Voices from The Bench

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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. CAM has been a major topic lately, and a lot of that conversation keeps coming back to hyperDENT. But instead of just talking about the software itself, it’s worth looking at real-world experience. Imagine USA 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. This week, Elvis and Barb sits down with Katherine Steinbock-Dyke of Whip Mix to talk legacy, leadership, and the evolution of a family-run powerhouse in the dental industry. As part of the Steinbock lineage, Katherine shares what it was like growing up around the business—from selling Girl Scout cookies on the shop floor to eventually stepping into the CEO role. Her journey wasn’t a straight line, starting instead in international business and corporate HR before finding her way back to Whip Mix and working her way through multiple roles across the company. The conversation dives into the realities of running a multi-generational company in a rapidly changing industry. Katherine talks about balancing tradition with innovation, from gypsum and articulators to digital workflows and resin development. She opens up about the challenges of staying relevant, the importance of continuous improvement (hello, WIN program), and what it really means to lead a team she genuinely cares about. Along the way, there’s plenty of classic bench banter—everything from assembling pizzas at Papa John’s to the chaos of early 3D printing workflows and navigating massive trade shows like IDS. The episode wraps with a look at where Whip Mix is headed, Katherine’s focus on reconnecting with labs and customers, and how the next generation is shaping the future of dental manufacturing while respecting its roots. Special Guest: Katherine Steinbock-Dyke.

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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. Alright, Voices From the Bench listeners—We’re coming to you live from Dallas at DLAT, and we had to grab a quick pop-in from the floor. That’s right—because when you’re walking a show this big, you never know who you’re going to run into… and sure enough, we caught up with Jordan Greenberg—yeah, the HyperDent guy. No booth this time, just cruising the floor, connecting with partners, supporting dealers, and checking in with labs looking to level up their workflows. And get this—he’s not just talking theory. We’re talking fully automated solutions for preform abutments… no human nesting. That’s right—automation that knows your blank size, optimizes your workflow, and keeps production moving without missing a beat. It’s the kind of innovation that’s pushing labs forward—faster, smarter, and more efficient. So if you’re at DLAT, keep your eyes open… because the future of CAM might just be walking right past you. This week, we catch up with the always entertaining and wildly unconventional Seth Potter—live from Paraguay. From sailing the world with his family to building a thriving remote design business, Seth shares a story that’s anything but typical. What starts as a conversation about exocad Insights quickly turns into a deep dive into faith, freedom, digital dentistry, and what it really takes to create a life on your own terms. Seth walks us through his unique upbringing—growing up with a missionary dentist father, assisting on dental trips in the Dominican Republic, and spending his teenage years living on a sailboat. That early exposure to dentistry (and adventure) eventually led him into dental technology, where he combined analog fundamentals with a self-taught digital workflow to become a leader in remote design. We also get into the evolution of his career—from working in a small lab and helping implement digital systems, to launching one of the first remote CAD design businesses in Canada. Seth shares how he hustled for his first clients (hint: it involves Indeed and a clever pitch), scaled through efficiency, and ultimately hit a breaking point that forced him to rethink balance, burnout, and what success actually looks like. Now splitting his time between Canada and Paraguay, Seth has built a lifestyle that many dream about—while still pushing the limits of productivity, workflow systems, and digital education with exocad. If you’ve ever thought about going remote, improving your efficiency, or just wondered what’s possible in this industry… this one’s for you. 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 Guest: Seth Potter.

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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. 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. 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. The conversation shifts into the evolution from Evident to EviSmart, 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. 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 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. Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off. Special Guest: Katherine Wilcox.

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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.

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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 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. We kick things off with Frederic Rapp, 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 icortica. 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. Then things shift to a great partnership with Casey Baldwin and Darin Lockaby, where we get into a seriously cool collaboration between Ivoclar and DESS. 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. 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. 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 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. Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off. Special Guests: Casey Baldwin, Darin Lockaby, and Frederic Rapp.

