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, Elvis and Barb are coming to you from the FDLA Symposium at the GPS Digital RPD booth with two conversations that prove one thing: dental technology never stops evolving. First up, Chris Bradley from SmileLine USA returns to the podcast alongside technician, educator, and lab owner Richard Wodzinski, with Dawn Roniger from GC America joining the discussion. What starts as a conversation about "sexy brushes" quickly turns into a deep dive into one of the most intriguing shade-matching workflows you'll hear about. Richard explains how the OptiShade camera and Matisse software work together to create incredibly accurate shade recipes for everything from monolithic zirconia to layered ceramics and even gingiva. They also discuss the latest Creation Magic Color system, hands-on education, custom shade appointments, and why reducing remakes isn't just good for labs—it's better for doctors and patients too. Add in some FDLA leadership talk and a shared passion for education, and you've got a conversation packed with practical ideas and plenty of laughs.

Then Elvis and Barb sit down with Kaveh Shams, Branch Manager for Zirkonzahn Canada, whose journey into digital dentistry spans London, Italy, and Canada. Kaveh shares how his admiration for Enrico Steger and Zirkonzahn eventually led to his dream job, while also offering a fascinating look into the company's history, philosophy, and commitment to education. From the origins of Exocad and custom CAM strategies to modular milling systems, open architecture, and Zirkonzahn's incredible Military School program that trains the next generation of technicians, this conversation is full of insight into what makes one of dentistry's most respected digital companies tick. It's an inspiring story of passion, persistence, and why great technology always starts with great technicians.

Special Guests: Chris Bradley, Dawn Roniger ​​​​, Kaveh Shams, and Rich Wodzinski.

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.

The Voices From the Bench microphones head to the FDLA Symposium for three conversations that perfectly capture what makes this industry so special. Thanks to the wonderful people at GPS Digital RPD, Elvis and Barb got to sit down with longtime friend Morris Fucarino to celebrate an incredible milestone—50 years as a CDT. Morris shares how he found his way into dental technology, what earning certification has meant throughout his career, and why he believes every technician should strive to be the best they can be. From belt-driven handpieces and gold crowns to running a successful one-man laboratory with just three loyal doctors, Morris proves that passion, relationships, and knowledge never go out of style. His stories are a reminder that while technology continues to change, craftsmanship and pride in your work remain timeless.

Next, the conversation shifts to Enja Dorjchuluun from Sakr Dental Arts, who talks about helping lead one of Florida's fastest-growing laboratories while serving on the FDLA Board of Directors. She discusses the challenges of managing a lab spread across multiple buildings, the excitement of moving into a brand-new facility, and why giving back through organized dentistry has become such an important part of her career. From developing future technicians to creating educational opportunities and strengthening state associations, Enja shares why investing in people is every bit as important as investing in technology.

To wrap things up, Elvis and Barb meet Joseph Núñez Reyes from GPS Digital Dental Lab, whose journey from Puerto Rico to Orlando is fueled by determination, curiosity, and a love for digital dentistry. After leaving biomedical engineering behind, Joseph found his passion in the dental laboratory, worked his way from the model room to supervising a modern CAM department, and now showcases laboratory workflows through social media to inspire the next generation of technicians. With dreams of one day returning to Puerto Rico to build a state-of-the-art laboratory, Joseph reminds us that the future of dental technology is in very capable hands.

Ever notice the busiest labs aren't always the ones working the longest hours? They're usually the ones with a workflow that keeps moving—even after everyone heads home. Real productivity isn't about asking your team to do more; it's about having the right tools doing more for your team. That's where Roland's DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions really shine. Built to keep production moving whether you're milling a single case or running overnight, they free your technicians to focus on finishing cases, serving customers, and growing the business instead of babysitting equipment. That's what real productivity looks like: more output, fewer interruptions, and less time spent chasing problems. Because every hour your mill is producing is another hour your lab is creating value. If you're ready to get more from every production day, discover what Roland's DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions can do for your lab at rolanddental.com.

