• Vision 21 in Las Vegas Jan 15-17 https://www.nadl.org/nadl-vision-21
• 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 a guest whose journey hits all the right notes—literally! Meet Jonathan Bourke, a jazz guitarist turned dental technician who went from pouring models to designing full-arch restorations and running his own in-office lab.

Jonathan shares how a chance gig driving for a denturist opened the door to a career he never expected, taking him from analog dentures to digital workflows, photogrammetry, and Exocad wizardry. Now a lab owner working directly with clinicians, Jonathan talks about collaboration in full-arch cases, teaching with Jensen Dental and MiYO, and what it’s like to see his work come to life chairside.

From learning CAM milling to demoing in front of dental rockstars, Jonathan’s story is a reminder that artistry comes in many forms—sometimes from six strings, sometimes from six implants.

* Dental Labs—The Ivoclar Flash Sale Is On!

* From November 3rd to 14th, Ivoclar is bringing you unbeatable deals on the equipment that will set your lab up for success in 2026.

* Upgrade your mill, your furnace, or expand your workflow—and save big while doing it!

* Plus, when you purchase a milling machine, you’ll get delivery, installation, and training—all included. That means your lab will be production-ready from day one.

* But hurry—these savings vanish after November 14th!

* Contact your Ivoclar sales rep today and power up your lab for the year ahead.

Elvis and Barb are gearing up for their chat with the HyperDent Dude himself, Jordan Greenberg from FOLLOW-ME! Technology. At LabFest, Elvis found out that every hyperDENT license comes with Template Editor Lite — a built-in feature that lets you make safe, customized tweaks to your milling strategies. Whether you want to prioritize surface quality or speed, this tool gives you the control to fine-tune your results while FOLLOW-ME! keeps everything validated and reliable.

Because in the end, us lab techs love to tinker — and hyperDENT makes it easy to choose your own CAM-venture.

Special Guest: Jonathan Bourke.

First up is Eric Kukucka. Eric came on the podcast years ago to talk about his multiple denturist practices in Canada. But he has since sold them and has joined the Aspen Dental group as their Vice President of Clinical Removable Prosthetics & Design Technologies. Eric talks about going from making dentures for hundreds of patients to working with a team to produce quality dentures for millions.

Then we chat with Chelsea Homire, who has years of dental assistant experience, but when given the oppritunity to learn the in-office lab work, she took off. With a passion for printing, Chelsea is now teaching other offices (and even a few labs) how they can optimize their digital workflow.

We wrap up the episode with Brittany Mitchell. You might know her becuase she designed (and made the denture) on our "Just Say No to Brushing" shirt, but she's also a talented removable technician. Brittany talks about starting in at the front desk, drawing a picture that got notices and placed in the lab, falling in love with it, and making digital dentures for a 12 doctor dental group.

Don't miss this incredible webinar with Tanya Little, a dentist from beautiful Vancouver, Canada. We would like to invite you to a special webinar that she's hosting with Ivoclar and LMT on Wednesday, May 7th, titled "Reflections from a Denturist: 20 Years of Crafting Dentures!". In this program, she will review the incredible history of removables with Ivoclar and focus on the new and exciting evolution based print resin and of course, the PM7. Her goal is to provide you with several key takeaways that will allow you to work smarter and not harder. You can join on May 7th by registering at https://lmtmag.com/webinars/reflections-from-a-denturist-20-years-of-crafting-dentures

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 Guests: Brittany Mitchell, Chelsea Homire, and Eric Kukucka DD.

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.

Have you ever looked at crappy impressions or work and said to yourself, I could do better than this. That is exactly what this week's guest did. After working in a lab for an ex-father-in-law, Dr. Timothy Royer started doing all-on-xs in an in-office lab. Seeing all the bad he was getting, he was determined to become a dentist and do it better. After getting his Masters and then doctorate, Dr. Royer now owns Elite Dentures in Nederland, Texas where he is helping patients on their own journey through completely restoring their mouth and providing excellent care along the way.

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: Dr. Timothy Royer.

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.

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.

