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    <title>Voices from The Bench - Episodes Tagged with “Quality Control”</title>
    <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/tags/quality%20control</link>
    <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <description>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.</description>
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    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>A Dental Laboratory Podcast</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>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.</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:keywords>Dental Laboratory, Dentistry, Removable, Fixed, Crowns, teeth, technicians, CDT, dentures, partials, mills, printers, dentist, zirconia, emax</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>info@voicesfromthebench.com</itunes:email>
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<itunes:category text="Science">
  <itunes:category text="Life Sciences"/>
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  <title>437: Phillip Gold: The Gold Standard of Dental Technology </title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/437</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
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  <itunes:episode>437</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Phillip Gold: The Gold Standard of Dental Technology </itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>This week we sit down with Philip Gold to hear the incredible story of growing up in a dental laboratory, taking over his family’s lab, and building a career centered around relationships, education, and giving back to the industry. Philip shares stories from his journey, the evolution of dental technology, and what drove him to earn an impressive six CDT certifications—including digital. It’s a great conversation about family, legacy, leadership, and the people who make this industry so special.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:04:52</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/5/59b782dd-55b4-4f67-a128-668878d0dff8/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;IPS Emax Zirconia&lt;/a&gt; offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why &lt;a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Knight Dental&lt;/a&gt; recently launched &lt;strong&gt;SimplyARCH Studio&lt;/strong&gt;, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book,&lt;a href="https://a.co/d/04V5YKvu" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt; &lt;em&gt;The Invisible Profession&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership.&lt;/h3&gt;

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

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

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

&lt;p&gt;Special Guest: Phillip Gold.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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innovation history, dental materials history, dental education history, dental laboratory education, laboratory culture, work ethic, dental work ethic, first one in last one out, laboratory team, dental laboratory team, technician leadership, experienced technician, master technician, master CDT, six CDT certifications, six certifications, dental excellence, technical excellence, clinical excellence, quality dentistry, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, dental prosthetics, dental restorations, restorative dental technology, dental craftsmanship, dental artistry, dental anatomy, occlusion, color science, dental anatomy and occlusion, certification preparation, CDT exam preparation, dental exam preparation, practical exam, digital practical exam, dental technology exam, study for CDT, dental certification study, AI in dentistry, AI for dental technicians, ChatGPT, artificial intelligence, dental AI, AI education, AI learning, dental technician study tools, dental technology 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stories, dental podcast, dental podcasts, Voices From the Bench podcast, dental podcast interview, dental laboratory podcast, dental technician podcast, dental technology podcast, dental industry podcast, laboratory stories, dental lab stories, technician stories, behind the scenes dental lab, life in the dental lab, dental lab culture, dental lab relationships, customer service philosophy, client retention, account retention, dental laboratory growth, laboratory growth, business growth, dental business, dental business development, dental entrepreneurship, dental entrepreneur, laboratory entrepreneur, dental lab owner, dental laboratory owner, laboratory operator, dental professional, dental professionals, dental technician community, dental education community, dental technology community, dental materials, dental equipment, dental workflows, dental manufacturing, dental manufacturing technology, dental production, dental production workflow, dental quality, dental quality control, dental laboratory standards, professional standards, dental professionalism, dental industry leadership, dental industry education, dental industry mentorship, dental industry networking, dental industry relationships, dental industry legacy, dental laboratory legacy, family legacy, professional legacy, learning from experience, learning from mentors, sharing knowledge, knowledge sharing, industry camaraderie, dental community support, supporting technicians, technician advocacy, certification advocacy, professional certification, continuing education, career longevity, lifetime in dentistry, lifetime in dental laboratory, decades in dentistry, decades in the dental lab, dental veteran, dental industry veteran, dental laboratory veteran, experienced dental technician, master dental technician, dental technology veteran, dental laboratory expert, dental technician expert, Philip Gold interview, Philip Gold podcast, Philip Gold dental laboratory, Philip Gold CDT, Philip Gold dental 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  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener">IPS Emax Zirconia</a> offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why <a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Knight Dental</a> recently launched <strong>SimplyARCH Studio</strong>, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>hyperDENT</strong></a>. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book,<a href="https://a.co/d/04V5YKvu" rel="nofollow noopener"> <em>The Invisible Profession</em></a>. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership.</h3>

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

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

<p>We also get into the importance of customer service, why relationships are at the heart of this industry, and why sometimes the best thing a laboratory can do is simply pick up the phone and help. Philip shares his philosophy that when something goes wrong, you drop everything and make it right. We talk about giving back to the industry, the people who helped shape Philip’s career, and how the dental laboratory community has always been willing to share knowledge when you’re willing to ask. And yes… somewhere along the way we also hear the greatest “okey-doke” story in dental laboratory history. </p><p>Special Guest: Phillip Gold.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener">IPS Emax Zirconia</a> offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why <a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Knight Dental</a> recently launched <strong>SimplyARCH Studio</strong>, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>hyperDENT</strong></a>. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book,<a href="https://a.co/d/04V5YKvu" rel="nofollow noopener"> <em>The Invisible Profession</em></a>. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership.</h3>

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

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

<p>We also get into the importance of customer service, why relationships are at the heart of this industry, and why sometimes the best thing a laboratory can do is simply pick up the phone and help. Philip shares his philosophy that when something goes wrong, you drop everything and make it right. We talk about giving back to the industry, the people who helped shape Philip’s career, and how the dental laboratory community has always been willing to share knowledge when you’re willing to ask. And yes… somewhere along the way we also hear the greatest “okey-doke” story in dental laboratory history. </p><p>Special Guest: Phillip Gold.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Episode 433: From FDLA 2026: Morris Fucarino, Enja Dorjchuluun, Joseph Núñez Reyes</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/433</link>
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  <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
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  <itunes:episode>433</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>From FDLA 2026: Morris Fucarino, Enja Dorjchuluun, Joseph Núñez Reyes</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>From the FDLA Symposium, Elvis and Barb sit down with three passionate technicians who represent the past, present, and future of the profession. Morris Fucarino reflects on an incredible 50 years as a CDT and the value of lifelong learning, Enja Dorjchuluun shares how she's helping shape the future of Florida's dental laboratory community through Sakr Dental Arts and the FDLA Board, and Joseph Núñez Reyes discusses his journey from Puerto Rico to GPS Digital Dental Lab and his dream of inspiring the next generation of technicians.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:20:45</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/5/5176918b-883e-486d-88d8-96020a3ca13c/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;IPS Emax Zirconia&lt;/a&gt; offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why &lt;a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Knight Dental&lt;/a&gt; recently launched &lt;strong&gt;SimplyARCH Studio&lt;/strong&gt;, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.&lt;/h3&gt;

