Voices From The Bench

Be sure to come see ELVIS and BARB in the IVOCLAR (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) Grand Ballroom AB during LMT Lab Day Chicago 2023 (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) February 24 & 25 Be sure to stop by the Nowak Dental Supplies (https://www.nowakdental.com/) booth during Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday) and tell them you are a fan of the podcast (https://www.facebook.com/groups/4141108352651184) to get a special sticker only for the fans. Be sure to come see Barb on stage and join a great association. The Cal-Lab meeting February 23 & 24 in Chicago! JOIN TODAY! (https://cal-lab.org/) We say there is a lack of the public knowing about dental laboratories. Thankfully we are slightly closer to the world knowing about us because a dental technician wrote the story of his life, and a big part of the book is dental laboratory technology. Anas Afana, from Ace Dental Studio (https://www.acedentalstudio.com/) in Omaha, Nebraska, comes on this week to talk about his life and eventually writing the book "DESTIN

Be sure to stop by the Nowak Dental Supplies (https://www.nowakdental.com/) booth during Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday) and tell them you are a fan of the podcast (https://www.facebook.com/groups/4141108352651184) to get a special sticker only for the fans. 100 years ago a company started making denture teeth. Now Ivoclar is known for some of the best products and equipment for both labs and clinical offices. To celebrate their century of helping us make restorations, they are going all out at this year’s LMT Lab Day Chicago. Laura Gilbert, their North America Marketing Director, comes on to talk about Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) and what they have planned in their Grand Ballroom A&B. It’s going to be the place to be! Joining Laura, and also in Chicago, is Dr. David Rice. Dr. Rice founded a group called IgniteDDS (https://ignitedds.com/) that helps newly graduated dentist succeed after school. He sits in the hot seat to answer some common questions labs have for dental offices and

Be sure to come see ELVIS and BARB in the IVOCLAR (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) Grand Ballroom AB during LMT Lab Day Chicago 2023 (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) February 24 & 25 Be sure to come see Barb on stage and join a great association. The Cal-Lab meeting February 23 & 24 in Chicago! JOIN TODAY! (https://cal-lab.org/) Let's face it. Digital is a majority of our workflow. At least for fixed and it's quickly becoming the workflow for removables. As labs scale, there has been a need for someone to handle the design side of the production. Enter Full Contour (https://www.fullcontour.com/). In 2011 Rob Laizure and his father decided to take their lab and dedicate it to only design services. Slowly scaling as they grew, they soon went from 3 technicians in an apartment to over 150 worldwide. Rob talks about the journey, the relationships, and the need to deliver 100% to labs. Now even bigger, Full Contour became part of the 3shape (https://www.3shape.com/) family and renamed 3Shape Design Services and still o

Be sure to come see ELVIS and BARB in the IVOCLAR (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) Grand Ballroom AB during LMT Lab Day Chicago 2023 (https://lmtmag.com/ivoclar) February 24 & 25 It's hard to name a company that was hand making porcelain denture teeth in the 30s that is still around today making teeth. One such company is Candulor (https://www.candulor.com/en-us). This Swiss company is a global leader in products for removable technicians. Joining us is Alexander Ewert, the Director of Marketing and Education. Alexander talks about the early days of Candulor, some of the products they excel at, amazing yearly contest for removable technicians (https://www.candulor.com/en-us/kunstzahnwerk-competition-2023), and how they have positioned themselves as high quality providers of both clinical and technical educational courses. Swiss School of Prosthetics (https://www.candulor.com/en-us/kunstzahnwerk-competition-2023) Episode 147: The Need for (the Curve of) Spee with Steffen Rohrbach and the Swiss School of Prosth

Be sure to come see Barb on stage and join a great association. The Cal-Lab meeting February 23 & 24 in Chicago! JOIN TODAY! (https://cal-lab.org/) Over the years, we have talked to a lot of families in dental. Husband and wife. Fathers and Sons. Mothers and Daughters. Bothers. Sisters. But never have we talked to 5 family members at the same time all in the industry. Let us introduce you to the Szara's (sort of). Many of you might already know. First up is the guy that started it all, Wayne Szara Sr. Wayne went to technical school, he did dental technology in the Navy. After he opened up his own lab in his house and taught at the local dental technology program. He introduced the profession to his brother-in-law. Mike Capps (the non-Szara), who had the passion to be his own boss and went on to open a great lab outside of Chicago called Technic Dental Lab (https://www.technicdentallab.com/). Wayne had two sons that spent their youth with dad in the house working in the lab, and there was no way they couldn't

