web01.fireside.fm Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:08:40 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Voices from The Bench - Episodes Tagged with “Mentorship” https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/tags/mentorship Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 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. en-us episodic A Dental Laboratory Podcast Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 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. no Dental Laboratory, Dentistry, Removable, Fixed, Crowns, teeth, technicians, CDT, dentures, partials, mills, printers, dentist, zirconia, emax Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner info@voicesfromthebench.com 422: Renata Bundy, Roberto Rossi, & Eugene Vega: The Never Ending Education in a Dental Lab https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/422 22893711-f576-40ea-806d-e82664e03821 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 422 Renata Bundy, Roberto Rossi, & Eugene Vega: The Never Ending Education in a Dental Lab full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 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. 1:03:58 no Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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 (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us)’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/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 (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/). But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. Imagine USA (https://www.imagineusa.com/) 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’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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

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’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.

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.

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.

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.

]]> Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

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’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.

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.

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.

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.

]]> 421: Katherine Steinbock-Dyke: From Girl Scout Cookies to CEO of Whip Mix https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/421 60b6ea9f-000d-488c-83f9-f033b0efa54b Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 421 Katherine Steinbock-Dyke: From Girl Scout Cookies to CEO of Whip Mix full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 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. 1:03:48 no Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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 (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us)’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/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 (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/). But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. Imagine USA (https://www.imagineusa.com/) 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 (https://whipmix.com/) 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. 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 Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

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.

]]> Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

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.

]]> 418: Lab Day Chicago 2026 Part 4 with Josh Williams, Savannah Elkins, Darin McCue, Vicki Thomas, and Carrie Ling https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/418 3d4ef142-c3e2-4196-aa50-caf4da94c533 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 418 Lab Day Chicago 2026 Part 4 with Josh Williams, Savannah Elkins, Darin McCue, Vicki Thomas, and Carrie Ling full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner Live from LMT Lab Day Chicago, Elvis and Barb capture three conversations that highlight the future of the lab industry. From Savannah and Josh’s fast-moving digital removable workflows at GPS Digital RPD, to Darin McCue’s blunt reminder that labs need strong leadership—not just great technicians and how Saleslift Consulting can help—and finally Vicki and Carrie’s push to empower smaller labs through smarter partnerships and buying power with Savvy Lab Solutions, every discussion points to the same truth: adapting isn’t optional. 1:16:48 no Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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 (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us)’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/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 (https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam), Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us), and FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/), 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 (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) 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 (https://gpsdigitalrpd.com/) 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 (https://salesliftconsulting.com/) 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 (https://savvylabsolutions.com/), 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 (https://exocad.com/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. dental, technician, laboratory,voices from the bench, digital, removable, RPD, 3D printing, additive, workflows, design, CAD, CAM, outsourcing, lab-to-lab, production, scalability, materials, flexibles, durability, innovation, leadership, management, culture, communication, sales, growth, strategy, consulting, efficiency, business, ownership, burnout, hiring, training, mentorship, community, collaboration, partnerships, buying group, Savvy, vendors, pricing, access, small labs, competition, industry, technology, evolution, Lab Day, Chicago Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

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.

]]> Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

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.

]]> 410: Helen Tanaka: From a Driver to the Bench and Knowing the Why https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/410 189ae8b7-260f-4ecb-833b-409eca5d9931 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 410 Helen Tanaka: From a Driver to the Bench and Knowing the Why full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 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. 1:08:02 no 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. Walking the Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday) floor? Make it worth it. Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/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 (https://www.axsysdental.com/home/), Imagine (https://www.imagineusa.com/), DOF (https://doflab.com/en), and Roland (https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam). 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. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026* * 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, Arklign (https://arklign.com/), 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. 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. 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. 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 (https://exocad.com/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 Guest: Helen Tanaka. 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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, Arklign, 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.

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.

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.

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 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 Guest: Helen Tanaka.

]]> 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, Arklign, 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.

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.

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.

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 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 Guest: Helen Tanaka.