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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. Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere. Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults… Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter. That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next. Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves. Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026* https://members.dlat.org/https://exocad.com/insights-2026 Live from the Ivoclar stage at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026, Elvis and Barb sits down with two very different innovators shaping the future of the dental lab world. First up is industry veteran Rob Fletcher, who shares the story behind ACES (Automated Case Entry Software)—a system designed to eliminate one of the biggest bottlenecks in dental labs: manually entering handwritten prescriptions. Drawing on years of lean manufacturing experience running labs like Knight Dental Group and Bayshore Dental Studio, Rob explains how combining OCR and AI can read RX forms, learn lab terminology, and automate case entry directly into an LMS. The result? Faster workflows, fewer data entry headaches, and one less department that labs have to constantly hire and retrain. Then the conversation shifts to collaboration and innovation as Don Bell and Andreas Klie discuss a new partnership between Ivoclar and Panthera Dental. They break down how Panthera’s Fusion Bar technology works with Ivoclar materials to simplify full-arch workflows while improving precision, aesthetics, and efficiency. The team also dives into the education behind the technology, the launch of the Panthera Academy, and how collaboration between companies—and listening to technicians—helps push the industry forward. Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench? He’s a client rep for Derby Dental Laboratory, out in the field every day doing chairside visits and building relationships. His job is simple—keep doctors happy and keep them coming back. And he couldn’t do it without iCortica. Right from his phone, Elvis can see sales, remake rates, account notes, risks, and cross-sell opportunities—even before he walks through the door. No spreadsheets. No surprises. Just the info he needs to grow accounts. Stop digging for data and start taking action. Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today. 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. In today’s dental labs, reliability isn’t optional—it’s essential....

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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. Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere. Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults… Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter. That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next. Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves. Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026* https://members.dlat.org/https://exocad.com/insights-2026 At the 100-year celebration of the Cal-Lab Association, Elvis checks in with past chair Jeff Stronk after the first full day of the meeting to see how things are going. With Barb stepping into the chair role and kicking things off in style, Jeff talks about the incredible energy in the room, the rise in attendance, and the surprising number of first-time lab owners showing up. From powerful panel discussions filled with unforgettable one-liners to honest conversations about succession planning, leadership, and the realities of running a lab, day one proves why this meeting has survived for a century. Unlike traditional trade shows packed with sales pitches, Cal-Lab keeps the focus on real lab owners sharing real experiences, giving attendees practical insights they can take back to their businesses. After moving over to the Ivoclar Ballroom at LMT Lab Day Chicago, the conversation shifts to the future of the industry with April Newell, a former dental hygienist who strategically worked her way into the world of additive manufacturing at Nota3D. Now selling advanced resin and metal 3D printing systems to dental labs, April breaks down how 3D printing evolved from simple model production to full frameworks and implant bars. She explains the realities of metal printing, the technology behind lasers and powder systems, and why labs that invest in metal printing tend to grow faster than they expect. Her perspective highlights just how quickly digital manufacturing is changing the lab landscape—and how dentistry continues to pull people into its orbit for life. Finally, Elvis talks with Joey Hunter, a veteran technician with nearly 30 years in the industry and a true removable specialist. Joey shares how she answered a newspaper ad looking for a “starving artist” back in the 90s and ended up building a lifelong career in dental technology. From mastering every step of removable fabrication to adapting after losing her hearing during her career, Joey’s story highlights both the artistry and resilience behind the craft. Now working at Renstrom Dental Studio, she reflects on seeing LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026 for the first time and being amazed by how far the industry has come. Her experience reminds everyone that while technology continues to evolve, the hands-on knowledge and artistry of technicians remain at the heart of dentistry. Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench? He’s a client rep for Derby Dental Laboratory, out in the field every day doing chairside...