Special Guests: Enja Dorjchuluun, Joseph Núñez Reyes, and Morris Fucarino CDT.

After countless past guests on the podcast (and Barb) sing the praises of the MIYO system, it only makes sense that we talk to the makers of it, Jensen Dental. Kevin Mahan has been with Jensen Dental for 32 years and has seen the company go from alloy and refining to a leader in the ceramic space. Kevin talks about his journey, the story of how they got the name MIYO, and how he meet Kite Saito. Kite is an amazing ceramist from Ozark Prosthodontics. He talks about his journey to America to fulfill a dream of being a blues guitarists, learning about the dental technology program at the LA city college, working in Beverly Hills, taking Ed McLaren’s course, and so many great tips and tricks he has learned over the years with MIYO.

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 Guests: Kevin Mahan and Kite Saito, MDC, CDT.

Live, hands-on course using anaxgum pink composite and PREAT Corp. implant components to create lifelike gingiva on implant prosthetics - During LOTM on Saturday July 22

We love our stories of family taking over the family lab. One such family is the Perricone's. Andrew Perricone grew up in his mother's lab. Even after going to dental technology school, Andrew still started in the model room and worked his way up. Getting involved early in digital, Andrew knew it was the future. Now running GPS Digital Dental Lab, Andrew talks about the history of the lab, staying relevant with technology, and the next thing GPS is working on to take the lab to the next level of success.

The fastest growing product at Gro3X are the Gro3X Aligners. Gro3X Aligners are only available from Gro3X Aligner certified labs: Why? Because they believe in the synergies that are being created between you, the dental office, and your lab. And they want to further leverage these synergies. Their aligners are used as a pre-treatment to a larger restorative esthetic case, to widen gaps prior to placing implants, to close a diastema, ease crowding, and simply enhance your patient’s smiles. Even for your Essix retainer needs your Gro3X aligner certified lab can help. Look for a Gro3X Aligner certified lab near you, such as Castle Dental Lab in San Antonio, TX (ask for Blaine), AMK Dental Lab in O’Neill, NE (ask for Anne), Staggs Dental Lab in McCoole Maryland (ask for Derrick), AA Dental Design in Murrieta, CA (ask for Frankie), and many, many more… For a complete listing of Gro3X Aligner Certified Labs go to www.gro3x.com

There are 3D Print resins for models that do a decent job, then there is Whip Mix VeriModel OS.

Dr. Michael Scherer, a prosthodontist from Sonora, CA says “Whip Mix VeriModel OS is one of the finest model resins I have ever worked with. It’s amazing”.

The popular resins offer the dental laboratory a high quality, smooth surface finish, extreme precision, reliable accuracy, and fine detail. They can be used in 385 and 405 nanometer printers, and are compatible with silicone-base separators. VeriModel OS print resins are available in Ivory, Golden Brown, Grey, and White colors for any model application.

For more information, call (800) 626-5651, or visit www.whipmix.com.

Special Guest: Andrew Perricone.

-Paula Fucarino is the wife of current NBC Chair Morris Fucarino who has been on the podcast before. Paula has a nice view of our industry from the outside and gives motivation to many in it.

-Jessica Brustad us to work with Argen for 5 years. She has left to follow her own path in life by doing laughter yoga and motivational speaking. She was the opening keynote speaker at the 2019 FDLA and sits down with us to talk about having babies, being your own boss, and having her own podcast, The Woo Latte - Coffee Talk 2.0 For Female Entrepreneurs

Support the Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology by supporting the Race For the Future 6.0. When you are donating select "Race For The Future Racer" as type of donation. Then you can enter either Barbara Wodjan or Team Voices From the Bench.

Until July 31, 2019 - Order a VFTB Special Edition shirt and all profits will go toward this wonderful event to raise money for education within our industry.

https://www.bonfire.com/voices-from-the-benchrace-for-the-future-60/

We also dare all to participate in this year’s triathlon August 24 - 25, 2019 in Chicago.
https://www.chicagotriathlon.com/

Special Guests: Jessica Brustad and Paula Fucarino.

