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    <fireside:genDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:26:23 +0000</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Voices from The Bench - Episodes Tagged with “Lab Workflow”</title>
    <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/tags/lab%20workflow</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <description>A weekly podcast dedicated to the dental laboratory industry. Featuring anyone associated with the profession from all over the world. Host are in their own dental laboratory every day making teeth and interviewing people from the industry on their time off. New episodes every Monday morning.</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>A Dental Laboratory Podcast</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>A weekly podcast dedicated to the dental laboratory industry. Featuring anyone associated with the profession from all over the world. Host are in their own dental laboratory every day making teeth and interviewing people from the industry on their time off. New episodes every Monday morning.</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/cover.jpg?v=3"/>
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    <itunes:keywords>Dental Laboratory, Dentistry, Removable, Fixed, Crowns, teeth, technicians, CDT, dentures, partials, mills, printers, dentist, zirconia, emax</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>info@voicesfromthebench.com</itunes:email>
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  <title>441: Amir Bagheri &amp; Dan Sinclair: A Touch of Magic Can Solve A Lot of Lab Issues</title>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
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  <itunes:episode>441</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Amir Bagheri &amp; Dan Sinclair: A Touch of Magic Can Solve A Lot of Lab Issues</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Elvis sits down with Dan Sinclair and Amir Bagheri from Magic Touch Software to talk about the history of the company, how it grew from a small development project into a complete laboratory management system, and why they believe labs need more than just production tracking. They dive into automation, digital case entry, integrations, reporting, and the importance of actually understanding how a lab operates before trying to improve it.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:11:57</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>&lt;h3&gt;What if zirconia could look even more like natural teeth?&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;According to Dr. Ed McLaren, “Of all the zirconia’s he's tested, the optical properties of &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s e.max zirconia are the closest to natural teeth.” (And I second that with everything I’ve see – if Barb does the read)&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Discover what’s redefining the possibilities with &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;IPS e.max Zirconia&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Join Dr. Ed McLaren for Zirconia Reimagined—an informative webinar exploring the latest advancements, clinical insights, and practical applications of zirconia in modern dentistry.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;October 5th @ 7:00 pm.  Register today at Vivalearning.com&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why &lt;a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Knight Dental&lt;/a&gt; recently launched &lt;strong&gt;SimplyARCH Studio&lt;/strong&gt;, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;What happens when you combine a family-run software company, decades of dental laboratory experience, and a mission to make labs run smarter? You get &lt;a href="https://www.magictouchsoftware.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Magic Touch Software&lt;/a&gt;. In this episode, Elvis sits down with &lt;strong&gt;Dan Sinclair&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Amir Bagheri&lt;/strong&gt; to dig into the history, philosophy, and technology behind Magic Touch and find out why they believe a laboratory management system should do a whole lot more than just track cases through production.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Dan shares his unexpected journey back to Magic Touch after leaving the company, while Amir takes us all the way back to the 1990s and the origins of the software, including how his father, Gary, helped develop what would eventually become the foundation of Magic Touch through his work with Glidewell. The conversation dives into the evolution from production-focused LMS platforms to complete business management systems that bring customer management, accounting, inventory, automation, digital case entry, integrations, reporting, and production workflows together in one place.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;We also get into one of the biggest challenges facing modern dental labs: digital case entry and the ever-growing pile of scanner portals and inboxes. Amir and Dan explain how Magic Touch can automate that process, reduce manual entry, minimize missed cases and errors, and give lab teams more time to actually work on cases instead of hunting them down. And if you've ever wondered how much time and money a lab can lose by having a collection of disconnected systems, this conversation makes a pretty compelling case for consolidation.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;But perhaps the biggest theme of the episode is that Magic Touch doesn't want to be just another software vendor. Their approach is built around implementation, consultation, process improvement, and helping labs understand what they actually want their business to look like before configuring the system to get them there. From breaking old habits to building super users, testing changes before they go live, and using data to identify where a lab needs to improve, the goal is to create a system that grows and changes with the business.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;And he couldn’t do it without &lt;a href="https://www.icortica.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;icortica&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Stop digging for data and start taking action.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?”&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. &lt;a href="https://labncloud.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;LabNCloud&lt;/a&gt; is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Special Guests: Amir Bagheri and Dan Sinclair.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Magic Touch Software, Magic Touch LMS, laboratory management system, dental laboratory software, dental lab software, dental laboratory management, dental lab management, dental technology, dental industry, dental labs, dental laboratory, lab management, lab workflow, laboratory workflow, digital dentistry, digital dental lab, dental CAD CAM, dental automation, lab automation, workflow automation, production management, production tracking, case management, case entry, digital case entry, digital workflows, scanner integration, intraoral scanners, scanner workflow, digital impressions, digital cases, case files, case processing, case routing, case tracking, case status, customer management, customer relationship management, CRM, dental CRM, accounting integration, inventory management, inventory tracking, logistics, dental lab logistics, shipping logistics, email automation, outreach, communication, reporting, lab reports, dental lab reporting, data analytics, lab 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Signature, Lab Annex, laboratory information system, LIS, dental LIS, dental production software, dental business software, dental lab technology, lab technology, dental workflow, digital workflow, analog workflow, production workflow, business workflow, end to end workflow, end to end lab management, centralized software, integrated software, all in one software, all in one LMS, software consolidation, system consolidation, digital transformation, automation technology, workflow technology, lab technology trends, dental technology trends, dental laboratory trends, dental industry technology, modern dental laboratory, modern dental lab, future of dental labs, future of dental technology, dental innovation, laboratory innovation, software innovation, dental software, dental LMS, LMS software, lab information management, information management, production systems, business systems, CRM systems, accounting systems, inventory systems, logistics systems, integrated systems, connected systems, data integration, data management, laboratory data, dental lab data, business intelligence, reporting tools, custom reporting, customizable software, configurable software, software customization, lab customization, scalable software, scalable LMS, growing dental lab, small dental lab, large dental lab, enterprise dental lab, dental lab startup, laboratory startup, lab growth, lab scalability, software scalability, production accountability, customer accountability, operational accountability, super users, software super user, implementation strategy, change management, process mapping, workflow analysis, lab process, lab processes, process improvement, bad habits, workflow problems, production problems, lab bottlenecks, production bottlenecks, case bottlenecks, missed cases, case errors, manual entry, manual processes, manual data entry, inbox management, inbox sprawl, email management, file management, digital file management, case downloads, automated downloads, case automation, case routing, automated case routing, automated workflows, production automation, business automation, lab automation software, dental lab automation software, customer service, customer experience, doctor relationships, dental practices, dentists, dental offices, dental technicians, dental technicians software, dental lab technicians, dental laboratory technicians, dental lab owners, laboratory owners, lab managers, production managers, dental lab management, laboratory management, lab leadership, technology leadership, software development, software engineering, app development, proprietary software, software architecture, system architecture, software development history, dental software development, healthcare technology, healthcare software, healthcare IT, software platforms, technology platforms, digital platforms, laboratory platforms, dental platforms, Glidewell, Glidewell Laboratories, GCM, Glidewell Customer Manager, CRM integration, LMS integration, accounting integration, inventory integration, logistics integration, scanner integration, digital dentistry workflows, dental CAD, dental CAM, CAD CAM workflow, CAD CAM software, dental design workflow, dental production workflow, dental manufacturing, dental manufacturing software, dental milling, dental 3D printing, dental digital workflow, dental digitalization, dental lab digitalization, dental laboratory digitalization, dental lab systems, dental laboratory systems, lab software systems, dental software systems, software for dental labs, best dental lab software, dental lab management software, laboratory management software, dental production management, dental case management, dental customer management, dental inventory management, dental accounting, dental logistics, dental reporting, dental analytics, dental automation, dental workflow automation, dental case automation, dental lab integrations, dental lab software integration, digital lab management, digital laboratory management, dental lab efficiency, dental lab productivity, dental lab operations, dental lab processes, dental lab workflows, dental lab business, dental lab technology, dental laboratory business, dental laboratory operations, dental laboratory workflow, dental laboratory automation, dental laboratory software, dental laboratory management software, dental laboratory technology, Voices From the Bench, Voices From the Bench podcast, dental podcast, dental technology podcast, dental lab podcast, dental laboratory podcast, Elvis, Dan Sinclair, Amir Bagheri, Magic Touch interview, Magic Touch podcast, dental software podcast, dental technology interview, dental lab interview, dental industry podcast, dental business podcast, dental innovation podcast, dental workflow podcast, dental management podcast, dental tech, dental tech podcast, dental tech industry, dental tech software, lab management technology, laboratory management technology, digital lab workflow, integrated lab management, smarter lab management, efficient dental lab, modern lab management, laboratory software solutions, dental laboratory software solutions, lab management solutions, dental lab solutions, technology for dental labs, software for dental laboratories, technology for dental laboratories, digital laboratory solutions, automated laboratory workflow, connected dental laboratory, data driven dental lab, data driven laboratory, process driven lab, efficient laboratory, scalable laboratory, laboratory growth, lab modernization, dental lab modernization, digital lab transformation, laboratory transformation, workflow transformation, software transformation, dental software implementation, LMS implementation, dental lab transition, laboratory software transition, dental lab migration, Magic Touch transition, Summer Dental, Somer Dental, dental lab software transition, dental lab software implementation, laboratory software implementation, laboratory software migration</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>What if zirconia could look even more like natural teeth?</h3>