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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. Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere. Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults… Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter. That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next. Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves. Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026* https://members.dlat.org/https://exocad.com/insights-2026 This week, we sit down with Richard Rosa Sr — artist, entrepreneur, removable specialist, and the man behind one of the most creative workflows we’ve heard in a long time. Richard’s journey starts in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he grew up moving between nine schools, discovered a gift for fine art, and even earned a scholarship to Tyler School of Art and Architecture — which he turned down out of fear of becoming a starving artist. After a detour into computer programming, granite engraving, and even opening a salsa dance studio with his mom (yes, there’s a South Beach nightclub moment that changed everything), Richard eventually answered a tiny newspaper ad asking, “Are you an artist?” That question led him into a dental laboratory and launched a career that would blend creativity, discipline, faith, and serious removable skills. Under intense mentorship and PTC-style training, Richard sharpened his craft in removables, eventually managing a department and earning enough respect that doctors specifically requested him chairside. One large account even pulled all their cases after Richard pushed back on unrealistic deadlines — only to return weeks later with deeper respect and loyalty. That experience shaped his philosophy: honesty, communication, and quality always win long term. His path then led him to ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, where performing four to six arches a day gave him next-level surgical and prosthetic experience. It was there that the real lightbulb went off — immediate impression evaluation, real-time patient interaction, faster turnaround, and true collaboration between surgeon, prosthodontist, and technician completely changed his view of what was possible. Now Richard has taken that high-efficiency, patient-centered model and built something entirely his own: a boutique removable lab with a fully functional, patent-pending mobile on-site dental laboratory inside a Mercedes Sprinter van. By bringing the lab directly to private practices, he combines multiple traditional appointments into streamlined visits, delivers final dentures in as little as two weeks, processes chairside in the parking lot, and markets not only to dentists but directly to patients. His mission isn’t just to make dentures faster — it’s to elevate the technician’s role, strengthen patient connection, and show that removables can be both efficient and beautiful. Through his new YouTube channel, Mastering Removables, he’s beginning to share that knowledge with others who want to rethink what a lab can be. Hey,...

Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah! 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. Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere. Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults… Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter. That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next. Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves. Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026* https://members.dlat.org/https://exocad.com/insights-2026 This week we finally get Jay Collins to stop dodging Elvis long enough to sit down and share one of the wildest journeys in dental lab history. From a family split between union steamfitters and dental technicians in Philadelphia to surviving “The Great Brotherly Lab War,” Jay’s story is packed with grit, loyalty, and a whole lot of Irish Catholic chaos. What started with an uncle drafted into dental technology during Vietnam eventually turned into a multi-generation lab legacy—and Jay swearing he’d never get into teeth… only to build a powerhouse anyway. After the 2008 crash wiped out his construction business, Jay bet everything on selling outsourced restorations door-to-door, sleeping in his car, showering at the gym, and cold-calling hundreds of offices a week. What followed was the development of his unapologetically bold, psychologically savvy sales approach—what he calls being “aggressively calm.” From pushing doctors to “no,” to matching their energy toe-to-toe, to walking into offices as “the lab” and walking out with cases in hand, Jay breaks down the mindset shift most lab owners desperately need: sales isn’t optional, and it definitely isn’t accidental. Now leading multiple lab locations under the brilliantly simple name thedentallab.net, Jay shares hard truths about growth, mergers, firing abusive clients, and why cutting your sales department in tough times is the worst move you can make. If you’ve ever struggled with prospecting, scaling, or standing your ground with doctors, this episode is packed with practical strategies, hilarious role-playing, and a reminder that confidence—backed by accountability—wins every time. 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. Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success. 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. 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...

