If you’re passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I’m honored to be part of Ivoclar’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.

Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.

Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere.

Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults…

Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.

That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next.

Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.

Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower.

Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026*

• 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

At the 100-year celebration of the Cal-Lab Association, Elvis checks in with past chair Jeff Stronk after the first full day of the meeting to see how things are going. With Barb stepping into the chair role and kicking things off in style, Jeff talks about the incredible energy in the room, the rise in attendance, and the surprising number of first-time lab owners showing up. From powerful panel discussions filled with unforgettable one-liners to honest conversations about succession planning, leadership, and the realities of running a lab, day one proves why this meeting has survived for a century. Unlike traditional trade shows packed with sales pitches, Cal-Lab keeps the focus on real lab owners sharing real experiences, giving attendees practical insights they can take back to their businesses.

After moving over to the Ivoclar Ballroom at LMT Lab Day Chicago, the conversation shifts to the future of the industry with April Newell, a former dental hygienist who strategically worked her way into the world of additive manufacturing at Nota3D. Now selling advanced resin and metal 3D printing systems to dental labs, April breaks down how 3D printing evolved from simple model production to full frameworks and implant bars. She explains the realities of metal printing, the technology behind lasers and powder systems, and why labs that invest in metal printing tend to grow faster than they expect. Her perspective highlights just how quickly digital manufacturing is changing the lab landscape—and how dentistry continues to pull people into its orbit for life.

Finally, Elvis talks with Joey Hunter, a veteran technician with nearly 30 years in the industry and a true removable specialist. Joey shares how she answered a newspaper ad looking for a “starving artist” back in the 90s and ended up building a lifelong career in dental technology. From mastering every step of removable fabrication to adapting after losing her hearing during her career, Joey’s story highlights both the artistry and resilience behind the craft. Now working at Renstrom Dental Studio, she reflects on seeing LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026 for the first time and being amazed by how far the industry has come. Her experience reminds everyone that while technology continues to evolve, the hands-on knowledge and artistry of technicians remain at the heart of dentistry.

Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?

He’s a client rep for Derby Dental Laboratory, out in the field every day doing chairside visits and building relationships. His job is simple—keep doctors happy and keep them coming back.

And he couldn’t do it without iCortica.

Right from his phone, Elvis can see sales, remake rates, account notes, risks, and cross-sell opportunities—even before he walks through the door. No spreadsheets. No surprises. Just the info he needs to grow accounts.

Stop digging for data and start taking action.

Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.

Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.

Special Guests: April Newell, Jeff Stronk, and Joey Hunter.

In this episode, Elvis and Barb sit down with Dr. Miles Cone, a prosthodontist whose path into dentistry is anything but traditional. From a childhood obsession with dinosaurs and living out of his Jeep, to serving in the Army and becoming a CDT, Dr. Cone shares how persistence, humility, and an appreciation for the lab side of dentistry shaped his career. Along the way, he opens up about failing the CDT exam, learning the true value of dental technicians, and why collaboration—not ego—is the key to better patient outcomes

The conversation also dives deep into photography, storytelling, and seeing dentistry as both science and art. Dr. Cone explains how discovering dental photography transformed not only how he documents cases, but how he connects with patients and technicians alike. He and Barb and Elvis discuss raising your skills by putting your work out there, ignoring the trolls, and using critique to grow. The episode wraps with a preview of Dr. Cone’s upcoming Ivoclar presentation at Lab Day Chicago, where he and technician Janelle will show how dentures and removables can be “hidden in plain sight” when done with intention, artistry, and respect for the entire dental team.

A new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set your dental business up for success. January isn’t just about new goals—it’s about working smarter with efficient, reliable systems that keep production running smoothly and predictably.

Roland DGSHAPE milling solutions deliver the consistency and automation labs depend on to control costs, reduce remakes, and maximize every hour. With trusted Japanese engineering and mills like the DWX-53DC working even when you’re not, you spend less time fixing problems and more time growing your business.

Start the year strong with solutions built for productivity and profitability. That’s the Roland DGSHAPE difference.

Learn more at rolanddental.com

Special Guest: Dr. Miles Cone.