This is the LAST week to get the limited edition “4 out of 5 Dentist Recommend a Dental Technician” shirt before Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday)! Order before January 22nd. All profits go towards the Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology (https://dentallabfoundation.org/). ORDER TODAY!! (https://www.bonfire.com/4-out-of-5/) We love learning about the people behind the Instagram accounts. We have been following the adventures of @RVAtoothfairy (https://www.instagram.com/rvatoothfairy/) for a while. There we can see the beautiful full arch zirconia that she obviously puts a lot of work into. But it wasn’t until we talked to her that we learned so much more she has done in our industry. Marithe Baclagon wanted to be a dentist and remembers the exact moment when the laboratory side of it became her passion. After attending a dental technology school and working at a lab, she went back to the school to help develop and create the digital dentistry program. Now she’s at a private practice usin

Get a "4 out of 5 dentists recommend a dental technician" shirt highlighting the LMT Lab Day Chicago meeting! ORDER BEFORE JANURARY 22, 2023!!!!!!!! (https://www.bonfire.com/4-out-of-5/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=campaign_details_share&utm_campaign=4-out-of-5&utm_content=default) As we get into 2023, we get to celebrate our 250th episode of the podcast! What an honor it is to bring you so many great conversations with all the wonderful people in our industry. This week we get to talk to Tra' Chambers from Express Dental Laboratory (https://www.xdentallab.com/) out of Oklahoma. Tra's story is a bit different than what we usually hear. Starting as an assistant, then a practice manager, and then a lab owner, Tra' was able to understand what the dental offices needed from a lab when he started his own. Great stories from the early days of same day crowns with the Cerec system to positioning himself a leader in the digital dental lab workflow. Your digital inspiration is important to Ivoclar (https://www.ivo

Vision 21 - Janurary 19-21 at the Aria in Las Vegas! (https://nadl.org/events/v21/2023/) Do you remember the early 2010 and doing zirconia? Because milling machines were not yet affordable to most labs, milling centers did most of the work. One of the biggest players back then was CAP (Custom Automated Prosthetics). One of the founders and the CEO was Rob Nazzal. Rob comes on the podcast to talk about getting into the dental industry, becoming a milling center known for great customer service, and pivoting the business as more and more labs got their own milling machines. 7 years after, Rob is now providing labs a fantastic software that takes the data you already and makes it easy to read and use to grow your lab called icortica (https://icortica.com/voices-from-the-bench/). Does your lab use Magic Touch? If not, you should think about switching just so you can use icortica (https://icortica.com/). Icortica is a program that uses all the data you already collect in Magic Touch and puts it in one easy to see

When we think of advances in digital dentistry, 3D printing is at the top of the list. Many companies have entered the field, but only a few have stood out as leaders that changed the ways other companies create their product. Once such company is Keystone Industries (https://dental.keystoneindustries.com/). Makers of finger nail acrylics, they hired a lawyer that saw potential. Ira Rosenau admittedly knew nothing about dental. With a lot of hard work, education from friends in the industry, and a lot of smart scientist, Ira brought KeySplint (https://keyprint.keystoneindustries.com/keysplint-soft/) to market. Ira talks freely about what it take to create, design, test, and validate a printed splint material that has forever set the bar for what patients, doctors, and labs need. Does your lab use Magic Touch? If not, you should think about switching just so you can use icortica (https://icortica.com/). Icortica is a program that uses all the data you already collect in Magic Touch and puts it in one easy to s

Elvis and Barb on episode 362 of Tale of two Hygienist. Listen TODAY! (https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/listen/hygienists-and-dental-lab-operations-with-elvis-dahl-and-barbara-warner-wojdan-cdt-aaacd-362/) Imagine being a solo lab owner in a town of only 4 dentists… and being related to 3 of them! Meet Anne Koelzer, owner of AMK Dental Lab (https://www.amkdentallaboratory.com/) in O’Neill Nebraska. Anne comes from a family FULL of dentist but decided that her future is in the dental lab industry. After attending lab school and a short time at another lab, she returned to the family practice to be their technician. Soon she built and opened her own lab and is getting work from all over the rural areas. Anne talks about getting the InLab system, printing 3d dentures, teaching offices and staff MIYO (https://miyoworld.com/), putting on events, balancing work and life, and running a lab in the middle of nowhere. Check out the MIYO course with Anne and Dr. Vetter in Fargo, North Dakota! (http://events.r20.c