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. Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it. Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT 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 Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland. 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. You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026* https://cal-lab.org/https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabdayhttps://members.dlat.org/https://exocad.com/insights-2026 This week we finally sit down with the one and only Matthew Douglas — technician, educator, denture-setting machine, former Affordable legend, past DLAT president, and all-around force of nature out of Texas. Matt’s story starts with baseball. A promising career cut short by a hip injury (the “Bo Jackson thing,” as he calls it) led him to find a different path — one that started at TSTI in Waco and ended up shaping thousands of dentures, dozens of labs, and one of the fastest-growing state dental lab associations in the country. From living in an RV at the end of an airport runway while in school… to learning how to tear down porcelain ovens and rebuild lathes… to mastering ambidextrous denture setups with a soldering iron (yes, really), Matt built his foundation the old-school way. And he built it fast. We dive deep into his 12-year run with Affordable Dentures — managing high-production labs doing 60+ arches a day, training technicians across the country, helping open over 200 sites, and eventually becoming a regional leader. He shares what it takes to build systems that move that kind of volume — staggered lunches, zero idle time, and a whole lot of hustle. From there, Matt takes us through Barksdale Dental Lab, the early days of All-on-4, learning analog conversion workflows before digital streamlined everything, and why zirconia has changed the long-term game for full-arch restorations. When Matt returned to Texas and got involved with the Dental Laboratory Association of Texas (DLAT), the show had about a dozen booths. Today? Over 100. He breaks down how restructuring leadership, empowering the right people, removing outside management costs, and reinvesting in members transformed DLAT into one of the strongest state meetings in the country. 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. 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. Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success. 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. 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...

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. Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it. Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT 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 Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland. 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. You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026* https://cal-lab.org/https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabdayhttps://members.dlat.org/https://exocad.com/insights-2026 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success. 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. 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...

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. Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it. Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT 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 Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland. 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. You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026* https://cal-lab.org/https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabdayhttps://members.dlat.org/https://exocad.com/insights-2026 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. 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. 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. 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. Helen also shares stories from her time with large organizations and clinical teams, including MicroDental, ClearChoice, Arklign, and implant education centers, where she has worked in technical service, management, training, and quality oversight roles. She talks about networking,...

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. Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it. Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT 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 Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland. 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. You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you. We welcome back longtime friend of the podcast John Wilson of Sunrise Dental Lab, returning for the first time since 2021—and this time as a fellow podcaster himself. What starts as a warm reunion quickly turns into a deep, honest conversation about passion, purpose, integrity, and what it really takes to survive (and stay sane) in today’s dental lab world. John reflects on the evolution of his lab, sharing why he made the intentional decision not to chase endless growth, but instead to protect his team, his values, and his love for the craft. He talks candidly about “yesterday thinking,” adapting to digital dentistry without abandoning fundamentals, and why aligning with the right clients—not just more clients—changed everything. The discussion dives into what true lab–doctor partnerships look like, why trust is earned (not given), and how saying “no” can sometimes be the most powerful business decision you make. John also explains why single units matter just as much as full-arch cases, how education keeps technicians relevant, and why racing to the bottom on price is a losing game. Later, the conversation turns personal as John shares the inspiration behind his new solo podcast, Margins & Meaning—a storytelling-driven project created to document his journey, connect with technicians who feel alone, and leave something meaningful behind for the next generation. He opens up about legacy, creativity, fear, change, and why being heard matters just as much as having something to say. 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 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. Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off. Special Guest: John Wilson.

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. Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 https://cal-lab.org/ LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday Almost three years after his last appearance, Rob Nazzal returns to Voices From the Bench, this time joined by Mike Alessio of Bonadent Dental Laboratory (https://bonadent.com/). The conversation dives deep into lab leadership, culture, transparency, and how data—when used the right way—can empower teams instead of policing them. 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. 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. On the sales side, Rob breaks down how icortica (https://www.icortica.com/voices) 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 icortica (https://www.icortica.com/voices), highlighting how real-time data, centralized notes, and smart alerts change the way sales reps prepare, prioritize, and perform. 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. 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. 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. Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success. 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.

