Voices From The Bench

Come join us at the Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo (https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information) - June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL Register today at: FDLA.NET Back in March, Barb & Elvis traveled all the way to Cologne, Germany to set up and record at the biggest dental show in the world, IDS (https://www.english.ids-cologne.de/). A special thanks to exocad (https://exocad.com/) for giving us the space to record so many amazing people over the course of 4 days. First up is a dentist turned exocad (https://exocad.com/) designer, Hajir Shamil. Hajir talks about dentistry in Iraq and how she went to school just outside of Russia. Going back to a country that is hard to find a practice, she goes about working at a lab and falls in love with the "purple program". Find out what she thinks of her first time at IDS and why she came. Then we chat with Daniel Portal and Gerson Prada. Daniel has a history of working with

Come join us at the Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo (https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information) - June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL Register today at: FDLA.NET Dr. Andrew Turchin knew he wanted to be a dentist as soon as he shadowed one many years ago. After spending years in New York, he moved to Aspen, Colorado and opened his own practice where he created the Ageless Smile (https://andrewturchin.com/). To do this, he created a simple mathematical equation that works on almost every patient. Simple and always keeping the end in mind, he wanted to teach other doctors this method and opened Cosmetic Confidence Coaching (https://www.cosmeticcoaching.com/). He comes on to talk about how the formula works, working with in-office technicians, and how occlusion goes beyond just the teeth. Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for Ivoclar North America (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us). She would like

Come join us at the Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo (https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information) - June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL Register today at: FDLA.NET Elvis loves him some surgical guide design software. For years he has used a bunch of them, but it was when he started using RealGuide (https://www.realguide.com/en-us/home/) from ZimVie (https://www.zimvie.com/en), he learned he found the best. Luckily a past podcast guest, Paolo Lubrano is using RealGuide everyday with his role at Implant Concierge (https://implantconcierge.com/). He is joined by Tiffany Schreppler who is the Product Manager at ZimVie. They both talk about their history with dental, how RealGuide came to be, what it does, and how it can help any lab take on a bunch of various cases easily with a more affordable option. See Paolo demo RealGuide on June 3rd at 7:00pm eastern: https://education.zimvie.com/events/course:3540796_3642934 Take

Come join us at the Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo (https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information) - June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL Register today at: FDLA.NET We save a conversation from the Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) Ballroom at Lab Day Chicago to release this week so if you are at Lab Day West (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabdaywest) you can go meet Mark Hidde from WINWINGO.com (https://www.winwingo.com/). Mark comes on to talk about owning a lab and seeing the struggles to find good talent. So he created a website where labs can create a profile to look for technicians and technicians can post that they are looking for a good lab. It's a different approach to a much-needed service in our industry. Then we have a conversation with Chris Nevarez. Chris started his dental career with Patterson. From warehouse to customer service, Chris started to really understand the ins and outs of clinical dentistry.

Come join us at the Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo (https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information) - June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL Register today at: FDLA.NET Is the debate still going on for digital dentures? It is here and there is no going back. So as we move forward, how are we going to make sure that they are still done correctly? This is exactly what a dental technician and dentist are setting out to do. Robert Kreyer is an icon in the world of removables. From analog to the very first digitally manufactured denture, Robert has seen it all. Dr. Stephen Wagner has been doing removables for years and has embraced digital early in it's life. Together they talk about how digital dentures have evolved over time, the importance of knowing and using the fundamentals, and how the ultimate goal of digital dentures needs to be better and not faster. Bigjawbone.com Don't miss this incredible webinar with Tanya Littl

Come join us at the Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) booth during the FDLA Southern States Symposium & Expo (https://www.fdla.net/attendee-information) - June 13-14 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL Register today at: FDLA.NET This week we wrap up the episodes that we got while in the Ivoclar Ballroom at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025. First up is Federico Manes from MODJAW (https://modjaw.com/en/). Federico talks about discovering the world of dental, using his digital background to help a lab get digital, and how they have worked out a system to bring accurate jaw motions to all design software. Then we meet Mellissa Everett. Mellissa loves being a dental technician. She loves it so much, she is usually working at two labs at the same time. She talks about finding out about dental, her desire to become a ceramist, and how her crazy work schedule has actually helped her become a better technician. We then wrap up the episode with a different conversation. Two past podcast guests com

