Dr. Andrew Turchin knew he wanted to be a dentist as soon as he shadowed one many years ago. After spending years in New York, he moved to Aspen, Colorado and opened his own practice where he created the Ageless Smile. To do this, he created a simple mathematical equation that works on almost every patient. Simple and always keeping the end in mind, he wanted to teach other doctors this method and opened Cosmetic Confidence Coaching. He comes on to talk about how the formula works, working with in-office technicians, and how occlusion goes beyond just the teeth.

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 Guest: Dr. Andrew Turchin.

Creating good culture in a dental lab is not easy. It takes dedication from owners and managers to set the path that the lab can follow. Two brothers both went through the apprenticeship program with John Archibald in the 90s. Darin Swartz was instantly hooked and opened up Swartz Dental Arts in the basement of a dental office after graduation. Followed by his younger brother, Mike Swartz graduated and opened his own lab. You would think they would partner up, but for 15 years they ran separate labs in the same space. After seeing technology coming into the industry, it was time to partner up and create Diamondhead Dental Lab. They talk about doing their own apprenticeship program, growing to 40 employees, creating a culture of partnership and quality, how they stay relevant in ever changing workflows, and staying true to their "North Star"

Check out Culture Camp Podcast: https://www.iamjasonhaugen.com/culture-camp

Listen to John Wilson from Sunrise Dental Lab and take your own lab to the next level by getting in on some of Ivoclar's End of the Year deals on equipment. If you are looking for your first or looking to expand your capabilities, Ivoclar has just what you need at a time where it's best to invest. Head over to Ivolcar.com or contact your local rep for all the deals today. Don't let the new year come thinking you should have bettered your lab.

Special Guests: Darin Swartz and Mike Swartz.

DONATE TODAY: https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/Race/Register/?raceId=99407

Before we get into this week's episode, Elvis and Barb want to give a big THANKS to Jensen Dental for hosting us at this year’s Florida Dental Laboratory Association Symposium. A great meeting with a great company. Go show them some love and get some MIYO.

First up we talk to two legends in our industry, Dany Sakr and Nick Azzara. Nick talks about what he is doing with a DSO group and reminisces about his time working with Dany. Dany talks about his journey from Lebanon to the US to learn dental technology in the early 80s, getting into digital early in it's existence, opening Sakr Dental Arts, and how they keep their lab relevant about just making crowns.

Then we meet for the first time Ifet Ahmeti. Ifet learned the craft in Albania in 2009. Since then she has been in Switzerland to learn quality, Indiana to learn removables, and then opened her own in-office lab in Philadelphia. She has since moved to Tampa, Florida and opened another lab, Dentart Dental Studio. Ifet talks about managing clients when you are a solo technician, the importance of using the best materials, and why seeing patients allows you do make the best restoration.

Then we wrap up all of the FDLA with past podcast guest, Whitney Coutney. Whitney has had a great journey from assistant to in-office tech in Kentucky, to full arch designer in Florida. In 2022 she wanted to get into education and partnered with Nowak Dental Supplies to on-board and teach labs the digital workflow. Whitney talks about how she handles labs doing a "software switch", helping technicians learn practical uses of either 3shape or exocad, and how she keeps up on the ever-evolving technology.
*NOTE - Since recording with Whitney, she had taken a position back at Midwest Dental Arts doing what she loves best.
If you are interested in getting into education and doing what Whitney did, reach out to Nowak Dental Supplies as they are looking for someone with the same passion for teaching.

Head to a Nowak Invitational near you!

Introducing Ivotion Digital Dentures from Ivoclar – Experience unparalleled precision and efficiency with Ivoclar‘s state-of-the-art digital denture workflow.

Ivotion is available in their patent pending monolithic disc that combines denture base and tooth materials in one seamless puck. Or if you lab needs more flexibility, Ivotion is also available as stand-alone discs - Ivotion Base, Dent and Dent Multi all in 98mm width to fit your favorite milling machine.

With Ivotion you can streamline your lab’s processes, reduce production time, and enhance patient satisfaction. Elevate your lab's capabilities with Ivotion Digital Dentures – where innovation meets perfection. Discover the future of dentures today with Ivoclar." Thanks for your continued support of the podcast Ivoclar.

Join the GOLDEN BENCH CLUB! All you have to do is leave us a 5-star review and comment on the Apple Podcast app (or any other app and email us a screen shot) and we will read your review on the podcast and welcome you to the Golden Bench Club. This super elite club is only for the best of the best.

Special Guests: Dany Sakr, Ifet Ahmeti, Nick Azzara, and Whitney Courtney.

First up is MIYO expert, teacher, guru Terry McQuiston. Terry talks about his dental journey that eventually landed him at Jensen Dental teaching everyone the wonders of this amazing liquid ceramic. His role now is onboarding labs and making sure they have their "ah ha" moment and not become "missing in action".

Then we meet the new VP of Global Sales for Argen, Juston Gates. Juston is new to not only Argen, but also our industry. He talks about where he came from, how it compares to our profession, and some exciting things that Argen has just released.

We wrap up the episode with everyone's favorite person to see at a dental show (and if you don't know her, go be her friend), Nina Rapuano. Nina talks about joining Jensen Dental as her first "adult job", why she loves the people and culture, and giving back every year and swimming during the Race For the Future.

Introducing Ivotion Digital Dentures from Ivoclar – Experience unparalleled precision and efficiency with Ivoclar‘s state-of-the-art digital denture workflow.

Ivotion is available in their patent pending monolithic disc that combines denture base and tooth materials in one seamless puck. Or if you lab needs more flexibility, Ivotion is also available as stand-alone discs - Ivotion Base, Dent and Dent Multi all in 98mm width to fit your favorite milling machine.