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

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

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

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Ever notice the busiest labs aren't always the ones working the longest hours? They're usually the ones with a workflow that keeps moving—even after everyone heads home. Real productivity isn't about asking your team to do more; it's about having the right tools doing more for your team. That's where Roland's &lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;DGSHAPE DWX&lt;/a&gt; milling solutions really shine. Built to keep production moving whether you're milling a single case or running overnight, they free your technicians to focus on finishing cases, serving customers, and growing the business instead of babysitting equipment. That's what real productivity looks like: more output, fewer interruptions, and less time spent chasing problems. Because every hour your mill is producing is another hour your lab is creating value. If you're ready to get more from every production day, discover what Roland's &lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;DGSHAPE DWX&lt;/a&gt; milling solutions can do for your lab at rolanddental.com.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Special Guests: Enja Dorjchuluun, Joseph Núñez Reyes, and Morris Fucarino CDT.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>CDT, Certified Dental Technician, NBC, National Board for Certification, FDLA, FDLA Symposium, Florida Dental Laboratory Association, Morris Fucarino, Enja Dorjchuluun, Joseph Núñez Reyes, GPS Digital Dental Lab, GPS Digital RPD, Sakr Dental Arts, certification, continuing education, lifelong learning, mentorship, craftsmanship, dental technology, dental laboratory, dental lab, technician, dental technician, laboratory management, one-man lab, boutique laboratory, relationships, customer service, quality, excellence, passion, legacy, experience, analog dentistry, digital dentistry, CAD/CAM, CAM, milling, milling center, zirconia, e.max, lithium disilicate, PFM, porcelain fused to metal, full gold crowns, high noble alloy, casting, waxing, handpieces, belt-driven handpieces, impressions, stone models, model work, articulators, turnaround time, workflow, efficiency, laboratory operations, education, technician training, board service, leadership, volunteering, state association, dental community, networking, Focus Magazine, webinars, hands-on education, laboratory growth, expansion, operations, general manager, supervisors, team building, hiring, cross-training, digital workflow, 3D printing, Carbon printers, HeyGears, Roland mills, Ivoclar PM7, PMMA, dentures, night guards, zirconia milling, post-processing, quality control, QC, nesting, scanning, implants, implant restorations, soft tissue models, digital content, Instagram, dental content creator, social media, Puerto Rico, Orlando, career growth, biomedical engineering, ICPR Junior College, Roland, dental innovation, technology, analog techniques, craftsmanship, laboratory culture, technician pride, technician recognition, career development, future of dentistry, future technicians, mentorship, problem solving, continuing growth, organized dentistry, education, collaboration, dentistry, laboratory life, technicians, smiles, patients, inspiration, dedication, perseverance, professional development, knowledge, experience, FDLA Board, Florida, Orlando, dental podcast, Voices From the Bench, Elvis, Barb, Lab Day, LabFest, dental industry, technician stories, laboratory careers, technician education, passion for dentistry, dental craftsmanship, dental manufacturing, dental materials, gold restorations, ceramics, digital transformation, workflow optimization, laboratory leadership, technician spotlight, industry veterans, next generation, innovation, community, teamwork, excellence, success.</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener">IPS Emax Zirconia</a> offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why <a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Knight Dental</a> recently launched <strong>SimplyARCH Studio</strong>, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>hyperDENT</strong></a>. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.</h3>

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

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

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

<hr>

<h3>Ever notice the busiest labs aren't always the ones working the longest hours? They're usually the ones with a workflow that keeps moving—even after everyone heads home. Real productivity isn't about asking your team to do more; it's about having the right tools doing more for your team. That's where Roland's <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener">DGSHAPE DWX</a> milling solutions really shine. Built to keep production moving whether you're milling a single case or running overnight, they free your technicians to focus on finishing cases, serving customers, and growing the business instead of babysitting equipment. That's what real productivity looks like: more output, fewer interruptions, and less time spent chasing problems. Because every hour your mill is producing is another hour your lab is creating value. If you're ready to get more from every production day, discover what Roland's <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener">DGSHAPE DWX</a> milling solutions can do for your lab at rolanddental.com.</h3><p>Special Guests: Enja Dorjchuluun, Joseph Núñez Reyes, and Morris Fucarino CDT.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-zircad" rel="nofollow noopener">IPS Emax Zirconia</a> offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why <a href="https://www.knightdentalgroup.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Knight Dental</a> recently launched <strong>SimplyARCH Studio</strong>, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"><strong>hyperDENT</strong></a>. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a> helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.</h3>

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

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

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

<hr>

<h3>Ever notice the busiest labs aren't always the ones working the longest hours? They're usually the ones with a workflow that keeps moving—even after everyone heads home. Real productivity isn't about asking your team to do more; it's about having the right tools doing more for your team. That's where Roland's <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener">DGSHAPE DWX</a> milling solutions really shine. Built to keep production moving whether you're milling a single case or running overnight, they free your technicians to focus on finishing cases, serving customers, and growing the business instead of babysitting equipment. That's what real productivity looks like: more output, fewer interruptions, and less time spent chasing problems. Because every hour your mill is producing is another hour your lab is creating value. If you're ready to get more from every production day, discover what Roland's <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series" rel="nofollow noopener">DGSHAPE DWX</a> milling solutions can do for your lab at rolanddental.com.</h3><p>Special Guests: Enja Dorjchuluun, Joseph Núñez Reyes, and Morris Fucarino CDT.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>422: Renata Budny, Roberto Rossi, &amp; Eugene Vega: The Never Ending Education in a Dental Lab</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/422</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">22893711-f576-40ea-806d-e82664e03821</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/22893711-f576-40ea-806d-e82664e03821.mp3" length="61488945" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>422</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Renata Budny, Roberto Rossi, &amp; Eugene Vega: The Never Ending Education in a Dental Lab</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>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.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:03:58</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/2/22893711-f576-40ea-806d-e82664e03821/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I&lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PS e.max Ceram Art&lt;/a&gt;. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt;. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine USA&lt;/a&gt; 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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>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</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a>. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a> 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.</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p><p>Special Guests: Eugene Vega, Renata Budny, CDT, TE, and Roberto Rossi.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">hyperDENT</a>. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine USA</a> 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.</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p><p>Special Guests: Eugene Vega, Renata Budny, CDT, TE, and Roberto Rossi.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>419: Katherine Wilcox Wants You To Work EviSmarter and Not Harder</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/419</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">31c3fa7c-62c8-49ec-9895-cf170eeabf1a</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/31c3fa7c-62c8-49ec-9895-cf170eeabf1a.mp3" length="64453112" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>419</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Katherine Wilcox Wants You To Work EviSmarter and Not Harder</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Elvis and Barb sit down with Katherine Wilcox to talk about her journey from avoiding small talk as a dental assistant to thriving as a lab tech and eventually moving into the world of digital workflows and software. She shares how outsourcing design services exploded during COVID and became a lifeline for labs trying to manage workload and staffing challenges. The conversation highlights how EviSmart is helping labs automate workflows, reduce manual tasks, and bring order to the chaos of digital dentistry.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:07:04</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/3/31c3fa7c-62c8-49ec-9895-cf170eeabf1a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I&lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PS e.max Ceram Art&lt;/a&gt;. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;When it comes to digital dentures, design is easy—manufacturing is where things get messy.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by &lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Roland DGSHAPE&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group&lt;/a&gt;, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Want to simplify production and scale with confidence? Check it out at rollanddga.com/elevate.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This week, Elvis and Barb finally track down the always-on-the-move Katie (now Katherine!) Wilcox to hear her journey from dental assisting to lab tech to helping shape one of the industry’s fastest-growing digital solutions companies. What starts as a conversation about avoiding small talk and loving lab life quickly turns into a deep dive into outsourcing, automation, and how labs are surviving (and thriving) in a post-COVID world.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Katherine shares how her early curiosity in the back of a dental office led her into dental technology, why she fell in love with the bench, and what pulled her out of it into sales and software. From cold-calling labs during COVID to helping scale a global design center, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how outsourcing evolved from “no way” to “no-brainer” for labs trying to manage workload and staffing challenges.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The conversation shifts into the evolution from Evident to &lt;a href="https://evismart.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;EviSmart&lt;/a&gt;, where the focus is now on automation, workflow optimization, and reducing the chaos of digital file management. Katherine breaks down how connecting systems, eliminating repetitive tasks, and adding AI-driven QC is helping labs do more with less—without sacrificing quality.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Join us at &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;exocad Insights 2026&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code &lt;strong&gt;VFTBPalma15&lt;/strong&gt; for 15% off.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Special Guest: Katherine Wilcox.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory,voices from the bench, dental lab, dental technician, EviSmart, Evident, digital dentistry, CAD design, outsourcing, design center, workflow automation, lab software, COVID impact, staffing shortages, efficiency, productivity, lab management, case entry, AI, quality control, digital workflow, file management, scanning, iTero, 3Shape, Trios, data integration, process optimization, customer service, lab growth, outsourcing design, Philippines, Manila, dental technology, innovation, industry trends</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>When it comes to digital dentures, design is easy—manufacturing is where things get messy.</h3>

