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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A BIG thanks to Jensen Dental for allowing us to record at the amazing FDLA Symposium & Expo!

First up is a dentist turned sales rep and now 26 years with Jensen Dental, Nick Bathija. Nick talks about becoming a dentist, falling in love, and learning that he's not really suited to be a dentist. Starting with Jensen when it was still a mostly alloy company and being there when MIYO hit the scene, Nick can talk a lot about what makes MIYO so great!

Then we are visited by past podcast guest, Shaana Gripp. Shaana went from an introverted in-office technician to leading education at Harvest Dental. She talks about making the switch, getting used to being in front of a camera, and the joy of seeing people get better with techniques she taught them.

We wrap up the episode with a conversation with long time lab manager at Drake Dental Laboratory, Mark Stueck. Mark talks about going from a McDonald's Manager to delivery driver, being recruited to another state, being there for 36 years, and why it was important for him to give back on the NBC board.

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.

Take your Full Arch game to the next level! On October 11th, 2025 the people that brought us the Locator attachment, Zest Dental Solutions is putting on their first-ever ZEST LAB MASTERSHIP program! You'll master the art of creating life-changing full-arch restorations, discover streamlined protocols, and develop the diagnostic skills that will revolutionize your practice. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience with LOCATOR FIXED. Head over to zest.pub/labmaster25 or visit the full calendar at zestdent.com right now and secure your spot. Use the code VOICESLAB to save $100!!

Special Guests: Mark Stueck, Nick Bathija, and Shaana Gripp.

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We are back with two great conversations that Barb and Elvis got while attending IDS 2025 in the exocad booth. First up is a Canadian Denturist who was just on the podcast back September but has a LOT to update us on. Jade Connors found some time (and found us) to update us on all the adventures she has been on since your last episode, her entry in the Candulor KunstZahnWerk competition, creating a work/life balance, and making sure patients get care beyond just a denture.

Then we meet Lisa Aguirre, the Marketing Manager for DGShape, the makers of the Roland mill and so much more. Lisa talks about her history working on the clinical side, being with Spear Education, and getting up to speed on all things DGShape. She also talks about some of the new mills and printers that they were launching at this year’s IDS.

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: Jade Connors, DD, RDT and Lisa Aguirre.

Ivoclar, a global leader in dental materials and technology, is celebrating 20 years of Emax, a revolutionary product that has transformed the industry. John Isherwood, who has been with Ivoclar for 27 years, shares his journey from the world of sports PR to becoming a key figure in dental communications. His passion for the industry is evident as he discusses the importance of creating memorable experiences for customers and the impact of Emax on dental practices worldwide.

Meanwhile, Pat Coon, a senior field digital consultant at Ivoclar, delves into the advancements in digital dentures. With a background in the Air Force as a dental assistant and lab technician, Pat has witnessed the transition from analog to digital firsthand. He shares his insights on the evolution of digital dentistry and the growing adoption of digital dentures, particularly in the U.S. and Canada.

This episode also offers a sneak peek into what Ivoclar has in store for LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025. With a lineup of 19 programs and 21 thought leaders, attendees can expect a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. From intimate learning sessions to grand ballroom lectures, Ivoclar is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for dental professionals.

Register TODAY for LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 20-22, 2025: https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday
Full line up of Speakers in the Ivoclar Ballroom at Lab Day Chicago: https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar/seminars
FREE education at the Ivoclar Academy: https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/academy/learning-opportunities

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 Guests: John Isherwood and Patrick Coon, CDT, TE.

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If you are in the market for purchasing a new milling machine or a furnace, Voices From the Bench invites you to connect with an Ivoclar sales associates. They have several great deals and financing options now available for you to take advantage of. These robust and dependable machines were designed to make your laboratory more efficient and profitable. They are work horses when it comes to processing IPS e.max lithium disilicate and the amazing Prime Zirconia. The PM7 mill also allows you to do digital dentures with their game changing Ivotion puck. Head over to ivoclar.com, voicesfromthebench.com/ivoclar, or call them at 1-800-533-6825.

Special Guests: Bob Hadley, Erica DiManna, and Tom Heusing.

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We are starting off the collection of conversations from the Florida Dental Laboratory Association Symposium in Orlando, Florida. Last June the AMAZING people at Jensen Dental gave us space in their fantastic booth to record some of the attendees.

First up is Enja Dorchuluun from Sakr Dental Studios. Enja talks about her history at Sakr, how they are using automation in the lab, and getting ready to move the lab from 5 buildings to one.

Since we were in the Jensen Dental booth, we had to talk to the technician known for his amazing work with MIYO, Bart Cothran. Bart chats with us about his journey into dental, owning his own lab, teaching MIYO to others, and some great tips for this amazing liquid ceramics.

Then we wrap up the episode with a technician full of so much passion to giving back, he's going through the board of the FDLA for the second time. Fernando DeLeon was in dental school in Guatemala when he decided being a dental technician might be a better fit. Fernando talks about his passion for changing a life, his passion for giving back, and his passion on doing the best he can for his patients.

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: Bart Cothran, Enja Dorjchuluun, and Fernando DeLeon.

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.