]]> 409: John Wilson: Margins, Meaning, and Knowing When to Say No https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/409 4799e98e-4590-4cc4-a747-96c72cbad9c7 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 409 John Wilson: Margins, Meaning, and Knowing When to Say No full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner Barb and Elvis welcome back John Wilson of Sunrise Dental Lab for a candid, reflective conversation about purpose, integrity, and longevity in the dental lab industry. John shares why he chose alignment over growth, how protecting his team and values reshaped his business, and why strong lab–doctor partnerships are built on trust, not price. The episode also dives into the inspiration behind his new podcast Margins & Meaning, focused on storytelling, connection, and reminding technicians they’re not alone. 1:06:41 no 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. Walking the Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday) floor? Make it worth it. Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/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 (https://www.axsysdental.com/home/), Imagine (https://www.imagineusa.com/), DOF (https://doflab.com/en), and Roland (https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam). 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 (https://sunrisedentallaboratory.com/), 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 (https://podcasts.apple.com/jo/podcast/margins-meaning-with-john-wilson/id1856784215)—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 (https://exocad.com/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. dental, technician, laboratory, digital dentistry, dental lab ownership, lab–doctor relationships, craftsmanship, business alignment, sustainable growth, team culture, margins, integrity, education, mentorship, leadership, storytelling, legacy, burnout prevention, saying no, pricing pressure, trust, adaptability, fundamentals, podcasting, Margins and Meaning, voices from the bench 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.

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.

]]> 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.

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.

]]> Episode 407: Dr. Miles Cone From Dinosaurs to Dentures & Finding the Art in Prosthodontics https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/407 dadfbb9e-7b6a-47d5-85ad-df539faa9cbb Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 407 Dr. Miles Cone From Dinosaurs to Dentures & Finding the Art in Prosthodontics full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner In this episode, we talk with prosthodontist Dr. Miles Cone about his unconventional journey into dentistry, from studying dinosaurs and living out of his car to serving in the Army and earning his CDT. Dr. Cone shares how photography, lab work, and collaboration with skilled technicians transformed his approach to dentistry into a true blend of science and art. The conversation highlights respect for the lab, embracing critique to grow, and previews his upcoming Ivoclar Lab Day Chicago lecture on elevating removable prosthetics through intention and teamwork. 1:06:22 no 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. In this episode, Elvis and Barb sit down with Dr. Miles Cone, a prosthodontist whose path into dentistry is anything but traditional. From a childhood obsession with dinosaurs and living out of his Jeep, to serving in the Army and becoming a CDT, Dr. Cone shares how persistence, humility, and an appreciation for the lab side of dentistry shaped his career. Along the way, he opens up about failing the CDT exam, learning the true value of dental technicians, and why collaboration—not ego—is the key to better patient outcomes The conversation also dives deep into photography, storytelling, and seeing dentistry as both science and art. Dr. Cone explains how discovering dental photography transformed not only how he documents cases, but how he connects with patients and technicians alike. He and Barb and Elvis discuss raising your skills by putting your work out there, ignoring the trolls, and using critique to grow. The episode wraps with a preview of Dr. Cone’s upcoming Ivoclar presentation at Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/seminars/hiding-in-plain-sight-creating-fake-teeth-for-real-people-in-the-age-of-cosmetic-cliche), where he and technician Janelle will show how dentures and removables can be “hidden in plain sight” when done with intention, artistry, and respect for the entire dental team. A new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set your dental business up for success. January isn’t just about new goals—it’s about working smarter with efficient, reliable systems that keep production running smoothly and predictably. Roland DGSHAPE milling solutions (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series) deliver the consistency and automation labs depend on to control costs, reduce remakes, and maximize every hour. With trusted Japanese engineering and mills like the DWX-53DC (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53dc-5-axis-dry-dental-milling-with-automatic-disc-changer) working even when you’re not, you spend less time fixing problems and more time growing your business. Start the year strong with solutions built for productivity and profitability. That’s the Roland DGSHAPE difference. Learn more at rolanddental.com Special Guest: Dr. Miles Cone. dental, technician, laboratory, prosthodontics, dental photography, collaboration, dental technicians, CDT, lab artistry, storytelling, military dentistry, career journey, dentures, removables, Ivoclar, Lab Day Chicago, digital dentistry, analog workflows, mentorship, craftsmanship, aesthetics, patient connection, documentation, critique, growth, teamwork, voices from the bench 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.