<h3>That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGSHAPE</a>, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>, and <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group</a>, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.</h3>

<h3>Want to simplify production and scale with confidence? Check it out at rollanddga.com/elevate.</h3>

<p>This week, Elvis and Barb finally track down the always-on-the-move Katie (now Katherine!) Wilcox to hear her journey from dental assisting to lab tech to helping shape one of the industry’s fastest-growing digital solutions companies. What starts as a conversation about avoiding small talk and loving lab life quickly turns into a deep dive into outsourcing, automation, and how labs are surviving (and thriving) in a post-COVID world.</p>

<p>Katherine shares how her early curiosity in the back of a dental office led her into dental technology, why she fell in love with the bench, and what pulled her out of it into sales and software. From cold-calling labs during COVID to helping scale a global design center, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how outsourcing evolved from “no way” to “no-brainer” for labs trying to manage workload and staffing challenges.</p>

<p>The conversation shifts into the evolution from Evident to <a href="https://evismart.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">EviSmart</a>, where the focus is now on automation, workflow optimization, and reducing the chaos of digital file management. Katherine breaks down how connecting systems, eliminating repetitive tasks, and adding AI-driven QC is helping labs do more with less—without sacrificing quality.</p>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guest: Katherine Wilcox.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>When it comes to digital dentures, design is easy—manufacturing is where things get messy.</h3>

<h3>That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGSHAPE</a>, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>, and <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group</a>, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.</h3>

<h3>Want to simplify production and scale with confidence? Check it out at rollanddga.com/elevate.</h3>

<p>This week, Elvis and Barb finally track down the always-on-the-move Katie (now Katherine!) Wilcox to hear her journey from dental assisting to lab tech to helping shape one of the industry’s fastest-growing digital solutions companies. What starts as a conversation about avoiding small talk and loving lab life quickly turns into a deep dive into outsourcing, automation, and how labs are surviving (and thriving) in a post-COVID world.</p>

<p>Katherine shares how her early curiosity in the back of a dental office led her into dental technology, why she fell in love with the bench, and what pulled her out of it into sales and software. From cold-calling labs during COVID to helping scale a global design center, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how outsourcing evolved from “no way” to “no-brainer” for labs trying to manage workload and staffing challenges.</p>

<p>The conversation shifts into the evolution from Evident to <a href="https://evismart.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">EviSmart</a>, where the focus is now on automation, workflow optimization, and reducing the chaos of digital file management. Katherine breaks down how connecting systems, eliminating repetitive tasks, and adding AI-driven QC is helping labs do more with less—without sacrificing quality.</p>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guest: Katherine Wilcox.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>417: Lab Day Chicago 2026 Part 3 with Frederic Rapp, Casey Baldwin, &amp; Darin Lockaby</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/417</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">4dc2dc2e-1920-42ad-96ce-6cc969420e3f</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/4dc2dc2e-1920-42ad-96ce-6cc969420e3f.mp3" length="69894940" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>417</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Lab Day Chicago 2026 Part 3 with Frederic Rapp, Casey Baldwin, &amp; Darin Lockaby</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Live from the Ivoclar Ballroom at Lab Day 2026, Elvis and Barb talk with Frederic Rapp about his journey from a small family lab to scaling a 150-person operation and now helping labs unlock their data with icortica. Then Casey Baldwin (Ivoclar) and Darin Lockaby (DESS) join to break down their new plug-and-play workflow for milling FDA-compliant abutments in-house—giving labs more control and better margins.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:12:44</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/4/4dc2dc2e-1920-42ad-96ce-6cc969420e3f/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I&lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;PS e.max Ceram Art&lt;/a&gt;. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;When it comes to digital dentures, design is easy—manufacturing is where things get messy.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by &lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Roland DGSHAPE&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group&lt;/a&gt;, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Want to simplify production and scale with confidence? Check it out at rollanddga.com/elevate.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;"Live" from the Ivoclar ballroom at Lab Day 2026, Elvis and Barb dives into conversations that perfectly capture what this industry is all about—innovation, relationships, and a whole lot of nerding out.&lt;/p&gt;

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

&lt;p&gt;Then things shift to a great partnership with &lt;strong&gt;Casey Baldwin&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Darin Lockaby&lt;/strong&gt;, where we get into a seriously cool collaboration between &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href="https://www.dess-usa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;DESS&lt;/a&gt;. Think plug-and-play workflows that let labs mill their own abutments in-house—FDA compliant, streamlined, and actually simple. With margins tighter than ever, this kind of control over production isn’t just nice… it’s becoming necessary.&lt;/p&gt;

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

&lt;h3&gt;Join us at &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;exocad Insights 2026&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code &lt;strong&gt;VFTBPalma15&lt;/strong&gt; for 15% off.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Special Guests: Casey Baldwin, Darin Lockaby, and Frederic Rapp.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory,voices from the bench, LabDay, Ivoclar, ballroom, live podcast, Frédéric Rapp, Elvis, Barb, Casey Baldwin, Darren Lockerby, DES, iCortica, Rob Nazel, Bob Cohen, Open Implants, Crown Ceram, dental lab, dental technician, engineering, mechanical engineering, rapid prototyping, digital dentistry, innovation, private equity, consolidation, lab growth, team building, leadership, data, database, analytics, dashboards, AI, automation, workflow, LMS, lab management system, Magic Touch, ABS, GreatLab, integration, API, software, technology, insights, customer retention, customer behavior, onboarding, case tracking, reporting, real-time data, alerts, notifications, sales strategy, business development, relationships, efficiency, productivity, chairside, reps, field work, customer service, follow-up, communication, notes, voice input, AI assistant, tasks, scheduling, opportunity tracking, cross-selling, upselling, revenue growth, cost of acquisition, profitability, margins, scalability, digital workflow, implants, implant workflow, abutments, milling, PM7, Programill 7, Ivotion, zirconia, emax, wet milling, dry milling, calibration, CAM software, Hyperdent, Exocad, 3Shape, Dental Wings, intraoral scanner, IOS, FDA compliance, 510k, validation, plug and play, PnP, manufacturing, quality control, OEM, tie bases, blanks, custom abutments, stock abutments, workflow control, turnaround time, in-house production, outsourcing, price pressure, industry trends, collaboration, partnership, innovation, materials, CeramArt, characterization, aesthetics, removable, fixed, digital dentures, lab efficiency, automation tools, future tech, AI in dentistry, global industry, Europe labs, US labs, Canada, Australia, scaling, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, education, training, lab life, dental community, networking, Lab Day energy</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>When it comes to digital dentures, design is easy—manufacturing is where things get messy.</h3>

<h3>That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGSHAPE</a>, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>, and <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group</a>, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.</h3>

<h3>Want to simplify production and scale with confidence? Check it out at rollanddga.com/elevate.</h3>

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

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

<p>Then things shift to a great partnership with <strong>Casey Baldwin</strong> and <strong>Darin Lockaby</strong>, where we get into a seriously cool collaboration between <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a> and <a href="https://www.dess-usa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">DESS</a>. Think plug-and-play workflows that let labs mill their own abutments in-house—FDA compliant, streamlined, and actually simple. With margins tighter than ever, this kind of control over production isn’t just nice… it’s becoming necessary.</p>

