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 the Ivoclar ballroom at Lab Day 2026, Elvis and Barb dives into conversations that perfectly capture what this industry is all about—innovation, relationships, and a whole lot of nerding out.

We kick things off with Frederic Rapp, who went from growing up in his dad’s basement lab in France to scaling it into one of the largest labs in Europe. After selling the business, he found his way back into the industry through innovation—helping labs unlock the gold mine sitting inside their own data with icortica. From dashboards to AI-driven insights and even voice-activated notes in the parking lot, it’s all about working smarter, not harder… and maybe not looking like an idiot when you walk into a doctor’s office.

Then things shift to a great partnership with Casey Baldwin and Darin Lockaby, where we get into a seriously cool collaboration between Ivoclar and DESS. Think plug-and-play workflows that let labs mill their own abutments in-house—FDA compliant, streamlined, and actually simple. With margins tighter than ever, this kind of control over production isn’t just nice… it’s becoming necessary.

From scaling labs to scaling data, from implants to AI, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a clear message: the labs that embrace technology (without losing the human touch) are the ones that are going to win.

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 Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. 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: Casey Baldwin, Darin Lockaby, and Frederic Rapp.

Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it.

Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT booth (E-27, East Hall) and take part in their Milling Roadmap—a quick, scavenger-hunt-style activity that leads you to key milling partners like Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland.

Collect stamps at booths you’re likely visiting anyway and get entered to win some great giveaways—including this year’s grand prize: a foldable Honda electric scooter.

You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.

We welcome back longtime friend of the podcast John Wilson of Sunrise Dental Lab, returning for the first time since 2021—and this time as a fellow podcaster himself. What starts as a warm reunion quickly turns into a deep, honest conversation about passion, purpose, integrity, and what it really takes to survive (and stay sane) in today’s dental lab world.

John reflects on the evolution of his lab, sharing why he made the intentional decision not to chase endless growth, but instead to protect his team, his values, and his love for the craft. He talks candidly about “yesterday thinking,” adapting to digital dentistry without abandoning fundamentals, and why aligning with the right clients—not just more clients—changed everything.

The discussion dives into what true lab–doctor partnerships look like, why trust is earned (not given), and how saying “no” can sometimes be the most powerful business decision you make. John also explains why single units matter just as much as full-arch cases, how education keeps technicians relevant, and why racing to the bottom on price is a losing game.

Later, the conversation turns personal as John shares the inspiration behind his new solo podcast, Margins & Meaning—a storytelling-driven project created to document his journey, connect with technicians who feel alone, and leave something meaningful behind for the next generation. He opens up about legacy, creativity, fear, change, and why being heard matters just as much as having something to say.

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 Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. 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 Guest: John Wilson.

In this episode, Elvis and Barb sit down with Dr. Miles Cone, a prosthodontist whose path into dentistry is anything but traditional. From a childhood obsession with dinosaurs and living out of his Jeep, to serving in the Army and becoming a CDT, Dr. Cone shares how persistence, humility, and an appreciation for the lab side of dentistry shaped his career. Along the way, he opens up about failing the CDT exam, learning the true value of dental technicians, and why collaboration—not ego—is the key to better patient outcomes

The conversation also dives deep into photography, storytelling, and seeing dentistry as both science and art. Dr. Cone explains how discovering dental photography transformed not only how he documents cases, but how he connects with patients and technicians alike. He and Barb and Elvis discuss raising your skills by putting your work out there, ignoring the trolls, and using critique to grow. The episode wraps with a preview of Dr. Cone’s upcoming Ivoclar presentation at Lab Day Chicago, where he and technician Janelle will show how dentures and removables can be “hidden in plain sight” when done with intention, artistry, and respect for the entire dental team.

A new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set your dental business up for success. January isn’t just about new goals—it’s about working smarter with efficient, reliable systems that keep production running smoothly and predictably.

Roland DGSHAPE milling solutions deliver the consistency and automation labs depend on to control costs, reduce remakes, and maximize every hour. With trusted Japanese engineering and mills like the DWX-53DC working even when you’re not, you spend less time fixing problems and more time growing your business.

Start the year strong with solutions built for productivity and profitability. That’s the Roland DGSHAPE difference.

Learn more at rolanddental.com

Special Guest: Dr. Miles Cone.