At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn’t have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it’s not just about seeing what’s new—it’s about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers. Beyond the technology, Felix emphasized the value of being there in person—connecting face-to-face with partners, having meaningful conversations, and stepping back to see where the industry is headed. And of course, doing it all in Mallorca doesn’t hurt either.

From wire-bending machines and digital ortho workflows to Vulcanite dentures and photogrammetry, this episode from the DLAT floor is packed with stories, laughs, and a whole lot of dental lab wisdom.

First up, the crew sits down with Jason Dyas — better known these days as the man behind Ortho Outlaw and everyone’s favorite outlaw mascot, Clyde. Jason shares his journey from construction work and garage-built orthodontic appliances to running successful ortho labs and diving headfirst into digital technology. What started with fax-machine marketing and Walmart bench grinders eventually evolved into automated wire-bending machines, digital scanning, social media content creation, and a growing mission to help older labs embrace modern workflows instead of shutting their doors. The conversation covers everything from AI-driven ortho tech and the future of wire bending to building a brand, traveling to industry events around the world, and how Ortho Outlaw became one of the most recognizable new names in orthodontic lab social media.

Then the podcast catches up with longtime friend of the show Jim Collis for an incredible deep dive into 45 years of dental technology experience. Jim talks about teaching hands-on courses at DLAT, helping labs transition from analog workflows into digital dentures and 3D printing, and why education is still the key to success in modern dentistry. From discussing AI-assisted denture design and automated workflows to reminiscing about fixing Vulcanite dentures and the earliest days of implants, Jim delivers one amazing story after another. Along the way, he shares lessons from his CDT journey, the mentors who shaped his career, his passion for consulting and education, and why he still loves this industry after nearly five decades. It’s equal parts history lesson, technology discussion, and classic Voices From the Bench chaos — complete with Star Trek references, Slurpee stories, and enough off-topic tangents to make Barb proud.

Special Guests: Clyde, Jason Dyas, and Jim Collis CDT.

At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn’t have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it’s not just about seeing what’s new—it’s about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers. Beyond the technology, Felix emphasized the value of being there in person—connecting face-to-face with partners, having meaningful conversations, and stepping back to see where the industry is headed. And of course, doing it all in Mallorca doesn’t hurt either.

This episode finally brings a long-awaited conversation to life with Kent Kohli, a name many in the industry recognize—but maybe don’t fully know the story behind. From an unexpected entry into dentistry (thanks to marrying his orthodontist’s daughter) to becoming a lifelong student of ceramics and education, Kent’s journey is anything but typical.

What starts as a pre-dental path quickly shifts once Kent discovers the lab side of dentistry—and more importantly, where his passion truly lives. From pouring models and grinding metal to studying under legends like John Archibald, Kent shares how mentorship, curiosity, and relentless work ethic shaped his career. Along the way, he opens up about the early struggles—working 100-hour weeks, barely making ends meet, and choosing quality over the “race to the bottom” that burned out many of his peers.

Kent dives deep into the evolution of dental technology, from the early days of PFMs and Empress to today’s digital workflows and liquid ceramics. But at the heart of it all is a consistent theme: education. Whether it’s learning from the “giants” of the industry or now helping guide the next generation through his role at Ivoclar, Kent sees it as a responsibility to pass on what was given to him.

He also shares insights into his current mission—bringing hands-on education back to the forefront, blending traditional techniques with modern materials, and helping technicians elevate their craft beyond just production.

Rising costs, tighter deadlines, and greater demands are challenging labs everywhere. When efficiency matters, you need tools that deliver—every day.

Roland DGShape milling solutions are reliable and easy to use. Just turn them on and let them run—no babysitting required. Fewer remakes and less wasted material mean your team can focus on getting cases out the door.

With the Elevate Denture solution, step into digital dentures without disrupting your workflow. Validated CAM strategies and Ivoclar compatibility mean you're building on a system you already trust.

Ready to boost efficiency? Explore DG Shape DWX Milling Solutions and the Elevate Dental Solution at RolandDental.com.

Special Guest: Kent Kohli.

If you’re passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I’m honored to be part of Ivoclar’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.

Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.

CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to hyperDENT. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. Imagine USA has been using hyperDENT in their own lab for over 15 years. That kind of longevity says a lot—they’re not just selling and supporting it, they’re relying on it in their own production every single day. That’s what really sets them apart.

This week’s episode brings it full circle as Elvis reconnects with one of the podcast’s very first guests, Renata Bundy, now a longtime professor at New York City College of Technology. Along with her are two technicians who represent both sides of the journey—lab owner Roberto Rossi and workflow master Eugene Vega—creating a conversation that dives deep into education, mentorship, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s dental lab world.