We can’t believe we have gone this long with out talking to someone from Affordable Dentures and Implants (https://www.affordabledentures.com/). Luckily Ashleigh Henderson was willing to step up to the mic and tell us all about life there. Ashleigh started as a assistant and soon found the blood to be too much. After a clear aligner company and Aspen, Ashleigh then found her current home at Affordable. She talks about the training, the workflow, meeting patient expectations, going digital, and the benefit of Instagram. Does your lab use Magic Touch? If not, you should think about switching just so you can use icortica (https://icortica.com/). Icortica is a program that uses all the data you already collect in Magic Touch and puts it in one easy to see, use, and understand dashboard. Look at every account and see trends, sales, notes, payments, and even remake percentages. Use the data you already have to take your lab and your customer service to the next level. Elvis uses it daily and swears it is a huge par

All good things must come to an end. Unfortunately. This episode is finishing the conversations we got while at the Whip Mix (https://www.whipmix.com/) Digital Forum back in October. We start with the famous Step Toothmaster Bay. Step talks about his name, his start in the industry, the DTG, and what he is up to now. Then we talk to the man who is putting the priority of training at the top of our industry, James Mahan with PTC (https://ptc-dental.com/). James talks about the history of PTC, all the levels and type of education they provide, and how they are keeping relevant in today's digital workflow. A BIG thanks to Whip Mix for putting on such an amazing event! Whip Mix (https://www.whipmix.com/) is thrilled to announce their most recent addition to their milling product line. Introducing the DWX-53DC (https://www.whipmix.com/products/roland-dgshape-dwx-53dc-dental-mill/) from DGSHAPE. This powerful mill satisfies your 'NEED FOR SPEED'. Three reasons to consider this mill: 1. It has 3 times the gripping

We continue this week to showcase all the wonderful people that were lucky enough to attend the Whip Mix (https://www.whipmix.com/)Digital Forum (https://www.whipmix.com/special-events/2022-digital-forum/) in Louisville, Kentucky last October. This time it's two conversations, each with a past podcast guest that brought a friend. First up is one of the co-founders of Ladies of the Mill (https://www.ladiesofthemill.com/) and owner of Oak Dental Designs (https://www.oaksdentaldesigns.com/), Jill Swafford. Jill brings along her first employee, Eiron Simmons who joined Jill with zero experience. They talk about working together, moving into the new facility, and what we might see at the next Ladies of the Mill Summit. Then we are joined by Todd Hydock from Zest Dental Solutions (https://www.zestdent.com/). Todd was at the show exhibiting and doing a hands-on course with Dr. Michael Scherer. Dr. Scherer talks about his practice, his love of overdentures, the new Locator Fixed solution, and everyone's favorite sh

This week we start our conversation we got while attending the Whip Mix (https://www.whipmix.com/) Digital Forum (https://www.whipmix.com/special-events/2022-digital-forum/) back in October. This amazing yearly event brought so many great speakers and attendees that gave us an opportunity to talk to so many wonderful people in our industry. There is nothing like good ol’ face-to-face recording. First up is the Vice President of Zubler USA (https://zublerusa.com/), Chris Wilson. Chris talks about a lot of the items that Zubler sells, but really educates us all the different ovens in a lab and what makes a good oven good. Chiming in is Blake Barksdale from Barksdale Dental Lab (https://barksdaledentallab.com/) (who was on episode 204) (https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/204) to give the perspective of actual real life lab use of a lot of the Zubler USA equipment. Then we are joined by two amazing small lab owners that found friendship within their successes. Sandra Ramsey, owner of Great Crowns and Smiles (ht

We love it when past guests recommend new people to have on the podcast. This is exactly what happened when Vincent Silvia (EPISODE 133 (https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/133)), from Digital Healthcare Computers (https://dhc-pc.com/), went to the UCLA Center of Esthetic Dental Design with a gentleman from Norway. Jorgen Gad, from Artpro Dental Design (http://www.art-pro.no/), comes on to talk about his experiences at the school, lab life in Norway, and how and what it takes to be known as the lab to go to get minimally invasive veneers. Have you seen the high prices of precious metal these days? Kulzer Refining (https://www.kulzerus.com/en_us/en_us/heraeuspreciousmetalsrefining/scraprefining.aspx) knows that you are using less Precious metal in your lab these days, but if you send in half of what you sent in 5 years ago ,your scrap return will be higher than it was 5 years ago! You won’t believe how much money your scrap is worth right now! Kulzer Refining reimbursement to you is after their 10% refining fee