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. In this episode, Elvis and Barb sit down with Dr. Miles Cone, a prosthodontist whose path into dentistry is anything but traditional. From a childhood obsession with dinosaurs and living out of his Jeep, to serving in the Army and becoming a CDT, Dr. Cone shares how persistence, humility, and an appreciation for the lab side of dentistry shaped his career. Along the way, he opens up about failing the CDT exam, learning the true value of dental technicians, and why collaboration—not ego—is the key to better patient outcomes The conversation also dives deep into photography, storytelling, and seeing dentistry as both science and art. Dr. Cone explains how discovering dental photography transformed not only how he documents cases, but how he connects with patients and technicians alike. He and Barb and Elvis discuss raising your skills by putting your work out there, ignoring the trolls, and using critique to grow. The episode wraps with a preview of Dr. Cone’s upcoming Ivoclar presentation at Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/seminars/hiding-in-plain-sight-creating-fake-teeth-for-real-people-in-the-age-of-cosmetic-cliche), where he and technician Janelle will show how dentures and removables can be “hidden in plain sight” when done with intention, artistry, and respect for the entire dental team. A new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set your dental business up for success. January isn’t just about new goals—it’s about working smarter with efficient, reliable systems that keep production running smoothly and predictably. Roland DGSHAPE milling solutions (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-series) deliver the consistency and automation labs depend on to control costs, reduce remakes, and maximize every hour. With trusted Japanese engineering and mills like the DWX-53DC (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53dc-5-axis-dry-dental-milling-with-automatic-disc-changer) working even when you’re not, you spend less time fixing problems and more time growing your business. Start the year strong with solutions built for productivity and profitability. That’s the Roland DGSHAPE difference. Learn more at rolanddental.com Special Guest: Dr. Miles Cone.

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. Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026 * Vision 21 in Las Vegas Jan 15-17 https://www.nadl.org/nadl-vision-21 * Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 https://cal-lab.org/ * LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday * Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/ * exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026 This week we sit down with Stuart Steinbock for a wide-ranging conversation that blends dental industry history, innovation, and personal resilience. As a fourth-generation member of the Steinbock family, Stuart shares the origin story of Whip Mix (https://whipmix.com/)—from an egg beater with patented features to a global dental manufacturer—and his own unlikely path into the family business, including international expansion, lean manufacturing, and product development that helped shape how labs think about efficiency and quality The conversation follows Stuart’s journey beyond Whip Mix into startups, direct-to-consumer aligners, 3D printing with Carbon (https://www.carbon3d.com/), pandemic-era manufacturing, and running a high-volume orthodontic lab, before landing at Digital Dental (https://www.digitaldental.com/) as president. Along the way, Stuart offers candid insights on entrepreneurship, digital workflows, ortho vs. restorative mindsets, leadership through change, and the human side of the dental industry—ending with a powerful personal update on family, recovery, and finding balance after adversity Special Guest: Stuart Steinbock.

This week, we dive deep into the evolving world of digital dentures with George Cowburn, along with denturist Robert MacLeay and digital designer Kaylee Jilbert. George shares his unconventional path from engineering into dentures, the early challenges of bringing CAD/CAM into removables, and why his company Perfit has evolved into Lab Pilot (https://www.labpilot.net/)—a cloud-based approach designed to meet labs and denturists where they are, not where software companies wish they’d be. Robert and Kaylee bring the real-world perspective, explaining how combining analog fundamentals with digital design unlocked predictable, better-fitting dentures and titanium partial frameworks that actually snap into place. From monolithic milled partials to same-day digital relines and cloud-based CAM without subscriptions, this conversation explores how “trad-digital” workflows could finally make digital dentures accessible, scalable, and practical for everyday labs—without sacrificing fit, function, or sanity. 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 (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/) to bring the Ivotion Denture System (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ivotion) into the HyperDent CAM (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/) 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 (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53d)—already a staple in so many labs—as well as the Imagine iMills (https://www.imagineusa.com/legacy/s/mills/imill). 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 Guests: George Cowburn, Kaylee Jilbert , and Robert MacLeay .