Roberto shares his unlikely path from working sanitation in New York to building a thriving lab, Synergy Dental Studio, over nearly three decades. With a relentless focus on quality, constant improvement, and embracing digital (while still questioning it), he explains how his lab has grown into a tight-knit, high-level operation. Eugene adds perspective from inside the lab, describing his evolution from student to managing daily workflow, highlighting how important environment, mentorship, and work ethic are when transitioning from school to real-world production.

Renata ties it all together from the educational side, reflecting on over 20 years of teaching and how the program has evolved alongside the industry—from analog fundamentals to digital workflows—while still preparing students for the realities they’ll face after graduation. The group doesn’t shy away from the tough truths either: low starting pay, steep learning curves, and the high dropout rate among new technicians. But the message is clear—stick with it, find the right lab, and the opportunity is there.

It’s a conversation about growth, grit, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—whether that’s in the classroom or the lab. And if nothing else, you’ll learn that a little Italian lunch might just be the secret to building a loyal team.

Special Guests: Eugene Vega, Renata Budny, CDT, TE, and Roberto Rossi.

This week we had the pleasure of welcoming Josie Schmitz-Burchartz, a denturist from British Columbia, who shared her inspiring journey and insights into the world of denturism. Josie's passion for dental care began at a young age, influenced by her father, who has been a denture technician for over 30 years. This early exposure led her to explore the field of denturism, where she found her calling.

Josie’s story is not just about her career; it’s about the relationships she builds with her patients. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional aspects of denture work. For many patients, receiving dentures is a life-changing experience, and Josie strives to ensure they leave her practice with smiles on their faces. Her approach is patient-centered, focusing on long-term treatment plans rather than quick fixes.

Throughout the episode, Josie discusses the challenges she faced while establishing her practice, SB Denture Clinic. She opened her office just before COVID-19 hit, which brought unexpected hurdles. However, her determination and passion for her work helped her navigate these challenges successfully. She highlights the significance of teamwork in her practice, where she has built a strong team of professionals dedicated to providing quality care.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Josie's work is her commitment to using traditional methods in an increasingly digital world. While many are moving towards digital dentures, Josie believes in the value of hands-on techniques that allow her to connect with her patients and provide personalized care. Her dedication to quality over quantity is evident in her meticulous approach to dental impressions and patient consultations.

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.

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: Josi Schmitz-Burchartz.

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 Jim Thacker, the owner of Utah Valley Dental Lab, who shared his inspiring journey from finance to dental lab ownership.

Jim began his career in finance, working at Wells Fargo before marrying into a family that owned a dental lab. Initially brought in to handle the business side of things, Jim quickly became immersed in the world of dental aesthetics. Over the years, he has transformed Utah Valley Dental Lab from a small local lab into a thriving business with 123 employees, 40 of whom are also owners. This unique employee ownership model fosters a strong sense of collaboration and commitment among the staff, ensuring that everyone has a vested interest in the lab's success.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Jim's approach is his focus on high-end aesthetics and the importance of peer referrals in growing the business. He emphasizes that there’s nothing more effective than word-of-mouth marketing in the dental industry. By building strong relationships with their clients, Jim and his team have established Utah Valley Dental Lab as a go-to resource for aesthetic and implant dentistry. He believes in the importance of kindness and fostering a culture where employees feel valued and invested in their work. Jim Thacker's insights into running a successful dental lab highlight the significance of employee ownership, relationship building, and a focus on aesthetics in the dental industry.

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: Jim Thacker.

The journey to finding one's true calling can be as intricate as the work itself. For Carmel Vickers-Wall, a clinical dental technician from the UK, this journey began at the tender age of 16. Initially stepping into the dental field as a nurse, Carmel's path has been marked by a series of pivotal decisions that have led her to a fulfilling career that beautifully marries her artistic talents with her passion for patient care.

In our latest podcast episode, Carmel shares her story, offering listeners an inside look into the world of dental technology and the unique role of a clinical dental technician. From her early days of doodling horror-themed art in school to contemplating a career in law, Carmel's path was anything but straightforward. It was a chance suggestion from her dentist that set her on a course towards the dental field, where she discovered a passion for helping patients and a love for the artistry involved in crafting dentures.

Carmel's journey is a testament to the power of meeting the right people and making the right choices. Her decision to pursue an apprenticeship as a dental nurse allowed her to gain invaluable experience and insight into the dental world, ultimately leading her to the realization that her true passion lay in dental technology. The transition wasn't easy, but Carmel's determination and artistic flair have set her apart in the field.

