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 week Elvis and Barb are back at exocad Insights 2026 where the microphones captured two very different conversations that somehow landed on the exact same thing: passion still matters. First up, we sat down with longtime dental technicians and Oral Design International Foundation members Pinhas Adar and Javier Perez to talk about the legacy of the legendary Willi Geller and how one man helped elevate dental technicians from the shadows to respected members of the restorative team. From stories of learning under masters in Switzerland to building a worldwide family of 127 members across 34 countries, the conversation dives deep into friendship, mentorship, craftsmanship, and why face-to-face connection still matters in a digital world. They also share details about upcoming memorial and symposium events dedicated to carrying on Willi’s philosophy of passion, respect, and sharing knowledge without ego.

Then the crew caught up with returning guest Dora Rodrigues, who has gone from conversion queen to certified exocad trainer, full-arch educator, and lab owner running an increasingly digital workflow. Dora talks about finally bringing milling in-house, the terrifying learning curve that came with it, and how mastering workflows like split bars and partial CAD has completely changed the way she designs full-arch restorations. Between traveling internationally to lecture, teaching labs how to streamline their workflows, and still designing cases herself, Dora proves that digital dentistry still takes serious technical skill, problem-solving, and obsession with detail. It’s an episode full of passion, legacy, technology, and the reminder that no matter how digital dentistry gets… the people behind it still make all the difference.

Today’s dental labs are under more pressure than ever — tighter turnaround times, staffing challenges, and nonstop production demands. That’s why efficiency and reliability matter more than ever before.

More laboratories continue turning to Roland DGA and the proven performance of the DGSHAPE DWX Series milling solutions to keep production moving smoothly. Reliable workflows help reduce downtime, minimize remakes, and allow technicians to focus on quality work instead of troubleshooting equipment.

For labs exploring digital dentures, the Elevate Denture Solution offers a streamlined workflow with validated CAM strategies and Ivotion compatibility through hyperDENT software — helping labs adopt digital production without unnecessary complexity.

Because labs don’t need more stress. They need dependable systems that simply work.

Special Guests: Dora Rodrigues, Javier Perez Lopez, and Pinhas Adar MDT, 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.

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Select: Race for the Future
Enter the name of the racer you want to support: BARB WARNER or THE CROWN JEWELS
Enter the amount (One Million Dollars)

It's hard to believe that IDS 2025 happened over 4 months ago and we are still bringing out conversations we got while at the exocad booth. This one is jam-packed with three conversations with 4 different people in the dental industry that really are making huge impacts. First up is two dentist that are using their time and talent to teach other clinicians from around the world how to implement the digital workflow in their practice. Dr. Milad Shadrooh (The Singing Dentist!) and Dr. Robbie Hughes are from opposite ends of England but both share the passion of education. They talk about their careers, what kind of courses they offer at Avant Garde Dentistry and how through a mentorship program, dentist can go digital both efficiency and confidently.

Then we meet the CTO of Align Technologies, Zelko Relic. Zelko talks about getting into dental, the history of Align Technologies and when they merged in Invisalign, Itero, and exocad. He also talks about the resources they put towards R&D, scaling a company to make over 1 million parts A DAY, what new technologies are currently being worked on, and how they are making the ultimate in providing the comprehensive solution to all.

We wrap up the episode with Ben Weber from ModuleWorks. What is ModuleWorks, well it's kind of hard to explain. You see, it's in about 90% of the manufacturing in the world. It's not the CAM, it's not the user interface, but it's in the background making it all come together. Ben talks about what ModuleWorks is, how it works, and why we can't live without it.

Take it from Jennifer Ferguson from Ivoclar. If you have a PM7 or are thinking about getting a PM7 (Take it from Barb, you should), Ivoclar had launched the "Ivoclar Block Module" that can speed up milling emax by 45%!! The best part is that you can try it for FREE for 90 days. Al l you have to do is send them a message on Instagram at Ivoclar.na or send a email to jennifer.ferguson@ivoclar.com. Now go mill emax faster!

Special Guests: Ben Weber, Dr. Milad Shadrooh, Dr. Robbie Hughes, and Zelko Relic.

Information and how to register for the Race For the Future 8.0 August 28th

Information and registration for the Chicago Triathlon

Register for the FREE Education Day on August 27th
(COME TO THE DINNER!)

Donate to Barb or Team Voices From the Bench!!!!

The Asiga MAX, the world’s most advanced lab 3D printer, offers exceptional productivity. Well over 400 labs in the U.S. can attest to its accuracy, speed and precision. With 62 micron Print Precision, the Max is optimized for both dental lab or clinic environments. Its exclusive SPS™ Smart-Positioning-System Technology guarantees every layer is formed accurately, resulting in consistent results in any environment, and its single Point Calibration makes calibration extremely accurate and fast.

As an Open Material System, you can print any suitable resin from any material manufacturer. Your choice, no strings. The Max also features the Fastest Material Changeover of any 3D printer. Labs LOVE this! Change completely from one print resin to another in under 30 seconds.

All this and the finest, most dependable technical support staff in the dental lab industry.

Call Whip Mix today or visit whipmix.com to find out more about the Asiga Max!

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 Guests: Carrie Ling, Courtney Bennett, Dani Farago, Jenelle Tabaković, Katie Boteler, MacKenzie Mayer, Nina Frketin, and Sandra Nohava.