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 the Ivoclar ballroom at Lab Day 2026, Elvis and Barb dives into conversations that perfectly capture what this industry is all about—innovation, relationships, and a whole lot of nerding out.

We kick things off with Frederic Rapp, who went from growing up in his dad’s basement lab in France to scaling it into one of the largest labs in Europe. After selling the business, he found his way back into the industry through innovation—helping labs unlock the gold mine sitting inside their own data with icortica. From dashboards to AI-driven insights and even voice-activated notes in the parking lot, it’s all about working smarter, not harder… and maybe not looking like an idiot when you walk into a doctor’s office.

Then things shift to a great partnership with Casey Baldwin and Darin Lockaby, where we get into a seriously cool collaboration between Ivoclar and DESS. Think plug-and-play workflows that let labs mill their own abutments in-house—FDA compliant, streamlined, and actually simple. With margins tighter than ever, this kind of control over production isn’t just nice… it’s becoming necessary.

From scaling labs to scaling data, from implants to AI, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a clear message: the labs that embrace technology (without losing the human touch) are the ones that are going to win.

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

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

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

Special Guests: Casey Baldwin, Darin Lockaby, and Frederic Rapp.

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

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

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

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

Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.

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

Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.

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

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

• Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/
• exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026

This week we finally get Jay Collins to stop dodging Elvis long enough to sit down and share one of the wildest journeys in dental lab history. From a family split between union steamfitters and dental technicians in Philadelphia to surviving “The Great Brotherly Lab War,” Jay’s story is packed with grit, loyalty, and a whole lot of Irish Catholic chaos. What started with an uncle drafted into dental technology during Vietnam eventually turned into a multi-generation lab legacy—and Jay swearing he’d never get into teeth… only to build a powerhouse anyway.

After the 2008 crash wiped out his construction business, Jay bet everything on selling outsourced restorations door-to-door, sleeping in his car, showering at the gym, and cold-calling hundreds of offices a week. What followed was the development of his unapologetically bold, psychologically savvy sales approach—what he calls being “aggressively calm.” From pushing doctors to “no,” to matching their energy toe-to-toe, to walking into offices as “the lab” and walking out with cases in hand, Jay breaks down the mindset shift most lab owners desperately need: sales isn’t optional, and it definitely isn’t accidental.

Now leading multiple lab locations under the brilliantly simple name thedentallab.net, Jay shares hard truths about growth, mergers, firing abusive clients, and why cutting your sales department in tough times is the worst move you can make. If you’ve ever struggled with prospecting, scaling, or standing your ground with doctors, this episode is packed with practical strategies, hilarious role-playing, and a reminder that confidence—backed by accountability—wins every time.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Special Guest: Jay Collins.

Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it.

Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT 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 Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland.

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.

You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.

We welcome back longtime friend of the podcast John Wilson of Sunrise Dental Lab, returning for the first time since 2021—and this time as a fellow podcaster himself. What starts as a warm reunion quickly turns into a deep, honest conversation about passion, purpose, integrity, and what it really takes to survive (and stay sane) in today’s dental lab world.

John reflects on the evolution of his lab, sharing why he made the intentional decision not to chase endless growth, but instead to protect his team, his values, and his love for the craft. He talks candidly about “yesterday thinking,” adapting to digital dentistry without abandoning fundamentals, and why aligning with the right clients—not just more clients—changed everything.

The discussion dives into what true lab–doctor partnerships look like, why trust is earned (not given), and how saying “no” can sometimes be the most powerful business decision you make. John also explains why single units matter just as much as full-arch cases, how education keeps technicians relevant, and why racing to the bottom on price is a losing game.

Later, the conversation turns personal as John shares the inspiration behind his new solo podcast, Margins & Meaning—a storytelling-driven project created to document his journey, connect with technicians who feel alone, and leave something meaningful behind for the next generation. He opens up about legacy, creativity, fear, change, and why being heard matters just as much as having something to say.

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

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

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

Special Guest: John Wilson.

• Vision 21 in Las Vegas Jan 15-17 https://www.nadl.org/nadl-vision-21
• Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 https://cal-lab.org/
• LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday
• Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/
• exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026

This week, we finally bring on a guest who has been six years in the making: the one and only Jordan Greenberg, the North America Managing Director of FOLLOW-ME! Technology—better known as the HyperDent guy.

