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

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

CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to hyperDENT. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. Imagine USA 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.

This week, Elvis and Barb sits down with Katherine Steinbock-Dyke of Whip Mix 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.

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.

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.

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

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

When it comes to digital dentures, design is easy—manufacturing is where things get messy.

That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by Roland DGSHAPE, Ivoclar, and FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.

Want to simplify production and scale with confidence? Check it out at rollanddga.com/elevate.

Live from LMT Lab Day Chicago, Elvis and Barb bring the mics to the Ivoclar stage for three very different conversations that all point to one big theme—this industry is evolving fast, and you better evolve with it.

First up, Savannah Elkins and Josh Williams from GPS Digital RPD jump into the digital removable world, where analog roots meet full-on additive workflows. Savannah shares how she went from pouring models to cranking out 100+ RPD frameworks a day, learning design in record time through hands-on training and a little “YouTube University.” The conversation dives into printed frameworks, flexible materials, and the push toward becoming a full lab-to-lab removable resource. It’s fast, it’s scalable, and yes… they absolutely test durability by throwing, stepping on, and possibly feeding things to alligators.

Next, Darin McCue from SalesLift Consulting flips the script and talks about what’s really holding labs back—and it’s not production. With a mix of passion and hard truth, Darin explains that most lab owners aren’t failing because they can’t make teeth—they’re failing because they don’t run a business. From leadership and communication to sales and team culture, he challenges owners to step off the bench and into a leadership role before burnout or failure forces the issue. His message is clear: if you don’t work on your business, it will eventually work against you.

Finally, Vicki Thomas and Carrie Ling bring a completely different energy, focused on community, collaboration, and leveling the playing field for smaller labs. Vicki shares the story behind launching Savvy Lab Solutions, a buying group built to give small and mid-sized labs access to the same pricing and vendor relationships as the big players. Carrie backs it up with real-world experience, explaining how vendors now proactively reach out with discounts and new products—saving time, money, and opening doors she didn’t even know existed. The conversation highlights the power of partnerships, word-of-mouth growth, and the realization that 78% of the industry is made up of labs that have historically been overlooked.

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

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

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

Special Guests: Carrie Ling, Darin McCue, Josh Williams, Savannah Elkins, and Vicki Thomas.

Jed also shared insights on materials, praising the underrated Empress Multi for its beauty and reliability, and highlighting Ivoclar’s ZirCAD Prime zirconia for solving problems that plague other multilayer products.

Not content with what the market offered, Jed even created his own line of 3D printing resins—including a stone-like model resin and a lavender-infused cast resin that makes a lab smell like a spa.

Now, as the new Director of Development at Utah Valley Dental Lab, Jed is taking on a role testing new ideas and pushing innovation without disrupting production.

Check out the amazing resins from Jed: https://www.archibalddigital.com/category/all-products
IPS Empress CAD® from Ivoclar: https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-empress-cad

Looking for a way to unlock the full potential of your digital dentistry workflow. Take it from Elise Heathcote, associate manager of digital services with Ivoclar. This is all about the Cam Academy. They have a new in-person training experience designed specifically for dental technicians. This hands-on course explores the full potential of programmable Cam software, helping you take your digital workflow to the next level. Learn directly from Ivoclar experts, refine your skills and bring new precision and efficiency to your lab. Cam Academy is more than a course. It's your next step in digital excellence. To reserve your spot, visit the Ivoclar Academy website or contact your local Ivoclar sales representative today.

Special Guest: Jed Archibald.

We return to the "Olympics of Dental", IDS in Cologne Germany. Set up very nicely in the exocad booth, Elvis and Barb got to talk to three more amazing people from around the world. THANK YOU EXOCAD!!

We start the episode with Amy Tate who joined her uncle a year ago at nexus dental laboratory because she saw all the amazing places it has taken him. Now enrolled in a 3 year online course, a mentorship, and also working in the lab, Amy is all in with dental technology and shares her hopes for the future.

Then we chat with Rami Gamil, who years ago saw a need for dental technology in Egypt. After getting a degree in it in France, Rami now owns multiple locations called TriScan that provides iOS, CBCT, and bunch of other digital services to local dentists. His next focus is all about education.

We wrap up the episode with the dental technician to Denturists, Pam Rehm. Growing up in Canada, Pam spent a fair amount of time in a dental chair. That drove her to become a dental technician and she found out how great the Denturist community was. After getting into teaching, she truly found her passion. She’s now with Argen Canada and her focus is making sure Denturists get a digital workflow that works for their practice.

### Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for Ivoclar North America. She would like to invite you to start following them on Instagram. It's your chance to obtain exclusive updates on product announcements, industry news, upcoming educational events, and heartwarming stories about our local team and industry professionals. Let's get social together. Simply start following us on Instagram @Ivoclar.na. We'll see you there.

