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.

What happens when you combine a family-run software company, decades of dental laboratory experience, and a mission to make labs run smarter? You get Magic Touch Software. In this episode, Elvis sits down with Dan Sinclair and Amir Bagheri to dig into the history, philosophy, and technology behind Magic Touch and find out why they believe a laboratory management system should do a whole lot more than just track cases through production.

Dan shares his unexpected journey back to Magic Touch after leaving the company, while Amir takes us all the way back to the 1990s and the origins of the software, including how his father, Gary, helped develop what would eventually become the foundation of Magic Touch through his work with Glidewell. The conversation dives into the evolution from production-focused LMS platforms to complete business management systems that bring customer management, accounting, inventory, automation, digital case entry, integrations, reporting, and production workflows together in one place.

We also get into one of the biggest challenges facing modern dental labs: digital case entry and the ever-growing pile of scanner portals and inboxes. Amir and Dan explain how Magic Touch can automate that process, reduce manual entry, minimize missed cases and errors, and give lab teams more time to actually work on cases instead of hunting them down. And if you've ever wondered how much time and money a lab can lose by having a collection of disconnected systems, this conversation makes a pretty compelling case for consolidation.

But perhaps the biggest theme of the episode is that Magic Touch doesn't want to be just another software vendor. Their approach is built around implementation, consultation, process improvement, and helping labs understand what they actually want their business to look like before configuring the system to get them there. From breaking old habits to building super users, testing changes before they go live, and using data to identify where a lab needs to improve, the goal is to create a system that grows and changes with the business.

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 Guests: Amir Bagheri and Dan Sinclair.

Make sure you visit Ivoclar at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025. Ivoclar will be in their usual spot at Grand Ballroom A&B in the East Tower, on the Gold Level. Right across from the registration desk.

Register today!

Make sure you come see VOICES FROM THE BENCH recording from the Ballroom all weekend!

Attend the 99th Annual Cal-Lab Meeting Feb 20 & 21 at the Swissôtel in Chicago. (Connected to the Hyatt and Lab Day)
Elvis & Barb will be *recording there Thursday night during the "Cocktail Hour" from 4:00 to 6:30 *
Register today: https://cal-lab.org/annual-meeting

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan McEachern, the Director of Technical Support and Installations at Zubler USA. As a second-generation dental technician, Ryan has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the dental industry, having started his career in a large lab in California. His journey led him to Zubler, where he plays a crucial role in bringing innovative products to the market.

Zubler USA is known for its high-quality dental equipment, including advanced milling machines and ceramic ovens. Ryan shared insights into how these products are designed to improve efficiency and quality in dental labs. One of the standout features of their ceramic oven, the VARIO 230, is its ability to provide even heating and cooling, which is essential for ensuring the integrity of dental materials. This technology allows dental technicians to produce better results while minimizing the risk of fractures in their work.

Another exciting aspect of the conversation was the discussion around zirconia materials. Ryan revealed that Zubler's 3:45 zirconia can be centered in just four hours, making it one of the fastest options available in the industry. This innovation not only saves time but also enhances productivity in dental labs, allowing technicians to meet the demands of their patients more effectively.

Customer service is a core value at Zubler USA, and Ryan emphasized the importance of being an extension of their customers. By providing top-notch support and training, Zubler ensures that dental technicians have the resources they need to succeed. This commitment to customer satisfaction sets Zubler apart in a competitive market.

You are invited to Ivoclar’s IPS e.max Panel Discussion Friday, February 22nd stating at 3:00 at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Our very own Barb Warner will be on stage with Jessica Birrell, Stephenie Goddard, Mike Roberts, Jed Archibald and Dr. Ken Malament as they dive into the world of e.max. After the panel discussion, Ivoclar will host a Happy Hour to commemorate this 20-year milestone. So, please join us by registering at Labday.com/Ivoclar.

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!

Special Guest: Ryan McEachern .

On June 9 & 10, Voices From the Bench will be back at the Florida Dental Lab Association Symposium that's to the wonderful people at Jensen Dental. Be sure to check out FDLA.NET to see the line up and to register.

