As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

This week we finally get the conversation we’ve been trying to have for years with the 2025 CDT of the Year, Mike Wandling! Mike takes us back to 2001, when a few friends pointed him toward the dental laboratory industry and he landed at Keller in St. Louis. Starting out in crown and bridge, waxing, metal finishing, and casting, Mike quickly discovered that his real passion was working with people and teaching others.

We talk about Mike’s journey from technician to trainer, Director of Training and Education, department manager, and eventually production manager overseeing a large fixed department. Along the way, he became heavily involved with the NBC, helping Keller become a CDT exam host lab and creating study clubs and hands-on preparation that helped take the lab from just a handful of CDTs to 17 in only a few years. Mike went on to earn multiple CDT certifications and eventually became a Master CDT, examiner, and member of the NBC Board of Trustees.

Mike also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into creating and updating the CDT exams, including his legendary “A-Team” partnership with Barb. We talk about keeping certification relevant as technology changes, the importance of continuing education, and why Mike believes in getting just one percent better every day.

After leaving Keller in 2015, Mike opened his own laboratory, eventually merging with Summit to become Summit-Horizon Dental Laboratory. Today, he serves as Operations Manager while still working on specialty cases and staying involved with doctors, production, workflow, and quality. We also talk about his recent recognition as the 2025 CDT of the Year and his new role as a Key Opinion Leader with Aidite.

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

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

And he couldn’t do it without icortica.

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

Stop digging for data and start taking action.

Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.

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?”

You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud 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.

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.

LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.

True ROI isn’t just about what you pay for your equipment—it’s about what it delivers every day. With Roland’s DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions, reliable performance means more production, fewer interruptions, and less time troubleshooting or waiting on equipment. Keep your workflow moving, take on more work, and let every completed case contribute to your bottom line. That’s real ROI. Visit rolanddental.com to discover Roland’s DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions.

Special Guest: Michael Wandling CDT.

According to Dr. Ed McLaren, “Of all the zirconia’s he's tested, the optical properties of Ivoclar’s e.max zirconia are the closest to natural teeth.” (And I second that with everything I’ve see – if Barb does the read)

Discover what’s redefining the possibilities with IPS e.max Zirconia.

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

October 5th @ 7:00 pm. Register today at Vivalearning.com

As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

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 Magic Touch Software. In this episode, Elvis sits down with Dan Sinclair and Amir Bagheri 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

And he couldn’t do it without icortica.

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

Stop digging for data and start taking action.

Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.

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?”

You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud 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.

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.

LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.

Special Guests: Amir Bagheri and Dan Sinclair.

As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

Join us at the Race For the Future 12 to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laborary Technology. September 27th in Valley View, Texas!

https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/

Shawn Nowak from Nowak Dental Supplies joins Elvis and Barb to talk all things NOLA LabFest October 15-17th, including the welcome addition to the speaker lineup: martial arts instructor and business coach Jude Grayson. After Jude’s keynote at last year’s LabFest, the response was strong enough to bring him back for another keynote and a breakout session. The conversation starts with the obvious question: what the heck does a karate instructor know about the dental laboratory industry?

As Jude explains, quite a bit. Having practiced martial arts since he was five years old and built a career around teaching, competition, entrepreneurship, and business coaching, Jude draws a surprising number of parallels between martial arts and business. He talks about discipline, competition, confidence, risk, and his “five-year-old board break moment”—the idea that sometimes the ability to succeed is already inside us, and the right coach simply helps unlock it. He also explains how those lessons translate into working with business owners and helping them recognize opportunities they may not see themselves.

The conversation then turns toward one of the biggest challenges facing dental laboratories today: knowing when it’s time to pivot. With technology, AI, 3D printing, changing doctor workflows, and the evolving DSO landscape continuing to reshape the industry, Jude’s NOLA LabFest keynote will focus on how business owners can recognize when change is necessary, decide when to act, and understand the risks that come with being an early adopter. He also shares some great perspective on failure, competition, and why making a bad business decision doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost—the real loss comes when you stop competing altogether.

Shawn also gives us a look at what else is happening at NOLA LabFest, including education on AI, social media marketing, employee culture, DSOs, and other topics affecting dental laboratories right now. And, of course, there’s plenty of the NOLA LabFest fun mixed in, from the masquerade party and distillery tour to the return of Family Feud. It’s a conversation about business, leadership, taking risks, and finding ways to keep dental laboratories moving forward—and it all starts with a karate instructor walking into a dental show.