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

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guests: Casey Baldwin, Darin Lockaby, and Frederic Rapp.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!</h3>

<h3>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 <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, I<a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/veneering-materials/ips-e.max-ceram-art" rel="nofollow noopener">PS e.max Ceram Art</a>. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.</h3>

<h3>Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>When it comes to digital dentures, design is easy—manufacturing is where things get messy.</h3>

<h3>That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGSHAPE</a>, <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a>, and <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group</a>, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.</h3>

<h3>Want to simplify production and scale with confidence? Check it out at rollanddga.com/elevate.</h3>

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

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

<p>Then things shift to a great partnership with <strong>Casey Baldwin</strong> and <strong>Darin Lockaby</strong>, where we get into a seriously cool collaboration between <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar</a> and <a href="https://www.dess-usa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">DESS</a>. Think plug-and-play workflows that let labs mill their own abutments in-house—FDA compliant, streamlined, and actually simple. With margins tighter than ever, this kind of control over production isn’t just nice… it’s becoming necessary.</p>

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

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guests: Casey Baldwin, Darin Lockaby, and Frederic Rapp.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>411: Michael Joseph: No Wax, No Fear and One Lab’s All-In Leap to Digital Dentistry</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/411</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">e8d267b2-aaac-4284-acc8-65be0dd79fb3</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/e8d267b2-aaac-4284-acc8-65be0dd79fb3.mp3" length="71433216" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>411</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Michael Joseph: No Wax, No Fear and One Lab’s All-In Leap to Digital Dentistry</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Elvis and Barb sit down with London lab owner Michael Joseph, who shares his journey from scooter courier to fully digital lab owner, including the hard lessons learned through COVID, Brexit, and rebuilding from the brink. Michael breaks down how committing to digital workflows, automation, photogrammetry, and rock-solid protocols transformed his lab into a scalable, referral-driven business. This episode is a powerful reminder that reinvention, consistency, and smart systems—not shortcuts—are what drive long-term success in today’s dental lab world.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:14:20</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/e/e8d267b2-aaac-4284-acc8-65be0dd79fb3/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Walking the &lt;a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Lab Day Chicago&lt;/a&gt; floor? Make it worth it.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Stop by the &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; 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 &lt;a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Axsys&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;DOF&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Roland&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026&lt;/em&gt;*&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 &lt;a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://cal-lab.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 &lt;a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 &lt;a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://members.dlat.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://exocad.com/insights-2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This week we sit down with Michael Joseph, a London-based lab owner whose journey through dental technology is anything but traditional. From delivering impressions on a scooter through the streets of London to completely rebuilding his lab as a fully digital operation, Michael shares a candid, honest look at what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in today’s dental lab landscape.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Michael walks listeners through his early days pouring hundreds of stone models by hand, navigating education with dyslexia, and eventually earning his degree in dental technology. After years at the bench, he pivoted into dental sales, working with companies like Orascoptic, Sirona, and Skillbond/Argen—experience that gave him deep insight into materials, equipment, and the business side of dentistry. That sales background ultimately fueled his return to lab ownership and helped him build a strong network of clinicians from day one.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The conversation takes a powerful turn as Michael opens up about the challenges of Brexit, COVID, staffing losses, and personal upheaval that nearly ended his lab altogether. Instead of quitting, he made a bold decision: gut the lab completely and rebuild it from the ground up as a fully digital operation. Investing heavily in milling, printing, Exocad, and workflow automation, Michael shares how committing to systems, protocols, and vertical integration transformed not just his lab—but his mindset.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Elvis and Barb dig into Michael’s digital workflows, including photogrammetry, full-arch immediate load cases, remote design teams, LMS integration with GreatLab, and why reliability and consistency are the real competitive advantages. Michael also explains how peer referrals—not ads—became his strongest growth engine, and how simplifying communication with dentists through WhatsApp, QR codes, automation, and self-booking systems has completely changed the way his lab operates.### 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Join us at &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;exocad Insights 2026&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code &lt;strong&gt;VFTBPalma15&lt;/strong&gt; for 15% off.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Starting the year strong in the dental lab isn’t about goals—it’s about results. Predictable productivity is what drives real profitability, and unpredictability is costly when remakes rise and production slows.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;That’s why labs rely on &lt;a href="https://dgshape.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE&lt;/a&gt; milling solutions. With consistent accuracy, minimal downtime, and automation you can count on, systems like the &lt;a href="https://dgshape.com/dwx-53dc/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;DWX-53DC&lt;/a&gt; deliver reliable output day after day—making ROI measurable and growth predictable.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;See consistency in action at L&lt;a href="https://lmtmag.com/rolanddga" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;MT Lab Day Chicago, Booth I-20&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Choose DGSHAPE. Crafted with Japanese precision. Trusted by dental professionals worldwide.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Learn more at rolanddental.com Special Guest: Michael Joseph.&lt;/h3&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory, digital dentistry, dental laboratory, lab ownership, dental technology, Exocad, photogrammetry, full arch restorations, immediate load, milling machines, 3D printing, workflow automation, lab management software, GreatLab LMS, CAD design, remote designers, quality control, consistency, reliability, peer referrals, dental marketing, Instagram marketing, dental sales, lab growth, business resilience, COVID recovery, Brexit impact, vertical integration, zirconia, lithium disilicate, PMMA, dental scanners, iTero, Medit, PrimeScan, dental education, study clubs, lab systems, technician training, voices from the bench</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>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.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Walking the <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">Lab Day Chicago</a> floor? Make it worth it.</h3>

<h3>Stop by the <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT</a> 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 <a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener">Axsys</a>, <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine</a>, <a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener">DOF</a>, and <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland</a>.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.</h3>

<p><em>Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026</em>*</p>

<ul>
<li>Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://cal-lab.org/</a></li>
<li>LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday</a></li>
<li>Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 <a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://members.dlat.org/</a></li>
<li>exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">https://exocad.com/insights-2026</a></li>
</ul>

<p>This week we sit down with Michael Joseph, a London-based lab owner whose journey through dental technology is anything but traditional. From delivering impressions on a scooter through the streets of London to completely rebuilding his lab as a fully digital operation, Michael shares a candid, honest look at what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in today’s dental lab landscape.</p>

<p>Michael walks listeners through his early days pouring hundreds of stone models by hand, navigating education with dyslexia, and eventually earning his degree in dental technology. After years at the bench, he pivoted into dental sales, working with companies like Orascoptic, Sirona, and Skillbond/Argen—experience that gave him deep insight into materials, equipment, and the business side of dentistry. That sales background ultimately fueled his return to lab ownership and helped him build a strong network of clinicians from day one.</p>

<p>The conversation takes a powerful turn as Michael opens up about the challenges of Brexit, COVID, staffing losses, and personal upheaval that nearly ended his lab altogether. Instead of quitting, he made a bold decision: gut the lab completely and rebuild it from the ground up as a fully digital operation. Investing heavily in milling, printing, Exocad, and workflow automation, Michael shares how committing to systems, protocols, and vertical integration transformed not just his lab—but his mindset.</p>

<p>Elvis and Barb dig into Michael’s digital workflows, including photogrammetry, full-arch immediate load cases, remote design teams, LMS integration with GreatLab, and why reliability and consistency are the real competitive advantages. Michael also explains how peer referrals—not ads—became his strongest growth engine, and how simplifying communication with dentists through WhatsApp, QR codes, automation, and self-booking systems has completely changed the way his lab operates.### 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.</p>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Starting the year strong in the dental lab isn’t about goals—it’s about results. Predictable productivity is what drives real profitability, and unpredictability is costly when remakes rise and production slows.</h3>