<h3>According to Dr. Ed McLaren, “Of all the zirconia’s he's tested, the optical properties of <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s e.max zirconia are the closest to natural teeth.” (And I second that with everything I’ve see – if Barb does the read)</h3>

<h3>Discover what’s redefining the possibilities with <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener">IPS e.max Zirconia</a>.</h3>

<h3>Join Dr. Ed McLaren for Zirconia Reimagined—an informative webinar exploring the latest advancements, clinical insights, and practical applications of zirconia in modern dentistry.</h3>

<h3>October 5th @ 7:00 pm.  Register today at Vivalearning.com</h3>

<hr>

<h3>As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why <a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Knight Dental</a> recently launched <strong>SimplyARCH Studio</strong>, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>hyperDENT</strong></a>. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.</h3>

<p>What happens when you combine a family-run software company, decades of dental laboratory experience, and a mission to make labs run smarter? You get <a href="https://www.magictouchsoftware.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Magic Touch Software</a>. In this episode, Elvis sits down with <strong>Dan Sinclair</strong> and <strong>Amir Bagheri</strong> to dig into the history, philosophy, and technology behind Magic Touch and find out why they believe a laboratory management system should do a whole lot more than just track cases through production.</p>

<p>Dan shares his unexpected journey back to Magic Touch after leaving the company, while Amir takes us all the way back to the 1990s and the origins of the software, including how his father, Gary, helped develop what would eventually become the foundation of Magic Touch through his work with Glidewell. The conversation dives into the evolution from production-focused LMS platforms to complete business management systems that bring customer management, accounting, inventory, automation, digital case entry, integrations, reporting, and production workflows together in one place.</p>

<p>We also get into one of the biggest challenges facing modern dental labs: digital case entry and the ever-growing pile of scanner portals and inboxes. Amir and Dan explain how Magic Touch can automate that process, reduce manual entry, minimize missed cases and errors, and give lab teams more time to actually work on cases instead of hunting them down. And if you've ever wondered how much time and money a lab can lose by having a collection of disconnected systems, this conversation makes a pretty compelling case for consolidation.</p>

<p>But perhaps the biggest theme of the episode is that Magic Touch doesn't want to be just another software vendor. Their approach is built around implementation, consultation, process improvement, and helping labs understand what they actually want their business to look like before configuring the system to get them there. From breaking old habits to building super users, testing changes before they go live, and using data to identify where a lab needs to improve, the goal is to create a system that grows and changes with the business.</p>

<h3>Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>And he couldn’t do it without <a href="https://www.icortica.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">icortica</a>.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Stop digging for data and start taking action.</h3>

<h3>Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?”</h3>

<h3>You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. <a href="https://labncloud.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">LabNCloud</a> is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing.</h3>

<h3>Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free.</h3>

<h3>LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.</h3><p>Special Guests: Amir Bagheri and Dan Sinclair.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>What if zirconia could look even more like natural teeth?</h3>

<h3>According to Dr. Ed McLaren, “Of all the zirconia’s he's tested, the optical properties of <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s e.max zirconia are the closest to natural teeth.” (And I second that with everything I’ve see – if Barb does the read)</h3>

<h3>Discover what’s redefining the possibilities with <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener">IPS e.max Zirconia</a>.</h3>

<h3>Join Dr. Ed McLaren for Zirconia Reimagined—an informative webinar exploring the latest advancements, clinical insights, and practical applications of zirconia in modern dentistry.</h3>

<h3>October 5th @ 7:00 pm.  Register today at Vivalearning.com</h3>

<hr>

<h3>As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why <a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Knight Dental</a> recently launched <strong>SimplyARCH Studio</strong>, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>hyperDENT</strong></a>. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.</h3>

<p>What happens when you combine a family-run software company, decades of dental laboratory experience, and a mission to make labs run smarter? You get <a href="https://www.magictouchsoftware.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Magic Touch Software</a>. In this episode, Elvis sits down with <strong>Dan Sinclair</strong> and <strong>Amir Bagheri</strong> to dig into the history, philosophy, and technology behind Magic Touch and find out why they believe a laboratory management system should do a whole lot more than just track cases through production.</p>

<p>Dan shares his unexpected journey back to Magic Touch after leaving the company, while Amir takes us all the way back to the 1990s and the origins of the software, including how his father, Gary, helped develop what would eventually become the foundation of Magic Touch through his work with Glidewell. The conversation dives into the evolution from production-focused LMS platforms to complete business management systems that bring customer management, accounting, inventory, automation, digital case entry, integrations, reporting, and production workflows together in one place.</p>

<p>We also get into one of the biggest challenges facing modern dental labs: digital case entry and the ever-growing pile of scanner portals and inboxes. Amir and Dan explain how Magic Touch can automate that process, reduce manual entry, minimize missed cases and errors, and give lab teams more time to actually work on cases instead of hunting them down. And if you've ever wondered how much time and money a lab can lose by having a collection of disconnected systems, this conversation makes a pretty compelling case for consolidation.</p>

<p>But perhaps the biggest theme of the episode is that Magic Touch doesn't want to be just another software vendor. Their approach is built around implementation, consultation, process improvement, and helping labs understand what they actually want their business to look like before configuring the system to get them there. From breaking old habits to building super users, testing changes before they go live, and using data to identify where a lab needs to improve, the goal is to create a system that grows and changes with the business.</p>

<h3>Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>And he couldn’t do it without <a href="https://www.icortica.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">icortica</a>.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Stop digging for data and start taking action.</h3>

<h3>Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?”</h3>

<h3>You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. <a href="https://labncloud.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">LabNCloud</a> is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing.</h3>

<h3>Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free.</h3>

<h3>LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.</h3><p>Special Guests: Amir Bagheri and Dan Sinclair.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>428: exocad Insights 2026 Part 2: Pinhas Adar, Javier Perez Lopez, &amp; Dora Rodrigues</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/428</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
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  <itunes:episode>428</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>exocad Insights 2026 Part 2: Pinhas Adar, Javier Perez Lopez, &amp; Dora Rodrigues</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>At exocad Insights 2026, we talk with members of Oral Design International Foundation, Pinhas Adar and Javier Perez Lopez about the lasting legacy of Willi Geller and the importance of passion, mentorship, and community in dental technology. Then Dora Rodrigues shares her journey into advanced digital workflows, becoming a certified exocad trainer, and teaching full-arch dentistry around the world.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:04:47</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/4/4b5349b3-2fb2-4238-b8ee-9cd506d2291d/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hello voices from the bench community, &lt;a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;John Wilson&lt;/a&gt; here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s new &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PrograMill 7&lt;/a&gt;. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine USA&lt;/a&gt;—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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://www.oraldesign.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Oral Design International Foundation&lt;/a&gt; members &lt;strong&gt;Pinhas Adar&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Javier Perez&lt;/strong&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Then the crew caught up with returning guest &lt;strong&gt;Dora Rodrigues&lt;/strong&gt;, 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;More laboratories continue turning to &lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Roland DGA&lt;/a&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For labs exploring digital dentures, the Elevate Denture Solution offers a streamlined workflow with validated CAM strategies and Ivotion compatibility through &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT software&lt;/a&gt; — helping labs adopt digital production without unnecessary complexity.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Because labs don’t need more stress. They need dependable systems that simply work.&lt;br&gt;
 Special Guests: Dora Rodrigues, Javier Perez Lopez, and Pinhas Adar MDT, CDT.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>digital dentistry, dental technology, dental technician, exocad, exocad Insights, Mallorca, Spain, Oral Design, Willi Geller, legacy, mentorship, ceramics, ceramist, esthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, veneers, no-prep veneers, digital workflow, analog workflow, full arch, full arch workflow, smile design, implant cases, zirconia, milling, in-house milling, titanium bars, split file, split bar, partial CAD, dental CAD, photogrammetry, IO Connect, intraoral scanner, passive fit, occlusion, bite adjustment, chairside conversion, conversions, dental lab, dental laboratory, lab owner, lab workflow, dental education, continuing education, collaboration, friendship, passion, inspiration, craftsmanship, analog artistry, digital tools, dental innovation, dental community, hands-on courses, lectures, trainer, certified trainer, exocad trainer, advanced workflow, dental milling, zirconia bridge, implant bridge, screw-retained prosthetics, dental design, CAD/CAM, restorative dentistry, prosthetics, teamwork, technician life, dental podcast, Voices From the Bench, dental industry, lab life, workflow efficiency, aesthetics, precision dentistry, customization, pink porcelain, implant workflow, digital evolution, high-end dentistry, oral rehabilitation, teamwork dentistry, dental leadership, education, sharing knowledge, lab technician, removable prosthetics, fixed prosthetics, dental symposium, Seoul symposium, Trento memorial, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, London, DTS, Arkansas, New Jersey, Atlanta, global dentistry, international speakers, dental events, networking, human connection, teamwork, inspiration, learning, teaching, workflow optimization, dental software, milling machine, dental materials, zirconia workflow, implant planning, restorative workflow, dental excellence, artistry, technician respect, dental passion, innovation, education platform, dental speakers, digital lab, lab management, modern dentistry, prosthetic design, aesthetic cases, dental mentors, dental family, technician community, dental craftsmanship, high-end restorations, advanced dentistry, restorative excellence, dental collaboration, dental future, technology integration, analog skills, digital solutions, dental passion project, learning environment, dental workflows, implant prosthetics, restorative design, dental communication, problem solving, workflow integration, technician training, dental support, dental artistry, teamwork culture, dental inspiration, dental philosophy, full mouth restoration, implant retained prosthetics, milling center, dental accuracy, precision fit, digital technician, laboratory education, dental networking, oral rehabilitation, restorative materials, digital impressions, custom prosthetics, dental innovation summit</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hello voices from the bench community, <a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">John Wilson</a> here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener">PrograMill 7</a>. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a>—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.</h3>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.oraldesign.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Oral Design International Foundation</a> members <strong>Pinhas Adar</strong> and <strong>Javier Perez</strong> 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.</p>