This week we bring 3 great conversation from the great Cal-Lab Association meeting that happened in February during Lab Day Chicago. First up is someone that has to put up with Elvis on a regular basis at Derby Dental Lab (https://www.derbydental.com/), Liam Johns. Liam talks about growing up with a technician father, becoming the removable manager at a young age, and how digital excites him for the future of dental technology. Then we chat with two gentlemen from Wiand Dental Lab (https://www.wiandlab.com/), Tom Wiand and Scott Lowrey. Tom tells the story of starting the lab in the early 90s, organically growing through the years, and keeping up with technology. Scott talks about going from selling burs to selling restorations 10 years ago. Now he does education, chairside support, and helps the lab succeed. We wrap up the episode with former player for the Pittsburg Steelers, Matt Cushing. Once done, a buddy asked if he would do sales for his lab. Not knowing anything about teeth, it wasn't long before Mat

The amazing people we talked to in the Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) Ballroom during the 40th anniversary of LMT Lab Day Chicago just keep coming and this week we have a stellar line up. First up is Eric Kukucka. Eric came on the podcast years ago to talk about his multiple denturist practices in Canada. But he has since sold them and has joined the Aspen Dental (https://www.aspendental.com/) group as their Vice President of Clinical Removable Prosthetics & Design Technologies. Eric talks about going from making dentures for hundreds of patients to working with a team to produce quality dentures for millions. Then we chat with Chelsea Homire, who has years of dental assistant experience, but when given the oppritunity to learn the in-office lab work, she took off. With a passion for printing, Chelsea is now teaching other offices (and even a few labs) how they can optimize their digital workflow. We wrap up the episode with Brittany Mitchell. You might know her becuase she designed (and made the d

Way back in February, thousands of dental technicians gathered in Chicago for the 40th anniversary of LMT Lab Day Chicago. While stationed in the Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) Ballroom, we got to talk to many wonderful people that make up our industry. We start this episode with a technician that followed his dentist uncle in Mexico and went to dental technician school. Christopher Hernandez soon found himself making sleep apnea devices for years before finding his new home at Clear Choice doing All-on-X cases. Then we welcome back to the podcast, Greg Everett. Last time we talked to Greg, he was with a company that manufactured milling burs. Now he works on the whole mill with his new company Denteon (https://denteon.com/). Specializing in Roland Mills, Greg provides a service to complete rebuild or repair your mill so you can continue to get your monies worth for years longer than expected. We suggest visiting denteon.com if you have any Roland Mills. We wrap up the episode with Ivoclar's own Joe

We are back from IDS in Cologne, Germany. THANK YOU exocad for hosting us and everyone, be prepared for some amazing new features coming to you soon! Along with a TON of crazy good conversations. So when we got an email from the creators of a device that Elvis uses all the time asking to be on the podcast, we jumped at the opportunity. Luckly we were all going to be at the Cal-Lab Association (https://cal-lab.org/) meeting that happens the same week at Lab Day Chicago. This time, Elvis sits down with Danny Yao and Dr. Russell Crockett. Danny has a long history in sales with implants and full arch workflows. Dr. Crockett is a practicing Prosthodontist that loves to design better ways to do dentistry. Meeting awhile ago, Danny saw Dr. Crockett’s prototype for a way to get accurate full arch records using just an iOS scanner. Together they created OptiSplint (https://digitalarches.com/collections/optisplint%C2%AE-the-easiest-and-most-accurate-implant-positioning-system-for-full-arch) and ArchTracer (https://digi