With Ivotion you can streamline your lab’s processes, reduce production time, and enhance patient satisfaction. Elevate your lab's capabilities with Ivotion Digital Dentures – where innovation meets perfection. Discover the future of dentures today with Ivoclar." Thanks for your continued support of the podcast Ivoclar.

Join the GOLDEN BENCH CLUB! All you have to do is leave us a 5-star review and comment on the Apple Podcast app (or any other app and email us a screen shot) and we will read your review on the podcast and welcome you to the Golden Bench Club. This super elite club is only for the best of the best.

Special Guests: Juston Gates, Nina Rapuano , and Terry McQuiston.

Are you in the market for top-notch digital equipment, such as mills, scanners, or furnaces? Well, the time to act is NOW! Ivoclar, has introduced unbeatable rates exclusively for customers in North America.

Ivoclar has made it easier for you to invest in cutting-edge digital equipment with lower-than-prime interest rates. Whether you're looking to upgrade your milling capabilities, enhance your scanning technology, or optimize your furnace performance, Ivoclar Digital has you covered.

To take advantage of this offer, the dedicated Digital Specialists at Ivoclar are ready to assist you. For details on how to get in touch, visit Voicesfromthebench.com and the Ivoclar tab to find all the information you need to get started.

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.

GC Initial® LiSi Press is the first lithium disilicate ceramic ingot with High Density Micronization (HDM), a technology unique to GC that provides exceptional physical properties and the most natural, life-like aesthetics. HDM uses equally dispersed lithium disilicate micro-crystals to fill the entire glass matrix rather than using traditional larger size crystals that do not take full advantage of the matrix structure. The result is the ultimate combination of strength and aesthetics, making GC Initial® LiSi Press perfectly suitable for all types of restorations through all levels of transparency. Most importantly, HDM technology helps ensure the product remains extremely stable, without distortion or drop in value, even after multiple firings. For more information call GC America at 800-323-0763 or visit gcamerica.com

Special Guests: Renata Vano and Salvador Carrillo.

Join Kristina Vaitelyte, Elvis Dahl, Barbara Warner, and so many more at exocad Insights May 9 - 10, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain!

Did you know that Ivoclar has Digital Equipment Sales Specialists?

These experienced professionals are here to help make your transition to digital, a smooth one. They help provide customized solutions, analyze your ROI, provide hands on assistance and localized support. All of this, catered to your needs. Contact a Digital Equipment Sales Specialist today by emailing Digitalspecialists@ivoclar.com. Tell them you heard it on the podcast!

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 Guest: Kristina Vaitelyte.

Get a shirt that highlights "Dental Technicians Have Better Technique". Head over to https://www.bonfire.com/we-have-better-technique-the-shirt/ before June 10th to order a shirt, hoodie, or even a tank top. 100% of the profits are donated to the Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology.

In a time where many are saying the labs are closing or consolidating, here on the podcast we hear about labs owners killing it every week. This episode features a technician that went out to prove to everyone that this industry is still a great profession to find success. Daniel Hassler learned all about dental technology in the Airforce. After his service he traveled to a few states and bettered his skills at a few different labs. Then in October 2022, Daniel opened "Wizards of the Bench" and was a instant success and he's so busy, he's already looking at bring on other technicians. It's a great (and shorter) conversation proving once again that this is a great industry for those wanting a career worth working for.

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!

Special Guest: Daniel Hassler.

First up is Susan van Kensbergen who is the Vice President of Myerson. Susan talks about her journey from being a ceramist, moving up in lab responsibility, managing the world's largest LAVA milling center, and finding her new home at Myerson, the home of Durflex and an upcoming "game changing" printer.

Then we chat with Neal Allen from Mustard Seed Dental Studio. Neal spent 20 years in a large lab before moving into a growing lab owned by a Prosthodontist. Neal talks about the importance of creating a happy lab culture and treating the employees like family.

Next is the "better" half of Artifex Dental Lab, Julio Munoz. Julio grew up in Bolivia where he is a board-certified Oral Surgeon. A lady brought him to the US where he connected with Artifex and helped create the "Triple Jig" technique for full arch implant restorations.

We wrap us the whole weekend with a special treat, Barb's technician son, Zack Wojdan. Zack talks about growing up in the lab, starting at the beginning, working his way up, working with his mom, and goals for the future.

A BIG thanks to LMT for putting on an amazing weekend and a BIGGER THANKS to Ivoclar for hosting us.

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!

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 Guests: Julio Munoz CDT, Neal Allen, Susan van Kinsbergen, and Zack Wojdan.

"Dental technicians have better technique" shirts benefiting the Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology. Get your BEFORE November 6, 2019!

Eastern Conference of Dental Laboratories - November 7th to 9th in Concord, NC

Are you still doing full arch zirconia restorations? Why? There is a alternative that is better for your lab, the doctor, and the patients. Be sure to check out the AMAZING Nanoceramic Crystal Ultra® from Digital Dental. A Crystal Ultra arch is 60% lighter than a Zirconia arch; is easily adjusted chairside; and can be milled on a 1 to 1 basis with no sintering required!

Kettenbach is a company that wants to partner with your lab to make sure you are getting the impressions you need. You know dental offices often ask dental labs what they recommend for impression material. Tell them with confidence a material that backed with amazing customer service and proven results. Give them a call at 877-532-2123 and mention the code Dental Lab Podcast 25 to get 25% off your order

Special Guests: Bart Hyde CDT and Dr. Brandon Stapleton.