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.

"LIVE" again at the 2026 DLAT meeting, two very different conversations came together around one common theme: the future of dental technology is still being shaped by passionate people willing to learn, teach, and adapt. First, the podcast catches up with returning guest Tiffany Prater from Destination Orthodontic Lab, who shares how her lab journey has evolved from running a large commercial space with employees to building a smaller, more personal business focused on private practices and hands-on craftsmanship. Alongside her is Sydney Ribera, a young technician discovering orthodontics through mentorship, creativity, and a fascination with bending wire and pouring colorful acrylic retainers. The conversation dives into the realities of learning ortho in today’s digital world, the importance of organizations like the Orthodontic Resource Group, and why mentorship still matters more than ever in a profession where most of the training happens shoulder-to-shoulder.

Then the crew sits down with Marlin Gohn from Argen to talk about everything from next-generation zirconia to massive dental labs in China and the surprisingly common mistakes labs make when choosing disc sizes for milling. Marlin breaks down Argen’s new gradient translucency zirconia, explains why nesting strategy matters more than most labs realize, and shares real-world troubleshooting tips that can save labs time, money, and remakes. The conversation also wanders through SLM frameworks, milled gold crowns, PFMs, translating lectures in China, and why some old-school techniques still outperform the newest trends.

Special Guests: Marlin Gohn CDT, Sydney Ribera, and Tiffany Prater CDT.

Then things shifted from mills to maintenance with Rebekah Serrago and Chris Wilson from Garland Dental Services. What started decades ago as a garage-based repair business fixing handpieces has grown into one of the industry’s best-kept secrets for equipment sales, service, and support. Rebekah shares the story of growing up folding flyers for her father’s repair company before eventually becoming CEO and expanding Garland into a massive online sales and service operation supporting everything from ovens to mills. Chris joins in to talk preventative maintenance, service certifications, keeping ancient ovens alive, and why labs desperately need dealers that actually understand the equipment they sell. It’s equal parts family-business story, repair shop wisdom, and hilarious behind-the-scenes dental lab banter.

Finally, the future officially arrived when the podcast crew sat down with Antoine Coppens from Relu and orthodontic lab owner Christian Saurman of New England Orthodontic Laboratory. What started as four engineering students experimenting with AI in Belgium somehow turned into fully automated dental workflows capable of designing surgical guides, night guards, models, and restorations in minutes. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping lab workflows, reducing manual design time, integrating directly into LMS systems, and even learning individual lab preferences. Christian explains how his custom-built orthodontic lab management system helped eliminate workflow chaos and automate huge portions of production, while Antoine gives a fascinating look into where dental AI is headed next. Between AI-generated appliances, automated scan checks, and self-learning workflows, this episode feels less like science fiction and more like a preview of what labs will look like over the next five years.

Special Guests: Antoine Coppens, Chris Wilson, Christian Saurman, Rebekah Serrago, and Tony Aliatim.

Yet even more conversations that Elvis and Barb got while in the exocad booth at IDS 2025..... back in MARCH!! First up is a visit from on one our favorite companies that make bars, Panthera. Instead of our usual guest we get to meet Pierre-Luc Duchesne and Dereck Donnelly. PL is their Director of Marketing and Derek is head of Global Customer Experience. Together the talk about being at their second IDS show, how they make their product an experience for the customer, the Fusion Bar that only needs 5mm of clearance, their partnership with VITA, and the second coming of The Master Cup.

Then we got to talk to an Irish dentist that practices in Scotland, Dr. Eimear O’Connell. She was plastered on the walls of the exocad booth 20 feet tall because she was one of the "Heroes of Digital Dentistry" and her journey is astounding. Dr. O'Connell talks about learning that Cerec was harder than it looks back in 2007, learning to work with amazing labs, using exocad to help her sell treatment by using the ART function, and a very concerning trend in the UK that makes it harder to be a dentist.

Let's be honest. There are a LOT of zirconia on the market these days. How do you know which is which? Is one better than another? Is there one that can handle every situation? Check out a FREE webinar from Ivoclar called Zirconia Unboxed with Jeff Smith, CDT.

"This introductory webinar is the first in a five-part series designed to address the most frequently asked questions by dental labs when selecting zirconia for their restorations. With a focus on practical guidance, this session explores the key considerations in choosing the right zirconia, including material properties, esthetics, and processing techniques. This introductory webinar is the first in a five-part series designed to address the most frequently asked questions by dental labs when selecting zirconia for their restorations. With a focus on practical guidance, this session explores the key considerations in choosing the right zirconia, including material properties, esthetics, and processing techniques."