In the episode, Carmel discusses the importance of proper impressions and patient communication, sharing tips and tricks that can benefit both dental professionals and patients alike. Her emphasis on setting realistic expectations and her dedication to patient care are evident in every aspect of her work.

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. They have a killer line up of speakers including:

Mariano Maurizi

Lee Culp

Dr. Shashikant Singhal

Don Yancey

Jed Archibald

Benjamin Gebhardt

Tanya Little

Aaron Johnson

Jenelle Tabaković

Patrick Coon

John Wilson

Luke LaRocque-Walker

Paul Imperius

Jonny "exocad" Jakson

Yuki Momma

Dr. Ken Malament

Stephenie Goddard

Jessica Love

Dr. George Tysowsky

Michael Roberts

Barbara Warner!

Register today!

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

Special Guest: Carmel Vickers-Wall.

Sign up for the course by emailing idadenturelove@gmail.com for more information

Get the best removable email delivered right to your inbox!

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.

Two dynamic teams have joined forces to rock the intraoral scanning world! Whip Mix has added the 3Shape TRIOS® line of scanners to its line of digital solutions for the dental office. Together, this dynamic duo can get your dentists scanning, providing you the reliable scans you need for your lab work. If you are interested in learning more about helping your dentists, go to: http://tinyurl.com/Whipmixtrios

Special Guests: Finlay Sutton and Jeremiah, CDT, DTG and Amanda Naas .

In 1999, Dr. Jiro Abe revolutionized denture technology with his lower suction denture technique. Now only a handful of technicians and clinicians are trained to teach the technique. One that can teach both the clinical and technical side of suction dentures is Paul McNally, a denturist out of Ireland and owner of McNally Denture Clinic. Paul comes on to talk about becoming a Denturist, opening his practice, learning and teaching suction dentures, and how exactly the technique is achieved to make the most retentive mandibular denture.

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.

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.

Special Guest: Paul McNally.

YOU SHOULD STILL SIGN UP AND COME TO VEGAS THIS WEEKEND!
Vision 21 Jan 16-18, 2020 - LAS VEGAS - Palms Casino Resort & Spa
If you have never been to the meeting get in touch with the NADL to get a special discounted rate. Either by phone at (800) 950-1150 or by email at meetings@nadl.org and tell them you heard about the Vision 21 Meeting from Voices From the Bench and you will get a special rate of almost $200 off the regular attendee price.

Voices of Dentistry Podcast Summit Jan 24 & 25, 2020 - SCOTTSDALE - Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
Thanks to our good friends at Kettenbach

LMT Lab Day Chicago - Feb 20 - 22, 2020 - Hyatt Regency Chicago
Don't miss the biggest dental laboratory show of the year! This one will be EPIC!
Celebrate 2020 and LMT Lab Day with these limited edition shirts! On Sale until January 26, 2020

We are happy to welcome back Nowak Dental as a sponsor of the podcast! Did you know they have an amazing Digital Department? From scanners, printers, and mills to stellar customer support, Nowak Dental can be your trusted partner to take your lab into the digital future. Give them a call at 855-669-2533 or visit them at www.nowakdigital.com. Come visit with them in Vegas at Vision 21 January 16 -18. Thanks for your support of the podcast Nowak Dental.

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 Guest: Jason Kiser.

Material and Equipment that James talks about:
Impregum™ Soft Polyether Impression Material from 3M

COE-FLEX® Polysulfide Impression Material from GC America

IvoBase Injector Precision Processing from Ivoclar Vivadent

SR Phonares II teeth from Ivoclar Vivadent

BlueLine DCL A-D teeth from Ivoclar Vivadent

Cal-Lab Association Meeting February 21 & 22

Elvis and Barb welcome an exiting new partnership with Nowak Dental Supplies. Please check them out at Cal-Lab and booth B-47 in the main exhibit hall at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2019!
Nowak Dental Supplies

Special Guest: James Angelone “The Denture Man” .

Webinar on Impression Materials, Techniques, and Laboratory Tips with Dr. Anthony Deliberato and James Angelone

How to get amazing impressions with Dr. Anthony Deliberato and James Angelone video

LMT Lab Day Chicago • Febuary 21 - 23
(Be sure to visit Voices From the Bench at our booth in the exhibit hall)

2019 NBC CDT Fest • February 22, 2019 • 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. CST • Hyatt Regency Chicago

2019 DLAT Southwest Conference and Expo • April 5 & 6 • Grapevine, Tx
(Be sure to visit Voices From the Bench at our booth in Lounge)

Special Guest: James Angelone “The Denture Man” .