Special Guests: Amy Tate, Pam Rehm, and Rami Gamil.

On September 11th in Fort Worth, Texas, the 10th annual Race For the Future will take place to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology. Barb is doing her 9th solo race and Elvis is teaming up with Mark Williamson and Bobby Kenney to form The Abutments. Go to dentallabfoundation.org and click on the DONATE TODAY button. There you need to log in or create an account. Then select “Race for the Future” and enter the name of either Barb Warner or the Abutments, then the amount you want to donate.
Join the Race: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form

Meet Jamie Stover. If you spend any time at dental shows or just around the industry in general, you have probably crossed paths with Jamie before. You see, Jamie started in the industry back in 1998 after a suggestion from his dentist brother. After finding his way into a dental lab, Jamie has been a delivery driver, model room technician, ceramist, and so much more. It wasn't long before he was manager and even Operations Manager. While he was moving the lab from analog to digital, Jamie found the Carbon Printer and discovered something great. He now works for them as Senior Manager of Application Strategy and Integration. What does that mean? Well, we had to ask too. Turns out Jamie gets to help any lab with a Carbon printer with any question or issue the lab has. Even if it isn't related to the Carbon Printer. How cool is that? He's also the current Chair of The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology and talks about the importance of getting your certification and giving back to the industry.

Introducing Ivotion Digital Dentures from Ivoclar – Experience unparalleled precision and efficiency with Ivoclar‘s state-of-the-art digital denture workflow.

Ivotion is available in their patent pending monolithic disc that combines denture base and tooth materials in one seamless puck. Or if you lab needs more flexibility, Ivotion is also available as stand-alone discs - Ivotion Base, Dent and Dent Multi all in 98mm width to fit your favorite milling machine.

With Ivotion you can streamline your lab’s processes, reduce production time, and enhance patient satisfaction. Elevate your lab's capabilities with Ivotion Digital Dentures – where innovation meets perfection. Discover the future of dentures today with Ivoclar." Thanks for your continued support of the podcast Ivoclar.

Join the GOLDEN BENCH CLUB! All you have to do is leave us a 5-star review and comment on the Apple Podcast app (or any other app and email us a screen shot) and we will read your review on the podcast and welcome you to the Golden Bench Club. This super elite club is only for the best of the best.

Special Guest: Jamie Stover CDT.

DONATE TODAY: https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/Race/Register/?raceId=99407

Before we get into this week's episode, Elvis and Barb want to give a big THANKS to Jensen Dental for hosting us at this year’s Florida Dental Laboratory Association Symposium. A great meeting with a great company. Go show them some love and get some MIYO.

First up we talk to two legends in our industry, Dany Sakr and Nick Azzara. Nick talks about what he is doing with a DSO group and reminisces about his time working with Dany. Dany talks about his journey from Lebanon to the US to learn dental technology in the early 80s, getting into digital early in it's existence, opening Sakr Dental Arts, and how they keep their lab relevant about just making crowns.

Then we meet for the first time Ifet Ahmeti. Ifet learned the craft in Albania in 2009. Since then she has been in Switzerland to learn quality, Indiana to learn removables, and then opened her own in-office lab in Philadelphia. She has since moved to Tampa, Florida and opened another lab, Dentart Dental Studio. Ifet talks about managing clients when you are a solo technician, the importance of using the best materials, and why seeing patients allows you do make the best restoration.

Then we wrap up all of the FDLA with past podcast guest, Whitney Coutney. Whitney has had a great journey from assistant to in-office tech in Kentucky, to full arch designer in Florida. In 2022 she wanted to get into education and partnered with Nowak Dental Supplies to on-board and teach labs the digital workflow. Whitney talks about how she handles labs doing a "software switch", helping technicians learn practical uses of either 3shape or exocad, and how she keeps up on the ever-evolving technology.
*NOTE - Since recording with Whitney, she had taken a position back at Midwest Dental Arts doing what she loves best.
If you are interested in getting into education and doing what Whitney did, reach out to Nowak Dental Supplies as they are looking for someone with the same passion for teaching.

Head to a Nowak Invitational near you!

Introducing Ivotion Digital Dentures from Ivoclar – Experience unparalleled precision and efficiency with Ivoclar‘s state-of-the-art digital denture workflow.

Ivotion is available in their patent pending monolithic disc that combines denture base and tooth materials in one seamless puck. Or if you lab needs more flexibility, Ivotion is also available as stand-alone discs - Ivotion Base, Dent and Dent Multi all in 98mm width to fit your favorite milling machine.

With Ivotion you can streamline your lab’s processes, reduce production time, and enhance patient satisfaction. Elevate your lab's capabilities with Ivotion Digital Dentures – where innovation meets perfection. Discover the future of dentures today with Ivoclar." Thanks for your continued support of the podcast Ivoclar.

