Back in March, Barb & Elvis traveled all the way to Cologne, Germany to set up and record at the biggest dental show in the world, IDS. A special thanks to exocad for giving us the space to record so many amazing people over the course of 4 days.

First up is a dentist turned exocad designer, Hajir Shamil. Hajir talks about dentistry in Iraq and how she went to school just outside of Russia. Going back to a country that is hard to find a practice, she goes about working at a lab and falls in love with the "purple program". Find out what she thinks of her first time at IDS and why she came.

Then we chat with Daniel Portal and Gerson Prada. Daniel has a history of working with but eventually opened his own lab doing only designs for labs and dentists. He partnered up with Gerson Prada in Utah to do any fabricating of the cases. Together they talk about working together from a far, good communication with the doctors, Daniel being a part of exocad's "Heroes of Digital Dentistry", and what they are doing at IDS.

Then we wrap up the episode with a dentist that more letters after his name than in it, Dr. Diogo Viegas. Dr. Viegas went to the Lisbon Dental School to become a dentist. When that wasn't enough, we got his Masters. When that wasn't enough, we went back to get his degree in dental technology. Now, Dr. Viegas has a practice in Lisbon, does his own lab work, still having time to teach other clinicians, and being a member in Bio-Emulation.

Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for Ivoclar North America. She would like to invite you to start following them on Instagram. It's your chance to obtain exclusive updates on product announcements, industry news, upcoming educational events, and heartwarming stories about our local team and industry professionals. Let's get social together. Simply start following us on Instagram @Ivoclar.na. We'll see you there.

Special Guests: Daniel Portal, Dr. Diogo Viegas, Gerson Prada, and Hajir Shamil.

Thanks to the AMAZING people at exocad, Elvis and Barb will be recording for the first time at IDS in Cologne, Germany. March 25 - 28 in Hall 1, booth A040/C041. Come see us, be on the podcast, and see all the amazing things exocad is doing for your lab!

This week had the pleasure of speaking with Vladimir Roman, a dental lab owner based in Florida, who shared his unique journey into the dental industry. Vladimir’s story is not just about his career; it’s a testament to embracing change and innovation in a field that is constantly evolving.

Vladimir began his journey in the military, where he discovered the existence of dental labs while pursuing a career in the Air Force. Initially focused on aviation, he found himself drawn to the dental field, ultimately leading to a fulfilling career in dental technology. His experience in the military provided him with a robust training foundation that he has built upon throughout his career.

One of the key themes of the conversation was the importance of collaboration between dental technicians and dentists. Vladimir emphasized that effective communication and teamwork are essential for achieving the best outcomes for patients. This collaborative spirit is what drives him and his team at Romanax Dental Lab to provide high-quality surgical guides and dental solutions.

Vladimir shared insights on the evolution of digital workflows and the role of 3D printing in modern dental practices. He highlighted how technology has transformed the way dental labs operate, making processes more efficient and allowing for greater precision in patient care. The use of virtual assistants in his lab has further streamlined operations, enabling technicians to focus on their core tasks while ensuring that administrative duties are handled effectively.

Vladimir’s passion for education and mentorship shines through as he discusses the training programs he offers for both dental technicians and dentists. He believes that knowledge sharing is crucial for the growth of the industry, and he is committed to helping others learn about surgical guides and implant planning.

Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for Ivoclar North America. She would like to invite you to start following them on Instagram. It's your chance to obtain exclusive updates on product announcements, industry news, upcoming educational events, and heartwarming stories about our local team and industry professionals. Let's get social together. Simply start following us on Instagram @Ivoclar.na. We'll see you there.

Make sure you visit Aidite at Booth E-26 during your visit at LMT Lab Day Chicago! They will be there showcasing their exciting new products and cutting-edge solutions in digital dentistry. Attendees can explore hands-on demonstrations of Biomic stain & glaze techniques and some of their other innovative technologies. Aidite will also host engaging lectures in Grand Suite 2, East Tower, covering topics such as EZneer, 3D Pro-Zir, Digital Dentures, and their Aidite Cloud design service. Even before you go, you can stay updated by following @AiditeNorthAmerica on all social media platforms. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how Aidite is shaping the future of dental labs!