<h3>That’s why labs rely on <a href="https://dgshape.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE</a> milling solutions. With consistent accuracy, minimal downtime, and automation you can count on, systems like the <a href="https://dgshape.com/dwx-53dc/" rel="nofollow noopener">DWX-53DC</a> deliver reliable output day after day—making ROI measurable and growth predictable.</h3>

<h3>See consistency in action at L<a href="https://lmtmag.com/rolanddga" rel="nofollow noopener">MT Lab Day Chicago, Booth I-20</a>.</h3>

<h3>Choose DGSHAPE. Crafted with Japanese precision. Trusted by dental professionals worldwide.</h3>

<h3>Learn more at rolanddental.com</h3><p>Special Guest: Michael Joseph.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>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.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Walking the <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">Lab Day Chicago</a> floor? Make it worth it.</h3>

<h3>Stop by the <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT</a> 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 <a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener">Axsys</a>, <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine</a>, <a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener">DOF</a>, and <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland</a>.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.</h3>

<p><em>Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026</em>*</p>

<ul>
<li>Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://cal-lab.org/</a></li>
<li>LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday</a></li>
<li>Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 <a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://members.dlat.org/</a></li>
<li>exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">https://exocad.com/insights-2026</a></li>
</ul>

<p>This week we sit down with Michael Joseph, a London-based lab owner whose journey through dental technology is anything but traditional. From delivering impressions on a scooter through the streets of London to completely rebuilding his lab as a fully digital operation, Michael shares a candid, honest look at what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in today’s dental lab landscape.</p>

<p>Michael walks listeners through his early days pouring hundreds of stone models by hand, navigating education with dyslexia, and eventually earning his degree in dental technology. After years at the bench, he pivoted into dental sales, working with companies like Orascoptic, Sirona, and Skillbond/Argen—experience that gave him deep insight into materials, equipment, and the business side of dentistry. That sales background ultimately fueled his return to lab ownership and helped him build a strong network of clinicians from day one.</p>

<p>The conversation takes a powerful turn as Michael opens up about the challenges of Brexit, COVID, staffing losses, and personal upheaval that nearly ended his lab altogether. Instead of quitting, he made a bold decision: gut the lab completely and rebuild it from the ground up as a fully digital operation. Investing heavily in milling, printing, Exocad, and workflow automation, Michael shares how committing to systems, protocols, and vertical integration transformed not just his lab—but his mindset.</p>

<p>Elvis and Barb dig into Michael’s digital workflows, including photogrammetry, full-arch immediate load cases, remote design teams, LMS integration with GreatLab, and why reliability and consistency are the real competitive advantages. Michael also explains how peer referrals—not ads—became his strongest growth engine, and how simplifying communication with dentists through WhatsApp, QR codes, automation, and self-booking systems has completely changed the way his lab operates.### 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.</p>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Starting the year strong in the dental lab isn’t about goals—it’s about results. Predictable productivity is what drives real profitability, and unpredictability is costly when remakes rise and production slows.</h3>

<h3>That’s why labs rely on <a href="https://dgshape.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE</a> milling solutions. With consistent accuracy, minimal downtime, and automation you can count on, systems like the <a href="https://dgshape.com/dwx-53dc/" rel="nofollow noopener">DWX-53DC</a> deliver reliable output day after day—making ROI measurable and growth predictable.</h3>

<h3>See consistency in action at L<a href="https://lmtmag.com/rolanddga" rel="nofollow noopener">MT Lab Day Chicago, Booth I-20</a>.</h3>

<h3>Choose DGSHAPE. Crafted with Japanese precision. Trusted by dental professionals worldwide.</h3>

<h3>Learn more at rolanddental.com</h3><p>Special Guest: Michael Joseph.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>410: Helen Tanaka: From a Driver to the Bench and Knowing the Why </title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/410</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">189ae8b7-260f-4ecb-833b-409eca5d9931</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/189ae8b7-260f-4ecb-833b-409eca5d9931.mp3" length="65378304" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>410</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Helen Tanaka: From a Driver to the Bench and Knowing the Why </itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>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.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:08:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/1/189ae8b7-260f-4ecb-833b-409eca5d9931/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Walking the &lt;a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Lab Day Chicago&lt;/a&gt; floor? Make it worth it.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Stop by the &lt;a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT&lt;/a&gt; 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 &lt;a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Axsys&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Imagine&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;DOF&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Roland&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026&lt;/em&gt;*&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 &lt;a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://cal-lab.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 &lt;a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 &lt;a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://members.dlat.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://exocad.com/insights-2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, &lt;a href="https://arklign.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Arklign&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Join us at &lt;a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;exocad Insights 2026&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code &lt;strong&gt;VFTBPalma15&lt;/strong&gt; for 15% off. Special Guest: Helen Tanaka.&lt;/h3&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>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</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>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.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Walking the <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">Lab Day Chicago</a> floor? Make it worth it.</h3>

<h3>Stop by the <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT</a> 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 <a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener">Axsys</a>, <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine</a>, <a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener">DOF</a>, and <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland</a>.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.</h3>

<p><em>Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026</em>*</p>

<ul>
<li>Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://cal-lab.org/</a></li>
<li>LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday</a></li>
<li>Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 <a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://members.dlat.org/</a></li>
<li>exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">https://exocad.com/insights-2026</a></li>
</ul>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, <a href="https://arklign.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Arklign</a>, 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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guest: Helen Tanaka.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>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.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Walking the <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">Lab Day Chicago</a> floor? Make it worth it.</h3>

<h3>Stop by the <a href="https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/" rel="nofollow noopener">FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT</a> 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 <a href="https://www.axsysdental.com/home/" rel="nofollow noopener">Axsys</a>, <a href="https://www.imagineusa.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Imagine</a>, <a href="https://doflab.com/en" rel="nofollow noopener">DOF</a>, and <a href="https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam" rel="nofollow noopener">Roland</a>.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.</h3>

