Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it.

Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT booth (E-27, East Hall) and take part in their Milling Roadmap—a quick, scavenger-hunt-style activity that leads you to key milling partners like Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland.

Collect stamps at booths you’re likely visiting anyway and get entered to win some great giveaways—including this year’s grand prize: a foldable Honda electric scooter.

You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.

Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026*

• Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 https://cal-lab.org/
• LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday
• Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/
• exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026

This week we sit down with Michael Joseph, a London-based lab owner whose journey through dental technology is anything but traditional. From delivering impressions on a scooter through the streets of London to completely rebuilding his lab as a fully digital operation, Michael shares a candid, honest look at what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in today’s dental lab landscape.

Michael walks listeners through his early days pouring hundreds of stone models by hand, navigating education with dyslexia, and eventually earning his degree in dental technology. After years at the bench, he pivoted into dental sales, working with companies like Orascoptic, Sirona, and Skillbond/Argen—experience that gave him deep insight into materials, equipment, and the business side of dentistry. That sales background ultimately fueled his return to lab ownership and helped him build a strong network of clinicians from day one.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Michael opens up about the challenges of Brexit, COVID, staffing losses, and personal upheaval that nearly ended his lab altogether. Instead of quitting, he made a bold decision: gut the lab completely and rebuild it from the ground up as a fully digital operation. Investing heavily in milling, printing, Exocad, and workflow automation, Michael shares how committing to systems, protocols, and vertical integration transformed not just his lab—but his mindset.

Elvis and Barb dig into Michael’s digital workflows, including photogrammetry, full-arch immediate load cases, remote design teams, LMS integration with GreatLab, and why reliability and consistency are the real competitive advantages. Michael also explains how peer referrals—not ads—became his strongest growth engine, and how simplifying communication with dentists through WhatsApp, QR codes, automation, and self-booking systems has completely changed the way his lab operates.### If you want to grow your business, you need clear insight into what’s happening inside your operation and across your customer journey. That’s where Icortica comes in.

At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next.

Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.

If you’re serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow.

Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.

Starting the year strong in the dental lab isn’t about goals—it’s about results. Predictable productivity is what drives real profitability, and unpredictability is costly when remakes rise and production slows.

That’s why labs rely on Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE milling solutions. With consistent accuracy, minimal downtime, and automation you can count on, systems like the DWX-53DC deliver reliable output day after day—making ROI measurable and growth predictable.

See consistency in action at LMT Lab Day Chicago, Booth I-20.

Choose DGSHAPE. Crafted with Japanese precision. Trusted by dental professionals worldwide.

Learn more at rolanddental.com

Special Guest: Michael Joseph.

Photogrammetry is not new to dental. Years ago Kamil Zborowski brought the first units to the United States and even that first case worked perfectly. Growing up in labs, Kamil got into technology very early and was fascinated by the workflow. Not knowing removables, photogrammetry was his entrance to full arch implant workflows. Kamil comes on to talk about the history of the cameras starting with PIC and iCAM, how and why the system works, integrating it with your 3shape or exocad, and how to go about getting into getting your own camera. Kamil now owns WTI Dental Concepts and can help any lab or practice make the move to a more digital workflow.

Tupel 3D Implant Marker: https://tupel3dinfo.com/

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 Guest: Kamil Zborowski.

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 Guest: Aleksandra Polczynski.

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.

If you want to save, and also grow, Gro3X is, where you should go!

Resins to print night guards, for high-impact and flex, look no further, because we have them at Gro3X.

Burs for your mills, Zirconia for your crowns, with Gro3X you will be the hottest lab in town!

And last but not least, if you seriously want to grow, add Gro3X Aligners, and your doctors will say Wowww!

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 of 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.

Whip Mix is very excited to announce the new PRO 4K large format 3D printer from Asiga. It’s ideal for printing any kind of model, dentures, splints, surgical guides, impression trays and more.

The Asiga Pro 4K DLP printer is priced at under $25,000, has a large build plate and is available in both 65µm and resolution versions. For information about the Asiga Pro 4K, visit www.whipmix.com.

Special Guest: Dennis Kalashnik CDT.

Using 3D printed Dentca Temporary Resin is the easy, fast, clean and accurate way of creating natural-looking temporary restorations using Dentca Temporary C&B 3D Print Resin from Whip Mix.

The new temporary material is FDA cleared, biocompatible, photocurable, and can be printed fast. That patient can be temporized with the highest quality temporary crowns that last a minimum of one full year in the mouth. Dentca C&B Temporary features excellent life-like esthetics and shade-matching capability with Vita shades A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B1, B2, and BL (Bleach).

Dentca Temporary C&B resin is validated for use with the Asiga Max, Asiga Pro 2, Asiga Pro 4K, and the Whip Mix Veribuild printers, and with the following curing units: Uvitron (SunRay 400 and IntelliRay 600), and the CUREbox Plus.

For more information, visit www.whipmix.com.

Special Guest: Dora Rodrigues.