This week we start the conversations that we recorded in the Ivoclar Ballroom during Lab Day Chicago 2024. This week brings us:

• Michael Wandling from Summit-Horizon Dental Lab talking about writing the question for the CDT tests and working on getting enough CDTs to become a Master CDT.

• Vinod Dudhat tells the story of changing careers after coming to America from India and opening American Dental Designs that sees the value of offering education to dentists.

• Brian Johns, who was a fixed technician that wanted to add removable to his lab Spectrum Dental Science. Thanks to Ivoclar, Ivotion, and the PM7, Brian was able to bring in digital dentures and eventually full arch fixed hybrids.

• Rob Fletcher loves lean manufacturing. Starting in the automotive industry, Rob was recruited to bring lean manufacturing to Knight Dental and is now bringing it to Bayshore Dental Studio. Rob explains the process and how labs can eliminate waste and increase productivity.

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.

Join Elvis & Barb as Voices From the Bench goes international! On May 9th and 10th, the podcast will be recording at https://exocad.com/insights2024 on the beautiful Spanish island of Mallorca.

This is a fantastic educational event for all of you in the lab industry – and your clinical colleagues!

The international speaker line-up is top-notch.

There will be: keynote presentations from master dental technicians, digital experts, implant surgeons, lab owners, and more!

Exocad’s software experts will run hands-on sessions so you can get to know the latest releases…including DentalCAD 3.2 Elefsina…which was released recently.

Techs…. Do you have a problem with a design? Just bring your stl file and let the Application Specialists take a look at it.

Check out exocad.com/insights2024 to see the AMAZING line up of speakers and to register. Use promo code VFTB15 to save 15% off registration to what will be one of the greatest events of the year.

See you there!

Special Guests: Brian K. Johns, Michael Wandling CDT, Rob Fletcher, and Vinod Dudhat.

One of Elvis and Barb's favorite meetings every year is Cal-Lab. Barb loves it so much she sits on the board and will be the Chair in 2026. This year the board asked if Voices From the Bench would record during their cocktail reception on Thursday night. We jumped at the chance to have an opportunity to talk to such amazing lab owners and managers. On this episode we talk to:

• Basil Callahan, the VP of Derby Dental Laboratories who talks about his journey from janitor to VP, the importance of technology and data, and working with Elvis

• Sean Siegel from Castable Ceramics and Jim Thacker from Utah Valley Dental Lab talk about what Cal-Lab means to them, what they get out of it every year, some of the speakers from the day, and how other labs can join this association.

• Jeff Stronk, the current Chair of Cal-lab and owner of Treasure Dental Studio talks about what's it like being on stage among so many peers and friends, how Cal-Lab is reinventing themselves for a better meeting, how they choose the topics and speakers, getting Jim Glidewell to be the Keynote, and bring back epic evening parties.

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.

Join Elvis & Barb as Voices From the Bench goes international! On May 9th and 10th, the podcast will be recording at https://exocad.com/insights2024 on the beautiful Spanish island of Mallorca.

This is a fantastic educational event for all of you in the lab industry – and your clinical colleagues!

The international speaker line-up is top-notch.

There will be: keynote presentations from master dental technicians, digital experts, implant surgeons, lab owners, and more!

Exocad’s software experts will run hands-on sessions so you can get to know the latest releases…including DentalCAD 3.2 Elefsina…which was released recently.

Techs…. Do you have a problem with a design? Just bring your stl file and let the Application Specialists take a look at it.

Check out exocad.com/insights2024 to see the AMAZING line up of speakers and to register. Use promo code VFTB15 to save 15% off registration to what will be one of the greatest events of the year.

See you there!

Special Guests: Basil Callahan, Jeff Stronk, Jim Thacker, and Sean Siegel.

Whip Mix is thrilled to announce their most recent addition to their milling product line. Introducing the DWX-53DC from DGSHAPE. This powerful mill satisfies your 'NEED FOR SPEED'. Three reasons to consider this mill:

1. It has 3 times the gripping power for PMMA.

2. It mills 30% faster.

3. The integrated webcam allows you to monitor a milling project from anywhere, on any device.

Go to tinyurl.com/WhipMixRolandMill to learn how you can take your milling to the next level.