In this episode, Elvis and Barb sit down with Dr. Miles Cone, a prosthodontist whose path into dentistry is anything but traditional. From a childhood obsession with dinosaurs and living out of his Jeep, to serving in the Army and becoming a CDT, Dr. Cone shares how persistence, humility, and an appreciation for the lab side of dentistry shaped his career. Along the way, he opens up about failing the CDT exam, learning the true value of dental technicians, and why collaboration—not ego—is the key to better patient outcomes

The conversation also dives deep into photography, storytelling, and seeing dentistry as both science and art. Dr. Cone explains how discovering dental photography transformed not only how he documents cases, but how he connects with patients and technicians alike. He and Barb and Elvis discuss raising your skills by putting your work out there, ignoring the trolls, and using critique to grow. The episode wraps with a preview of Dr. Cone’s upcoming Ivoclar presentation at Lab Day Chicago, where he and technician Janelle will show how dentures and removables can be “hidden in plain sight” when done with intention, artistry, and respect for the entire dental team.

A new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set your dental business up for success. January isn’t just about new goals—it’s about working smarter with efficient, reliable systems that keep production running smoothly and predictably.

Roland DGSHAPE milling solutions deliver the consistency and automation labs depend on to control costs, reduce remakes, and maximize every hour. With trusted Japanese engineering and mills like the DWX-53DC working even when you’re not, you spend less time fixing problems and more time growing your business.

Start the year strong with solutions built for productivity and profitability. That’s the Roland DGSHAPE difference.

Learn more at rolanddental.com

Special Guest: Dr. Miles Cone.

]]> 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.

In this episode, Elvis and Barb sit down with Dr. Miles Cone, a prosthodontist whose path into dentistry is anything but traditional. From a childhood obsession with dinosaurs and living out of his Jeep, to serving in the Army and becoming a CDT, Dr. Cone shares how persistence, humility, and an appreciation for the lab side of dentistry shaped his career. Along the way, he opens up about failing the CDT exam, learning the true value of dental technicians, and why collaboration—not ego—is the key to better patient outcomes

The conversation also dives deep into photography, storytelling, and seeing dentistry as both science and art. Dr. Cone explains how discovering dental photography transformed not only how he documents cases, but how he connects with patients and technicians alike. He and Barb and Elvis discuss raising your skills by putting your work out there, ignoring the trolls, and using critique to grow. The episode wraps with a preview of Dr. Cone’s upcoming Ivoclar presentation at Lab Day Chicago, where he and technician Janelle will show how dentures and removables can be “hidden in plain sight” when done with intention, artistry, and respect for the entire dental team.

A new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set your dental business up for success. January isn’t just about new goals—it’s about working smarter with efficient, reliable systems that keep production running smoothly and predictably.

Roland DGSHAPE milling solutions deliver the consistency and automation labs depend on to control costs, reduce remakes, and maximize every hour. With trusted Japanese engineering and mills like the DWX-53DC working even when you’re not, you spend less time fixing problems and more time growing your business.

Start the year strong with solutions built for productivity and profitability. That’s the Roland DGSHAPE difference.

Learn more at rolanddental.com

Special Guest: Dr. Miles Cone.

