This week we had the pleasure of welcoming Josie Schmitz-Burchartz, a denturist from British Columbia, who shared her inspiring journey and insights into the world of denturism. Josie's passion for dental care began at a young age, influenced by her father, who has been a denture technician for over 30 years. This early exposure led her to explore the field of denturism, where she found her calling.

Josie’s story is not just about her career; it’s about the relationships she builds with her patients. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional aspects of denture work. For many patients, receiving dentures is a life-changing experience, and Josie strives to ensure they leave her practice with smiles on their faces. Her approach is patient-centered, focusing on long-term treatment plans rather than quick fixes.

Throughout the episode, Josie discusses the challenges she faced while establishing her practice, SB Denture Clinic. She opened her office just before COVID-19 hit, which brought unexpected hurdles. However, her determination and passion for her work helped her navigate these challenges successfully. She highlights the significance of teamwork in her practice, where she has built a strong team of professionals dedicated to providing quality care.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Josie's work is her commitment to using traditional methods in an increasingly digital world. While many are moving towards digital dentures, Josie believes in the value of hands-on techniques that allow her to connect with her patients and provide personalized care. Her dedication to quality over quantity is evident in her meticulous approach to dental impressions and patient consultations.

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

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

Special Guest: Josi Schmitz-Burchartz.

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

Register today!

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

Attend the 99th Annual Cal-Lab Meeting Feb 20 & 21 at the Swissôtel in Chicago. (Connected to the Hyatt and Lab Day)
Elvis & Barb will be *recording there Thursday night during the "Cocktail Hour" from 4:00 to 6:30 *
Register today: https://cal-lab.org/annual-meeting

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan McEachern, the Director of Technical Support and Installations at Zubler USA. As a second-generation dental technician, Ryan has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the dental industry, having started his career in a large lab in California. His journey led him to Zubler, where he plays a crucial role in bringing innovative products to the market.

Zubler USA is known for its high-quality dental equipment, including advanced milling machines and ceramic ovens. Ryan shared insights into how these products are designed to improve efficiency and quality in dental labs. One of the standout features of their ceramic oven, the VARIO 230, is its ability to provide even heating and cooling, which is essential for ensuring the integrity of dental materials. This technology allows dental technicians to produce better results while minimizing the risk of fractures in their work.

Another exciting aspect of the conversation was the discussion around zirconia materials. Ryan revealed that Zubler's 3:45 zirconia can be centered in just four hours, making it one of the fastest options available in the industry. This innovation not only saves time but also enhances productivity in dental labs, allowing technicians to meet the demands of their patients more effectively.

Customer service is a core value at Zubler USA, and Ryan emphasized the importance of being an extension of their customers. By providing top-notch support and training, Zubler ensures that dental technicians have the resources they need to succeed. This commitment to customer satisfaction sets Zubler apart in a competitive market.

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

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

Special Guest: Ryan McEachern .

Want to go on the ULTIMATE exocad vacation? Endless fun, epic weather, amazing food, exotic culture, and two days all about the greatest software in dental, exocad. Join Elvis and Barb on May 9 and 10 on the beautiful Spanish island of Mallorca. It's called exocad Insights 2024 and it's full of amazing speakers, great breakout sessions, evening events, and attendees from all over the world. Don't wait, register today at exocad.com/insights2024 and use the code VFTB15 to save 15% off the fee. We will see you there!

On June 9 & 10, Voices From the Bench will be back at the Florida Dental Lab Association Symposium that's to the wonderful people at Jensen Dental. Be sure to check out FDLA.NET to see the line up and to register.

This week we continue the conversations from the Ivolcar Ballroom at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2024 with:

• Dr. Sandy and James Kirk who own One Dental Labs. Dr. Sandy is a dentist from Chile who met James when he was there on a mission trip. Falling in love, the build the lab and ran it together as Dr. Sandy continues to get her license in the US.

• Dr. Ed McLaren stops by to talk about minimal invasive dentistry, the importance of bonding, and how he continues to make parody movies featuring dental technicians. Check some of the movies here: https://www.youtube.com/user/edwardmclaren

• Patrick Allen sits down to talk about the Illinois Denturist Association, taking his practice digital, and bringing BPS (Suction) Denture education to the US

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

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

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

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

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

Join the VITA family today.

