If you’re passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I’m honored to be part of Ivoclar’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.

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

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

That’s why the Elevate Denture Solution brings it all together. Built by Roland DGSHAPE, Ivoclar, and FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group, it combines machine, materials, and CAM into one fully optimized workflow—so you get consistent, high-quality results without the guesswork.

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

Live from LMT Lab Day Chicago, Elvis and Barb bring the mics to the Ivoclar stage for three very different conversations that all point to one big theme—this industry is evolving fast, and you better evolve with it.

First up, Savannah Elkins and Josh Williams from GPS Digital RPD jump into the digital removable world, where analog roots meet full-on additive workflows. Savannah shares how she went from pouring models to cranking out 100+ RPD frameworks a day, learning design in record time through hands-on training and a little “YouTube University.” The conversation dives into printed frameworks, flexible materials, and the push toward becoming a full lab-to-lab removable resource. It’s fast, it’s scalable, and yes… they absolutely test durability by throwing, stepping on, and possibly feeding things to alligators.

Next, Darin McCue from SalesLift Consulting flips the script and talks about what’s really holding labs back—and it’s not production. With a mix of passion and hard truth, Darin explains that most lab owners aren’t failing because they can’t make teeth—they’re failing because they don’t run a business. From leadership and communication to sales and team culture, he challenges owners to step off the bench and into a leadership role before burnout or failure forces the issue. His message is clear: if you don’t work on your business, it will eventually work against you.

Finally, Vicki Thomas and Carrie Ling bring a completely different energy, focused on community, collaboration, and leveling the playing field for smaller labs. Vicki shares the story behind launching Savvy Lab Solutions, a buying group built to give small and mid-sized labs access to the same pricing and vendor relationships as the big players. Carrie backs it up with real-world experience, explaining how vendors now proactively reach out with discounts and new products—saving time, money, and opening doors she didn’t even know existed. The conversation highlights the power of partnerships, word-of-mouth growth, and the realization that 78% of the industry is made up of labs that have historically been overlooked.

Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the FIRST 5k run on the coast! And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

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

Special Guests: Carrie Ling, Darin McCue, Josh Williams, Savannah Elkins, and Vicki Thomas.

Has it been a year already?!!? Just a few weeks ago Elvis (sadly without Barb) set up in the Ivoclar Ballroom at the 40th LMT Lab Day Chicago. Many conversations were recorded over the weekend and we decided to start the collection with 4 past guests that have come back to update everyone on the exciting thing they are working on.

First up is Vicki Thomas, owner of the 2 person lab, Signature Smiles by Vicki Thomas. Awhile ago Vicki wanted to help other small labs by creating a buy-in group that will allow other labs to get volume deals that large labs get to take advantage of. So Vicki started Savvy Lab Solutions, a group dedicated to getting good pricing on the things you need to run your lab. She talks about why she stated it and some of the vendors that have already seen what the power of numbers can do.

https://savvylabsolutions.com/

Next up is the "voice" behind LMT, Becky Tyre. Becky comes on to talk about the newest thing LMT is doing, Soundbites. This short audio podcast highlights the current month’s magazine. Becky talks about her background in radio, why they started the podcast, and why you should be listening.

https://lmtmag.com/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MX2VTKfT5bxVXq9s7dPFN
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lmt-soundbites/id1745578142

We wrap up the episode to get an update on Katie Rinaldo & Mandy Area's push to make Denturist legal in Illinois.... and now in other states too! The Illinois Denturist Association is working on another bill to submit for legislation. They talk about the current state of the bill, how they are getting others involved, and what you can do to help!

https://illinoisdenturist.com/

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 Guests: Becky Tyre, Katie Rinaldo, Mandy Arena, and Vicki Thomas.

This week we talk all about the exocad event of the year, exocad Insights 2024. Christine McClymont is the Global Head of Marketing and Communication for exocad and comes on to tell us all about the speakers, topics, the expert’s corner, and parties that are happening May 9 and 10 in Mallorca, Spain. Also joining her is Dr. August de Oliveria who is a speaker at Insights, but also talks about his journey in digital, some of the lessons he has learned, and what he’s doing now with virtual reality and augmented reality in dentistry.

The Vectra Face Scanner Dr. de Oliveria talked about: https://www.canfieldsci.com/imaging-systems/vectra-m3-3d-imaging-system/

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!

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: Christine McClymont and Dr. August de Oliveira.

Participate or Cheer on the racers in Chicago at the Race For the Future 8.0 August 28, 2022

When Texans do anything, they do it big. This year’s conference definitely didn’t disappoint. The podcast was set up next to the Preat booth all weekend recording some wonderful attendees, board members, and vendors. This week we talk to three amazing people in or around our field. First up is Wade Davenport from Alan’s Dental Lab in Austin. Wade and Barb nerd out over ceramics. Then we chat with then president of theDLAT, Richard Wills. And we end the episode with AJ Sheek from American Business Incentive Services who is a member of the DLAT to bring tax savings to lab via the R&D tax credit.

If you want to save, and also grow, Gro3X is, where you should go!

Resins to print night guards, for high-impact and flex, look no further, because we have them at Gro3X.

Burs for your mills, Zirconia for your crowns, with Gro3X you will be the hottest lab in town!

And last but not least, if you seriously want to grow, add Gro3X Aligners, and your doctors will say Wowww!

There are 3D Print resins for models that do a decent job, then there is Whip Mix VeriModel OS.

Dr. Michael Scherer, a prosthodontist from Sonora, CA says “Whip Mix VeriModel OS is one of the finest model resins I have ever worked with. It’s amazing”.

The popular resins offer the dental laboratory a high quality, smooth surface finish, extreme precision, reliable accuracy, and fine detail. They can be used in 385 and 405 nanometer printers, and are compatible with silicone-base separators. VeriModel OS print resins are available in Ivory, Golden Brown, Grey, and White colors for any model application.

For more information, call (800) 626-5651, or visit www.whipmix.com.

Special Guests: AJ Sheek, Richard Wills, CDT, and Wade Davenport.