cases the old-school Dawson and Pankey way to designing provisionals and controlling full-mouth rehabs completely through exocad, Dr. Pate breaks down how he combines analog principles with digital workflows. The discussion dives deep into occlusion, provisionals, articulators, guided workflows, AI design, and why he believes digital dentistry still has to prove itself back in the analog world before it ever reaches the patient’s mouth.

Finally, the crew reconnects with Dr. Eimear O'Connell to talk about why clinicians need to attend events like Insights just as much as technicians. Eimear shares how digital workflows are improving communication between doctors, labs, and patients while making implant planning, dentures, and aesthetic dentistry more predictable than ever. From digital dentures that fit with almost zero adjustment to helping patients emotionally reconnect with their smiles, the conversation reminds everyone that behind every scanner, workflow, and software update is still a real person whose life changes because of dentistry.

Special Guests: Dr. Dwight Pate, Dr. Eimear O’Connell, and Marjorie de Andrade .

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.

CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to hyperDENT. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. Imagine USA has been using hyperDENT in their own lab for over 15 years. That kind of longevity says a lot—they’re not just selling and supporting it, they’re relying on it in their own production every single day. That’s what really sets them apart.

This week’s episode brings it full circle as Elvis reconnects with one of the podcast’s very first guests, Renata Bundy, now a longtime professor at New York City College of Technology. Along with her are two technicians who represent both sides of the journey—lab owner Roberto Rossi and workflow master Eugene Vega—creating a conversation that dives deep into education, mentorship, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s dental lab world.

Roberto shares his unlikely path from working sanitation in New York to building a thriving lab, Synergy Dental Studio, over nearly three decades. With a relentless focus on quality, constant improvement, and embracing digital (while still questioning it), he explains how his lab has grown into a tight-knit, high-level operation. Eugene adds perspective from inside the lab, describing his evolution from student to managing daily workflow, highlighting how important environment, mentorship, and work ethic are when transitioning from school to real-world production.

Renata ties it all together from the educational side, reflecting on over 20 years of teaching and how the program has evolved alongside the industry—from analog fundamentals to digital workflows—while still preparing students for the realities they’ll face after graduation. The group doesn’t shy away from the tough truths either: low starting pay, steep learning curves, and the high dropout rate among new technicians. But the message is clear—stick with it, find the right lab, and the opportunity is there.

It’s a conversation about growth, grit, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—whether that’s in the classroom or the lab. And if nothing else, you’ll learn that a little Italian lunch might just be the secret to building a loyal team.

Special Guests: Eugene Vega, Renata Budny, CDT, TE, and Roberto Rossi.