Thanks to the AMAZING people at exocad (https://exocad.com/ids), Elvis and Barb THIS WEEK will be recording for the first time at IDS in Cologne, Germany (https://www.english.ids-cologne.de/). March 25 - 28 in Hall 1, booth A040/C041. Come see us, be on the podcast, and see all the amazing things exocad is doing for your lab! Already we are missing everyone at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025. Luckily, we talked to a lot of people that weekend and can still highlight some of the amazing people we met. First up on this episode is Julia Glancey who comes to Chicago all the way from the UK. Julia talks about her journey working for her dentist father, doing a little demolition, before finally finding a home in a dental lab. Entering the industry though management, it wasn't long before she was teaching herself the lab work and getting into full arch restoration. Now Julia is working with a team remotely from all over to provide exceptional care to patients. Next we talk to Shavit Kohen, who is a student at the New York

Thanks to the AMAZING people at exocad (https://exocad.com/ids), Elvis and Barb will be recording for the first time at IDS in Cologne, Germany (https://www.english.ids-cologne.de/). March 25 - 28 in Hall 1, booth A040/C041. Come see us, be on the podcast, and see all the amazing things exocad is doing for your lab! This year, we are thrilled to welcome back Renata Budny, our very first guest, alongside two inspiring students from the New York City College of Technology: Sevastiani Perselis and Rebca Nikedemos The episode begins with Renata sharing her experiences over the past seven years, reminiscing about the first time she joined us at CDT Fest and how that moment sparked her journey with our podcast. This year, she brings along two remarkable students who have unique stories and backgrounds, each with a passion for dental technology. Sevastiani, originally from Greece, shares her journey of moving to America at a young age with her family. She discusses the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and th

Thanks to the AMAZING people at exocad (https://exocad.com/ids), Elvis and Barb will be recording for the first time at IDS in Cologne, Germany (https://www.english.ids-cologne.de/). March 25 - 28 in Hall 1, booth A040/C041. Come see us, be on the podcast, and see all the amazing things exocad is doing for your lab! 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 (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday). 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 (https://savvylabsolutions.com/), a group dedicated t

Thanks to the AMAZING people at exocad (https://exocad.com/ids), Elvis and Barb will be recording for the first time at IDS in Cologne, Germany (https://www.english.ids-cologne.de/). March 25 - 28 in Hall 1, booth A040/C041. Come see us, be on the podcast, and see all the amazing things exocad is doing for your lab! This week we had the pleasure of welcoming Josie Schmitz-Burchartz, a denturist from British Columbia, who shared her inspiring journey and insights into the world of denturism. Josie's passion for dental care began at a young age, influenced by her father, who has been a denture technician for over 30 years. This early exposure led her to explore the field of denturism, where she found her calling. Josie’s story is not just about her career; it’s about the relationships she builds with her patients. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional aspects of denture work. For many patients, receiving dentures is a life-changing experience, and Josie strives to ensure they leave her pr

Latest episode of Elvis on the Dental Fuel Podcast. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elvis-dahl-expert-advice/id1683707577?i=1000694735080 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NlBYj36UshcFJveOezQkt?si=ZHAOnrZHTmeyEJcHiwCq5Q Thanks to the AMAZING people at exocad (https://exocad.com/ids), Elvis and Barb will be recording for the first time at IDS in Cologne, Germany (https://www.english.ids-cologne.de/). March 25 - 28 in Hall 1, booth A040/C041. Come see us, be on the podcast, and see all the amazing things exocad is doing for your lab! This week had the pleasure of speaking with Vladimir Roman, a dental lab owner based in Florida, who shared his unique journey into the dental industry. Vladimir’s story is not just about his career; it’s a testament to embracing change and innovation in a field that is constantly evolving. Vladimir began his journey in the military, where he discovered the existence of dental labs while pursuing a career in the Air Force. Initially focused on aviat

Latest episode of Elvis on the Dental Fuel Podcast. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elvis-dahl-team-mistake/id1683707577?i=1000692238626 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dy9BPPvTJAp3sP5xg2Wha?si=cVafy05lTqK3R-ybFHD3Rw Make sure you visit Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025 (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday). Ivoclar will be in their usual spot at Grand Ballroom A&B in the East Tower, on the Gold Level. Right across from the registration desk. Register today! (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) Make sure you come see VOICES FROM THE BENCH recording from the Ballroom all weekend! Thanks to the AMAZING people at exocad (https://exocad.com/ids), Elvis and Barb will be recording for the first time at IDS in Cologne, Germany (https://www.english.ids-cologne.de/). March 25 - 28 in Hall 1, booth A040/C041. Come see us, be on the podcast, and see all the amazing things exocad is doing for your lab! In the ever-evolving world of dentistry, the integration of artifi