<p>Then the crew caught up with returning guest <strong>Dora Rodrigues</strong>, 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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>More laboratories continue turning to <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGA</a> 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.</p>

<p>For labs exploring digital dentures, the Elevate Denture Solution offers a streamlined workflow with validated CAM strategies and Ivotion compatibility through <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT software</a> — helping labs adopt digital production without unnecessary complexity.</p>

<p>Because labs don’t need more stress. They need dependable systems that simply work.</p><p>Special Guests: Dora Rodrigues, Javier Perez Lopez, and Pinhas Adar MDT, CDT.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hello voices from the bench community, <a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">John Wilson</a> here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener">PrograMill 7</a>. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a>—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.</h3>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.oraldesign.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Oral Design International Foundation</a> members <strong>Pinhas Adar</strong> and <strong>Javier Perez</strong> 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.</p>

<p>Then the crew caught up with returning guest <strong>Dora Rodrigues</strong>, 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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>More laboratories continue turning to <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGA</a> 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.</p>

<p>For labs exploring digital dentures, the Elevate Denture Solution offers a streamlined workflow with validated CAM strategies and Ivotion compatibility through <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT software</a> — helping labs adopt digital production without unnecessary complexity.</p>

<p>Because labs don’t need more stress. They need dependable systems that simply work.</p><p>Special Guests: Dora Rodrigues, Javier Perez Lopez, and Pinhas Adar MDT, CDT.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>425: DLAT 2026 Part 2 with Tony Aliatim, Rebekah Serrago, Chris Wilson, Antoine Coppens, &amp; Christian Saurman</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/425</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/bb155c3f-8aa3-424a-bc13-9233995fa98b.mp3" length="71097216" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>425</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>DLAT 2026 Part 2 with Tony Aliatim, Rebekah Serrago, Chris Wilson, Antoine Coppens, &amp; Christian Saurman</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>At the Dental Laboratory Association of Texas Meeting 2026, Elvis and Barb sat down with Tony Aliatim from Axis Dental Milling, Rebekah Serrago and Chris Wilson from Garland Dental Services, and Antoine Coppens from Relu alongside orthodontic lab owner Christian Saurman from New England Orthodontic Laboratory. The conversations covered everything from industrial dental milling and equipment repair to AI-driven workflows that are changing how labs design and manufacture restorations. From preventive maintenance and milling strategies to fully automated AI design systems, this episode is packed with insight into where dental technology — and the lab industry — is headed next.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:13:59</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/b/bb155c3f-8aa3-424a-bc13-9233995fa98b/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;p&gt;-&lt;br&gt;
This week at the &lt;a href="https://dlat.wildapricot.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Dental Laboratory Association of Texas&lt;/a&gt; Meeting 2026, the microphones stayed hot as three completely different conversations all circled around the same thing: how fast the dental lab industry is evolving. First up, the crew sat down with &lt;strong&gt;Tony Aliatim&lt;/strong&gt; from &lt;a href="https://axismilling.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Axis Dental Milling&lt;/a&gt; to talk about going from biomedical engineering and printing silicone heart models for surgeons… to becoming one of the go-to names in dental milling. From industrial machining roots in Michigan to AI-powered calibration systems and Straumann plug-and-play workflows, Tony breaks down how VersaMill machines are helping labs mill everything from zirconia to implant abutments faster, smarter, and safer. Along the way, the conversation dives into HyperDent, trade show madness, wet vs dry milling nightmares, and why dental technicians may not realize how close this industry really is to aerospace-level manufacturing.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Then things shifted from mills to maintenance with &lt;strong&gt;Rebekah Serrago&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Chris Wilson&lt;/strong&gt; from &lt;a href="https://garlanddental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Garland Dental Services&lt;/a&gt;. 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Finally, the future officially arrived when the podcast crew sat down with &lt;strong&gt;Antoine Coppens&lt;/strong&gt; from &lt;a href="https://www.relu.ai/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Relu&lt;/a&gt; and orthodontic lab owner &lt;strong&gt;Christian Saurman&lt;/strong&gt; of &lt;a href="https://neolab.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;New England Orthodontic Laboratory&lt;/a&gt;. 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.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>DLAT, dental lab, dental technology, Voices From the Bench, Axis Dental, VersaMill, Garland Dental, Relu, AI dentistry, milling, dental milling, zirconia, PMMA, titanium, implant abutments, Straumann, Modjaw, HyperDent, exocad, 3Shape, CAD/CAM, dental CAD, CAM software, dental AI, artificial intelligence, lab automation, digital dentistry, dental workflow, milling machines, industrial milling, preventive maintenance, dental equipment repair, handpiece repair, ovens, dental ovens, VHF, Roland, Amann Girrbach, Takema, dental service, dental technician, dental lab technician, dental podcast, lab management software, LMS, RxWizard, orthodontics, orthodontic lab, New England Orthodontic Laboratory, NeoLab, surgical guides, intraoral scanner, CBCT, panoramic radiograph, STL files, workflow automation, dental innovation, implant workflow, implant crowns, milling burs, dental materials, e.max, zirconia crowns, night guards, splints, digital workflows, lab efficiency, dental manufacturing, AI design, automated design, dental software, 3D printing, biomedical engineering, MRI, CT scan, silicone printing, tissue printing, stem cells, engineering, Detroit, Michigan, trade shows, LMT Chicago, Midwinter Meeting, dental scanners, digital models, nesting software, dental implants, FDA validation, plug and play, PNP, milling accuracy, repeatability, calibration, AI calibration, smart mills, clinicians, chairside milling, in-house lab, lab workflow, digital lab, dental innovation, restorative dentistry, orthodontic appliances, aligners, Invisalign, robotic surgery, segmentation, mandibular canal, surgical planning, dental scanning, scan quality, AI scan analysis, crown design, margin lines, digital cases, dental automation, dental manufacturing, workflow integration, APIs, cloud workflow, design presets, doctor portal, dental prescriptions, barcoding, production workflow, lab systems, customization, technician workflow, dental support, customer support, repair technicians, equipment service, lab solutions, dental education, dental industry, dental conversations, dental business, family business, women in dentistry, CEO, online dental sales, social media marketing, dental e-commerce, dental parts, dental tools, milling tools, resin printing, 3D printed models, dental printing, digital orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, workflow optimization, lab growth, future of dentistry, dental engineering, dental nerds, dental innovation podcast, dental community, dental networking, dental trends, dental future, lab operations, manufacturing technology, dental entrepreneurship, dental repairs, lab equipment, workflow efficiency, digital transformation, dental AI software, AI workflow, automated workflows, dental labs, lab life, dental culture, tech support, training, engineering solutions, custom solutions, implant milling, digital impressions, STL workflow, scan alignment, AI learning, machine learning, customization, productivity, dental business growth, workflow solutions, dental service center, milling centers, validated workflows, FDA compliance, lab productivity, dental systems, digital manufacturing, dental excellence, dental craftsmanship, dental conversations podcast</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>-<br>
This week at the <a href="https://dlat.wildapricot.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Dental Laboratory Association of Texas</a> Meeting 2026, the microphones stayed hot as three completely different conversations all circled around the same thing: how fast the dental lab industry is evolving. First up, the crew sat down with <strong>Tony Aliatim</strong> from <a href="https://axismilling.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Axis Dental Milling</a> to talk about going from biomedical engineering and printing silicone heart models for surgeons… to becoming one of the go-to names in dental milling. From industrial machining roots in Michigan to AI-powered calibration systems and Straumann plug-and-play workflows, Tony breaks down how VersaMill machines are helping labs mill everything from zirconia to implant abutments faster, smarter, and safer. Along the way, the conversation dives into HyperDent, trade show madness, wet vs dry milling nightmares, and why dental technicians may not realize how close this industry really is to aerospace-level manufacturing.</p>

<p>Then things shifted from mills to maintenance with <strong>Rebekah Serrago</strong> and <strong>Chris Wilson</strong> from <a href="https://garlanddental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Garland Dental Services</a>. 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.</p>

<p>Finally, the future officially arrived when the podcast crew sat down with <strong>Antoine Coppens</strong> from <a href="https://www.relu.ai/" rel="nofollow noopener">Relu</a> and orthodontic lab owner <strong>Christian Saurman</strong> of <a href="https://neolab.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">New England Orthodontic Laboratory</a>. 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.</p><p>Special Guests: Antoine Coppens, Chris Wilson, Christian Saurman, Rebekah Serrago, and Tony Aliatim.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>-<br>
This week at the <a href="https://dlat.wildapricot.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Dental Laboratory Association of Texas</a> Meeting 2026, the microphones stayed hot as three completely different conversations all circled around the same thing: how fast the dental lab industry is evolving. First up, the crew sat down with <strong>Tony Aliatim</strong> from <a href="https://axismilling.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Axis Dental Milling</a> to talk about going from biomedical engineering and printing silicone heart models for surgeons… to becoming one of the go-to names in dental milling. From industrial machining roots in Michigan to AI-powered calibration systems and Straumann plug-and-play workflows, Tony breaks down how VersaMill machines are helping labs mill everything from zirconia to implant abutments faster, smarter, and safer. Along the way, the conversation dives into HyperDent, trade show madness, wet vs dry milling nightmares, and why dental technicians may not realize how close this industry really is to aerospace-level manufacturing.</p>