Jordan takes us on a wild ride through the world of CAM software, milling strategies, toolpaths, and the surprisingly fascinating story of how dental CAM even became what it is today. From his early days as a third-generation “dental nepo baby” to running a zirconia milling center with his dad, all the way to helping launch titanium-bar milling on Datron D5 machines, Jordan’s journey hits every corner of digital dentistry’s evolution.

He breaks down what CAM actually does in the simplest possible terms (yes, even Elvis-level simple), explains the magic behind toolpaths, tools, post-processors, and how HyperDent “drives the car” for hundreds of different mills. You’ll hear how materials get validated, why some ideas labs come up with are physically impossible, and why you should ALWAYS talk to your CAM provider before releasing new materials or components into the world.

Jordan also shares a behind-the-scenes look at solving problems like angulated screw channels, milling lithium disilicate pucks, and HyperDent’s upcoming work on milled dentures—including Ivoclar’s Ivotion processes coming to open CAM.

Whether you mill every day or still think CAM is just “putting a crown in a puck,” Jordan demystifies it all with humor, honesty, and more tech insights than we've ever had on the podcast at once.

* Dental Labs—The Ivoclar Flash Sale Is On!

* From November 3rd to 14th, Ivoclar is bringing you unbeatable deals on the equipment that will set your lab up for success in 2026.

* Upgrade your mill, your furnace, or expand your workflow—and save big while doing it!

* Plus, when you purchase a milling machine, you’ll get delivery, installation, and training—all included. That means your lab will be production-ready from day one.

* But hurry—these savings vanish after November 14th!

* Contact your Ivoclar sales rep today and power up your lab for the year ahead.

Elvis and Barb are gearing up for their chat with the HyperDent Dude himself, Jordan Greenberg from FOLLOW-ME! Technology. At LabFest, Elvis found out that every hyperDENT license comes with Template Editor Lite — a built-in feature that lets you make safe, customized tweaks to your milling strategies. Whether you want to prioritize surface quality or speed, this tool gives you the control to fine-tune your results while FOLLOW-ME! keeps everything validated and reliable.

Because in the end, us lab techs love to tinker — and hyperDENT makes it easy to choose your own CAM-venture.

Year-end chaos is here. Labs are slammed, deadlines are brutal, and mistakes are not an option. That’s when dental technicians rely on the one thing that never quits: https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam.

The DWX-53DC is a true workhorse—24-hour automated milling that keeps your lab running, your overhead down, and your ROI up. No redos. No downtime. Just consistent, precise results.

Built on decades of Japanese engineering, Roland delivers the reliability that keeps labs sane, profitable, and on schedule.

Finish the year strong with the mill you can trust.

Choose Roland DGSHAPE.

Precision. Reliability. Performance.

Learn more at rolanddga.com

Special Guest: Jordan Greenberg.

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.

Make sure you visit Ivoclar at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025. Ivoclar will be in their usual spot at Grand Ballroom A&B in the East Tower, on the Gold Level. Right across from the registration desk.

Register today!

Make sure you come see VOICES FROM THE BENCH recording from the Ballroom all weekend!

Thanks to the AMAZING people at exocad, Elvis and Barb will be recording for the first time at IDS in Cologne, Germany. March 25 - 28 in Hall 1, booth A040/C041. Come see us, be on the podcast, and see all the amazing things exocad is doing for your lab!

In the ever-evolving world of dentistry, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is paving the way for significant advancements in efficiency and patient care. In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with the innovative minds behind Dentscape AI, a company that is transforming the dental lab landscape.

Dentscape AI is not just another tech startup; it’s a groundbreaking solution designed specifically for dental labs. With their AI agent, dental technicians can now generate up to 100 crowns in just 10 minutes! This remarkable feat is achieved by simplifying workflows and reducing the workload of dental professionals, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks that require human creativity and expertise.

The conversation began with the introduction of the Dentscape team, including co-founders Bill Cho and Dr. Sylvie Liu. Sylvie, a practicing dentist and lecturer in digital dentistry, shared her journey from traditional dentistry to entrepreneurship. Her passion for the artistry of dentistry led her to seek innovative solutions that would not only enhance her practice but also address the pressing challenges faced by dental labs. Bill explained the three key pillars that support their AI model: high-quality data, advanced algorithms, and robust computing power. By partnering with large dental labs, Dentscape AI ensures that their models are trained on real-world data, allowing for accuracy and reliability in crown design. As Ryan Axelson, another key member of the Dentscape team, pointed out, their goal is to provide tools that empower technicians, allowing them to enhance their workflow and ultimately improve patient care.