Have you seen the high prices of precious metal these days? Kulzer Refining knows that you are using less Precious metal in your lab these days, but if you send in half of what you sent in 5 years ago ,your scrap return will be higher than it was 5 years ago! You won’t believe how much money your scrap is worth right now!

Kulzer Refining reimbursement to you is after their 10% refining fee. They have zero additional fees! If you need any free shipping containers, which contain a UPS prepaid, full insured label, please visit

mydental360.com/refining or call the Director of Precious Metal Refining, Tony Circelli, directly at

(914) 906-1843. Mention the Voices From the Bench podcast and Kulzer Refining will add an extra 5% to your scrap! Kulzer Refining. Tested, Trusted, and Honest.

Special Guests: Blake Barksdale, Bob Iuliano, Chris Wilson, and Sandra Ramsey.

Zirconia. Every lab that does fixed restorations uses it. And why not, it's a great material that comes in different strengths and translucencies. But how much do you really know about zirconia? Get ready to learn a lot more! This week we talk to Dr. Rella Christensen who has been studying zirconia in the mouth since the early days and has some fascinating results to share with us. She is also joined by Jay Emirzian from Galaxy Dental Lab who has found a way to eliminate post sinter staining by doing some pre sinter polishing. A great conversations for all the dental nerds our there!

B&D Dental Technologies: Origin® Live™ Zirconia

Jay's Greenstate Pre-Polishing Tool Kits from Zubler USA

Did you know Asiga has over 500 validated materials on their open material system. And it's growing every day?

By harnessing Asiga's proprietary layer monitoring technology with its smart positioning system and integrated internal radiometer, as a laboratory, you will be able to produce any indication you desire. Whether models, splints, temporaries, or even permanent crowns.

Your investment will be future proofed by Asiga's rugged engineering. Providing you with a fast, accurate, and repeatable machine, with a reputation that is time tested in the laboratory industry.

If you would like to learn about Asiga's machine or material offerings, please visit the website at asiga.com or contact your favorite dental reseller.

Whip Mix is thrilled to announce their most recent addition to their milling product line. Introducing the DWX-53DC from DGSHAPE. This powerful mill satisfies your 'NEED FOR SPEED'. Three reasons to consider this mill:

1. It has 3 times the gripping power for PMMA.

2. It mills 30% faster.

3. The integrated webcam allows you to monitor a milling project from anywhere, on any device.

Go to tinyurl.com/WhipMixRolandMill to learn how you can take your milling to the next level.

Special Guests: Dr. Rella Christensen and Jay Emirzian CDT.

Participate or cheer the racers at the Race For the Future 8.0 - August 28th - Chicago

Come to the FIRST and FREE Education Day - August 27th - Chicago

Most labs have 3shape running a majority of their digital workflow. Do you know the history of 3shape? Do you know why 3shape does what it does? Rune Fisker comes on the podcast to tell us that and so much more. Rune was the very first employee of 3shape after the two founders stated the company, so he knows his stuff. Rune talks about the history and timeline of 3 shape, what and who has helped shape the company to what it is now, getting into intraoral scanners, and what 3shape is working on next that Rune feels are the hot trends in dentistry.

Whip Mix introduces VeriGuide OS, a Class I, CE certified resin material developed for the production of high precision surgical guides for use in dental implant surgery. The new material is formulated for 3D-printing systems (DLP, SLA, and LCD) at both 385 nm and 405 nm.

VeriGuide OS™ has been successfully tested for biocompatibility and meets all mechanical properties requirements. The resin features an easy post-processing method and produces highly accurate surgical guides with a high-quality surface.

Sleeves may be inserted directly after printing with excellent fit. The material can also be sterilized by autoclave, steam, ethylene oxide, or gamma rays without affecting dimensional stability, physical properties, and biocompatibility.

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

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

Special Guest: Rune Fisker.

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.