]]> 403: Live from Lab Fest 2025: Duff Wilson and the Importance of Good Vendor Relationships with Aidite https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/403 6209e35f-6f58-4e3c-9231-0db3c289e1c3 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 403 Live from Lab Fest 2025: Duff Wilson and the Importance of Good Vendor Relationships with Aidite full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner Duff Wilson shares his unconventional journey through dental technology—from getting thrown into high-volume removables at a major lab to building a lean, relationship-driven lab that’s thrived for over two decades. Along the way, he breaks down why mentorship, smart workflows, and trusting the right people and products matter more than hype, trends, or chasing volume in today’s dental lab world. 1:18:14 no A Special THANKS to Aidite North America for allowing the podcast to record at Nola LabFest. GO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE! aidite.com Duff Wilson’s journey in dental technology is anything but typical. From getting thrown into high-volume removable work at a major lab in the early ’90s to opening Wilson Dental Lab out of his home and building a lean, relationship-driven business, Duff’s story is rooted in grit, loyalty, and doing things the right way—even when it’s hard. Along the way, he shares how mentorship, state lab associations, and taking care of people shaped his career, including helping other technicians start their own labs and building a South Carolina–based milling center to support small labs. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of digital dentistry, zirconia, milling centers, design services, and why relationships—not products—are what truly matter in this industry. Duff explains how trust and support led him to work closely with Aidite (https://www.aidite.com/), why being lean is the key to longevity, and how redefining success after a life-changing health scare helped him create a sustainable lab, a better lifestyle, and a clear path for the next generation of technicians Happy Holidays from Ivoclar! As the year comes to a close, all of us at Ivoclar want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible Voices From the Bench community. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and the support you’ve shown throughout the year. From our Ivoclar family to yours, we wish you a joyful, healthy, and safe holiday season. May your days be merry, your nights be bright, and your smiles shine like freshly fallen snow. Ho, ho, ho — Happy Holidays from Ivoclar! Big news is coming your way in the world of CAM. Our friends at Ivoclar have teamed up with FOLLOW-ME! Technology (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/) to bring the Ivotion Denture System (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ivotion) into the HyperDent CAM (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/) workflow. That’s right—your favorite pre-shaded, two-layer Ivotion discs, the ones that let you design and mill a complete denture in one seamless process with no bonding and no mess, are now moving beyond closed systems. Thanks to this new partnership, Ivotion can finally be milled on open machines through HyperDent. And it gets better: you’ll first see this powerful workflow available on the Roland DWX-53 series mills (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53d)—already a staple in so many labs—as well as the Imagine iMills (https://www.imagineusa.com/legacy/s/mills/imill). If you’ve been waiting for a faster, cleaner, more flexible way to produce full dentures, this is it. Ivoclar and FOLLOW-ME! just made the future of denture manufacturing wide open. Get ready—HyperDent is about to change the way you mill Ivotion. Special Guest: Duff Wilson. dental, technician, laboratory, support, relationship, dentures, removables, crown and bridge, dental laboratory, lab ownership, mentorship, dental technology, milling center, zirconia, CAD/CAM, digital dentistry, Aidite, relationships, lab efficiency, lean workflow, design services, implant restorations, full arch, lab associations, technician education, voices from the bench A Special THANKS to Aidite North America for allowing the podcast to record at Nola LabFest. GO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!

aidite.com

Duff Wilson’s journey in dental technology is anything but typical. From getting thrown into high-volume removable work at a major lab in the early ’90s to opening Wilson Dental Lab out of his home and building a lean, relationship-driven business, Duff’s story is rooted in grit, loyalty, and doing things the right way—even when it’s hard. Along the way, he shares how mentorship, state lab associations, and taking care of people shaped his career, including helping other technicians start their own labs and building a South Carolina–based milling center to support small labs.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of digital dentistry, zirconia, milling centers, design services, and why relationships—not products—are what truly matter in this industry. Duff explains how trust and support led him to work closely with Aidite, why being lean is the key to longevity, and how redefining success after a life-changing health scare helped him create a sustainable lab, a better lifestyle, and a clear path for the next generation of technicians

Happy Holidays from Ivoclar!

As the year comes to a close, all of us at Ivoclar want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible Voices From the Bench community. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and the support you’ve shown throughout the year.

From our Ivoclar family to yours, we wish you a joyful, healthy, and safe holiday season.

May your days be merry, your nights be bright, and your smiles shine like freshly fallen snow.

Ho, ho, ho — Happy Holidays from Ivoclar!

Big news is coming your way in the world of CAM. Our friends at Ivoclar have teamed up with FOLLOW-ME! Technology to bring the Ivotion Denture System into the HyperDent CAM workflow.

