As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

Join us at the Race For the Future 12 to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laborary Technology. September 27th in Valley View, Texas!

https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/

Shawn Nowak from Nowak Dental Supplies joins Elvis and Barb to talk all things NOLA LabFest October 15-17th, including the welcome addition to the speaker lineup: martial arts instructor and business coach Jude Grayson. After Jude’s keynote at last year’s LabFest, the response was strong enough to bring him back for another keynote and a breakout session. The conversation starts with the obvious question: what the heck does a karate instructor know about the dental laboratory industry?

As Jude explains, quite a bit. Having practiced martial arts since he was five years old and built a career around teaching, competition, entrepreneurship, and business coaching, Jude draws a surprising number of parallels between martial arts and business. He talks about discipline, competition, confidence, risk, and his “five-year-old board break moment”—the idea that sometimes the ability to succeed is already inside us, and the right coach simply helps unlock it. He also explains how those lessons translate into working with business owners and helping them recognize opportunities they may not see themselves.

The conversation then turns toward one of the biggest challenges facing dental laboratories today: knowing when it’s time to pivot. With technology, AI, 3D printing, changing doctor workflows, and the evolving DSO landscape continuing to reshape the industry, Jude’s NOLA LabFest keynote will focus on how business owners can recognize when change is necessary, decide when to act, and understand the risks that come with being an early adopter. He also shares some great perspective on failure, competition, and why making a bad business decision doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost—the real loss comes when you stop competing altogether.

Shawn also gives us a look at what else is happening at NOLA LabFest, including education on AI, social media marketing, employee culture, DSOs, and other topics affecting dental laboratories right now. And, of course, there’s plenty of the NOLA LabFest fun mixed in, from the masquerade party and distillery tour to the return of Family Feud. It’s a conversation about business, leadership, taking risks, and finding ways to keep dental laboratories moving forward—and it all starts with a karate instructor walking into a dental show.

Special Guests: Jude Grayson and Shawn Nowak.

As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, 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 hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT 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, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.

This week, Elvis and Barb are coming to you from the FDLA Symposium at the GPS Digital RPD booth with two conversations that prove one thing: dental technology never stops evolving. First up, Chris Bradley from SmileLine USA returns to the podcast alongside technician, educator, and lab owner Richard Wodzinski, with Dawn Roniger from GC America joining the discussion. What starts as a conversation about "sexy brushes" quickly turns into a deep dive into one of the most intriguing shade-matching workflows you'll hear about. Richard explains how the OptiShade camera and Matisse software work together to create incredibly accurate shade recipes for everything from monolithic zirconia to layered ceramics and even gingiva. They also discuss the latest Creation Magic Color system, hands-on education, custom shade appointments, and why reducing remakes isn't just good for labs—it's better for doctors and patients too. Add in some FDLA leadership talk and a shared passion for education, and you've got a conversation packed with practical ideas and plenty of laughs.

Then Elvis and Barb sit down with Kaveh Shams, Branch Manager for Zirkonzahn Canada, whose journey into digital dentistry spans London, Italy, and Canada. Kaveh shares how his admiration for Enrico Steger and Zirkonzahn eventually led to his dream job, while also offering a fascinating look into the company's history, philosophy, and commitment to education. From the origins of Exocad and custom CAM strategies to modular milling systems, open architecture, and Zirkonzahn's incredible Military School program that trains the next generation of technicians, this conversation is full of insight into what makes one of dentistry's most respected digital companies tick. It's an inspiring story of passion, persistence, and why great technology always starts with great technicians.

Special Guests: Chris Bradley, Dawn Roniger ​​​​, Kaveh Shams, and Rich Wodzinski.

Vision 21 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas - January 16-18
Cal Lab Meeting at the Swissôtel in Chicago February 20-21
LMT Lab Day Chicago in the IVOCLAR BALLROOM - February 20-22
IDS 2025 in the EXOCAD booth in Cologne, Germany - March 25-29

So it's probably safe to say that more labs have 3D printers than don't. And more and more dental offices are getting them too. It's a crowded area with a lot of different printers and resins to choose from. Joining the podcast this week is a IT and computer expert that years ago helped some dentist get into printing. Now Mike Gordon runs 3DNA Dental helping labs and offices get into the world of additive manufacturing. Mike talks about how he discovered dental, how he is creating a A.I. think tank to perfect treatment planning of tooth movement, how shape memory makes direct-to-print clear aligners better, and what exciting things we will see soon in the dental printing space.