<p><em>Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026</em>*</p>

<ul>
<li>Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://cal-lab.org/</a></li>
<li>LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday</a></li>
<li>Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 <a href="https://members.dlat.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://members.dlat.org/</a></li>
<li>exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">https://exocad.com/insights-2026</a></li>
</ul>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, <a href="https://arklign.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Arklign</a>, 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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Join us at <a href="https://exocad.com/insights-2026" rel="nofollow noopener">exocad Insights 2026</a>, 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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code <strong>VFTBPalma15</strong> for 15% off.</h3><p>Special Guest: Helen Tanaka.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>408: Rob Nazzal &amp; Mike Alessio: From the Bench to the (icortica) Dashboard</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/408</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">1fad4ad6-5d45-4139-a8b8-bd8ce699ac75</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/1fad4ad6-5d45-4139-a8b8-bd8ce699ac75.mp3" length="64615680" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>408</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Rob Nazzal &amp; Mike Alessio: From the Bench to the (icortica) Dashboard</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Rob Nazzal returns to Voices From the Bench with Mike Alessio of Bonadent to talk about leadership, culture, and using data the right way in dental laboratories. They discuss transparency around productivity metrics, the challenge of measuring quality, and how open communication builds trust and stronger teams. The conversation also highlights how icortica helps labs and sales teams use real-time data to improve retention, grow existing accounts, and have smarter, better-timed conversations with doctors.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:07:14</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/1/1fad4ad6-5d45-4139-a8b8-bd8ce699ac75/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 &lt;a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://cal-lab.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 &lt;a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Almost three years after his last appearance, Rob Nazzal returns to Voices From the Bench, this time joined by Mike Alessio of &lt;a href="https://bonadent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Bonadent Dental Laboratory&lt;/a&gt;. The conversation dives deep into lab leadership, culture, transparency, and how data—when used the right way—can empower teams instead of policing them.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Mike shares his 32-year journey with Bonadent, from starting as a pickup-and-delivery driver to leading the Danaren division, and explains how a family-owned lab has grown into a multi-location organization without losing its people-first culture. Rob and Mike unpack the realities of tracking productivity on the lab floor, the challenges of sharing metrics openly, and why transparency builds trust, alignment, and accountability when done with intention.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The discussion shifts to quality vs. productivity, the difficulty of truly measuring “quality,” and why labs must lead with craftsmanship before numbers. They also explore how digital workflows, QC processes, and proactive communication with doctors impact remakes, efficiency, and relationships.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;On the sales side, Rob breaks down how &lt;a href="https://www.icortica.com/voices" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;icortica&lt;/a&gt; helps labs grow by focusing on existing customers, improving retention, and giving sales teams real-time insights into what conversations they should be having—right before they walk into an office. Mike and Elvis share firsthand experiences using &lt;a href="https://www.icortica.com/voices" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;icortica&lt;/a&gt;, highlighting how real-time data, centralized notes, and smart alerts change the way sales reps prepare, prioritize, and perform.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The episode wraps with a look at Bonadent’s unique culture (including their famous converted Walmart lab), long employee tenure, and why investing in people, transparency, and the right technology is the real key to sustainable growth in today’s dental lab landscape.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;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. Special Guests: Mike Alessio and Rob Nazzal.&lt;/h3&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory, lab culture, leadership, transparency, productivity metrics, quality control, data visibility, real-time reporting, team alignment, employee engagement, dental laboratory management, sales effectiveness, customer retention, share of wallet, iCortica, Magic Touch, lab software integration, digital workflows, remakes, quality metrics, DSOs, family-owned lab, technician retention, change management, data-driven decisions, voices from the bench</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<h3>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.</h3>

<ul>
<li>Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://cal-lab.org/</a></li>
<li>LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Almost three years after his last appearance, Rob Nazzal returns to Voices From the Bench, this time joined by Mike Alessio of <a href="https://bonadent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Bonadent Dental Laboratory</a>. The conversation dives deep into lab leadership, culture, transparency, and how data—when used the right way—can empower teams instead of policing them.</p>

<p>Mike shares his 32-year journey with Bonadent, from starting as a pickup-and-delivery driver to leading the Danaren division, and explains how a family-owned lab has grown into a multi-location organization without losing its people-first culture. Rob and Mike unpack the realities of tracking productivity on the lab floor, the challenges of sharing metrics openly, and why transparency builds trust, alignment, and accountability when done with intention.</p>

<p>The discussion shifts to quality vs. productivity, the difficulty of truly measuring “quality,” and why labs must lead with craftsmanship before numbers. They also explore how digital workflows, QC processes, and proactive communication with doctors impact remakes, efficiency, and relationships.</p>

<p>On the sales side, Rob breaks down how <a href="https://www.icortica.com/voices" rel="nofollow noopener">icortica</a> helps labs grow by focusing on existing customers, improving retention, and giving sales teams real-time insights into what conversations they should be having—right before they walk into an office. Mike and Elvis share firsthand experiences using <a href="https://www.icortica.com/voices" rel="nofollow noopener">icortica</a>, highlighting how real-time data, centralized notes, and smart alerts change the way sales reps prepare, prioritize, and perform.</p>

<p>The episode wraps with a look at Bonadent’s unique culture (including their famous converted Walmart lab), long employee tenure, and why investing in people, transparency, and the right technology is the real key to sustainable growth in today’s dental lab landscape.</p>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3><p>Special Guests: Mike Alessio and Rob Nazzal.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<h3>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.</h3>

<ul>
<li>Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 <a href="https://cal-lab.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://cal-lab.org/</a></li>
<li>LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 <a href="https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday" rel="nofollow noopener">https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday</a></li>
</ul>

<p>Almost three years after his last appearance, Rob Nazzal returns to Voices From the Bench, this time joined by Mike Alessio of <a href="https://bonadent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Bonadent Dental Laboratory</a>. The conversation dives deep into lab leadership, culture, transparency, and how data—when used the right way—can empower teams instead of policing them.</p>

<p>Mike shares his 32-year journey with Bonadent, from starting as a pickup-and-delivery driver to leading the Danaren division, and explains how a family-owned lab has grown into a multi-location organization without losing its people-first culture. Rob and Mike unpack the realities of tracking productivity on the lab floor, the challenges of sharing metrics openly, and why transparency builds trust, alignment, and accountability when done with intention.</p>

<p>The discussion shifts to quality vs. productivity, the difficulty of truly measuring “quality,” and why labs must lead with craftsmanship before numbers. They also explore how digital workflows, QC processes, and proactive communication with doctors impact remakes, efficiency, and relationships.</p>

<p>On the sales side, Rob breaks down how <a href="https://www.icortica.com/voices" rel="nofollow noopener">icortica</a> helps labs grow by focusing on existing customers, improving retention, and giving sales teams real-time insights into what conversations they should be having—right before they walk into an office. Mike and Elvis share firsthand experiences using <a href="https://www.icortica.com/voices" rel="nofollow noopener">icortica</a>, highlighting how real-time data, centralized notes, and smart alerts change the way sales reps prepare, prioritize, and perform.</p>

<p>The episode wraps with a look at Bonadent’s unique culture (including their famous converted Walmart lab), long employee tenure, and why investing in people, transparency, and the right technology is the real key to sustainable growth in today’s dental lab landscape.</p>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3>