TO DONATE: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/

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)

August 14 & 15: PrograMill CAM Academy: A Hands-On Introduction to Digital Milling for Dental Professionals
Ivoclar Academy – Amherst, NY : https://www.ivoclar.com/en_ca/course/programill-cam-academy-module-i-introduction/251438?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Pardot&utm_campaign=Academy+Newsletter&utm_term=July

This episode is featuring two conversations that Elvis and Barb got while in Gemany at the exocad booth at IDS 2025. First up is Paul Dowling & Jacqueline Ffrench who come from PD Ceramics in Ireland. Paul grew up in a dental family and played in the shed in the backyard that was the lab. After attending lab school in London, Paul came back to Ireland and opened his own lab. Knowing teeth and not business, Paul recruits Jacqueline from a dental office to help. Jacqueline is good with business and saw the struggles in the lab and set out to make it a better place. Now she and Paul are starting to do it all over Ireland.

Then from many miles away (at IDS it seems that way) we are joined by Thomas Baaske, the Global Technical Product Manager at Ivoclar Vivadent AG. That means he oversees a lot of the digital materials and equipment for Ivoclar and there is a lot. Thomas talks about his lab background, being with Ivoclar for over 14 years, the evolution of the milled denture, their new inventory system, and the new Ivotion Based Printed denture.

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: Jacqueline Ffrench, Paul Dowling , and Thomas Baaske.

Get a shirt that highlights "Dental Technicians Have Better Technique". Head over to https://www.bonfire.com/we-have-better-technique-the-shirt/ before June 10th to order a shirt, hoodie, or even a tank top. 100% of the profits are donated to the Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology.

In a time where many are saying the labs are closing or consolidating, here on the podcast we hear about labs owners killing it every week. This episode features a technician that went out to prove to everyone that this industry is still a great profession to find success. Daniel Hassler learned all about dental technology in the Airforce. After his service he traveled to a few states and bettered his skills at a few different labs. Then in October 2022, Daniel opened "Wizards of the Bench" and was a instant success and he's so busy, he's already looking at bring on other technicians. It's a great (and shorter) conversation proving once again that this is a great industry for those wanting a career worth working for.

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!

Special Guest: Daniel Hassler.

First up is Susan van Kensbergen who is the Vice President of Myerson. Susan talks about her journey from being a ceramist, moving up in lab responsibility, managing the world's largest LAVA milling center, and finding her new home at Myerson, the home of Durflex and an upcoming "game changing" printer.

Then we chat with Neal Allen from Mustard Seed Dental Studio. Neal spent 20 years in a large lab before moving into a growing lab owned by a Prosthodontist. Neal talks about the importance of creating a happy lab culture and treating the employees like family.

Next is the "better" half of Artifex Dental Lab, Julio Munoz. Julio grew up in Bolivia where he is a board-certified Oral Surgeon. A lady brought him to the US where he connected with Artifex and helped create the "Triple Jig" technique for full arch implant restorations.

We wrap us the whole weekend with a special treat, Barb's technician son, Zack Wojdan. Zack talks about growing up in the lab, starting at the beginning, working his way up, working with his mom, and goals for the future.

A BIG thanks to LMT for putting on an amazing weekend and a BIGGER THANKS to Ivoclar for hosting us.

The new PrograScan PS3 and PS5 provide true-to-detail, high-resolution and accurate scans for coordinated digital workflows that are precise, fast, and always accurate.

The PS3 and PS5 are powered by the popular and intuitive DentalCAD software from Exocad. Whether you are looking for your first scanner, to upgrade or add to your existing scanners, the PrograScan may be the one for you.

Reach out to your friendly Ivoclar sales representative to select a scanner that matches the needs of your lab Today and tell them you heard about it on the podcast!

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

Special Guests: Julio Munoz CDT, Neal Allen, Susan van Kinsbergen, and Zack Wojdan.

First up is Katie Rinaldo and Mandy Arena. These two removable technicians are trying to get the state of Illinois to make Denturism legal. Katie was on the podcast back on episode 78 & 79. They are back to give us an update on the status of the legislation and to remind everyone how they can help. Go to the Illinois Denturist website or

DONATE TODAY!

