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 to sit down with someone we've been talking about ever since meeting him at exocad Insights in Spain—Felix Chung from Imagine USA. What starts as the story of a kid who dreamed of becoming an astronaut quickly turns into one of the most fascinating journeys in digital dentistry. From researching zero gravity at NASA to trimming models in his uncle's dental lab (a job he absolutely hated), Felix shares how an aerospace engineering degree unexpectedly became the perfect foundation for helping shape the digital lab industry.

Felix takes us through the early days of Imagine, back when it was known as iMilling, explaining how a brand-new 3Shape scanner, a lot of late-night research, and a willingness to take risks led him to become one of the pioneers of custom implant abutments and titanium bars. He opens up about betting everything on a quarter-million-dollar milling machine that barely worked, buying his uncle out of the business, and how meeting Jordan Greenberg completely changed the trajectory of the company. It's a story full of huge risks, bigger lessons, and the determination it takes to build something from the ground up.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of digital dentistry as Felix explains how Imagine expanded from a milling center into one of the industry's leading providers of CAD/CAM solutions, Exocad, HyperDENT, scanners, mills, and technical support. He shares why hiring great people has always been more important than selling great products, how the industry has shifted between outsourcing and in-house production over the last fifteen years, and why supporting laboratories through every technological change remains the company's biggest priority.

We also spend plenty of time talking implants as Felix tells the incredible story behind the Mist implant component line, how a relationship with the United States Navy helped launch the brand, and how partnerships with companies like Keystone and SIC are helping bring better, more affordable restorative solutions to laboratories. Along the way, we discuss OEM versus compatible components, the ever-changing implant landscape, and what's next for Imagine—including new implant systems and a patent-pending angled custom abutment solution that could change how labs manufacture restorations in-house. If you enjoy hearing how innovation, perseverance, and a little bit of luck can transform an entire career, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Special Guest: Felix Chung.

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.

This week, Elvis and Barb continue their coverage from exocad Insights 2026 in beautiful Mallorca, Spain, where the conversations are just as valuable as the lectures. The episode starts with Dr. Zhiqiang Luo, who shares his perspective on educating the next generation of dentists in an increasingly digital world. The discussion explores how students are adapting to technology, why foundational analog skills still matter, and the challenge of preparing future clinicians for workflows that continue to evolve at a rapid pace. It's an insightful look at where dental education is headed and how digital dentistry is becoming second nature to new graduates.

The conversation then shifts to one of the most memorable encounters from the event as Elvis and Barb sit down with Alyson Bravo, a passionate dental technician from Brazil who has traveled across the globe to attend exocad Insights. What starts as a discussion about digital workflows quickly turns into a story about chasing dreams, making connections, and experiencing the international dental community firsthand. Alyson talks about discovering digital dentistry, teaching himself advanced design techniques, and the excitement of finally meeting people he has only known through podcasts, social media, and online education.

The episode wraps up with returning friend of the podcast Tobias Specht from Ivoclar. Fresh off several major product announcements, Tobias gives listeners an inside look at the collaboration between Ivoclar and exocad and how customer feedback continues to shape product development. He discusses the integration of Ivotion into the exocad workflow, the importance of training and education, and how Ivoclar works with customers around the globe to refine new products before they ever reach the market.

Special Guests: Alyson Bravo, Dr. Zhiqiang Luo, and Tobias Specht.

At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn’t have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it’s not just about seeing what’s new—it’s about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers. Beyond the technology, Felix emphasized the value of being there in person—connecting face-to-face with partners, having meaningful conversations, and stepping back to see where the industry is headed. And of course, doing it all in Mallorca doesn’t hurt either.

Mallorca, Spain. exocad Insights 2026 Three completely different conversations somehow all landed on the same theme: digital dentistry keeps getting smaller, smarter, and way more connected. First up, the crew catches back up with digital designer and educator Marjorie de Andrade, who went from Brazil to New Zealand chasing opportunity, only to end up building a global career through remote design, social media, and education. Marjorie talks about creating the Mastering exocad course, freelancing for dentists around the world, and why finding purpose through teaching became more important than simply designing crowns. She also shares thoughts on the newly announced exocad Hub, remote collaboration, and how digital dentistry is making communication between dentists and technicians easier than ever.

Then the microphones turn to Dr. Dwight Pate for one of the most workflow-heavy conversations the podcast has ever had. From hand waxing cases the old-school Dawson and Pankey way to designing provisionals and controlling full-mouth rehabs completely through exocad, Dr. Pate breaks down how he combines analog principles with digital workflows. The discussion dives deep into occlusion, provisionals, articulators, guided workflows, AI design, and why he believes digital dentistry still has to prove itself back in the analog world before it ever reaches the patient’s mouth.

Finally, the crew reconnects with Dr. Eimear O'Connell to talk about why clinicians need to attend events like Insights just as much as technicians. Eimear shares how digital workflows are improving communication between doctors, labs, and patients while making implant planning, dentures, and aesthetic dentistry more predictable than ever. From digital dentures that fit with almost zero adjustment to helping patients emotionally reconnect with their smiles, the conversation reminds everyone that behind every scanner, workflow, and software update is still a real person whose life changes because of dentistry.

Special Guests: Dr. Dwight Pate, Dr. Eimear O’Connell, and Marjorie de Andrade .