The company Mike mentioned about recycling printable metals: https://www.6kinc.com/

Listen to John Wilson from Sunrise Dental Lab and take your own lab to the next level by getting in on some of Ivoclar's End of the Year deals on equipment. If you are looking for your first or looking to expand your capabilities, Ivoclar has just what you need at a time where it's best to invest. Head over to Ivolcar.com or contact your local rep for all the deals today. Don't let the new year come thinking you should have bettered your lab.

Special Guest: Mike Gordon.

We spend a lot of time in our lab doing repetitive tasks that let's all agree, no one really enjoys doing. File organization, nesting, adding pins and supports... the list goes on. Kris Wouters has a long history in the 3D printing industry. After joining OQTON and working on automation strategies, Kris and the rest of the dental division started their own company to focus on the dental lab industry. They started OQCAM to help labs streamline and simplify their digital workflow. Kris talks about his history, the history of the company, some great examples on how OQCAM can work in a lab, and how it's scalable to work with labs of all sizes.

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.

Special Guest: Kris Wouters.

We will also be recording Thursday night during the Cal-Lab Association Meeting that same weekend! Check out this amazing event and register today!

How do you market your lab? By talking about the materials that you use? Do you mention how many years of experience your technicians have. Sure, that is one way to go, but how would you like your lab to be known for offering a distinctive value to dentists and their patients. This week we brought back on two guests that have partnered up to help labs market their uniqueness. Rob Laizure from Full Contour and 3shape Automate and Sasha Der Avanessian from Harvest Dental understand branding. Brought together by their love of the industry and seeing labs succeed, they talk about combining their values and how a lab can position themself to market a solution to a problem and not just a product. The conversation gets deep, but it's worth the dive.

Check out Sasha's podcast: Entrepreneur Insight

Join Luke LaRocque-Walker & Paul Imperius from True North Denture & Implant Centre and many others in the Ivoclar Ballroom at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2024. February 22-24, the biggest dental lab show in America happens and the place to be is in the Ivoclar Ballroom where all weekend Elvis Dahl and Barbara Warner will be set up recording everyone all weekend. Head over to voicesfromthebench.com/ivoclar to see a complete line up of all the lectures going on all weekend! We will see you there!

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.

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 Guests: Rob Laizure and Sasha Der Avanessian.

Be sure to come see Barb on stage and join a great association. The Cal-Lab meeting February 23 & 24 in Chicago!
JOIN TODAY!

Let's face it. Digital is a majority of our workflow. At least for fixed and it's quickly becoming the workflow for removables. As labs scale, there has been a need for someone to handle the design side of the production. Enter Full Contour. In 2011 Rob Laizure and his father decided to take their lab and dedicate it to only design services. Slowly scaling as they grew, they soon went from 3 technicians in an apartment to over 150 worldwide. Rob talks about the journey, the relationships, and the need to deliver 100% to labs. Now even bigger, Full Contour became part of the 3shape family and renamed 3Shape Design Services and still offers the amazing options and constant quality we are all use to.

Are you attending the LMT Lab Day show in Chicago from Feb 23rd-25th? Join Ivoclar as they celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary in the dental industry. A feat few have accomplished and it’s all thanks to you! In the Ivoclar Grand Ballroom A&B, get up close and personal with Ivoclar digital technology, materials, and an EPIC speaker lineup. Learn firsthand from many of the industry’s leading dental professionals as they share their tips and tricks for success. Come and hear from Lee Culp, Esther Schwenning, Yuki Momma, Dr Ed McLaren, Eric Kukucka and MORE... For a full listing of speakers CLICK HERE!

Also, come and see us, Voices from the bench, as this will be our home on Feb 24th and 25th. Come by to say Hi, record with us and tell us what inspires you or just give Ivoclar a “Happy 100 years“ shout out on the podcast.

Does your lab use Magic Touch? If not, you should think about switching just so you can use icortica. Icortica is a program that uses all the data you already collect in Magic Touch and puts it in one easy to see, use, and understand dashboard. Look at every account and see trends, sales, notes, payments, and even remake percentages. Use the data you already have to take your lab and your customer service to the next level. Elvis uses it daily and swears it is a huge part to his success working at the lab. Head over to icortica.com/voices to learn more or send an email to Rob Nazzal at rob@icortica.com and tell him you heard about it on Voices From the Bench!

Special Guest: Rob Laizure.