We’re coming to you live from NOLA Lab Fest with two very different, but equally nerd-worthy conversations. A HUGE THANKS to Aidite North America (https://www.aidite.com/) that has made this all available. Go show them some serious love. First up, Elvis sits down with Rik Jacobs from Novenda Technologies (https://www.lake3d.com/) to talk about a truly disruptive production-scale 3D printer that can print multi-material and multi-color—at the same time. We dive into voxel-based printing, integrated hard/soft gradients, no supports, water-soluble wax, massive denture and night guard output, and why centralized production labs should be paying very close attention to what Novenda is building next. Then we switch gears and catch up with Jess Gray, whose career journey is a masterclass in saying “yes,” learning fast, and building something special. From front desk at Aspen to running a rapidly growing in-house lab in the Finger Lakes region, Jess walks us through analog-to-digital dentures, Exocad self-education, facial scanning for All-on-X, in-office workflows, team building, and what it really takes to scale a lab while still loving the bench. This episode is packed with inspiration, tech talk, and real-world lab ownership lessons you don’t hear every day. 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 (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/) to bring the Ivotion Denture System (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ivotion) into the HyperDent CAM (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/) 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 (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53d)—already a staple in so many labs—as well as the Imagine iMills (https://www.imagineusa.com/legacy/s/mills/imill). 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 Guests: Jess Gray and Rik Jacobs.

A Special THANKS to Aidite North America for allowing the podcast to record at Nola LabFest. GO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE! aidite.com 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 (https://www.aidite.com/), 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 (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/) to bring the Ivotion Denture System (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ivotion) into the HyperDent CAM (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/) 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 (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53d)—already a staple in so many labs—as well as the Imagine iMills (https://www.imagineusa.com/legacy/s/mills/imill). 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.

This week we welcome back the dynamic duo of digital dentistry, Blake Roney and Patrick Dewey from S.I.N. 360 (https://sin360.us/) (Simplicity • Innovation • Nanotechnology) for a massive deep dive into implants, photogrammetry, and the ever-evolving world of full-arch workflows. Since their last visit in 2022, Blake has gone from new kid on the block to full-blown Exocad (https://exocad.com/) educator, and Patrick breaks down how S.I.N. has doubled down on innovation across implants, CAD/CAM, and photogrammetry. The guys walk us through the new Versalis implant line (https://sin360.us/versalis/), why one connection for all indications is a big deal for labs, and how S.I.N. is pushing efficiencies for high-volume, complex full-arch clinicians. Then comes the star of the show: the MicronMapper (https://sin360.us/micronmapper/)—a lighter, faster, more accurate photogrammetry system that doesn’t just capture implants but verifies manufacturing accuracy, scans soft tissue, and reduces surgical guesswork. Blake breaks down real-world accuracy numbers, what RMSE actually means, why intraoral scanners aren’t cutting it for full-arch, and how FitCheck is saving labs from misfires, wasted zirconia, and bad days. They also reveal the newest frontier: Tissue Mapper, a photogrammetry-based, scanner-free workflow that pulls bite, tissue, and implant data without fiducials or messy post-op scans. It’s nerdy, innovative, and ridiculously cool for the high-volume teams ready to level up. If you love accuracy, numbers, full-arch workflows, or just really good dental tech nerding — this is your episode. 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 (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/) to bring the Ivotion Denture System (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ivotion) into the HyperDent CAM (https://www.follow-me-tech.com/hyperdent/) 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 (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53d)—already a staple in so many labs—as well as the Imagine iMills (https://www.imagineusa.com/legacy/s/mills/imill). 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. Year-end chaos is here. Labs are slammed, deadlines are brutal, and mistakes are not an option. That’s when dental technicians rely on the one thing that never quits: https://www.rolanddga.com/applications/dental-cad-cam. The DWX-53DC (https://www.rolanddga.com/products/dental/dwx-53dc-5-axis-dry-dental-milling-with-automatic-disc-changer) is a true workhorse—24-hour automated milling that keeps your lab running, your overhead down, and your ROI up. No redos. No downtime. Just consistent, precise results. Built on decades of Japanese engineering, Roland delivers the reliability that keeps labs sane, profitable, and on schedule. Finish the year strong with the mill you can trust. Choose Roland DGSHAPE. Precision. Reliability....