<p>Then things shifted from mills to maintenance with <strong>Rebekah Serrago</strong> and <strong>Chris Wilson</strong> from <a href="https://garlanddental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Garland Dental Services</a>. 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.</p>

<p>Finally, the future officially arrived when the podcast crew sat down with <strong>Antoine Coppens</strong> from <a href="https://www.relu.ai/" rel="nofollow noopener">Relu</a> and orthodontic lab owner <strong>Christian Saurman</strong> of <a href="https://neolab.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">New England Orthodontic Laboratory</a>. 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.</p><p>Special Guests: Antoine Coppens, Chris Wilson, Christian Saurman, Rebekah Serrago, and Tony Aliatim.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>424: DLAT 2026 Part 1: Ortho Outlaws and Vulcanite Veterans with Jason Dyas &amp; Jim Collis</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/424</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">bf5c6b83-618e-45c1-9da5-23a3cb4c48bd</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/bf5c6b83-618e-45c1-9da5-23a3cb4c48bd.mp3" length="73261056" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>424</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>DLAT 2026 Part 1: Ortho Outlaws and Vulcanite Veterans with Jason Dyas &amp; Jim Collis</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Live from DLAT, this episode features two incredible conversations with Jason Dyas and Jim Collis. Jason shares how Ortho Outlaw grew from a garage ortho lab into a social-media-driven tech platform focused on digital workflows and wire-bending technology, while Jim reflects on 45 years in dental technology, teaching digital dentures, 3D printing, and the evolution from Vulcanite dentures all the way to photogrammetry.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:16:14</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/b/bf5c6b83-618e-45c1-9da5-23a3cb4c48bd/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hello voices from the bench community, &lt;a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;John Wilson&lt;/a&gt; here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s new &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PrograMill 7&lt;/a&gt;. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine USA&lt;/a&gt;—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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;From wire-bending machines and digital ortho workflows to Vulcanite dentures and photogrammetry, this episode from the &lt;a href="https://dlat.wildapricot.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;DLAT&lt;/a&gt; floor is packed with stories, laughs, and a whole lot of dental lab wisdom. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;First up, the crew sits down with Jason Dyas — better known these days as the man behind &lt;a href="https://orthodonticlabsolutions.com/ortho-outlaw/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ortho Outlaw&lt;/a&gt; and everyone’s favorite outlaw mascot, Clyde. Jason shares his journey from construction work and garage-built orthodontic appliances to running successful ortho labs and diving headfirst into digital technology. What started with fax-machine marketing and Walmart bench grinders eventually evolved into automated wire-bending machines, digital scanning, social media content creation, and a growing mission to help older labs embrace modern workflows instead of shutting their doors. The conversation covers everything from AI-driven ortho tech and the future of wire bending to building a brand, traveling to industry events around the world, and how Ortho Outlaw became one of the most recognizable new names in orthodontic lab social media.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Then the podcast catches up with longtime friend of the show Jim Collis for an incredible deep dive into 45 years of dental technology experience. Jim talks about teaching hands-on courses at DLAT, helping labs transition from analog workflows into digital dentures and 3D printing, and why education is still the key to success in modern dentistry. From discussing AI-assisted denture design and automated workflows to reminiscing about fixing Vulcanite dentures and the earliest days of implants, Jim delivers one amazing story after another. Along the way, he shares lessons from his CDT journey, the mentors who shaped his career, his passion for consulting and education, and why he still loves this industry after nearly five decades. It’s equal parts history lesson, technology discussion, and classic Voices From the Bench chaos — complete with Star Trek references, Slurpee stories, and enough off-topic tangents to make Barb proud. Special Guests: Clyde, Jason Dyas, and Jim Collis CDT.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>orthodontics, orthodontic lab, ortho lab, Ortho Outlaw, Clyde, Jason Dyas, Jim Collis, Voices From the Bench, DLAT, DLAT 2026, dental lab, dental technology, CDT, certified dental technician, orthodontic appliances, Crozats, Hawley retainers, acrylic work, wire bending, wire bender, automated wire bending, AOS wire bender, digital orthodontics, digital dentistry, digital workflow, 3D printing, removable prosthetics, dentures, digital dentures, Crown and Bridge, photogrammetry, Vulcanite dentures, implant dentistry, ortho appliances, lab owner, dental technician, dental podcast, dental education, lab technology, analog dentistry, digital transition, scanning, desktop scanner, 3Shape, exocad, AI dentistry, AI design, 3Shape Automate, denture design, STL files, dental software, dental CAD, dental CAM, dental design, lab workflow, printing resins, resin printing, wash station, Dreve, Frozen printer, Sonic XL, Harvest materials, Rhino cleaner, non-alcohol cleaner, dental materials, dental equipment, laser welder, Sunstone Laser Welders, IDS, Chicago Midwinter, Lab Day West, AAO, Germany, orthodontic meetings, dental conferences, dental trade show, dental industry, social media marketing, dental influencer, dental content creator, dental videos, dental reviews, product reviews, dental equipment reviews, ortho technology, AI orthodontics, digital scanning, study model scanning, orthodontic lab solutions, Digital Ortho Pros, orthodontic lab pros, Tennessee, Knoxville, California, Northern California, Stockton, Lodi, Sacramento, Bay Area, garage lab, startup lab, fax marketing, dental sales, orthodontists, impressions, stone models, appliance fabrication, dental innovation, dental entrepreneurship, entrepreneur, dental consulting, Collins Dental Consulting, lab consulting, lab management, dental education courses, hands-on course, removable dentistry, naturalized denture bases, denture printing, dental printers, build plate, resin heating, FEP screen, print calibration, dental troubleshooting, dental R&amp;D, dental innovation, dental workflow, digital lab, dental technicians, lab burnout, technology adoption, future of dental labs, next generation labs, younger technicians, gaming generation, digital learning, YouTube education, dental YouTube, online learning, workflow optimization, additive manufacturing, digital models, cloud storage, storage sheds, dental archives, dental scanning services, AI workflow, dental automation, order forms, automated design, bridge design, crown design, denture workflow, removable lab, Crown and Bridge technician, implant restorations, transmandibular implants, magnet overdentures, Jackson magnets, pre-magnets, dental history, dental evolution, lab stories, dental mentorship, Triton College, Wayne Zaruba, dental instructors, dental school, lab craftsmanship, denture repairs, porcelain teeth, acrylic dentures, articulators, bench grinder, Dremel, monomer, dental safety, resin odors, dental printing setup, printer camera, wash and cure, dental troubleshooting, dental manufacturing, lab startup, dental community, orthodontic community, ORG, orthodontic resource group, lab networking, dental collaboration, dental teamwork, digital adoption, dental legacy, dental craftsmanship, dental artistry, dental future, golf, fishing, trucking, construction work, Harley Davidson, social media merch, dental branding, influencer marketing, SEO, ROI, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube videos, dental photography, podcast guest, industry veteran, lab culture, dental humor, dental stories, technology in dentistry, modern dental lab, traditional dental lab, future of orthodontics, future of dentures, dental innovation community</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hello voices from the bench community, <a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">John Wilson</a> here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener">PrograMill 7</a>. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a>—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.</h3>

<p>From wire-bending machines and digital ortho workflows to Vulcanite dentures and photogrammetry, this episode from the <a href="https://dlat.wildapricot.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">DLAT</a> floor is packed with stories, laughs, and a whole lot of dental lab wisdom. </p>

<p>First up, the crew sits down with Jason Dyas — better known these days as the man behind <a href="https://orthodonticlabsolutions.com/ortho-outlaw/" rel="nofollow noopener">Ortho Outlaw</a> and everyone’s favorite outlaw mascot, Clyde. Jason shares his journey from construction work and garage-built orthodontic appliances to running successful ortho labs and diving headfirst into digital technology. What started with fax-machine marketing and Walmart bench grinders eventually evolved into automated wire-bending machines, digital scanning, social media content creation, and a growing mission to help older labs embrace modern workflows instead of shutting their doors. The conversation covers everything from AI-driven ortho tech and the future of wire bending to building a brand, traveling to industry events around the world, and how Ortho Outlaw became one of the most recognizable new names in orthodontic lab social media.</p>

<p>Then the podcast catches up with longtime friend of the show Jim Collis for an incredible deep dive into 45 years of dental technology experience. Jim talks about teaching hands-on courses at DLAT, helping labs transition from analog workflows into digital dentures and 3D printing, and why education is still the key to success in modern dentistry. From discussing AI-assisted denture design and automated workflows to reminiscing about fixing Vulcanite dentures and the earliest days of implants, Jim delivers one amazing story after another. Along the way, he shares lessons from his CDT journey, the mentors who shaped his career, his passion for consulting and education, and why he still loves this industry after nearly five decades. It’s equal parts history lesson, technology discussion, and classic Voices From the Bench chaos — complete with Star Trek references, Slurpee stories, and enough off-topic tangents to make Barb proud.</p><p>Special Guests: Clyde, Jason Dyas, and Jim Collis CDT.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hello voices from the bench community, <a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">John Wilson</a> here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener">PrograMill 7</a>. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a>—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.</h3>