<h3>Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.</h3>

<h3>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.</h3><p>Special Guests: Mike Alessio and Rob Nazzal.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>389: FDLA 2025 and Jensen Dental Part 2 with Nick Bathija, Shanna Gripp, &amp; Mark Stueck</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/389</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">d00812d0-9097-4819-bc48-03eae48f8d6c</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/d00812d0-9097-4819-bc48-03eae48f8d6c.mp3" length="65960448" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>389</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>FDLA 2025 and Jensen Dental Part 2 with Nick Bathija, Shanna Gripp, &amp; Mark Stueck</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>We are back with three more conversations from the Jensen booth at the FDLA Symposium 2025. First up in long time Jensen employee Nick Bathija, we then revisit with Shanna Gripp to see what she's been up to and wrap up the episode with Mark Stueck, past chair of the NBC.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:08:38</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/d/d00812d0-9097-4819-bc48-03eae48f8d6c/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;p&gt;It's the 11th running of the &lt;strong&gt;Race For the Future in Fort Worth, TX on September 14, 2025&lt;/strong&gt;.  This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a industry we all love so much. Important links:&lt;br&gt;
All the money goes to The Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology: &lt;a href="https://dentallabfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://dentallabfoundation.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;
All about the Race: &lt;a href="https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;
Race website: &lt;a href="https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;TO DONATE: &lt;a href="https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Select: Race for the Future&lt;br&gt;
Enter the name of the racer you want to support:  &lt;strong&gt;BARB WARNER&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong&gt;THE CROWN JEWELS&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;
Enter the amount (One Million Dollars)&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;p&gt;A BIG thanks to &lt;a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Jensen Dental&lt;/a&gt; for allowing us to record at the amazing FDLA Symposium &amp;amp; Expo!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;First up is a dentist turned sales rep and now 26 years with &lt;a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Jensen Dental&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;Nick Bathija&lt;/strong&gt;. Nick talks about becoming a dentist, falling in love, and learning that he's not really suited to be a dentist. Starting with Jensen when it was still a mostly alloy company and being there when &lt;a href="https://miyoworld.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;MIYO&lt;/a&gt; hit the scene, Nick can talk a lot about what makes MIYO so great!&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Then we are visited by past podcast guest, &lt;strong&gt;Shaana Gripp&lt;/strong&gt;. Shaana went from an introverted in-office technician to leading education at&lt;a href="https://harvestdental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt; Harvest Dental&lt;/a&gt;. She talks about making the switch, getting used to being in front of a camera, and the joy of seeing people get better with techniques she taught them.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;We wrap up the episode with a conversation with long time lab manager at &lt;a href="https://drakelab.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Drake Dental Laboratory&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;Mark Stueck&lt;/strong&gt;. Mark talks about going from a McDonald's Manager to delivery driver, being recruited to another state, being there for 36 years, and why it was important for him to give back on the NBC board.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Looking for a way to unlock the full potential of your digital dentistry workflow. Take it from Elise Heathcote, associate manager of digital services with Ivoclar. This is all about the Cam Academy. They have a new in-person training experience designed specifically for dental technicians. This hands on course explores the full potential of programmable Cam software, helping you take your digital workflow to the next level. Learn directly from Ivoclar experts, refine your skills and bring new precision and efficiency to your lab. Cam Academy is more than a course. It's your next step in digital excellence. To reserve your spot, visit the &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/academy/learning-opportunities?page=1&amp;amp;offset=12&amp;amp;filters=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22dateRange%22%2C%22selectedLowerBound%22%3A%222021-12-09T07%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%2C%22selectedUpperBound%22%3A%222022-06-09T06%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22type%22%2C%22advancedFilter%22%3Afalse%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22In-house+trainings%22%5D%7D%5D" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar Academy website&lt;/a&gt; or contact your local Ivoclar sales representative today.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;hr&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Take your Full Arch game to the next level! On October 11th, 2025 the people that brought us the Locator attachment, &lt;a href="https://www.zestdent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Zest Dental Solutions&lt;/a&gt; is putting on their first-ever &lt;a href="https://info.zestdent.com/labmastership" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;ZEST LAB MASTERSHIP&lt;/a&gt; program! You'll master the art of creating life-changing full-arch restorations, discover streamlined protocols, and develop the diagnostic skills that will revolutionize your practice. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience with &lt;a href="https://www.zestdent.com/locator-fixed-now-available?srsltid=AfmBOoo_v9_ANsrYCMncz0XWLf5401jx3ezw_Dgq16lTov7fkI4iMeK9" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;LOCATOR FIXED&lt;/a&gt;. Head over to &lt;a href="https://education.zestdent.com/events/zestdental/1779555" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;zest.pub/labmaster25&lt;/a&gt; or visit the full calendar at &lt;a href="https://www.zestdent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;zestdent.com&lt;/a&gt; right now and secure your spot. Use the code VOICESLAB to save $100!!&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Special Guests: Mark Stueck, Nick Bathija, and Shaana Gripp.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory, jensen, dentist, hand skills, allow, creation porcelain, zirconia, miyo, light, structure, KOL, lick, color, wine, harvest, social media, easy gum, webinar, hand polish, high shine, education, hybrids, tips, tricks, courses, brushes, bond, free, McDonald's, driver, model room, metal finisher, CDT, full service, quality control, NBC, testing, voices from the bench</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>It's the 11th running of the <strong>Race For the Future in Fort Worth, TX on September 14, 2025</strong>.  This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a industry we all love so much. Important links:<br>
All the money goes to The Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology: <a href="https://dentallabfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://dentallabfoundation.org/</a><br>
All about the Race: <a href="https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/</a><br>
Race website: <a href="https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/</a></p>

<h3>TO DONATE: <a href="https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/</a></h3>

<p>Select: Race for the Future<br>
Enter the name of the racer you want to support:  <strong>BARB WARNER</strong> or <strong>THE CROWN JEWELS</strong><br>
Enter the amount (One Million Dollars)</p>

<hr>

<p>A BIG thanks to <a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Jensen Dental</a> for allowing us to record at the amazing FDLA Symposium &amp; Expo!</p>

<p>First up is a dentist turned sales rep and now 26 years with <a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Jensen Dental</a>, <strong>Nick Bathija</strong>. Nick talks about becoming a dentist, falling in love, and learning that he's not really suited to be a dentist. Starting with Jensen when it was still a mostly alloy company and being there when <a href="https://miyoworld.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">MIYO</a> hit the scene, Nick can talk a lot about what makes MIYO so great!</p>

<p>Then we are visited by past podcast guest, <strong>Shaana Gripp</strong>. Shaana went from an introverted in-office technician to leading education at<a href="https://harvestdental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"> Harvest Dental</a>. She talks about making the switch, getting used to being in front of a camera, and the joy of seeing people get better with techniques she taught them.</p>

<p>We wrap up the episode with a conversation with long time lab manager at <a href="https://drakelab.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Drake Dental Laboratory</a>, <strong>Mark Stueck</strong>. Mark talks about going from a McDonald's Manager to delivery driver, being recruited to another state, being there for 36 years, and why it was important for him to give back on the NBC board.</p>

<hr>

<h3>Looking for a way to unlock the full potential of your digital dentistry workflow. Take it from Elise Heathcote, associate manager of digital services with Ivoclar. This is all about the Cam Academy. They have a new in-person training experience designed specifically for dental technicians. This hands on course explores the full potential of programmable Cam software, helping you take your digital workflow to the next level. Learn directly from Ivoclar experts, refine your skills and bring new precision and efficiency to your lab. Cam Academy is more than a course. It's your next step in digital excellence. To reserve your spot, visit the <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/academy/learning-opportunities?page=1&amp;offset=12&amp;filters=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22dateRange%22%2C%22selectedLowerBound%22%3A%222021-12-09T07%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%2C%22selectedUpperBound%22%3A%222022-06-09T06%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22type%22%2C%22advancedFilter%22%3Afalse%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22In-house+trainings%22%5D%7D%5D" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar Academy website</a> or contact your local Ivoclar sales representative today.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Take your Full Arch game to the next level! On October 11th, 2025 the people that brought us the Locator attachment, <a href="https://www.zestdent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Zest Dental Solutions</a> is putting on their first-ever <a href="https://info.zestdent.com/labmastership" rel="nofollow noopener">ZEST LAB MASTERSHIP</a> program! You'll master the art of creating life-changing full-arch restorations, discover streamlined protocols, and develop the diagnostic skills that will revolutionize your practice. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience with <a href="https://www.zestdent.com/locator-fixed-now-available?srsltid=AfmBOoo_v9_ANsrYCMncz0XWLf5401jx3ezw_Dgq16lTov7fkI4iMeK9" rel="nofollow noopener">LOCATOR FIXED</a>. Head over to <a href="https://education.zestdent.com/events/zestdental/1779555" rel="nofollow noopener">zest.pub/labmaster25</a> or visit the full calendar at <a href="https://www.zestdent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">zestdent.com</a> right now and secure your spot. Use the code VOICESLAB to save $100!!</h3><p>Special Guests: Mark Stueck, Nick Bathija, and Shaana Gripp.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>It's the 11th running of the <strong>Race For the Future in Fort Worth, TX on September 14, 2025</strong>.  This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a industry we all love so much. Important links:<br>
All the money goes to The Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology: <a href="https://dentallabfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://dentallabfoundation.org/</a><br>
All about the Race: <a href="https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/</a><br>
Race website: <a href="https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/</a></p>

<h3>TO DONATE: <a href="https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/</a></h3>

<p>Select: Race for the Future<br>
Enter the name of the racer you want to support:  <strong>BARB WARNER</strong> or <strong>THE CROWN JEWELS</strong><br>
Enter the amount (One Million Dollars)</p>