That’s right—your favorite pre-shaded, two-layer Ivotion discs, the ones that let you design and mill a complete denture in one seamless process with no bonding and no mess, are now moving beyond closed systems. Thanks to this new partnership, Ivotion can finally be milled on open machines through HyperDent.

And it gets better: you’ll first see this powerful workflow available on the Roland DWX-53 series mills—already a staple in so many labs—as well as the Imagine iMills.

If you’ve been waiting for a faster, cleaner, more flexible way to produce full dentures, this is it. Ivoclar and FOLLOW-ME! just made the future of denture manufacturing wide open.

Get ready—HyperDent is about to change the way you mill Ivotion.

Special Guest: Duff Wilson.

]]> A Special THANKS to Aidite North America for allowing the podcast to record at Nola LabFest. GO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!

aidite.com

Duff Wilson’s journey in dental technology is anything but typical. From getting thrown into high-volume removable work at a major lab in the early ’90s to opening Wilson Dental Lab out of his home and building a lean, relationship-driven business, Duff’s story is rooted in grit, loyalty, and doing things the right way—even when it’s hard. Along the way, he shares how mentorship, state lab associations, and taking care of people shaped his career, including helping other technicians start their own labs and building a South Carolina–based milling center to support small labs.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of digital dentistry, zirconia, milling centers, design services, and why relationships—not products—are what truly matter in this industry. Duff explains how trust and support led him to work closely with Aidite, why being lean is the key to longevity, and how redefining success after a life-changing health scare helped him create a sustainable lab, a better lifestyle, and a clear path for the next generation of technicians

Happy Holidays from Ivoclar!

As the year comes to a close, all of us at Ivoclar want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible Voices From the Bench community. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and the support you’ve shown throughout the year.

From our Ivoclar family to yours, we wish you a joyful, healthy, and safe holiday season.

May your days be merry, your nights be bright, and your smiles shine like freshly fallen snow.

Ho, ho, ho — Happy Holidays from Ivoclar!

Big news is coming your way in the world of CAM. Our friends at Ivoclar have teamed up with FOLLOW-ME! Technology to bring the Ivotion Denture System into the HyperDent CAM workflow.

That’s right—your favorite pre-shaded, two-layer Ivotion discs, the ones that let you design and mill a complete denture in one seamless process with no bonding and no mess, are now moving beyond closed systems. Thanks to this new partnership, Ivotion can finally be milled on open machines through HyperDent.

And it gets better: you’ll first see this powerful workflow available on the Roland DWX-53 series mills—already a staple in so many labs—as well as the Imagine iMills.

If you’ve been waiting for a faster, cleaner, more flexible way to produce full dentures, this is it. Ivoclar and FOLLOW-ME! just made the future of denture manufacturing wide open.

Get ready—HyperDent is about to change the way you mill Ivotion.

Special Guest: Duff Wilson.

]]> 376: IDS 2025 & exocad Part 2 with Amy Tate, Dr. Rami Gamil, & Pam Rehm https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/376 d7333c9e-14d3-409c-8ae6-957b0789dfb3 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 376 IDS 2025 & exocad Part 2 with Amy Tate, Dr. Rami Gamil, & Pam Rehm full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner Back at it from the exocad booth at IDS 2025! First up is new"ish" to the dental lab industry, Amy Tate from the UK. Then we chat with Dr. Rami Gamil, a dentist from Egypt that brought technology to the masses, and we wrap up with Canadian Pam Rehm who is out to make sure every denturist has the proper opportunity to go digital. 1:05:21 no Come join us THIS WEEK at the Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo (https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information) - June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL Register today at: FDLA.NET We return to the "Olympics of Dental", IDS in Cologne Germany. Set up very nicely in the exocad (https://exocad.com/) 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 (https://nexus.dental/) 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 (https://argen.com/#/) 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 (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us). 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 (https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/). We'll see you there. Special Guests: Amy Tate, Pam Rehm, and Rami Gamil. dental, technician, laboratory, exocad, ids, dentist, technology, implants, university, certification, theory, cad, mentorship, high energy, speaking, world cup, imaging, cbct, cone bean, scanning, ios, 3d vision, hype, revolutionary, education, denturist, nate, fixed, removable, models, management, teaching, study clubs, lecturing, digital dentures, training, argen, internship, chicago, edentulous scans, digital records, outsource, scan every denture, voices from the bench Come join us THIS WEEK at the Jensen Dental booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo -
June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL
Register today at: FDLA.NET

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.