Special Guests: Jude Grayson and Shawn Nowak.

As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership.

This week on Voices From the Bench, we finally sit down with someone we’ve been wanting to have on the show for a LONG time—Philip Gold! Philip grew up in the dental laboratory, quite literally pulling teeth out of formaldehyde bottles in his father Raymond Gold’s lab in Atlanta. His father started the laboratory in 1946, and Philip eventually found himself following in those footsteps, although not without first taking a seven-year detour working for Williams Gold. That experience gave him the opportunity to visit laboratories all over the country, learn from some of the best in the industry, and see firsthand how different labs operated.
Philip eventually returned to the family laboratory in 1980 and began the process of taking over from his father. What followed was a career built around learning, adapting, building teams, and—most importantly—relationships. Philip shares what it was like stepping into a leadership role at a young age, earning the respect of experienced technicians, and learning that being a leader isn’t about knowing everything yourself, but understanding the work well enough to help the people around you succeed. He also talks about selling the laboratory to National Dentex with the goal of giving the business and its people an opportunity to continue growing, only to eventually find his way back into the laboratory world with By Design Dental Studio alongside his daughter Katie and Denise.

And if you know Philip, you know he’s never stopped learning. He currently holds six CDT certifications, including ceramics, crown and bridge, partials, implants, dentures, and digital. His story about preparing for the digital practical exam is a perfect example of his determination—his first practice run took seven and a half hours for an exam designed to be completed in just over five. So he reorganized, practiced again, changed his workflow, and eventually got it down to under five hours. And of course, Philip isn’t pursuing certifications just for himself. He wants to set an example, motivate the next generation of technicians, and encourage more people in the laboratory to continue learning.

We also get into the importance of customer service, why relationships are at the heart of this industry, and why sometimes the best thing a laboratory can do is simply pick up the phone and help. Philip shares his philosophy that when something goes wrong, you drop everything and make it right. We talk about giving back to the industry, the people who helped shape Philip’s career, and how the dental laboratory community has always been willing to share knowledge when you’re willing to ask. And yes… somewhere along the way we also hear the greatest “okey-doke” story in dental laboratory history.

Special Guest: Phillip Gold.

As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

Join us at the Race For the Future 12 to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laborary Technology. September 27th in Valley View, Texas!

https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/

This week, Elvis sits down with Martin Schmid and Alyse Hifko from Ivoclar to talk about the launch of the new Ivoclar Academy and why education is still one of the most valuable investments a laboratory can make. Martin shares his journey from apprenticing in Germany to teaching technicians around the world, while Alyse explains how a passion for digital dentistry and troubleshooting CAD/CAM software led her to Ivoclar. Together they discuss how today's technicians can learn faster, work more efficiently, and gain confidence through hands-on training instead of trying to figure everything out on their own.

The conversation dives into Ivoclar's growing catalog of Academy courses, from Ceram Art stain and glaze techniques to advanced ProgramMill CAM training that goes far beyond the initial installation. Martin explains how simple workflows and the right materials can help technicians create highly esthetic restorations, while Alyse reveals the hidden capabilities built into the CAM software that many users never realize they already have. Whether you're looking to improve your ceramics, maximize your milling workflow, or simply stay ahead as digital dentistry continues to evolve, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can bring back to the lab. Plus, learn why even technicians who don't own an Ivoclar mill are showing up to these courses—and leaving convinced they need one.

Special Guests: Alyse Hifko and Martin Schmid.

As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

This week, Elvis and Barb are coming to you from the FDLA Symposium at the GPS Digital RPD booth with two conversations that prove one thing: dental technology never stops evolving. First up, Chris Bradley from SmileLine USA returns to the podcast alongside technician, educator, and lab owner Richard Wodzinski, with Dawn Roniger from GC America joining the discussion. What starts as a conversation about "sexy brushes" quickly turns into a deep dive into one of the most intriguing shade-matching workflows you'll hear about. Richard explains how the OptiShade camera and Matisse software work together to create incredibly accurate shade recipes for everything from monolithic zirconia to layered ceramics and even gingiva. They also discuss the latest Creation Magic Color system, hands-on education, custom shade appointments, and why reducing remakes isn't just good for labs—it's better for doctors and patients too. Add in some FDLA leadership talk and a shared passion for education, and you've got a conversation packed with practical ideas and plenty of laughs.

