https://www.bonfire.com/its-all-in-the-name160/

This week, Elvis and Barb sit down with two amazing ladies who turned tragedy into triumph. When a devastating fire destroyed Denture Crafters a few weeks ago, lab manager Amber Rosema and general manager Daniele Collard didn’t waste a single moment. From the parking lot of their burned-down lab, they began rebuilding—calling suppliers, securing space, and rallying their team to get dentures back in patients’ mouths.

Hear the incredible story of how these two leaders kept their employees working, rebuilt their systems, and leaned on the kindness of another lab to get back up and running in just days. They also share what it’s like being part of an employee-owned dental lab, their quick move into digital dentures, and the importance of mental health when life—and your lab—literally goes up in flames.

It’s an inspiring episode of resilience, teamwork, and what makes the dental lab community truly amazing.

If you want to help, Daniele and Amber would love your opinion on any of the following items. Feel free to email them at info@denturecrafters.net

Drop your favorites below:

• Boil-out tanks / dewaxers (Electric if possible)
• CAM milling units
• Alcohol distiller
• Acrylic polishers / pumice stations
• Steam cleaners
• Sandblasters / Shell Blaster
• Air compressors (oil-free, quiet)
• Dust collectors (single and central systems)
• Vacuum systems (for 3D printers, model trimmers, etc.)
• Fume extractors / ventilation systems
• Air purifiers (HEPA, carbon filter, or ionizer type)
• Monomer / polymer storage
• Vacuum mixers
• Resin dispensers
• Workbenches (lab-grade, suction-integrated if possible)
• Magnifying lamps / task lighting
• Autoclave / sterilizer
• Disinfectant systems / UV cabinets
• Easy to clean flooring (think clean wax)
• Laser welders

Looking for a way to unlock the full potential of your digital dentistry workflow. Take it from Elise Heathcote, associate manager of digital services with Ivoclar. This is all about the Cam Academy. They have a new in-person training experience designed specifically for dental technicians. This hands-on course explores the full potential of programmable Cam software, helping you take your digital workflow to the next level. Learn directly from Ivoclar experts, refine your skills and bring new precision and efficiency to your lab. Cam Academy is more than a course. It's your next step in digital excellence. To reserve your spot, visit the Ivoclar Academy website or contact your local Ivoclar sales representative today.

The right CAM software can completely transform your lab’s workflow — and no one understands that better than FOLLOW-ME! Technology, creators of hyperDENT.

That’s why Roland DGA has partnered with FOLLOW-ME! North America to offer the Roland DGA x hyperDENT Bundle for their DWX-53D series mills. This collaboration gives labs optimized performance, smoother milling, and incredible efficiency gains — with some users reporting up to two hours saved per case cycle without sacrificing quality.

And here’s the best part: Roland is making this available to everyone through a hyperDENT trade-in promo for existing users. It’s the perfect opportunity to upgrade your CAM and take full advantage of the technology you already have.

Plus, Nowak Dental Supplies is participating in the promotion and adding an exclusive bonus for NOLA Lab Fest attendees: the Multiple Instances feature at no additional cost.

Don’t miss your chance to see the difference in person! Join Jordan Greenberg — the “hyperDENT dude” himself — at NOLA Lab Fest, November 7–8, and discover how CAM can redefine what your Roland mill can do.

Special Guests: Amber Rosema and Daniele Collard.

We save a conversation from the Ivoclar Ballroom at Lab Day Chicago to release this week so if you are at Lab Day West you can go meet Mark Hidde from WINWINGO.com. Mark comes on to talk about owning a lab and seeing the struggles to find good talent. So he created a website where labs can create a profile to look for technicians and technicians can post that they are looking for a good lab. It's a different approach to a much-needed service in our industry.

Then we have a conversation with Chris Nevarez. Chris started his dental career with Patterson. From warehouse to customer service, Chris started to really understand the ins and outs of clinical dentistry. After his mother needed some dental work, Chris found a way for her medical insurace to help cover a lot of the cost. Now he is doing this for patients and clinics. The best part about all of this is that if more people have access to care, then that is more cases coming to the labs.