]]> Come join us THIS WEEK at the Jensen Dental booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo -
June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL
Register today at: FDLA.NET

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.

]]> 219: The Maine Event with Denturists Patrick Allen, Austin Carbone, & Ashley Soucy https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/219 5cdc6dd7-9c8a-4784-a950-b79700aec885 Mon, 06 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400 Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner 219 The Maine Event with Denturists Patrick Allen, Austin Carbone, & Ashley Soucy full Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner This week is all about Denturist in Maine. Patrick Allen is back on the podcast to discuss the industry and is joined by long-timer Denturist Austin Carbone and newly graduated Denturist Ashley Soucy. 1:02:59 no The Maine Licensed Denturist Association June 10 - 11 (https://mainelda.com/) National Denturist Association October 12 - 14 (https://nationaldenturist.com/) We’ve had many Denturists on the podcast in the past. It’s a great career path for dental technicians looking for the next step. Unfortunately, Denturism is not legal in many states. Luckily for the residents of Maine, Denturism is legal there. We are joined again by multi-episode guest, Patrick Allen. Patrick is a Denturist in at Central Maine Denture (https://centralmainedenture.com/) and he has invited two other Denturist from Maine to join us for the conversation. Austin Carbone learned dental technology in the Navy. Moving to Canada and finding Denturism, Austin has been educating the population and being the part of many boards to bring awareness to the profession. Getting closer to retirement, Austin brought on Ashley Soucy to Jetport Denture Center (https://www.jetportdenturecenter.com/) to carry on the practice. Ashley, a recent graduate of The American Denturist School, is part of the new generation of Denturist that is getting involved to continue the fight for legalization of this much needed profession. The fastest growing product at Gro3X (https://www.gro3x.com/) 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 (http://www.castlelab.com/) in San Antonio, TX (ask for Blaine), AMK Dental Lab (https://www.amkdentallaboratory.com/) in O’Neill, NE (ask for Anne), Staggs Dental Lab (https://www.facebook.com/staggsdental) in McCoole Maryland (ask for Derrick), AA Dental Design (https://www.aadentaldesign.com/) 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’s outstanding VeriEKO LCD 3D Printer (https://www.whipmix.com/products/whip-mix-verieko-dental-3d-printer/) delivers fast print speed and exceptional accuracy, due to its 95% LED light uniformity. Print temporary and permanent crowns and bridges, models and dies, surgical guides, splints, custom trays, and even dentures with Whip Mix’s VeriModel OS, VeriGuide OS, KeySplint Soft, Dentca Denture, Dentca Temporary Crown & Bridge, Bego VarseoSmile Crown plus, Bego VarseoSmile Temp, VeriCast OS, and VeriTray resins (https://www.whipmix.com/product-overview/?product-cat=3d-print-resins). VeriEKO, with its 120 X 80mm print plate, is ready to prove its printing power right out of the box with 54 calibrated LEDs for curing consistency, ultra-accurate and smooth prints with its 49 micron pixel-size, and an easy-to-use touchscreen. If you’re looking for a compact, fast and accurate 3D printer, call (800) 626-5651, or visit whipmix.com for more information or to order the Whip Mix VeriEKO 3D printer.### If you’re looking for a compact, fast and accurate 3D printer, call (800) 626-5651, or visit whipmix.com for more information or to order the Whip Mix VeriEKO 3D printer. Special Guests: Ashley Soucy CDA, LD, Austin CarboneB.SC, B.ED, LD, and Patrick Allen, LD. dental, technician, laboratory, Maine, Canada, Denturist, legal, legislative, Air Force, George Brown College, American Denturist School, Externship, education, mentorship, portland, podcast, voices from the bench The Maine Licensed Denturist Association June 10 - 11