-Sharon Belak who is a LONG-time employee who talks about how she got started there and the competitiveness to be successful.

-Dan LaRock talks about going from the Air Force to Knight Dental to his current position at DSG.

-Mirza Hadzijusufovic goes from a weapons designer in Bosnia to a CAD dental designer at Knight

-John Bosker worked with Barb when she was a innocent little kid (hard to imagine). John now runs his own lab Marquis Dental Laboratories.

Support the Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology by supporting the Race For the Future 6.0. Order a VFTB Special Edition shirt and all profits will go toward this wonderful event to raise money for education within our industry.

https://www.bonfire.com/voices-from-the-benchrace-for-the-future-60/

We also dare all to participate in this year’s triathlon August 24 - 25, 2019 in Chicago.
https://www.chicagotriathlon.com/

Special Guests: Dan LaRock, John Bosker, Mirza Hadzijusufovic, and Sharon Belak.

Chris Peterson CDT from Peterson Dental Laboratory talks about his family owned lab and what he gets out of sitting on the board of the FDLA.

Gail Perricone from GPS Dental Laboratory talks about being a lab owner, a past president of the FDLA, and a new Carbon printer owner.

David Sklarski from Laboratory Distribution Network talks about how he came up with an interesting concept of utilizing the lab to be the technical help for products that are marketed to dentist. Let's be honest, we already are doing it now.

Berdine Proctor from Kulzer talks about shifting careers to dental, working for Kulzer, and their Cara 4.0 printer and denture design software. Here is a link to the webinar she mentioned: https://cdeworld.com/webinars/21401-Digital_Denture_Design_For_Beginners

Learn more about Pala Digital Dentures:
The website is: www.paladesignstudio.com
This is to create an account.
If it is just 1 user that will be using this I suggest to choose individual. ( please note it may take 24-48 hours for your login to be active)
Important information regarding the Pala Digital Dentures only:
Service or support questions:
Phone: 800-431-1785 (select option 2)
Email: paladigital@kulzer-dental.com

Support the Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology by supporting the Race For the Future 6.0. Order a VFTB Special Edition shirt and all profits will go toward this wonderful event to raise money for education within our industry.

https://www.bonfire.com/voices-from-the-benchrace-for-the-future-60/

We also dare all to participate in this year’s triathlon August 24 - 25, 2019 in Chicago.
https://www.chicagotriathlon.com/

Special Guests: Berdine Proctor, Chris Peterson CDT, David Sklarski, and Gail Perricone.

Razi Setoodegan from the Preat Corporation. Razi tells us about how she got started in a small lab, worked at Glidewell, and how great it is to work at Preat.

Pilot and CDT Wade Bognuda sits down to chat about his hobby of flying planes, being a CDT, and getting the Implant specialty.

Then we jump to May while we recorded at the FDLA Symposium in Florida. The current president, Alexander Wünsche CDT and out going president Tim Stevenson CDT sit down to talk about the meeting, the association, and paddle boating.

Donate to Crossing for a Cure - Alex's 80 mile fundraiser on June 15

Be sure to check out DLAT.org to see all the AMAZING things the Dental Laboratory Association of Texas is doing. Come next year to their AWESOME conference where these interviews were recorded at!

Special Guests: Alexander Wünsche CDT, Razi Setoodegan, Tim Stevenson, CDT, and Wade Bognuda CDT.

Elvis and Barb take a break from interviewing to record today’s episode showcasing interviews we did back at LMT Lab Day Chicago. This is the first time we recorded face-to-face for an individual episode and what a great and important episode to do it for. We are joined by a couple of guys who have dedicated a lot of work and time to move up on the three boards that Barb and Elvis feel so passionate about.

First up we talk with Morris Fucarino CDT from Majestic Arts in Florida. He is the current Chair of the National Board of Certification (NBC).

We are then joined by Travis Zick from Apex Dental in Minnesota who is the President of the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) and Sean Siegel from Castable Ceramics in Alaska who is the Vice-Chair of the Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology (FDLT).