<p>From wire-bending machines and digital ortho workflows to Vulcanite dentures and photogrammetry, this episode from the <a href="https://dlat.wildapricot.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">DLAT</a> floor is packed with stories, laughs, and a whole lot of dental lab wisdom. </p>

<p>First up, the crew sits down with Jason Dyas — better known these days as the man behind <a href="https://orthodonticlabsolutions.com/ortho-outlaw/" rel="nofollow noopener">Ortho Outlaw</a> and everyone’s favorite outlaw mascot, Clyde. Jason shares his journey from construction work and garage-built orthodontic appliances to running successful ortho labs and diving headfirst into digital technology. What started with fax-machine marketing and Walmart bench grinders eventually evolved into automated wire-bending machines, digital scanning, social media content creation, and a growing mission to help older labs embrace modern workflows instead of shutting their doors. The conversation covers everything from AI-driven ortho tech and the future of wire bending to building a brand, traveling to industry events around the world, and how Ortho Outlaw became one of the most recognizable new names in orthodontic lab social media.</p>

<p>Then the podcast catches up with longtime friend of the show Jim Collis for an incredible deep dive into 45 years of dental technology experience. Jim talks about teaching hands-on courses at DLAT, helping labs transition from analog workflows into digital dentures and 3D printing, and why education is still the key to success in modern dentistry. From discussing AI-assisted denture design and automated workflows to reminiscing about fixing Vulcanite dentures and the earliest days of implants, Jim delivers one amazing story after another. Along the way, he shares lessons from his CDT journey, the mentors who shaped his career, his passion for consulting and education, and why he still loves this industry after nearly five decades. It’s equal parts history lesson, technology discussion, and classic Voices From the Bench chaos — complete with Star Trek references, Slurpee stories, and enough off-topic tangents to make Barb proud.</p><p>Special Guests: Clyde, Jason Dyas, and Jim Collis CDT.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>423: Kent Kohli is Always in Pursuit of a More Excellent Way</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/423</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">0fa7a19b-3af5-4247-929c-04bd4f83e179</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/0fa7a19b-3af5-4247-929c-04bd4f83e179.mp3" length="66683520" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>423</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Kent Kohli is Always in Pursuit of a More Excellent Way</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Kent Kohli shares how an unexpected path—from pre-dental student to passionate lab technician—led him to fall in love with ceramics and the artistry of dental technology. Guided by mentors and fueled by relentless self-education, he chose quality and growth over high-volume burnout, shaping a long, rewarding career. Now with Ivoclar, Kent is focused on giving back by helping bring hands-on education and foundational techniques to the next generation of technicians.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:09:23</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/0/0fa7a19b-3af5-4247-929c-04bd4f83e179/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hello voices from the bench community, &lt;a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;John Wilson&lt;/a&gt; here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s new &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PrograMill 7&lt;/a&gt;. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine USA&lt;/a&gt;—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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Rising costs, tighter deadlines, and greater demands are challenging labs everywhere. When efficiency matters, you need tools that deliver—every day.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Roland DGShape&lt;/a&gt; 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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Ready to boost efficiency? Explore DG Shape DWX Milling Solutions and the Elevate Dental Solution at RolandDental.com.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Special Guest: Kent Kohli.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental lab, dental technician, dental technology, ceramics, dental ceramics, crown and bridge, PFMs, all-ceramics, IPS Empress, e.max, layering, micro-layering, liquid ceramics, digital dentistry, CAD/CAM, milling, lab workflow, artistry, craftsmanship, occlusion, morphology, anterior aesthetics, posterior restorations, shade matching, surface texture, incisal edge, contour, anatomy, waxing, full contour, finishing, polishing, lab education, hands-on training, mentorship, continuing education, lifelong learning, dental school, trade school, European technique, lab culture, communication, dentist-technician relationship, chairside experience, orthodontics, ortho lab, indirect bonding, impressions, models, plaster, metal frameworks, casting, burnout, Bunsen burner, electric waxer, microscopes, precision, accuracy, efficiency, productivity, high-end dentistry, boutique lab, quality over quantity, race to the bottom, pricing strategy, lab business, entrepreneurship, startup lab, in-house lab, case planning, smile design, AACD, accreditation, KOL, key opinion leader, industry leaders, innovation, materials science, Ivoclar, Noritake, Jensen, Creation porcelain, Vita, Microstar, Zubler, Empress 2, feldspathic veneers, refractory technique, platinum foil, lab ownership, partnerships, networking, Lab Day Chicago, dental conventions, symposiums, Crown Council, Hornbrook Group, clinical education, lab-to-clinic collaboration, workflow optimization, time management, work ethic, 100-hour weeks, career growth, passion, dedication, perseverance, servant leadership, giving back, teaching, coaching, next generation, social media, YouTube learning, dental community, global dentistry, lab evolution, analog to digital, efficiency vs artistry, excellence, pursuit of excellence, inspiration, industry giants, mentorship impact</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hello voices from the bench community, <a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">John Wilson</a> here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener">PrograMill 7</a>. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a>—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.</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Rising costs, tighter deadlines, and greater demands are challenging labs everywhere. When efficiency matters, you need tools that deliver—every day.</h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGShape</a> 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Ready to boost efficiency? Explore DG Shape DWX Milling Solutions and the Elevate Dental Solution at RolandDental.com.</h3><p>Special Guest: Kent Kohli.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hello voices from the bench community, <a href="https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">John Wilson</a> here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7" rel="nofollow noopener">PrograMill 7</a>. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a>—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.</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Rising costs, tighter deadlines, and greater demands are challenging labs everywhere. When efficiency matters, you need tools that deliver—every day.</h3>

<h3><a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGShape</a> 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Ready to boost efficiency? Explore DG Shape DWX Milling Solutions and the Elevate Dental Solution at RolandDental.com.</h3><p>Special Guest: Kent Kohli.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>422: Renata Budny, Roberto Rossi, &amp; Eugene Vega: The Never Ending Education in a Dental Lab</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/422</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">22893711-f576-40ea-806d-e82664e03821</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/22893711-f576-40ea-806d-e82664e03821.mp3" length="61488945" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>422</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Renata Budny, Roberto Rossi, &amp; Eugene Vega: The Never Ending Education in a Dental Lab</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Elvis reunites with Renata Bundy alongside lab owner Roberto Rossi and technician Eugene Vega for a conversation that connects education to real-world lab life. They share how technicians often start with little experience, face early challenges, and need the right mentorship and environment to grow. Roberto highlights building a quality-driven lab while navigating digital workflows, and Renata reflects on preparing students for those realities.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:03:58</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/2/22893711-f576-40ea-806d-e82664e03821/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I&lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PS e.max Ceram Art&lt;/a&gt;. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt;. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine USA&lt;/a&gt; has been using hyperDENT in their own lab for over 15 years. That kind of longevity says a lot—they’re not just selling and supporting it, they’re relying on it in their own production every single day. That’s what really sets them apart.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This week’s episode brings it full circle as Elvis reconnects with one of the podcast’s very first guests, Renata Bundy, now a longtime professor at New York City College of Technology. Along with her are two technicians who represent both sides of the journey—lab owner Roberto Rossi and workflow master Eugene Vega—creating a conversation that dives deep into education, mentorship, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s dental lab world.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Roberto shares his unlikely path from working sanitation in New York to building a thriving lab, Synergy Dental Studio, over nearly three decades. With a relentless focus on quality, constant improvement, and embracing digital (while still questioning it), he explains how his lab has grown into a tight-knit, high-level operation. Eugene adds perspective from inside the lab, describing his evolution from student to managing daily workflow, highlighting how important environment, mentorship, and work ethic are when transitioning from school to real-world production.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Renata ties it all together from the educational side, reflecting on over 20 years of teaching and how the program has evolved alongside the industry—from analog fundamentals to digital workflows—while still preparing students for the realities they’ll face after graduation. The group doesn’t shy away from the tough truths either: low starting pay, steep learning curves, and the high dropout rate among new technicians. But the message is clear—stick with it, find the right lab, and the opportunity is there.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It’s a conversation about growth, grit, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—whether that’s in the classroom or the lab. And if nothing else, you’ll learn that a little Italian lunch might just be the secret to building a loyal team. Special Guests: Eugene Vega, Renata Budny, CDT, TE, and Roberto Rossi.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory, voices from the bench, dental technician, dental technology, dental education, City Tech, New York City College of Technology, dental school, lab workflow, workflow management, lab management, mentorship, training, career growth, dental industry, prosthodontics, crown and bridge, ceramics, zirconia, emax, implants, implant restorations, full arch, digital dentistry, analog dentistry, CAD/CAM, exocad, 3D printing, dental printers, Asiga, digital workflow, lab efficiency, quality control, QC, case planning, smile design, aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry, diagnostic wax-up, wax-up, model work, impressions, digital impressions, scanning, milling, dental milling, lab startup, lab owner, entrepreneurship, small business, team culture, leadership, hiring, work ethic, career development, continuing education, dental students, graduation, technician shortage, lab environment, production lab, boutique lab, high-end lab, patient experience, custom shade, shade matching, teamwork, collaboration, synergy, dentist relationships, communication, lab to doctor, case acceptance, troubleshooting, problem solving, experience vs education, hands-on training, bench work, craftsmanship, artistry, morphology, dentures, removable, fixed prosthetics, occlusion, anatomy, dental materials, porcelain, layering, finishing, polishing, productivity, efficiency, time management, lab growth, scaling a lab, digital transition, technology adoption, innovation, future of dentistry, industry challenges, technician retention, employee culture, lab perks, work-life balance, motivation, mentorship in dentistry, career pathways, dental lab life</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a>. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a> has been using hyperDENT in their own lab for over 15 years. That kind of longevity says a lot—they’re not just selling and supporting it, they’re relying on it in their own production every single day. That’s what really sets them apart.</h3>