Are you a dental lab in need of more talent to improve your bottom line and keep production on schedule? Are you a dental tech with great skills but feel you're being limited at your current lab? Well, the answer is here and this is precisely why WIN WIN GO was created. The dental lab and dental tech community needed a place where labs and technicians can meet, talk about their needs and connect in ways that foster a win win outcome. As a tech. If you're ready to make a change, thinking about moving in the next year or just curious what's out there, sign up today. It's totally free. As a lab, you might be feeling the frustration of paying the big employment site so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WINWINGO.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to actively engage in creating their ideal future. WINWINGO.com, how dental techs find paradise.

Special Guest: Vladimir Roman.

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.

This week we get to meet John Rano. John's dad was a dental technician, so it only made sense that John would end up in the family business. At the age of 14, John started learning what he could. By 18, he was doing conversions. But John wanted more. So after working at another lab and learning even more, John opened Unique Solutions Dental Lab. John comes on to talk about his journey, what he learned about providing a positive environment for new employees, and using digital for his full arch workflow.

Did you know that not all Zirconia is the same?

ZirCAD Prime Zirconia from Ivoclar is uniquely produced with Gradient Technology which allows two powders that normally sinter at different intervals, to be combined into one material which sinters uniformly. The manufacturing process not only optimizes the translucent properties but also creates a seamless progression of shade while maintaining optimal strength.

ZirCAD prime is now more affordable than ever and will give you results that your Dentists will notice! Contact your local Ivoclar Sales representative today to find out more about Prime and how Ivoclar can support your success! Tell them you heard it on the podcast and get a FREE Prime disc to try – just use promo code 723!

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.

Candulor a dental supply company from Switzerland has solutions no matter if you are analog or digital

Check out their PhysioSet TCR tooth line that has been complemented with 18 new shapes. A total of 48 age-appropriate anterior tooth shapes are available for the laboratory or dental practice to select from.

The Swiss School of Prosthetics in Springfield, Missouri is the place to learn all things removable. America with get supported and supplied by the only authorized partner Edmonds Dental Supply

Candulor, High End Only

Special Guest: John Rano.

If efficiency and performance are what you are looking for in a milling system, then the high-performance PrograMill PM7 from Ivoclar is the right choice for you.

Equipped with a high-performance spindle, this high-power 5-axis milling machine efficiently produces both wet and dry restorations.

Ivoclar provides white glove delivery service, training, choice of service contracts and their outstanding after sales service and support.

Contact your friendly Ivoclar sales representative today and create a digital solution that’s right for you!

Candulor a dental supply company from Switzerland has solutions no matter if you are analog or digital

Check out their PhysioSet TCR tooth line that has been complemented with 18 new shapes. A total of 48 age-appropriate anterior tooth shapes are available for the laboratory or dental practice to select from.

The Swiss School of Prosthetics in Springfield, Missouri is the place to learn all things removable. America with get supported and supplied by the only authorized partner Edmonds Dental Supply

Candulor, High End Only

Special Guest: Alexandra (Allie) Williamson, AAS, BS, CDT-E.

100 years ago a company started making denture teeth. Now Ivoclar is known for some of the best products and equipment for both labs and clinical offices. To celebrate their century of helping us make restorations, they are going all out at this year’s LMT Lab Day Chicago. Laura Gilbert, their North America Marketing Director, comes on to talk about Ivoclar and what they have planned in their Grand Ballroom A&B. It’s going to be the place to be! Joining Laura, and also in Chicago, is Dr. David Rice. Dr. Rice founded a group called IgniteDDS that helps newly graduated dentist succeed after school. He sits in the hot seat to answer some common questions labs have for dental offices and how we can approve our relationships.

Sign up to see all of the speakers during Lab Day Chicago 2023!

The new PrograScan PS3 and PS5 provide true-to-detail, high-resolution and accurate scans for coordinated digital workflows that are precise, fast, and always accurate.

The PS3 and PS5 are powered by the popular and intuitive DentalCAD software from Exocad. Whether you are looking for your first scanner, to upgrade or add to your existing scanners, the PrograScan may be the one for you.

Reach out to your friendly Ivoclar sales representative to select a scanner that matches the needs of your lab Today and tell them you heard about it on the podcast!

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 Guests: Dr. David Rice and Laura Gilbert.

