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 finally get the conversation we’ve been trying to have for years with the 2025 CDT of the Year, Mike Wandling! Mike takes us back to 2001, when a few friends pointed him toward the dental laboratory industry and he landed at Keller in St. Louis. Starting out in crown and bridge, waxing, metal finishing, and casting, Mike quickly discovered that his real passion was working with people and teaching others.

We talk about Mike’s journey from technician to trainer, Director of Training and Education, department manager, and eventually production manager overseeing a large fixed department. Along the way, he became heavily involved with the NBC, helping Keller become a CDT exam host lab and creating study clubs and hands-on preparation that helped take the lab from just a handful of CDTs to 17 in only a few years. Mike went on to earn multiple CDT certifications and eventually became a Master CDT, examiner, and member of the NBC Board of Trustees.

Mike also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into creating and updating the CDT exams, including his legendary “A-Team” partnership with Barb. We talk about keeping certification relevant as technology changes, the importance of continuing education, and why Mike believes in getting just one percent better every day.

After leaving Keller in 2015, Mike opened his own laboratory, eventually merging with Summit to become Summit-Horizon Dental Laboratory. Today, he serves as Operations Manager while still working on specialty cases and staying involved with doctors, production, workflow, and quality. We also talk about his recent recognition as the 2025 CDT of the Year and his new role as a Key Opinion Leader with Aidite.

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.

True ROI isn’t just about what you pay for your equipment—it’s about what it delivers every day. With Roland’s DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions, reliable performance means more production, fewer interruptions, and less time troubleshooting or waiting on equipment. Keep your workflow moving, take on more work, and let every completed case contribute to your bottom line. That’s real ROI. Visit rolanddental.com to discover Roland’s DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions.

Special Guest: Michael Wandling CDT.

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.

Join us at the Race For the Future 12 to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laborary Technology. September 27th in Valley View, Texas!

https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/

This week, Elvis sits down with Martin Schmid and Alyse Hifko from Ivoclar to talk about the launch of the new Ivoclar Academy and why education is still one of the most valuable investments a laboratory can make. Martin shares his journey from apprenticing in Germany to teaching technicians around the world, while Alyse explains how a passion for digital dentistry and troubleshooting CAD/CAM software led her to Ivoclar. Together they discuss how today's technicians can learn faster, work more efficiently, and gain confidence through hands-on training instead of trying to figure everything out on their own.

The conversation dives into Ivoclar's growing catalog of Academy courses, from Ceram Art stain and glaze techniques to advanced ProgramMill CAM training that goes far beyond the initial installation. Martin explains how simple workflows and the right materials can help technicians create highly esthetic restorations, while Alyse reveals the hidden capabilities built into the CAM software that many users never realize they already have. Whether you're looking to improve your ceramics, maximize your milling workflow, or simply stay ahead as digital dentistry continues to evolve, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can bring back to the lab. Plus, learn why even technicians who don't own an Ivoclar mill are showing up to these courses—and leaving convinced they need one.

Special Guests: Alyse Hifko and Martin Schmid.