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 Guests: Chris Nevarez and Mark Hidde.

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.

Most people don't like to talk about health insurance. Because it's usually with some insurance broker that doesn't know anything about the dental lab industry and is just looking to make money off of us. But one man is changing all of that. Michael Clark was the Senior Vice President of Domestic Sales and Marketing for Argen for 10 years. Michael spent years learning, helping, and growing dental labs around the country. After some personal "events", Michael decided to fall back on another passion of his, providing good employee benefits. But because of his love for the dental lab industry, he is focusing on labs and technicians. Michael talks about his history before Argen, life at Argen, and how a few simple (and inexpensive) changes a lab can make to benefit every employee that works there.

https://www.mbclarkcompanies.com/

Wanting to take your knowledge and skills to the next level? If you are looking for the best education dedicated to dentistry in both the labs and clinics, check out Ivoclar Academy.

From on-demand webinars to in-person training, Ivoclar Academy has a program to meet your busy schedule. Check out all they have to offer HERE!

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: Michael Clark.

June is CDT and Dental Technician Appreciation Month. Every year we highlight those that mean a lot to all of us. For every episode in June we will play YOUR audio clips thanking that special someone in or around our industry. Just record yourself on your phone or computer and email it to info@voicesfromthebench.com and we will play it on the show.

Back in February, there is the biggest dental lab meeting in the US called Lab Day Chicago. We were set up in the Ivoclar Ballroom all weekend and recorded a ton of great people. This week brings two fantastic conversations. First up is Chet Spivey. Chet has been with Ivoclar for over 25 years and tells us about the journey of the innovative company. With so many products under their belt, Ivoclar can celebrate their 100th year by honoring the customers. Then we finally get to chat with Canadian Denturist superstar Esther Schwenning. Esther talks about following in a family tradition of becoming a denturist, learning and teaching the suction denture technique, setting up her practice to go all in with digital, and of course….. beer.

Are you attending the LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California?

Join Ivoclar as they continue to celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary in the dental industry.

At Lab Day West you can get up close and personal with Ivoclar digital technology, materials, and an EPIC speaker lineup. Learn first hand from many of the industry’s leading dental professionals as they share their tips and tricks for success. Come and hear from Rafael Santrich, Jed Archibald, Steve Hatch and experience hands-on courses from Jenelle Tabakovic, and Pat Coon. For a full listing of speakers simply visit LMTmag.com and register today!

Also, come and see us, Voices from the bench, as this will be our home from May 12-13th. Come by to say Hi and tell us what inspires you or give Ivoclar a ”Happy 100 year“ message.

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

Bringing Dentures to Life, Featuring Sr Nexco® with Jenelle Tabaković at LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California.In this hands-on course, Jenelle Tabaković teaches you how to take your dentures to the next level using SR Nexco Gingival Composite. Suitable for both analog and digital dentures, she leads you through a deep dive into the proper cutback, prep and glaze protocols. Space is limited. Light lunch is included. Register HERE!

Special Guests: Chet Spivey and Esther Schwenning.

We start with Registered Assistant Sarah Mathis from Duece Dental Laboratory in Waco, Texas. She talks about going from Clinical to Laboratory and how the chair side has made her a better technician.

Then we are joined by Donna Smith CDT from Digital Ceramics by Design in Denton, TX. Donna talks about her lab, how she got there, and why she likes working with zirconia.

We then wrap up the whole conference talking with Scott Ruehle from the Sebrite Agency. Scott talks about a much needed but little discussed topic, insurance. From Professional Liability to Loss, Scott gives us the low down and scares Barb a little.

Be sure to check out DLAT.org to see all the AMAZING things the Dental Laboratory Association of Texas is doing. Come next year to their AWESOME conference where these interviews were recorded at!

Special Guests: Donna Smith CDT, Sarah Mathis, and Scott Ruehle.