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.

Whip Mix’s new VeriWhirl resin cleaning station is the ideal piece of equipment to use in the 3D printed resin post process. It’s oscillating, multi-speed stirrer produces a tornado-like vortex every 30-seconds, and guarantees efficient, effective and powerful cleaning whether the units are individual or still attached to the build plate.

The two alcohol baths make an effective step-wash system. It cleans more efficiently and there is less alcohol needed, since it is re-used for both a fresh bath and a dirty bath.

The VeriWhirl's intelligent design offers features such as Mode, Time, and Start/Stop button display which gives the operator full and automatic control of the cleaning process. A mesh basket used in the wash container makes it easy to keep track of small printed parts when cleaning. The affordable unit’s one-year warranty ensures peace-of-mind for the owner.

Visit whipmix.com or call (800) 626-5651 for more information about this great new product.

Is your lab in a position to take on new customers? Do you have the capacity to service more doctors? AmericaSmiles has helped hundreds of labs across the country to acquire new dental accounts. They’re the biggest name in Dental Laboratory marketing. Don't waste time mailing and calling hundreds of doctors just to see poor results and hear overwhelming rejection. Let AmericaSmiles do all the heavy lifting for you. For just $195 a month, the AmericaSmiles One Voice program will help you skip to the front of the line. They'll prospect your local or target area, produce your creative marketing, and do all the cold calling to leave you with extremely qualified appointments; guaranteed to help you find your ideal clients and grow your business.

Visit AmericaSmiles.net/One-Voice to learn more about how you can increase your lab's bottom line. Use promo code VOICESFROMTHEBENCH during checkout to qualify for a month-to-month agreement enabling you the freedom to cancel the marketing service any time! If you’d like to speak with an agent who can answer your questions about a time-tested, completely done-for-you approach to marketing, please call 708 279 9031. Join AmericaSmiles One Voice today - Getting new dentists to try your lab has never been easier.

Did you know that most inLab MCX5 users that have ordered burs from Gro3X once, keep on ordering Gro3X burs over and over again? Because Gro3X burs are engineered by some of the folks who have been providing burs to some of the largest US production labs for years.

Did you also know, that most Roland and DGShape users have no idea what they are missing out?

To give Roland and DGSHAPE users the opportunity to find out for themselves how good Gro3X burs work also for their machines, Gro3X is now offering a BUY 3, GET 2 BURS FREE special. This is exclusively for Voices From The Bench listeners.

Simply go to the Gro3X website at gro3x.com click on burs, then select Roland & DGSHAPE. Add five burs of your choice to your cart, click on CHECK-OUT, enter discount code B3G2Burs and check out.

Special Guests: Jennifer Cowherd, Lorene Flores, and Scott & Randi James.

-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.

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 Guest: Gary Morgan CDT, ASQ CQA.

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.

Tim Stevenson CDT- FDLA, Florida Dental Laboratory Association
Chris Delarm CDT - WSDLA, Washington State Dental Laboratory Association
Lonni Thompson CDT - ODLA, Ohio Dental Laboratory Association

These wonderful technicians volunteer their time to help their State Dental Laboratory Association as the President. Two states are still fighting to get the regulation needed to ensure that labs are held accountable while the other is already doing it. These three share their experiences with each other in a great conversation that gives hope to many more states.

Florida Dental Laboratory Association
Washington State Dental Laboratory Association
Ohio Dental Laboratory Association

Correction - Florida Dental Laboratories are NOT inspected by the same inspectors that check resturants. They are inspected by the Department of Health that does other medical facilities.

Special Guests: Chris Delarm, CDT, Lonni J. Thompson, CDT, and Tim Stevenson, CDT.

Tim Stevenson CDT- FDLA, Florida Dental Laboratory Association
Chris Delarm CDT - WSDLA, Washington State Dental Laboratory Association
Lonni Thompson CDT - ODLA, Ohio Dental Laboratory Association

A lot of experience sits at this table and they share their understandings and observations from within their State Associations.

Florida Dental Laboratory Association
Washington State Dental Laboratory Association
Ohio Dental Laboratory Association

Special Guests: Chris Delarm, CDT, Lonni J. Thompson, CDT, and Tim Stevenson, CDT.