National Denturist Association October 12 - 14

We’ve had many Denturists on the podcast in the past. It’s a great career path for dental technicians looking for the next step. Unfortunately, Denturism is not legal in many states. Luckily for the residents of Maine, Denturism is legal there. We are joined again by multi-episode guest, Patrick Allen. Patrick is a Denturist in at Central Maine Denture and he has invited two other Denturist from Maine to join us for the conversation. Austin Carbone learned dental technology in the Navy. Moving to Canada and finding Denturism, Austin has been educating the population and being the part of many boards to bring awareness to the profession. Getting closer to retirement, Austin brought on Ashley Soucy to Jetport Denture Center to carry on the practice. Ashley, a recent graduate of The American Denturist School, is part of the new generation of Denturist that is getting involved to continue the fight for legalization of this much needed profession.

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’s outstanding VeriEKO LCD 3D Printer delivers fast print speed and exceptional accuracy, due to its 95% LED light uniformity. Print temporary and permanent crowns and bridges, models and dies, surgical guides, splints, custom trays, and even dentures with Whip Mix’s VeriModel OS, VeriGuide OS, KeySplint Soft, Dentca Denture, Dentca Temporary Crown & Bridge, Bego VarseoSmile Crown plus, Bego VarseoSmile Temp, VeriCast OS, and VeriTray resins.

VeriEKO, with its 120 X 80mm print plate, is ready to prove its printing power right out of the box with 54 calibrated LEDs for curing consistency, ultra-accurate and smooth prints with its 49 micron pixel-size, and an easy-to-use touchscreen.

If you’re looking for a compact, fast and accurate 3D printer, call (800) 626-5651, or visit whipmix.com for more information or to order the Whip Mix VeriEKO 3D printer.###

If you’re looking for a compact, fast and accurate 3D printer, call (800) 626-5651, or visit whipmix.com for more information or to order the Whip Mix VeriEKO 3D printer.

Special Guests: Ashley Soucy CDA, LD, Austin CarboneB.SC, B.ED, LD, and Patrick Allen, LD.

]]> The Maine Licensed Denturist Association June 10 - 11

National Denturist Association October 12 - 14

We’ve had many Denturists on the podcast in the past. It’s a great career path for dental technicians looking for the next step. Unfortunately, Denturism is not legal in many states. Luckily for the residents of Maine, Denturism is legal there. We are joined again by multi-episode guest, Patrick Allen. Patrick is a Denturist in at Central Maine Denture and he has invited two other Denturist from Maine to join us for the conversation. Austin Carbone learned dental technology in the Navy. Moving to Canada and finding Denturism, Austin has been educating the population and being the part of many boards to bring awareness to the profession. Getting closer to retirement, Austin brought on Ashley Soucy to Jetport Denture Center to carry on the practice. Ashley, a recent graduate of The American Denturist School, is part of the new generation of Denturist that is getting involved to continue the fight for legalization of this much needed profession.

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’s outstanding VeriEKO LCD 3D Printer delivers fast print speed and exceptional accuracy, due to its 95% LED light uniformity. Print temporary and permanent crowns and bridges, models and dies, surgical guides, splints, custom trays, and even dentures with Whip Mix’s VeriModel OS, VeriGuide OS, KeySplint Soft, Dentca Denture, Dentca Temporary Crown & Bridge, Bego VarseoSmile Crown plus, Bego VarseoSmile Temp, VeriCast OS, and VeriTray resins.

VeriEKO, with its 120 X 80mm print plate, is ready to prove its printing power right out of the box with 54 calibrated LEDs for curing consistency, ultra-accurate and smooth prints with its 49 micron pixel-size, and an easy-to-use touchscreen.

If you’re looking for a compact, fast and accurate 3D printer, call (800) 626-5651, or visit whipmix.com for more information or to order the Whip Mix VeriEKO 3D printer.###

If you’re looking for a compact, fast and accurate 3D printer, call (800) 626-5651, or visit whipmix.com for more information or to order the Whip Mix VeriEKO 3D printer.

Special Guests: Ashley Soucy CDA, LD, Austin CarboneB.SC, B.ED, LD, and Patrick Allen, LD.

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