Latest episode of Elvis on the Dental Fuel Podcast. Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elvis-dahl-financial-mistake/id1683707577?i=1000689968481 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2GyFDOvuGLdAp2Xkmulip8?si=N5DXdWrGT7-5xvwzAdYqIA Make sure you visit Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025 (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday). Ivoclar will be in their usual spot at Grand Ballroom A&B in the East Tower, on the Gold Level. Right across from the registration desk. Register today! (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) Make sure you come see VOICES FROM THE BENCH recording from the Ballroom all weekend! Attend the 99th Annual Cal-Lab Meeting (https://cal-lab.org/) Feb 20 & 21 at the Swissôtel in Chicago. (Connected to the Hyatt and Lab Day) Elvis & Barb will be *recording there Thursday night during the "Cocktail Hour" from 4:00 to 6:30 * Register today: https://cal-lab.org/annual-meeting This week we had the privilege of sitting down with the dynamic team from Amann Girrbach

Elvis on the Dental Fuel Podcast. Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elvis-dahl-clinical-mistake/id1683707577?i=1000687490332 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7keenDcAESL0ManM1AHFcO?si=aX9OO4HCR72UYSaRb8gFZg Make sure you visit Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025 (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday). Ivoclar will be in their usual spot at Grand Ballroom A&B in the East Tower, on the Gold Level. Right across from the registration desk. Register today! (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) Make sure you come see VOICES FROM THE BENCH recording from the Ballroom all weekend! Attend the 99th Annual Cal-Lab Meeting (https://cal-lab.org/) Feb 20 & 21 at the Swissôtel in Chicago. (Connected to the Hyatt and Lab Day) Elvis & Barb will be *recording there Thursday night during the "Cocktail Hour" from 4:00 to 6:30 * Register today: https://cal-lab.org/annual-meeting This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan McEachern, the Director of Technical Support and Install

Make sure you visit Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025 (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday). Ivoclar will be in their usual spot at Grand Ballroom A&B in the East Tower, on the Gold Level. Right across from the registration desk. Register today! (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) Make sure you come see VOICES FROM THE BENCH recording from the Ballroom all weekend! Attend the 99th Annual Cal-Lab Meeting (https://cal-lab.org/) Feb 20 & 21 at the Swissôtel in Chicago. (Connected to the Hyatt and Lab Day) Elvis & Barb will be *recording there Thursday night during the "Cocktail Hour" from 4:00 to 6:30 * Register today: https://cal-lab.org/annual-meeting This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Jim Thacker, the owner of Utah Valley Dental Lab (https://www.utahvalleydentallab.com/), who shared his inspiring journey from finance to dental lab ownership. Jim began his career in finance, working at Wells Fargo before marrying into a family that owned a dental lab. Initially brought in to han

Attend the 99th Annual Cal-Lab Meeting (https://cal-lab.org/) Feb 20 & 21 at the Swissôtel in Chicago. (Connected to the Hyatt and Lab Day) Elvis & Barb will be *recording there Thursday night during the "Cocktail Hour" from 4:00 to 6:30 * Register today: https://cal-lab.org/annual-meeting Make sure you visit Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025 (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday). Ivoclar will be in their usual spot at Grand Ballroom A&B in the East Tower, on the Gold Level. Right across from the registration desk. Register today! (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) Make sure you come see VOICES FROM THE BENCH recording from the Ballroom all weekend! This episode delves into the fascinating world of dental burs with Nick Nocito from SS White Dental (https://www.sswhitedental.com/). As the oldest rotary company, SS White has been at the forefront of dental innovation since 1844. Nick shares insights into the history of burs, the importance of using the right tools for crown prep, and his mi