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

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

Happy Holidays from Ivoclar!

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

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

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

Ho, ho, ho — Happy Holidays from Ivoclar!

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

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

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

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

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

Special Guest: Duff Wilson.

First up is dental technician that is working on business development at Nobel Biocare, Chuck Genco. Chuck is 35 year veteran in various dental labs. He's now with Nobel Biocare helping them create a solution based digital workflow with a emphasis on "time to teeth". He talks about his journey, his role at Nobel, and what some interesting things they are working on.

Then we talk to two friends in Spain, from Syria, working in Sweden. Yousef Ibrahim is a ceramist. Maher Al Hanfeish is the cad/cam technician. After leaving Syria, they both found their way to the same lab in Sweden and have been friends ever since. They talk about their journey into the lab, getting to Sweden, and their daily life in a lab.

As a special BONUS, we talk to the Chair of the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology, Jen Ludwig and the Executive Director, Lindsey Rowan. They both come on to talk about the upcoming Race for the Future happening on September 15th, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Join the Race: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form

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

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

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

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

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

Special Guests: Chuck Genco, Jennifer Ludwig, CDT, Lindsey Rowan, Maher Al Hanfeish , and Yousef Ibrahim.

Voices From the Bench is headed back to Florida for the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo all thanks to the great people at Jensen Dental. You know, the makers of MIYO!. Come visit Elvis & Barb in the Jensen booth June 7 & 8 in Orlando. Register today at FDLA.NET!

This week we showcase that last 4 conversations we got while in the Ivoclar Ballroom at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2024.

First up is Randi James from Renstrom Dental Studio and Carrie Ling from Lifelike Dental Studio who talk about meeting for the first time and forming an important friendship that has helped them grow both of their labs.

Then we are visited once again by David Lesh from 8&9 Consulting who gives us all the low down on gross profit margins, cost of good sales, and how labs can make a few changes to go from breaking even to turning a profit.

Following up is Nitasha Rizvi who does ALL the work for a surgical group within a DSO. She talks about going the New York City College of Technology and finding her way to be a technician and teacher at Harvard.

We wrap up the whole weekend with a stellar cast of dental technicians from the UK. Bethany Brown, Lola Welch, and Julia Glancey stop by to tell us about their experience of coming to America, comparing Lab Day to show in the UK, and what they are speaking on for some upcoming shows.

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: Beth Brown, Carrie Ling, David Lesh, Julia Glancey, Lola Welch, Nitasha Rizvi, and Scott & Randi James.

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.

On August 27th many brave and fearless dental technicians will take to the water and road to participate in the 2023 Chicago Triathlon. They don't do it for fame or personal gain, but to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology.
PLEASE head over to dentallabfoundation.org and click the DONATE TODAY button. Log in and choose the “Race for the Future” option. There you can put the name of a racer you want to sponsor. You can put:

Barb Warner
Team Abutments (Elvis Dahl, Mark Williamson, Bobby Kennedy)
Voices From the Bench (50/50 split between Barb and Elvis' team)

We love it whenever technicians support technicians. And when we found out that 4 past podcast guests started a group to showcase female technicians, we just had to have them back on to learn more. Joining us again are Nina Frketin from Mango Dental Technologies, Deppa Bharakhda from Dencraft Dental Lab, Deppa Bharakhda, and Emily and Eleanor Pittard from The Hive Dental Lab. All four update us on what they have been up to since their previous episodes and how they have grown since. Nina explains the reason for starting Nightshift and how she needed the help of everyone to help grow it. They explain their roles in the group, what the purpose of Nightshift is, and their BIG plans for the future.

Check out all their previous episodes:

Nina: https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/171
Emily and Eleanor: https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/211
Deepa: https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/213

Did you know that Ivoclar has Digital Equipment Sales Specialists?