Join the GOLDEN BENCH CLUB! All you have to do is leave us a 5-star review and comment on the Apple Podcast app (or any other app and email us a screen shot) and we will read your review on the podcast and welcome you to the Golden Bench Club. This super elite club is only for the best of the best.

Special Guests: Dany Sakr, Ifet Ahmeti, Nick Azzara, and Whitney Courtney.

We all know that a majority of labs use 3shape. We also know that a majority of the labs outsource designs in some capacity. Have you ever wondered how it works so efficiently? This week Elvis and Barb chat with Cole Bishop who is the Global Head of Design Quality with 3Shape Design Services. Cole comes from a long background of working in dental labs and really understands that no two people want the same design. He talks about his journey, getting into digital, developing the design options for Full Contour, transition to 3shape, and helping them to develop the 90 second AI design service called Automate.

Wanting to take your knowledge and skills to the next level? If you are looking for the best education dedicated to dentistry in both the labs and clinics, check out Ivoclar Academy.

From on-demand webinars to in-person training, Ivoclar Academy has a program to meet your busy schedule. Check out all they have to offer HERE!

Whether you are looking to elevate your craftsmanship or looking to cut back costs, look no further – VITA MFT Teeth are the ultimate solution for creating lifelike and stunning smiles.

Crafted with precision and backed by cutting-edge technology, VITA MFT Teeth offers unparalleled esthetics and durability. And since VITA believes in the power of experiencing excellence firsthand, for a limited time only, they’re offering you the chance to get a complimentary case sample. That’s right, a full case, absolutely free. Just visit vitanorthamerica.com/freemft

Don’t wait any longer to start providing your customers with a premium tooth at an economy price. Redeem your free case sample and if you’re ready to buy, VITA will even give you an extra 10% discount by shopping online on their newly launched online store.

Join the VITA family today.

Special Guest: Cole Bishop.

Whip Mix is now providing its milling customers with Prima Milling Tools, the high performance milling tools engineered specifically for Roland mills. This new tool range outperforms the competition. The results show not only that the tools last 29% longer than most others, their precision creates pin-point accuracy, ensuring a perfect fit for the patient. VISIT WHIPMIX.COM OR CALL (800) 626-5651

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

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

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

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

Special Guests: Cassandra Dombrowski, Emily Valentine, Mary Nosal, Mary Valentine, and Sherri Weatherby.

Look no further for your design or milling needs other than right here in our galaxy. Alien Milling Technologies is a cutting-edge Dental Milling Center known for using the latest methods and technologies in milling top dental prosthetics. They can help your lab by milling everything, like crowns, abutments, partials, guards, titanium bars, and even digital dentures. Best part is that they are all milled right here in the USA. Plus they also provide the same zirconia they mill in-house. Give them a call at 844-ZIRCONIA or visit them at alienmilling.com.

The Asiga MAX, the world’s most advanced lab 3D printer, offers exceptional productivity. Well over 400 labs in the U.S. can attest to its accuracy, speed and precision. With 62 micron Print Precision, the Max is optimized for both dental lab or clinic environments. Its exclusive SPS™ Smart-Positioning-System Technology guarantees every layer is formed accurately, resulting in consistent results in any environment, and its single Point Calibration makes calibration extremely accurate and fast.

As an Open Material System, you can print any suitable resin from any material manufacturer. Your choice, no strings. The Max also features the Fastest Material Changeover of any 3D printer. Labs LOVE this! Change completely from one print resin to another in under 30 seconds.

All this and the finest, most dependable technical support staff in the dental lab industry.

Call Whip Mix today or visit whipmix.com to find out more about the Asiga Max!

Special Guests: Chris Love and Julia Izumi BS, RDT.

With all the canceled dental laboratory shows, it was nice to release all the conversations we got at the Argen booth at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2020. But sadly, it has now run out. But we end them with two great recordings. First up is Michael Thomas CDT and Shannon Foscue who run Edge Dental Solutions. With the experience and knowledge they got with Affordable Dentures, they started a company that helps dental technicians and labs reach their full potential. THEN we have our annual conversation with the one and only Judy Fishman from LMT. She is joined by the Event Coordinator Jenny Abbott-Cole as they talk about this years show, the next exhibit hall, and LMT magazine going digital.

Whip Mix is very excited to announce the new PRO 4K large format 3D printer from Asiga. It’s ideal for printing any kind of model, dentures, splints, surgical guides, impression trays and more.

The Asiga Pro 4K DLP printer is priced at under $25,000, has a large build plate and is available in both 65µm and resolution versions. For information about the Asiga Pro 4K, visit www.whipmix.com.

Special Guests: Jenny Abbott-Cole , Judy Fishman, Michael Thomas CDT, and Shannon Foscue .