Special Guests: Dr. Ed McLaren, Dr. Sandy Kirk, James Kirk, and Patrick Allen, LD.

June is CDT and Dental Technician Appreciation Month. Every year we highlight those that mean a lot to all of us. For every episode in June we will play YOUR audio clips thanking that special someone in or around our industry. Just record yourself on your phone or computer and email it to info@voicesfromthebench.com and we will play it on the show.

Back in February, there is the biggest dental lab meeting in the US called Lab Day Chicago. We were set up in the Ivoclar Ballroom all weekend and recorded a ton of great people. This week brings two fantastic conversations. First up is Chet Spivey. Chet has been with Ivoclar for over 25 years and tells us about the journey of the innovative company. With so many products under their belt, Ivoclar can celebrate their 100th year by honoring the customers. Then we finally get to chat with Canadian Denturist superstar Esther Schwenning. Esther talks about following in a family tradition of becoming a denturist, learning and teaching the suction denture technique, setting up her practice to go all in with digital, and of course….. beer.

Are you attending the LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California?

Join Ivoclar as they continue to celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary in the dental industry.

At Lab Day West you can get up close and personal with Ivoclar digital technology, materials, and an EPIC speaker lineup. Learn first hand from many of the industry’s leading dental professionals as they share their tips and tricks for success. Come and hear from Rafael Santrich, Jed Archibald, Steve Hatch and experience hands-on courses from Jenelle Tabakovic, and Pat Coon. For a full listing of speakers simply visit LMTmag.com and register today!

Also, come and see us, Voices from the bench, as this will be our home from May 12-13th. Come by to say Hi and tell us what inspires you or give Ivoclar a ”Happy 100 year“ message.

Candulor a dental supply company from Switzerland has solutions no matter if you are analog or digital

Check out their PhysioSet TCR tooth line that has been complemented with 18 new shapes. A total of 48 age-appropriate anterior tooth shapes are available for the laboratory or dental practice to select from.

The Swiss School of Prosthetics in Springfield, Missouri is the place to learn all things removable. America with get supported and supplied by the only authorized partner Edmonds Dental Supply

Candulor, High End Only

Bringing Dentures to Life, Featuring Sr Nexco® with Jenelle Tabaković at LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California.In this hands-on course, Jenelle Tabaković teaches you how to take your dentures to the next level using SR Nexco Gingival Composite. Suitable for both analog and digital dentures, she leads you through a deep dive into the proper cutback, prep and glaze protocols. Space is limited. Light lunch is included. Register HERE!

Special Guests: Chet Spivey and Esther Schwenning.

This week we decided to go outside of the dental laboratory industry to talk about another industry that also makes a replacement body part that both has function and esthetics. Zach Hetzler is a Board Certified Ocularist with Hetzler Ocular Prosthetics in Fishers, Indiana. Zach comes on to talk about of teeth nerds about the Ocular industry. He talks about getting into the field, the certification process, and walks us through the process from taking an impression to fabricating the prosthesis to final seat. The similarities with our industry (and denturist) are amazing.

Did you know Asiga has over 500 validated materials on their open material system. And it's growing every day?

By harnessing Asiga's proprietary layer monitoring technology with its smart positioning system and integrated internal radiometer, as a laboratory, you will be able to produce any indication you desire. Whether models, splints, temporaries, or even permanent crowns.

Your investment will be future proofed by Asiga's rugged engineering. Providing you with a fast, accurate, and repeatable machine, with a reputation that is time tested in the laboratory industry.

If you would like to learn about Asiga's machine or material offerings, please visit the website at asiga.com or contact your favorite dental reseller.

Whip Mix is thrilled to announce their most recent addition to their milling product line. Introducing the DWX-53DC from DGSHAPE. This powerful mill satisfies your 'NEED FOR SPEED'. Three reasons to consider this mill:

1. It has 3 times the gripping power for PMMA.

2. It mills 30% faster.

3. The integrated webcam allows you to monitor a milling project from anywhere, on any device.

Go to tinyurl.com/WhipMixRolandMill to learn how you can take your milling to the next level.

Special Guest: Zach Hetzler B.C.O., B.A.D.O..