<p>This week’s episode brings it full circle as Elvis reconnects with one of the podcast’s very first guests, Renata Bundy, now a longtime professor at New York City College of Technology. Along with her are two technicians who represent both sides of the journey—lab owner Roberto Rossi and workflow master Eugene Vega—creating a conversation that dives deep into education, mentorship, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s dental lab world.</p>

<p>Roberto shares his unlikely path from working sanitation in New York to building a thriving lab, Synergy Dental Studio, over nearly three decades. With a relentless focus on quality, constant improvement, and embracing digital (while still questioning it), he explains how his lab has grown into a tight-knit, high-level operation. Eugene adds perspective from inside the lab, describing his evolution from student to managing daily workflow, highlighting how important environment, mentorship, and work ethic are when transitioning from school to real-world production.</p>

<p>Renata ties it all together from the educational side, reflecting on over 20 years of teaching and how the program has evolved alongside the industry—from analog fundamentals to digital workflows—while still preparing students for the realities they’ll face after graduation. The group doesn’t shy away from the tough truths either: low starting pay, steep learning curves, and the high dropout rate among new technicians. But the message is clear—stick with it, find the right lab, and the opportunity is there.</p>

<p>It’s a conversation about growth, grit, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—whether that’s in the classroom or the lab. And if nothing else, you’ll learn that a little Italian lunch might just be the secret to building a loyal team.</p><p>Special Guests: Eugene Vega, Renata Budny, CDT, TE, and Roberto Rossi.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a>. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a> has been using hyperDENT in their own lab for over 15 years. That kind of longevity says a lot—they’re not just selling and supporting it, they’re relying on it in their own production every single day. That’s what really sets them apart.</h3>

<p>This week’s episode brings it full circle as Elvis reconnects with one of the podcast’s very first guests, Renata Bundy, now a longtime professor at New York City College of Technology. Along with her are two technicians who represent both sides of the journey—lab owner Roberto Rossi and workflow master Eugene Vega—creating a conversation that dives deep into education, mentorship, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s dental lab world.</p>

<p>Roberto shares his unlikely path from working sanitation in New York to building a thriving lab, Synergy Dental Studio, over nearly three decades. With a relentless focus on quality, constant improvement, and embracing digital (while still questioning it), he explains how his lab has grown into a tight-knit, high-level operation. Eugene adds perspective from inside the lab, describing his evolution from student to managing daily workflow, highlighting how important environment, mentorship, and work ethic are when transitioning from school to real-world production.</p>

<p>Renata ties it all together from the educational side, reflecting on over 20 years of teaching and how the program has evolved alongside the industry—from analog fundamentals to digital workflows—while still preparing students for the realities they’ll face after graduation. The group doesn’t shy away from the tough truths either: low starting pay, steep learning curves, and the high dropout rate among new technicians. But the message is clear—stick with it, find the right lab, and the opportunity is there.</p>

<p>It’s a conversation about growth, grit, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—whether that’s in the classroom or the lab. And if nothing else, you’ll learn that a little Italian lunch might just be the secret to building a loyal team.</p><p>Special Guests: Eugene Vega, Renata Budny, CDT, TE, and Roberto Rossi.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>421: Katherine Steinbock-Dyke: From Girl Scout Cookies to CEO of Whip Mix</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/421</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">60b6ea9f-000d-488c-83f9-f033b0efa54b</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/60b6ea9f-000d-488c-83f9-f033b0efa54b.mp3" length="61326777" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>421</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Katherine Steinbock-Dyke: From Girl Scout Cookies to CEO of Whip Mix</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>This week we chat with Katherine Steinbock-Dyke of Whip Mix about growing up in a family-run dental company and unexpectedly working her way to CEO. She shares her path from HR and corporate roles into operations, product development, and ultimately leadership—highlighting the balance between tradition and innovation in today’s evolving lab landscape. The episode mixes stories of continuous improvement, digital transitions, and industry travel, all wrapped in the perspective of someone focused on keeping a legacy company relevant for the future.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:03:48</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/6/60b6ea9f-000d-488c-83f9-f033b0efa54b/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I&lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PS e.max Ceram Art&lt;/a&gt;. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt;. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine USA&lt;/a&gt; has been using hyperDENT in their own lab for over 15 years. That kind of longevity says a lot—they’re not just selling and supporting it, they’re relying on it in their own production every single day. That’s what really sets them apart.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This week, Elvis and Barb sits down with Katherine Steinbock-Dyke of &lt;a href="https://whipmix.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Whip Mix&lt;/a&gt; to talk legacy, leadership, and the evolution of a family-run powerhouse in the dental industry. As part of the Steinbock lineage, Katherine shares what it was like growing up around the business—from selling Girl Scout cookies on the shop floor to eventually stepping into the CEO role. Her journey wasn’t a straight line, starting instead in international business and corporate HR before finding her way back to Whip Mix and working her way through multiple roles across the company.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The conversation dives into the realities of running a multi-generational company in a rapidly changing industry. Katherine talks about balancing tradition with innovation, from gypsum and articulators to digital workflows and resin development. She opens up about the challenges of staying relevant, the importance of continuous improvement (hello, WIN program), and what it really means to lead a team she genuinely cares about.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Along the way, there’s plenty of classic bench banter—everything from assembling pizzas at Papa John’s to the chaos of early 3D printing workflows and navigating massive trade shows like IDS. The episode wraps with a look at where Whip Mix is headed, Katherine’s focus on reconnecting with labs and customers, and how the next generation is shaping the future of dental manufacturing while respecting its roots. Special Guest: Katherine Steinbock-Dyke.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory, voices from the bench, dental technician, Whip Mix, Katherine Steinbock-Dyke, dental lab, dental industry, dental technology, dental materials, gypsum, articulators, dental resins, digital dentistry, analog dentistry, CAD CAM, 3D printing, Asiga, dental manufacturing, family business, leadership, CEO, next generation, succession planning, business evolution, innovation, continuous improvement, WIN program, workflow efficiency, operations, production, product development, HR, human resources, employee benefits, corporate culture, team building, management, entrepreneurship, legacy, heritage, dental education, dental schools, lab workflow, dental technicians, bench work, podcasts, Voices From the Bench, industry insights, trade shows, IDS, Lab Day, international business, global markets, Latin America, Australia, Europe, networking, mentorship, career growth, storytelling, dental community, lab life, analog vs digital, hybrid workflow, dental equipment, mixers, furnaces, model trimmers, materials science, polymers, dental labs, small business, large labs, industry trends, future of dentistry, innovation strategy, relevance, customer relationships, dealer network, partnerships, collaboration, lab owners, technicians life, bench culture</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a>. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a> has been using hyperDENT in their own lab for over 15 years. That kind of longevity says a lot—they’re not just selling and supporting it, they’re relying on it in their own production every single day. That’s what really sets them apart.</h3>

<p>This week, Elvis and Barb sits down with Katherine Steinbock-Dyke of <a href="https://whipmix.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Whip Mix</a> to talk legacy, leadership, and the evolution of a family-run powerhouse in the dental industry. As part of the Steinbock lineage, Katherine shares what it was like growing up around the business—from selling Girl Scout cookies on the shop floor to eventually stepping into the CEO role. Her journey wasn’t a straight line, starting instead in international business and corporate HR before finding her way back to Whip Mix and working her way through multiple roles across the company.</p>

<p>The conversation dives into the realities of running a multi-generational company in a rapidly changing industry. Katherine talks about balancing tradition with innovation, from gypsum and articulators to digital workflows and resin development. She opens up about the challenges of staying relevant, the importance of continuous improvement (hello, WIN program), and what it really means to lead a team she genuinely cares about.</p>

<p>Along the way, there’s plenty of classic bench banter—everything from assembling pizzas at Papa John’s to the chaos of early 3D printing workflows and navigating massive trade shows like IDS. The episode wraps with a look at where Whip Mix is headed, Katherine’s focus on reconnecting with labs and customers, and how the next generation is shaping the future of dental manufacturing while respecting its roots.</p><p>Special Guest: Katherine Steinbock-Dyke.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a>. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a> has been using hyperDENT in their own lab for over 15 years. That kind of longevity says a lot—they’re not just selling and supporting it, they’re relying on it in their own production every single day. That’s what really sets them apart.</h3>

<p>This week, Elvis and Barb sits down with Katherine Steinbock-Dyke of <a href="https://whipmix.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Whip Mix</a> to talk legacy, leadership, and the evolution of a family-run powerhouse in the dental industry. As part of the Steinbock lineage, Katherine shares what it was like growing up around the business—from selling Girl Scout cookies on the shop floor to eventually stepping into the CEO role. Her journey wasn’t a straight line, starting instead in international business and corporate HR before finding her way back to Whip Mix and working her way through multiple roles across the company.</p>