It's amazing how many people traveled from all over the world to go to the GC America facility in Alsip, Ill to attend the DTG Symposium back in September. We would have thought them crazy until we got to attend the symposium and meet some of them. We would fly around the world to go to that show. This week brings three conversations from 3 different countries. First up is SUPER close to the meeting. Dan Boskocevic is the Senior Marketing Manager for GC America and talks about his beginnings, the history of GC America, the early days of the DTG, and some great trends he is seeing in dental. Then we talk to a talented technician out of Latvia, Kostia Vyshamirski. Kostia talks about his journey into dental technology, going to school, and opening his own lab where he uses digital but still relies heavily on analog. And we wrap up with a father and son team that came all the way from New Zealand, David and Michael De Wet. David talks about learning the trade and relocating to buy a 2 person lab and grow it to 26. Michael talks about growing up in the lab, getting to work with dad, and using his skills and the labs equipment to make jewelry.

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: Dan Boskocevic, David de Wet, Kostia Vyshamirski, and Michael de Wet.

A BIG thanks to Whip Mix for putting on such an amazing event!

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: James Mahan CDT and Step Toothmaster Bae .

Clinicians Report

Gro3X is a dental supply, service and marketing company that was founded by Norbert Ulmer and their goal is to help dental labs, and especially small labs to lower their cost for supplies, provide business opportunities, and generate growth.

Attend their upcoming Gro3X Gem Talks on November 5th in Charlotte, NC. Gro3X Gem Talks is an all day marketing symposium in Ted-Talk style featuring some 10+ lab speakers as they share their most relevant and practical marketing techniques.

We will hear from Sasha der Avanessian from Harvest Dental, Anne Kelzer from AMK Dental Lab, Frankie Acosta from AA Dental Design and Ricki Braswell from Beyond Coaching and former Co-Executive Director of the NADL. All of them will talk about real marketing as it is done in their own labs and businesses every day.

Register now at gro3x.com to take advantage of their early bird special of only $95.

Enter discount code VFTB for Voices from The Bench and receive an extra 10% discount, just because you listen to this Podcast.

Whip Mix offers you the ultimate in ease, material flexibility and unattended production with the Roland DGA DWX-52DCi milling machine. The popular mill’s automatic disc changer expands your lab production and profit, using a 6-slot Automatic Disc Changer, 15-station Automatic Tool Changer and several other automated features.

The DWX-52DCi dental milling machine now comes with performance visualization software and other intelligent updates. The 5-axis mill even knows which tool to automatically swap out when tools have reached their designated lifespan. Just power it on, let it go, and automatically and accurately mill numerous dental restoration jobs with complete unattended confidence.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Roland DGA DWX-52DCi, visit whipmix.com or call 800-626-5651.

Have you seen the high prices of precious metal these days? They are close to record highs on gold and palladium. With those high precious metal prices, you are paying a high cost for your alloys. We know 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 ,because of the high PM prices . You owe it to yourself to find a trusted, reputable refining company.

Look no further! Kulzer refining has been tested, trusted and reputable for over 100 years. They burn, melt and assay all under one roof at their state-of-the-art refining facility in Wartburg Tennessee. They have doubled their production capacity to ensure your scrap return within 2 weeks.

With all the non-precious material that has become present in today’s restorations it is important that we ensure the assay sample is homogenous. At Kulzer, they take the extra step to X-ray the top and bottom after they melt the bar to make sure the precious metal percentages--- are the same. If not, copper is added until they are positive the bar is homogeneous. We know this step is very important to get a precise assay result.

Their reimbursement to the customer is after our 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.

Special Guests: Jed Archibald and John Archibald.

NEXT UP for Voices From the Bench – Visions 21 - January 16th – 18th.
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.

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!

Do you want to get into digital dentures? Unsure of how to start? Worried about being FDA compliant? Why not use a already trusted company to be your partner. Whip Mix has put together a system that consists of a validated process using Dentca resins, which are the first FDA-cleared printed denture materials, an Asiga 3D printer and the UViTRON UV curing light. Using these 3 elements together is fast, easy, and assures the dentist and the patient of a reliably predictable fit.

Special Guests: Anita Cranford CDT and Elise Holasek CDT and Dan Elfring CDT.