These experienced professionals are here to help make your transition to digital, a smooth one. They help provide customized solutions, analyze your ROI, provide hands on assistance and localized support. All of this, catered to your needs. Contact a Digital Equipment Sales Specialist today by emailing Digitalspecialists@ivoclar.com. Tell them you heard it on the podcast!

Special Guests: Deepa Bharakhda, Eleanor Pittard, Emily Pittard, and Nina Frketin.

Barb Warner
Team Abutments (Elvis Dahl, Mark Williamson, Bobby Kennedy)
Voices From the Bench (50/50 split between Barb and Elvis' team)

Come see Elvis and Barb on stage together for the first time as we record an episode in front of a live audience!
Register for the Ladies of the Mill Summit in Chattanooga, TN on July 21-22

We finally got a chance to take the podcast to the west coast. That's right, hanging out with the good people of Ivoclar, we set up the gear and talked to a ton of great people at LMT Lab Day West. This week we bring you two great conversations from that show. First up is Calvin Song from Creodent. Calvin talks about his role, helping to grow labs with their milling service, and how he is having to fight New York on them trying to make labs collect sales tax on veneers because they are considered cosmetic and not clinically needed. Then 3shape "advanced user" stops by, Sevan Pulurian from Pacific Dental Lab. Sevan talks about the 3shape study group on Facebook, what's new with version 23, and his quick thinking at Cal-Lab when an hour presentation became an hour and 45 minutes.

If efficiency and performance are what you are looking for in a milling system, then the high-performance PrograMill PM7 from Ivoclar is the right choice for you.

Equipped with a high-performance spindle, this high-power 5-axis milling machine efficiently produces both wet and dry restorations.

Ivoclar provides white glove delivery service, training, choice of service contracts and their outstanding after sales service and support.

Contact your friendly Ivoclar sales representative today and create a digital solution that’s right for you!

Special Guests: Calvin Song and Sevan Pulurian.

If efficiency and performance are what you are looking for in a milling system, then the high-performance PrograMill PM7 from Ivoclar is the right choice for you.

Equipped with a high-performance spindle, this high-power 5-axis milling machine efficiently produces both wet and dry restorations.

Ivoclar provides white glove delivery service, training, choice of service contracts and their outstanding after sales service and support.

Contact your friendly Ivoclar sales representative today and create a digital solution that’s right for you!

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

Special Guest: Alexandra (Allie) Williamson, AAS, BS, CDT-E.

Team ExoCad:
Matt Mills from Hybrid Technilogies

Team 3Shape:
Sevan Pulurian from Pacific Dental Lab

Team Everything:
Enja Dorjchuluun from Winter Springs Dental Lab

Aurident offers so much more than just the P5 michine. They offer all the needed accessories like Nabertherm furnaces and vacuums by Renfert. And all the consumables can be got in one place! Aurident has Delta Zirconia, Aurident Zr, Aurident cutting tools, and Quest pmma ! Aurident definitely is a One Stop Shop for any dental laboratory's needs! Call our friends, Aurident, at 800-422-7373 or visit their website at aurident.com!

Whip Mix’s new Veriwash resin cleaning station is the ideal piece of equipment to use in the 3D printed resin post process. It’s oscillating, multi-speed stirrer produces a tornado-like vortex every 30-seconds, and guarantees efficient, effective and powerful cleaning whether the units are individual or still attached to the build plate.

The two alcohol baths make an effective step-wash system. It cleans more efficiently and there is less alcohol needed, since it is re-used for both a fresh bath and a dirty bath.

The VeriWash’s intelligent design offers features such as Mode, Time, and Start/Stop button display which gives the operator full and automatic control of the cleaning process. A mesh basket used in the wash container makes it easy to keep track of small printed parts when cleaning. The affordable unit’s one-year warranty ensures peace-of-mind for the owner.

Visit whipmix.com or call (800) 626-5651 for more information about this great new product.

Special Guests: Enja Dorjchuluun, Matt Mills, and Sevan Pulurian.