When given an opportunity to learn how another lab is run, one should always listen because you never know what you might pick up. Cirenia Tobon learned the trade from her uncles in Mexico. After moving to the US and running her own lab, she now runs the removable department at Pro-Craft Dental Laboratory (https://www.pro-craft.com/) in California. Dylan Schubert grew up in his father's lab and after realizing how much he loves it, became the classic 2nd generation lab owner. Together they talk about all the great things they are doing in their lab like hiring, training, workflows, and the move from analog to digital. Have you seen the high prices of precious metal these days? Kulzer Refining (https://www.kulzerus.com/en_us/en_us/heraeuspreciousmetalsrefining/scraprefining.aspx) knows that you are using less Precious metal in your lab these days, but if you send in half of what you sent in 5 years ago ,your scrap return will be higher than it was 5 years ago! You won’t believe how much money your scrap is w

If you take a normal procedure in the lab, film it, and put it online, how many people do you think would watch it? Well when Tiffany Carroll and Amanda Shelly do that when working at Aspen Dental (https://www.aspendental.com/), they get MILLIONS of views. Tiffany and Amanda come on to talk about how they found their way to Aspen, a day in the life at Aspen, the opportunities provided to them, the move to digital, and creating content on social media that goes viral. Have you seen the high prices of precious metal these days? Kulzer Refining (https://www.kulzerus.com/en_us/en_us/heraeuspreciousmetalsrefining/scraprefining.aspx) knows that you are using less Precious metal in your lab these days, but if you send in half of what you sent in 5 years ago ,your scrap return will be higher than it was 5 years ago! You won’t believe how much money your scrap is worth right now! Kulzer Refining reimbursement to you is after their 10% refining fee . They have zero additional fees! If you need any free shipping conta

Comes see Elvis and Barb at the Whip Mix Digital Forum October 28th and 29th in Louisville, Kentucky (https://www.whipmix.com/special-events/2022-digital-forum/) Great show, fantastic speaks, unbelievable content, and a Halloween costume party! We know the big players in digital dentures. AvaDent (https://www.avadent.com/), Carbon (https://www.carbon3d.com/materials/lucitone-digital-print) and Asiga (https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/news/2021/09/23/dentsply-sirona-extends-the-lucitone-digital-print-denture-system-with-new-material-indications-and-planned-print-platform-validations-for-asiga-and-sprintray) printed Lucitone 199, Ivoclar Ivotion (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ivotion) on the PM7 mill (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7), Arfona (https://arfonaprinting.com/), and the list goes on. But behind the scenes and an amazing technician doing some amazing things with all removables in the digital space. John Madden started in a dental scho

Years ago we talked to a dental technician that wanted a better life for his family. Jeremiah Naas was in Florida with a desire to become a denturist (https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/30). After years of study and a move to Maine (https://www.voicesfromthebench.com/89) (where it is legal), Jeremiah now runs two practices, but always has a desire to learn more. Enter Finlay Sutton (https://www.finlaysutton.co.uk/). Finlay is a specialist in prosthodontics known for being able to do the removable cases that no one else can in the UK. Finlay talks about some difficult cases and how he went about finding solutions to restore and Jeremiah talk about the upcoming course that brings Finlay to the US to teach clinicians, denturist, and technicians how to do a better prosthetic by taking the correct records and understanding the patient. Sign up for the course by emailing idadenturelove@gmail.com for more information Get the best removable email delivered right to your inbox! (https://www.finlaysutton.co.uk/contact)

Comes see Elvis and Barb at the Whip Mix Digital Forum October 28th and 29th in Louisville, Kentucky (https://www.whipmix.com/special-events/2022-digital-forum/) Great show, fantastic speaks, unbelievable content, and a Halloween costume party! Usually when a dentist starts making their own restorations, they are Cerec crowns. But with all the advances in milling, printing, and now Artificial Intelligence it's becoming easier for clinics to have a in-office lab. Dr. Austin Vetter from Vetter Dental (https://vetterdentalfargo.com/) in Fargo North Dakota sees a lot of potential in employing and training an assistant to do the duties of a dental technician. Being a fan of technology and utilizing it for a streamlined workflow, Dr. Vetter comes on the podcast to talk about the equipment he uses, the software that makes it possible, the importance of the craft after the machine, and more importantly, as a clinician, where he sees dental laboratories place in a industry that is becoming more and more automated. Whi