<hr>

<p>A BIG thanks to <a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Jensen Dental</a> for allowing us to record at the amazing FDLA Symposium &amp; Expo!</p>

<p>First up is a dentist turned sales rep and now 26 years with <a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Jensen Dental</a>, <strong>Nick Bathija</strong>. Nick talks about becoming a dentist, falling in love, and learning that he's not really suited to be a dentist. Starting with Jensen when it was still a mostly alloy company and being there when <a href="https://miyoworld.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">MIYO</a> hit the scene, Nick can talk a lot about what makes MIYO so great!</p>

<p>Then we are visited by past podcast guest, <strong>Shaana Gripp</strong>. Shaana went from an introverted in-office technician to leading education at<a href="https://harvestdental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"> Harvest Dental</a>. She talks about making the switch, getting used to being in front of a camera, and the joy of seeing people get better with techniques she taught them.</p>

<p>We wrap up the episode with a conversation with long time lab manager at <a href="https://drakelab.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Drake Dental Laboratory</a>, <strong>Mark Stueck</strong>. Mark talks about going from a McDonald's Manager to delivery driver, being recruited to another state, being there for 36 years, and why it was important for him to give back on the NBC board.</p>

<hr>

<h3>Looking for a way to unlock the full potential of your digital dentistry workflow. Take it from Elise Heathcote, associate manager of digital services with Ivoclar. This is all about the Cam Academy. They have a new in-person training experience designed specifically for dental technicians. This hands on course explores the full potential of programmable Cam software, helping you take your digital workflow to the next level. Learn directly from Ivoclar experts, refine your skills and bring new precision and efficiency to your lab. Cam Academy is more than a course. It's your next step in digital excellence. To reserve your spot, visit the <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/academy/learning-opportunities?page=1&amp;offset=12&amp;filters=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22dateRange%22%2C%22selectedLowerBound%22%3A%222021-12-09T07%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%2C%22selectedUpperBound%22%3A%222022-06-09T06%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22type%22%2C%22advancedFilter%22%3Afalse%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22In-house+trainings%22%5D%7D%5D" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar Academy website</a> or contact your local Ivoclar sales representative today.</h3>

<hr>

<h3>Take your Full Arch game to the next level! On October 11th, 2025 the people that brought us the Locator attachment, <a href="https://www.zestdent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Zest Dental Solutions</a> is putting on their first-ever <a href="https://info.zestdent.com/labmastership" rel="nofollow noopener">ZEST LAB MASTERSHIP</a> program! You'll master the art of creating life-changing full-arch restorations, discover streamlined protocols, and develop the diagnostic skills that will revolutionize your practice. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience with <a href="https://www.zestdent.com/locator-fixed-now-available?srsltid=AfmBOoo_v9_ANsrYCMncz0XWLf5401jx3ezw_Dgq16lTov7fkI4iMeK9" rel="nofollow noopener">LOCATOR FIXED</a>. Head over to <a href="https://education.zestdent.com/events/zestdental/1779555" rel="nofollow noopener">zest.pub/labmaster25</a> or visit the full calendar at <a href="https://www.zestdent.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">zestdent.com</a> right now and secure your spot. Use the code VOICESLAB to save $100!!</h3><p>Special Guests: Mark Stueck, Nick Bathija, and Shaana Gripp.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>374: Dr. Andrew Turchin Has the Formula For a Smiling Success</title>
  <link>https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/374</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">ad03de3e-9160-454f-bdd5-7e51bed6ad02</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/ad03de3e-9160-454f-bdd5-7e51bed6ad02.mp3" length="61841280" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episode>374</itunes:episode>
  <itunes:title>Dr. Andrew Turchin Has the Formula For a Smiling Success</itunes:title>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Elvis Deverick &amp; Barb Warner</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>This week we meet Dr. Andrew Turchin from Aspen Colorado who has developed a mathematical equation that has allowed him and his in-office lab technicians to formulate a simple treatment that creates better smiles.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:04:20</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e7665600-2cb9-4cb2-b0ba-2eada9f69007/episodes/a/ad03de3e-9160-454f-bdd5-7e51bed6ad02/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Come join us at the &lt;a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Jensen Dental&lt;/a&gt; booth during the &lt;a href="https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;FDLA Southern States Symposium &amp;amp; Expo&lt;/a&gt; - &lt;br&gt;
June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL&lt;br&gt;
Register today at: FDLA.NET&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Dr. Andrew Turchin knew he wanted to be a dentist as soon as he shadowed one many years ago. After spending years in New York, he moved to Aspen, Colorado and opened his own practice where he created the &lt;a href="https://andrewturchin.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ageless Smile&lt;/a&gt;. To do this, he created a simple mathematical equation that works on almost every patient. Simple and always keeping the end in mind, he wanted to teach other doctors this method and opened &lt;a href="https://www.cosmeticcoaching.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Cosmetic Confidence Coaching&lt;/a&gt;. He comes on to talk about how the formula works, working with in-office technicians, and how occlusion goes beyond just the teeth.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for &lt;a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;Ivoclar North America&lt;/a&gt;. 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 &lt;a href="https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/" rel="nofollow noopener"&gt;@Ivoclar.na&lt;/a&gt;. We'll see you there.&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Special Guest: Dr. Andrew Turchin.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>dental, technician, laboratory, high end, ceramics, designers, exocad, 3shape, communication, lab day, quality control, picky patients, teaching, education, aesthetics, hiring, porcelain, neck pain, emax, ivoclar, voices from the bench</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p><strong>Come join us at the <a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Jensen Dental</a> booth during the <a href="https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information" rel="nofollow noopener">FDLA Southern States Symposium &amp; Expo</a> - <br>
June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL<br>
Register today at: FDLA.NET</strong></p>

<p>Dr. Andrew Turchin knew he wanted to be a dentist as soon as he shadowed one many years ago. After spending years in New York, he moved to Aspen, Colorado and opened his own practice where he created the <a href="https://andrewturchin.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Ageless Smile</a>. To do this, he created a simple mathematical equation that works on almost every patient. Simple and always keeping the end in mind, he wanted to teach other doctors this method and opened <a href="https://www.cosmeticcoaching.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Cosmetic Confidence Coaching</a>. He comes on to talk about how the formula works, working with in-office technicians, and how occlusion goes beyond just the teeth.</p>

<h3>Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar North America</a>. 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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/" rel="nofollow noopener">@Ivoclar.na</a>. We'll see you there.</h3><p>Special Guest: Dr. Andrew Turchin.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p><strong>Come join us at the <a href="https://jensendental.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Jensen Dental</a> booth during the <a href="https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information" rel="nofollow noopener">FDLA Southern States Symposium &amp; Expo</a> - <br>
June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL<br>
Register today at: FDLA.NET</strong></p>

<p>Dr. Andrew Turchin knew he wanted to be a dentist as soon as he shadowed one many years ago. After spending years in New York, he moved to Aspen, Colorado and opened his own practice where he created the <a href="https://andrewturchin.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Ageless Smile</a>. To do this, he created a simple mathematical equation that works on almost every patient. Simple and always keeping the end in mind, he wanted to teach other doctors this method and opened <a href="https://www.cosmeticcoaching.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Cosmetic Confidence Coaching</a>. He comes on to talk about how the formula works, working with in-office technicians, and how occlusion goes beyond just the teeth.</p>

<h3>Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for <a href="https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us" rel="nofollow noopener">Ivoclar North America</a>. 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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/" rel="nofollow noopener">@Ivoclar.na</a>. We'll see you there.</h3><p>Special Guest: Dr. Andrew Turchin.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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