<p>The conversation dives into the realities of running a multi-generational company in a rapidly changing industry. Katherine talks about balancing tradition with innovation, from gypsum and articulators to digital workflows and resin development. She opens up about the challenges of staying relevant, the importance of continuous improvement (hello, WIN program), and what it really means to lead a team she genuinely cares about.</p>

<p>Along the way, there’s plenty of classic bench banter—everything from assembling pizzas at Papa John’s to the chaos of early 3D printing workflows and navigating massive trade shows like IDS. The episode wraps with a look at where Whip Mix is headed, Katherine’s focus on reconnecting with labs and customers, and how the next generation is shaping the future of dental manufacturing while respecting its roots.</p><p>Special Guest: Katherine Steinbock-Dyke.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>415: Lab Day Chicago 2026 (&amp; Cal-Lab) Part 1 with Jeff Stronk, April Newell, &amp; Joey Hunter</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/415</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">96bf1d64-0d38-4c99-b310-5711df4bfcbc</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/96bf1d64-0d38-4c99-b310-5711df4bfcbc.mp3" length="73891884" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>415</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Lab Day Chicago 2026 (&amp; Cal-Lab) Part 1 with Jeff Stronk, April Newell, &amp; Joey Hunter</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>At the 100th anniversary meeting of the Cal-Lab Association, Elvis talks with Jeff Stronk about a successful first day filled with great speakers, strong attendance, and meaningful peer-to-peer conversations between lab owners. He also chats with April Newell about the rapid growth of dental 3D printing and how metal and resin printing are expanding what labs can produce. Finally, longtime technician Joey Hunter shares her 30-year journey in removables and her experience attending LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026 for the first time.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:16:54</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/9/96bf1d64-0d38-4c99-b310-5711df4bfcbc/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I&lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PS e.max Ceram Art&lt;/a&gt;. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; from &lt;a href="https://www.followmetechnology.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;FOLLOW-ME! Technology&lt;/a&gt; was everywhere.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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…&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026&lt;/em&gt;*&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 &lt;a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://members.dlat.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://exocad.com/insights-2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;At the 100-year celebration of the &lt;a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Cal-Lab Association&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;After moving over to the &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt; 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 &lt;a href="https://nota3d.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Nota3D&lt;/a&gt;. 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://www.renstrom.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Renstrom Dental Studio&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;And he couldn’t do it without &lt;a href="https://www.icortica.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;iCortica&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Stop digging for data and start taking action.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Join us at &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;exocad Insights 2026&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code &lt;strong&gt;VFTBPalma15&lt;/strong&gt; for 15% off.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Special Guests: April Newell, Jeff Stronk, and Joey Hunter.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory, Cal-Lab, Cal-Lab 100, dental laboratory, dental technician, dental lab owners, Jeff Strock, April Newell, Joey Hunter, removable prosthetics, dentures, partial dentures, denture finishing, denture waxing, tooth setup, wire bending, orthodontic appliances, night guards, additive manufacturing, dental 3D printing, metal printing, resin printing, chrome cobalt, titanium printing, implant bars, dental frameworks, digital dentistry, analog dentistry, dental technology, dental lab management, dental lab leadership, peer-to-peer learning, industry networking, dental meetings, Lab Day Chicago, dental innovation, lab workflow, dental manufacturing, dental industry trends, lab education, technician skills, dental craftsmanship, dental career paths, dental business growth, voices from the bench</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> from <a href="https://www.followmetechnology.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! Technology</a> was everywhere.</h3>

<h3>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…</h3>

<h3>Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.</h3>

<h3>Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower.</h3>

<p><em>Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026</em>*</p>

<ul>
<li>Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 <a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://members.dlat.org/</a></li>
<li>exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">https://exocad.com/insights-2026</a></li>
</ul>

<p>At the 100-year celebration of the <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Cal-Lab Association</a>, 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.</p>

<p>After moving over to the <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a> 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 <a href="https://nota3d.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Nota3D</a>. 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.</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.renstrom.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Renstrom Dental Studio</a>, 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.</p>

<h3>Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>And he couldn’t do it without <a href="https://www.icortica.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">iCortica</a>.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Stop digging for data and start taking action.</h3>

<h3>Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guests: April Newell, Jeff Stronk, and Joey Hunter.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> from <a href="https://www.followmetechnology.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! Technology</a> was everywhere.</h3>

<h3>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…</h3>

<h3>Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.</h3>

<h3>Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower.</h3>

<p><em>Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026</em>*</p>

<ul>
<li>Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 <a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://members.dlat.org/</a></li>
<li>exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">https://exocad.com/insights-2026</a></li>
</ul>

<p>At the 100-year celebration of the <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">Cal-Lab Association</a>, 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.</p>

<p>After moving over to the <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a> 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 <a href="https://nota3d.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Nota3D</a>. 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.</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.renstrom.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Renstrom Dental Studio</a>, 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.</p>

<h3>Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>And he couldn’t do it without <a href="https://www.icortica.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">iCortica</a>.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Stop digging for data and start taking action.</h3>

<h3>Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guests: April Newell, Jeff Stronk, and Joey Hunter.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>410: Helen Tanaka: From a Driver to the Bench and Knowing the Why </title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/410</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">189ae8b7-260f-4ecb-833b-409eca5d9931</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/189ae8b7-260f-4ecb-833b-409eca5d9931.mp3" length="65378304" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>410</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Helen Tanaka: From a Driver to the Bench and Knowing the Why </itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>This week we talk with Helen Tanaka, a removable and implant specialist who started her career as a dental lab driver and worked her way into lab management, digital workflows, and clinical education. She shares her passion for dentures, occlusion, and implant restorations, emphasizing that technicians must understand the fundamentals and the why behind every step — especially in today’s digital world. The conversation covers guided surgery, digital dentures, doctor training, and the growing need for stronger removable education for both dentists and technicians.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:08:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/1/189ae8b7-260f-4ecb-833b-409eca5d9931/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Join Ivoclar (AND US!) this February at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Ivoclar will be offering 16 different educational lectures over the three-day event, giving dental professionals plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Visit labday.com/Ivoclar to view the full schedule and register, and be sure to stop by and see the Ivoclar team in the Windy City.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Walking the &lt;a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Lab Day Chicago&lt;/a&gt; floor? Make it worth it.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Stop by the &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; booth (E-27, East Hall) and take part in their Milling Roadmap—a quick, scavenger-hunt-style activity that leads you to key milling partners like &lt;a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Axsys&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;DOF&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Roland&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Collect stamps at booths you’re likely visiting anyway and get entered to win some great giveaways—including this year’s grand prize: a foldable Honda electric scooter.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026&lt;/em&gt;*&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 &lt;a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://cal-lab.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 &lt;a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 &lt;a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://members.dlat.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://exocad.com/insights-2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This week Elvis and Barb sit down with Helen Tanaka — a removable, implant, and digital workflow specialist whose career started in one of the most relatable ways possible: as a dental lab driver. What began as a job delivering cases quickly turned into a full-blown passion once she stepped inside the lab and saw what technicians were creating. From trimming dies and waxing copings to managing labs, supporting implant surgeries, teaching doctors chairside, and leading removable and implant teams, Helen shares a journey built on curiosity, persistence, and a deep drive to understand the why behind everything in dental technology.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Helen talks about working her way through crown and bridge fundamentals before discovering her true passion in removables, dentures, implants, and occlusion. After getting real-world lab experience, she attended dental technology school, studied all six specialties, and continued expanding her knowledge through advanced occlusion training and continuing education. She explains why understanding morphology, materials, and occlusal principles is critical — especially today — and why technicians must know more than just the steps of fabrication. For Helen, dentures and implant prosthetics offer the ultimate puzzle, combining anatomy, function, and problem-solving in ways that keep her constantly engaged.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The conversation dives deep into digital dentistry, guided surgery, and removable workflows, with Helen sharing her early experiences launching digital denture and sleep appliance programs long before the workflows were polished. She discusses digital record capture, stackable surgical guides, implant planning, photogrammetry, and where digital still needs improvement — especially for removable prosthetics. While she embraces technology, she stresses that software is only as good as the technician behind it, and that skipping fundamentals creates bigger problems later. Digital is powerful, but it doesn’t replace understanding.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Education is a major theme throughout the episode. Helen regularly teaches doctors and technicians, speaks at courses, supports live implant conversions, and works with dental students. She emphasizes that many clinicians today lack confidence in dentures and removable workflows, often because fundamentals are under-taught, and she sees technicians as essential partners in closing that gap. She and the hosts discuss how removable cases are frequently rushed, underpaid, and misunderstood — even though they replace a critical body function — and why slowing down, capturing correct records, and returning to basics solves many of the “mystery” failures labs see every day.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, &lt;a href="https://arklign.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Arklign&lt;/a&gt;, and implant education centers, where she has worked in technical service, management, training, and quality oversight roles. She talks about networking, mentoring, never burning bridges, and investing in people coming up in the industry. Her approach to both dentistry and life centers around curiosity and accountability — always asking why, always backing decisions with data, and always trying to do the right thing even when no one is looking.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Throughout the episode, the energy stays fun and honest, with stories about speeding delivery runs, early digital growing pains, chairside save-the-case moments, and the reality of fixing cases that skipped key steps. Helen brings passion, technical depth, and a strong belief that knowledge should be shared, not guarded. It’s a conversation about growth, fundamentals, digital evolution, and why great technicians still matter more than ever.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;If you want to grow your business, you need clear insight into what’s happening inside your operation and across your customer journey. That’s where Icortica comes in.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;If you’re serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Join us at &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;exocad Insights 2026&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the FIRST 5k run on the coast! And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code &lt;strong&gt;VFTBPalma15&lt;/strong&gt; for 15% off. Special Guest: Helen Tanaka.&lt;/h3&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory, Helen Tanaka, dental laboratory, dental technician, removables, dentures, implant restorations, overdentures, digital dentures, occlusion, fundamentals, workflow, guided surgery, stackable guides, co-diagnostic, photogrammetry, Exocad, 3Shape, digital workflow, lab management, technical service, education, training, mentorship, dental students, chairside support, conversions, locator attachments, Zest, Pathways, MicroDental, Arklign, ClearChoice, sleep appliances, mandibular advancement device, orthodontics, wire bending, morphology, crown and bridge, combination cases, attachments, quality control, SOPs, troubleshooting, case planning, bite records, digital records, scanning, implant planning, removable prosthetics, continuing education, CE courses, lab driver, model room, waxing copings, dental materials, fundamentals first, technician training, dentist collaboration, case rescue, troubleshooting dentures, bite blocks, fundamentals teaching, dental technology, lab workflow, implant courses, restorations, analog vs digital voices from the bench</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Join Ivoclar (AND US!) this February at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Ivoclar will be offering 16 different educational lectures over the three-day event, giving dental professionals plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Visit labday.com/Ivoclar to view the full schedule and register, and be sure to stop by and see the Ivoclar team in the Windy City.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Walking the <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">Lab Day Chicago</a> floor? Make it worth it.</h3>