Then Elvis and Barb sit down with Kaveh Shams, Branch Manager for Zirkonzahn Canada, whose journey into digital dentistry spans London, Italy, and Canada. Kaveh shares how his admiration for Enrico Steger and Zirkonzahn eventually led to his dream job, while also offering a fascinating look into the company's history, philosophy, and commitment to education. From the origins of Exocad and custom CAM strategies to modular milling systems, open architecture, and Zirkonzahn's incredible Military School program that trains the next generation of technicians, this conversation is full of insight into what makes one of dentistry's most respected digital companies tick. It's an inspiring story of passion, persistence, and why great technology always starts with great technicians.

Special Guests: Chris Bradley, Dawn Roniger ​​​​, Kaveh Shams, and Rich Wodzinski.

As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

The Voices From the Bench microphones head to the FDLA Symposium for three conversations that perfectly capture what makes this industry so special. Thanks to the wonderful people at GPS Digital RPD, Elvis and Barb got to sit down with longtime friend Morris Fucarino to celebrate an incredible milestone—50 years as a CDT. Morris shares how he found his way into dental technology, what earning certification has meant throughout his career, and why he believes every technician should strive to be the best they can be. From belt-driven handpieces and gold crowns to running a successful one-man laboratory with just three loyal doctors, Morris proves that passion, relationships, and knowledge never go out of style. His stories are a reminder that while technology continues to change, craftsmanship and pride in your work remain timeless.

Next, the conversation shifts to Enja Dorjchuluun from Sakr Dental Arts, who talks about helping lead one of Florida's fastest-growing laboratories while serving on the FDLA Board of Directors. She discusses the challenges of managing a lab spread across multiple buildings, the excitement of moving into a brand-new facility, and why giving back through organized dentistry has become such an important part of her career. From developing future technicians to creating educational opportunities and strengthening state associations, Enja shares why investing in people is every bit as important as investing in technology.

To wrap things up, Elvis and Barb meet Joseph Núñez Reyes from GPS Digital Dental Lab, whose journey from Puerto Rico to Orlando is fueled by determination, curiosity, and a love for digital dentistry. After leaving biomedical engineering behind, Joseph found his passion in the dental laboratory, worked his way from the model room to supervising a modern CAM department, and now showcases laboratory workflows through social media to inspire the next generation of technicians. With dreams of one day returning to Puerto Rico to build a state-of-the-art laboratory, Joseph reminds us that the future of dental technology is in very capable hands.

Ever notice the busiest labs aren't always the ones working the longest hours? They're usually the ones with a workflow that keeps moving—even after everyone heads home. Real productivity isn't about asking your team to do more; it's about having the right tools doing more for your team. That's where Roland's DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions really shine. Built to keep production moving whether you're milling a single case or running overnight, they free your technicians to focus on finishing cases, serving customers, and growing the business instead of babysitting equipment. That's what real productivity looks like: more output, fewer interruptions, and less time spent chasing problems. Because every hour your mill is producing is another hour your lab is creating value. If you're ready to get more from every production day, discover what Roland's DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions can do for your lab at rolanddental.com.

Special Guests: Enja Dorjchuluun, Joseph Núñez Reyes, and Morris Fucarino CDT.

At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn’t have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it’s not just about seeing what’s new—it’s about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers.

While at Exocad Insights in Mallorca, Elvis and Barb sit down with Beth Collington, President of Exocad America, to talk about the growth of digital dentistry and how Exocad continues to evolve to meet the needs of technicians, laboratories, and clinicians. Beth shares her thoughts on education, accessibility, and the importance of creating tools that help bring more people into digital workflows while maintaining the flexibility that has made Exocad a favorite throughout the industry.

Then Josh Jakson and Robert Norton join the podcast to discuss their roles as Exocad educators, trainers, and laboratory professionals. The conversation covers some of the biggest announcements from Exocad Insights, including AI Crown, Crown Finalization, and ExoHub, and what these developments could mean for the future of laboratory workflows. They also share how real-world production experience influences the way they teach, why Exocad's flexibility remains one of its greatest strengths, and how the software is being used for everything from high-volume crown production to custom grills, jewelry, and even automotive parts. It's a fun conversation filled with practical insight, industry perspective, and a glimpse into where digital dentistry is headed next.

Special Guests: Beth Collington, Joshua Jakson, and Robert Norton.