You are invited to Ivoclar’s IPS e.max Panel Discussion Friday, February 22nd stating at 3:00 at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Our very own Barb Warner will be on stage with Jessica Birrell, Stephenie Goddard, Mike Roberts, Jed Archibald and Dr. Ken Malament as they dive into the world of e.max. After the panel discussion, Ivoclar will host a Happy Hour to commemorate this 20-year milestone. So, please join us by registering at Labday.com/Ivoclar.

Make sure you visit Aidite at Booth E-26 during your visit at LMT Lab Day Chicago! They will be there showcasing their exciting new products and cutting-edge solutions in digital dentistry. Attendees can explore hands-on demonstrations of Biomic stain & glaze techniques and some of their other innovative technologies. Aidite will also host engaging lectures in Grand Suite 2, East Tower, covering topics such as EZneer, 3D Pro-Zir, Digital Dentures, and their Aidite Cloud design service. Even before you go, you can stay updated by following @AiditeNorthAmerica on all social media platforms. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how Aidite is shaping the future of dental labs!

Are you a dental lab in need of more talent to improve your bottom line and keep production on schedule? Are you a dental tech with great skills but feel you're being limited at your current lab? Well, the answer is here and this is precisely why WIN WIN GO was created. The dental lab and dental tech community needed a place where labs and technicians can meet, talk about their needs and connect in ways that foster a win win outcome. As a tech. If you're ready to make a change, thinking about moving in the next year or just curious what's out there, sign up today. It's totally free. As a lab, you might be feeling the frustration of paying the big employment site so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WINWINGO.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to actively engage in creating their ideal future. WINWINGO.com, how dental techs find paradise.

Special Guests: Bill Chou, Dr. Sylvie Liu, and Ryan Axelson.

Imagine having to teach over 80 students partial design during covid. That is exactly what Dr. Wendy Clark had to do. Heading up the Pre-doctoral Removable Prosthodontics at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Dr. Clark knew she needed something that the school could afford and would allow for remote lessons. She leaned on her longtime friend and lab technician, Craig Holland. Craig is no stranger to odd and unusual cases, but during the shutdown, Craig found the time from his usual work at 3 Point Dental Studio to self-teach himself coding. Along with his son, CJ Holland, the two used the Blender software and modified it to give Dr. Clark what she needed. This free and open software called Excalibur can do models, custom trays, dies, flippers, nightguards, crown and bridges, and much more.

Check out the Excalibur Software!

The fastest growing product at Gro3X are the Gro3X Aligners. Gro3X Aligners are only available from Gro3X Aligner certified labs: Why? Because they believe in the synergies that are being created between you, the dental office, and your lab. And they want to further leverage these synergies. Their aligners are used as a pre-treatment to a larger restorative esthetic case, to widen gaps prior to placing implants, to close a diastema, ease crowding, and simply enhance your patient’s smiles. Even for your Essix retainer needs your Gro3X aligner certified lab can help. Look for a Gro3X Aligner certified lab near you, such as Castle Dental Lab in San Antonio, TX (ask for Blaine), AMK Dental Lab in O’Neill, NE (ask for Anne), Staggs Dental Lab in McCoole Maryland (ask for Derrick), AA Dental Design in Murrieta, CA (ask for Frankie), and many, many more… For a complete listing of Gro3X Aligner Certified Labs go to www.gro3x.com

Whip Mix offers you the ultimate in ease, material flexibility and unattended production with the Roland DGA DWX-52DCi milling machine. The popular mill’s automatic disc changer expands your lab production and profit, using a 6-slot Automatic Disc Changer, 15-station Automatic Tool Changer and several other automated features.

The DWX-52DCi dental milling machine now comes with performance visualization software and other intelligent updates. The 5-axis mill even knows which tool to automatically swap out when tools have reached their designated lifespan. Just power it on, let it go, and automatically and accurately mill numerous dental restoration jobs with complete unattended confidence.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Roland DGA DWX-52DCi, visit whipmix.com or call 800-626-5651.

Special Guests: CJ Holland, Craig Holland, and Dr. Wendy AuClair Clark.