NADL - Nation Association of Dental Laboratories
NBC - The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology
FDLT - The Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology

A BIG thanks to our newest sponsor PREAT CORPORATION. Use code "VOICES" online and on the phone to get 5% off your order and 1% donated to The Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology
THANK YOU PREAT!

Special Guests: Morris Fucarino CDT, Sean Siegel, and Travis Zick.

• Brandi Nowak from Nowak Dental Supplies. Brandi comes on the podcast to talk about their 75th Anniversary and the Grandfather’s bag that started it all.

• Nelson Rego CDT from Smiles Designs by Rego. Nelson has a lab in California that has a different tax situation and a unique way he pays his technician base+piece pay.

• Then we talk to Marlin Gohn from Argen. He talks about his role in the Argen corporation and his desire to make every lab better.

Brandi's Tooth Shoe

Until May 11th get a Voices From the Bench shirt and support The Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology.
Order yours here!

Come see Voices From the Bench -
The FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo May 9 - 11th in Orlando, FL

If you are on the west coast go to -
LMT Lab Day West 2019 May 10 & 11 in Garden Grove, CA

1st Annual Maine Dental Education Forum

A BIG thanks to our newest sponsor PREAT CORPORATION. Use code "VOICES" online and on the phone to get 5% off your order and 1% donated to The Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology
THANK YOU PREAT!

Special Guests: Brandi Nowak, Marlin Gohn CDT, and Nelson Rego CDT.

"The Socks"

Until May 11th get a Voices From the Bench shirt and support The Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology.
Order yours here!

Come see Voices From the Bench -
The FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo May 9 - 11th in Orlando, FL

If you are on the west coast go to -
LMT Lab Day West 2019 May 10 & 11 in Garden Grove, CA

A Huge thank you to Open Implants for their support of the podcast. Head over to openimplants.com/voices to learn more and use the code voices10 to get 10% off your first order

Special Guest: Herb Baird.

The Dawson Acadamy & Sculpture Studios team up for Digital Solutions for Complete Dentistry
https://thedawsonacademy.com/live-course/digital-solutions-dentistry/

Bellus3D FaceApp

Come see Voices From the Bench -
The FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo May 9 - 11th in Orlando, FL

If you are on the west coast go to -
LMT Lab Day West 2019 May 10 & 11 in Garden Grove, CA

A Huge thank you to Open Implants for their support of the podcast. Head over to openimplants.com/voices to learn more and use the code voices10 to get 10% off your first order

Special Guest: Lee Culp CDT.

The Dawson Acadamy & Sculpture Studios team up for Digital Solutions for Complete Dentistry
https://thedawsonacademy.com/live-course/digital-solutions-dentistry/

Come see Voices From the Bench -
The FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo May 9 - 11th in Orlando, FL

If you are on the west coast go to -
LMT Lab Day West 2019 May 10 & 11 in Garden Grove, CA

A Huge thank you to Open Implants for their support of the podcast. Head over to openimplants.com/voices to learn more and use the code voices10 to get 10% off your first order

Special Guest: Lee Culp CDT.

At LMT Lab Day Chicago 2019 Barb and Elvis had a chance to set up a booth, bring some headphones, recording equipment, and grab anyone willing to sit down with us and record face to face. It was an amazing experience and we got a TON of interviews to release.

To celebrate our first year, we sit down with Renata Budny CDT, TE at LMT Lab Day Chicago to talk about her being our first guest, what is happening at The City University of New York, and what do professors and students do at Lab Day. We are then joined by a great student, Elias Asevedo who talks about the school and his future in dentistry.

The Dental Laboratory Technology program at City Tech

2019 DLAT Southwest Conference & Expo April 5 & 6

The Southern States Symposium & Expo Presented by the FDLA May 9 - 11

A BIG thanks to our sponsor Nowak Dental Supplies for their support of the podcast.
Give them a call at 800-654-7623 or visit their website at nowakdental.com

Special Guest: Renata Budny, CDT, TE.