Check it out at: https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/course/zirconia-unboxed/246115?utm_source=External+-+Voice+from+the+Bench&utm_medium=QR+code&utm_campaign=Academy&utm_term=August

Special Guests: Dereck Donnelly, Dr. Eimear O’Connell, and Pierre-Luc Duchesne.

We are once again showcasing some wonderful conversation that we got while in the exocad booth at IDS 2025. It's funny to travel all the way to Germany to talk to two Americans, one of them even works with Barb!

First up is the CEO of the Leixir Dental Group, John Krier. John talks about coming to dental from orthopedics and the differences he is noticing. Only 18 months into his new role, John has already visited every lab in the Leixir group and has started to change the culture of over 1000 employees to empower them to take ownership of the work they do.

Then we meet fellow podcaster, Dr. Jeff Horowitz. Dr. Horowitz has two practices in South Carolina, GP and Sleep and airway. He talks about the importance of creating the space in the arches for better sleep and how they are even expanding the palate on adults. Dr. Horowitz is also 1/3 of the podcast Dentist IN the Know and tells us all about how a couple of dentists got together during the pandemic to chat about what they all love so much.

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. All 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: Dr. Jeff Horowitz and John Krier.

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: Jorgen Gad and Vincent Silva.

StraightSmile Solutions' GP Webinar Page

Clear Aligner manufactures for laboratories:

Smile Shapers
Argen Clear Aligners

Have you tried Whip Mix’s Vericore ZR Pro zirconia discs yet? They not only produce very natural looking crowns and bridges, but they are very strong, at 1,140 megapascals. When it comes to zirconia use in dentistry, high strength and excellent esthetics is the endgame. Their top-of-the-line zirconia provides you with an ideal level of both value and chroma, which translates into desirable esthetics that closely mimic that of natural dentition. So, if you want to give your dentists something that is sure to win praise, send them your beautiful zirconia restorations made from Whip Mix’s Vericore ZR Pro. You can purchase the 98mm discs from your dealer or order directly online from shop.whipmix.com.

Special Guest: Dr. Amanda Wilson.

Check out the AOLP: Association of Orthodontic Laboratory Professionals

Thanks to the wonderful people at ARGEN, Elvis and Barb will be recording at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2020 - February 21 & 22. We will be set up at the Argen Booth (I16/I17) to talk to all the amazing attendees, educators, vendors, and anyone else willing to sit down. If you want to schedule a time, be sure to send us an email at info@voicesfromthebench.com and we can get it lined up. Or just stop by. We would love to meet you!

Check out the AMAZING line up at Lab Day Chicago from Argen!
Register HERE!

March 26 – 28 Dental Laboratory Association Texas Conference – Grapevine, Tx
*Ortho Technicians!!! Register for the AOLP meeting! *

Last year was a huge success and we loved this show. We are back this year at the ARGEN booth recording all weekend long. If you are in the area, attend. If you are not in the area, you should still think about attending. It’s worth it.

Register HERE!

Thursday March 26, the good people at Alien Milling is hosting a evening event to kick of the DLAT Conference. We will be at Top Golf for fun, drinks, and podcasting. That’s right, we will be recording at the event. How fun is that! If you are going to the DLAT conference, don’t wait. Sign up here to join the fun!

Are you excited about Chicago Lab day? Nowak Dental & Nowak Digital are! Their lab specialists will be at the East Tower booth B-47 & their Digital specialists will be at the new West tower V-2. Stop by both booths to learn about all of their offerings and to find out for yourself why Nowak is the first dealer name customers ask for. Also, by popular demand, each location will be serving our famous King Cake Vodka shots one hour before the closing of the show EACH DAY! So don’t forget to visit Nowak Dental at both exhibit halls during Lab Day Chicago. And we thank you for your continued support of the podcast.

Kettenbach Dental is a German Manufacturer that believes dentistry is a balance of art and science and when the patient and Dentist are inspired by your work, that is your labs reward and the goal at Kettenbach Dental. . A great way to start with Kettenbach is to try the Panasil Lab Putty Hard or Lab Putty Soft for your Dental Lab’s matrixing, indexing, and duplicating needs. The addition silicone putty comes in a 5-kilogram base and 5-kilogram catalyst, 1:1 mix with no additional messy gel activator. How about a box of the Panasil Lab Putty and a Box of the Futar Bite Registration all for only $199. Simply call Kettenbach direct at 877-532-2123 and mention the code – Dental Lab Podcast 199, for this special discount just for listening to the Voices from the Bench Podcast. For more information on Kettenbach, check out their Facebook page or visit www.kettenbach-dental.us

Special Guest: Christopher Gajewski.