Then we chat with the wonderful, talented, and gifted Jen Ludwig. Jen (and all her amazing personality) stops by the booth to update us on life after receiving CDT of the YEAR and to talk about all the public speaking she is doing and what she has lined up.

We wrap up the episode catching up with Jim Collis. Jim is starting to look at his next chapter of his career. After a time with Solvay and Dandy, Jim has some personal goals to reach before he finds his next home which we are sure will be at a place that allows him to continue teaching, guiding, and educating so many technicians.

If efficiency and performance are what you are looking for in a milling system, then the high-performance PrograMill PM7 from Ivoclar is the right choice for you.

Equipped with a high-performance spindle, this high-power 5-axis milling machine efficiently produces both wet and dry restorations.

Ivoclar provides white glove delivery service, training, choice of service contracts and their outstanding after sales service and support.

Contact your friendly Ivoclar sales representative today and create a digital solution that’s right for you!

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

Special Guests: Jennifer Ludwig, CDT, Jim Collis CDT, Katie Rinaldo, and Mandy Arena.

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.

First up is Alan Banks from Roe Dental Laboratory. Alan talks about his many roles in the lab and their new and interesting way to take accurate full arch implant impressions without the need of photogrammetry called just Grammetry.

Next up is Millie Tang, owner of Hunan Vsmile Biotechnology Co, a manufacturer of zirconia in China. Millie talks about their zirconia, how they distribute it, and her 10 year goal of taking over the dental world.

Wrapping up the episode is Monica Buchanan. Monica is a CDT in orthodontics and talks about the experience getting it virtually. Monica also talks about all the appliances she makes being an in-office technician in a two doctor practice.

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: Alan Banks, Millie Tang, and Monica Buchanan.

If efficiency and performance are what you are looking for in a milling system, then the high-performance PrograMill PM7 from Ivoclar is the right choice for you.

Equipped with a high-performance spindle, this high-power 5-axis milling machine efficiently produces both wet and dry restorations.

Ivoclar provides white glove delivery service, training, choice of service contracts and their outstanding after sales service and support.

Contact your friendly Ivoclar sales representative today and create a digital solution that’s right for you!

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

Special Guest: Tracy Graham.

Denture Babes website

The first 500 orders placed between November 1st and November 14th will all get a FREE LIMITED EDITION Metallic Voices From the Bench sticker!

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.

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.

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: Jenelle Tabaković and MacKenzie Mayer.

Portatour - sales-route planner
Creative Marketing in a Creative Industry: Tay Harvey and anaxdent North America
Ladies Of The Mill: Jill Swafford and Christina Heaslip

Gro3X is a dental supply, service, and marketing company. It is to help dental labs, and especially small labs to lower their cost for supplies, provide business opportunities, and generate growth. They carry amazing zirconia burs and their “rainbow burs” for PMMA and TriLor are top-notch. They also carry zirconia from Aidite, a wide range of Harvest Dental products, and different 3D print resins.

What’s really cool about Gro3X is, that you can join their Gro3X Family program for only 99 cents. This will then give you an additional 10% discount on all of their supplies and even their CAD/CAM design and fabrication services.

Get a 3-months trial membership with Gro3X Family now for only $0.99 and receive 3 Shade Peg Shots - free of charge.

Just go to www.gro3x.com and add Gro3X Family to your cart, then add 3- Shade Peg Shots of 3cc each to your cart and go to check out, enter discount code VFTB for Voices From The Bench and check out.

Whip Mix is pleased to add VeriCast OS, a burnout pattern print resin, to Whip Mix’s growing Veri Brand Resin offering. VeriCast OS works with LCD and DLP printers in both 385 and 405 nanometer wavelengths.

It prints accurate and detailed crowns, bridges, substructures, and RPD frameworks, is durable, and leaves no ash or residue.

Since it burns out cleanly, VeriCast OS is ideal for investment casting and ceramic pressing. For optimal results, we recommend Whip Mix ResinVest, which is a phosphate investment made specifically for burning out printed or milled resin patterns.

Visit whipmix.com to learn more about VeriCast OS or any of Whip Mix’s other 3D Print Resins.

Special Guests: Hannah Fincher, Kelly Fincher, and Tay Harvey.