<h3>Stop by the <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT</a> booth (E-27, East Hall) and take part in their Milling Roadmap—a quick, scavenger-hunt-style activity that leads you to key milling partners like <a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener">Axsys</a>, <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine</a>, <a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener">DOF</a>, and <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland</a>.</h3>

<h3>Collect stamps at booths you’re likely visiting anyway and get entered to win some great giveaways—including this year’s grand prize: a foldable Honda electric scooter.</h3>

<h3>You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.</h3>

<p><em>Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026</em>*</p>

<ul>
<li>Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://cal-lab.org/</a></li>
<li>LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday</a></li>
<li>Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 <a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://members.dlat.org/</a></li>
<li>exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">https://exocad.com/insights-2026</a></li>
</ul>

<p>This week Elvis and Barb sit down with Helen Tanaka — a removable, implant, and digital workflow specialist whose career started in one of the most relatable ways possible: as a dental lab driver. What began as a job delivering cases quickly turned into a full-blown passion once she stepped inside the lab and saw what technicians were creating. From trimming dies and waxing copings to managing labs, supporting implant surgeries, teaching doctors chairside, and leading removable and implant teams, Helen shares a journey built on curiosity, persistence, and a deep drive to understand the why behind everything in dental technology.</p>

<p>Helen talks about working her way through crown and bridge fundamentals before discovering her true passion in removables, dentures, implants, and occlusion. After getting real-world lab experience, she attended dental technology school, studied all six specialties, and continued expanding her knowledge through advanced occlusion training and continuing education. She explains why understanding morphology, materials, and occlusal principles is critical — especially today — and why technicians must know more than just the steps of fabrication. For Helen, dentures and implant prosthetics offer the ultimate puzzle, combining anatomy, function, and problem-solving in ways that keep her constantly engaged.</p>

<p>The conversation dives deep into digital dentistry, guided surgery, and removable workflows, with Helen sharing her early experiences launching digital denture and sleep appliance programs long before the workflows were polished. She discusses digital record capture, stackable surgical guides, implant planning, photogrammetry, and where digital still needs improvement — especially for removable prosthetics. While she embraces technology, she stresses that software is only as good as the technician behind it, and that skipping fundamentals creates bigger problems later. Digital is powerful, but it doesn’t replace understanding.</p>

<p>Education is a major theme throughout the episode. Helen regularly teaches doctors and technicians, speaks at courses, supports live implant conversions, and works with dental students. She emphasizes that many clinicians today lack confidence in dentures and removable workflows, often because fundamentals are under-taught, and she sees technicians as essential partners in closing that gap. She and the hosts discuss how removable cases are frequently rushed, underpaid, and misunderstood — even though they replace a critical body function — and why slowing down, capturing correct records, and returning to basics solves many of the “mystery” failures labs see every day.</p>

<p>Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, <a href="https://arklign.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Arklign</a>, and implant education centers, where she has worked in technical service, management, training, and quality oversight roles. She talks about networking, mentoring, never burning bridges, and investing in people coming up in the industry. Her approach to both dentistry and life centers around curiosity and accountability — always asking why, always backing decisions with data, and always trying to do the right thing even when no one is looking.</p>

<p>Throughout the episode, the energy stays fun and honest, with stories about speeding delivery runs, early digital growing pains, chairside save-the-case moments, and the reality of fixing cases that skipped key steps. Helen brings passion, technical depth, and a strong belief that knowledge should be shared, not guarded. It’s a conversation about growth, fundamentals, digital evolution, and why great technicians still matter more than ever.</p>

<h3>If you want to grow your business, you need clear insight into what’s happening inside your operation and across your customer journey. That’s where Icortica comes in.</h3>

<h3>At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next.</h3>

<h3>Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.</h3>

<h3>If you’re serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the FIRST 5k run on the coast! And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guest: Helen Tanaka.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Join Ivoclar (AND US!) this February at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Ivoclar will be offering 16 different educational lectures over the three-day event, giving dental professionals plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Visit labday.com/Ivoclar to view the full schedule and register, and be sure to stop by and see the Ivoclar team in the Windy City.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Walking the <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">Lab Day Chicago</a> floor? Make it worth it.</h3>

<h3>Stop by the <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT</a> booth (E-27, East Hall) and take part in their Milling Roadmap—a quick, scavenger-hunt-style activity that leads you to key milling partners like <a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener">Axsys</a>, <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine</a>, <a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener">DOF</a>, and <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland</a>.</h3>

<h3>Collect stamps at booths you’re likely visiting anyway and get entered to win some great giveaways—including this year’s grand prize: a foldable Honda electric scooter.</h3>

<h3>You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.</h3>

<p><em>Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026</em>*</p>

<ul>
<li>Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://cal-lab.org/</a></li>
<li>LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday</a></li>
<li>Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 <a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://members.dlat.org/</a></li>
<li>exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">https://exocad.com/insights-2026</a></li>
</ul>

<p>This week Elvis and Barb sit down with Helen Tanaka — a removable, implant, and digital workflow specialist whose career started in one of the most relatable ways possible: as a dental lab driver. What began as a job delivering cases quickly turned into a full-blown passion once she stepped inside the lab and saw what technicians were creating. From trimming dies and waxing copings to managing labs, supporting implant surgeries, teaching doctors chairside, and leading removable and implant teams, Helen shares a journey built on curiosity, persistence, and a deep drive to understand the why behind everything in dental technology.</p>

<p>Helen talks about working her way through crown and bridge fundamentals before discovering her true passion in removables, dentures, implants, and occlusion. After getting real-world lab experience, she attended dental technology school, studied all six specialties, and continued expanding her knowledge through advanced occlusion training and continuing education. She explains why understanding morphology, materials, and occlusal principles is critical — especially today — and why technicians must know more than just the steps of fabrication. For Helen, dentures and implant prosthetics offer the ultimate puzzle, combining anatomy, function, and problem-solving in ways that keep her constantly engaged.</p>

<p>The conversation dives deep into digital dentistry, guided surgery, and removable workflows, with Helen sharing her early experiences launching digital denture and sleep appliance programs long before the workflows were polished. She discusses digital record capture, stackable surgical guides, implant planning, photogrammetry, and where digital still needs improvement — especially for removable prosthetics. While she embraces technology, she stresses that software is only as good as the technician behind it, and that skipping fundamentals creates bigger problems later. Digital is powerful, but it doesn’t replace understanding.</p>

<p>Education is a major theme throughout the episode. Helen regularly teaches doctors and technicians, speaks at courses, supports live implant conversions, and works with dental students. She emphasizes that many clinicians today lack confidence in dentures and removable workflows, often because fundamentals are under-taught, and she sees technicians as essential partners in closing that gap. She and the hosts discuss how removable cases are frequently rushed, underpaid, and misunderstood — even though they replace a critical body function — and why slowing down, capturing correct records, and returning to basics solves many of the “mystery” failures labs see every day.</p>

<p>Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, <a href="https://arklign.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Arklign</a>, and implant education centers, where she has worked in technical service, management, training, and quality oversight roles. She talks about networking, mentoring, never burning bridges, and investing in people coming up in the industry. Her approach to both dentistry and life centers around curiosity and accountability — always asking why, always backing decisions with data, and always trying to do the right thing even when no one is looking.</p>

<p>Throughout the episode, the energy stays fun and honest, with stories about speeding delivery runs, early digital growing pains, chairside save-the-case moments, and the reality of fixing cases that skipped key steps. Helen brings passion, technical depth, and a strong belief that knowledge should be shared, not guarded. It’s a conversation about growth, fundamentals, digital evolution, and why great technicians still matter more than ever.</p>

<h3>If you want to grow your business, you need clear insight into what’s happening inside your operation and across your customer journey. That’s where Icortica comes in.</h3>

<h3>At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next.</h3>

<h3>Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.</h3>

<h3>If you’re serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the FIRST 5k run on the coast! And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guest: Helen Tanaka.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
  </channel>
</rss>
