Advertise on podcast: Voices from The Bench

Hey, Voices of the Bench community! Erich Neuhaus, Marketing Manager at Ivoclar here. Bring greater efficiency and flexibility to your denture workflow with Ivotion, Ivoclar's digital denture system. Ivotion helps labs reduce manual production steps while delivering predictable, high-quality aesthetics. With new shade options available in both Ivotion Dent Multi and our Ivotion Monolithic Discs, you can broaden your offering and deliver more personalized results. Reach out to your local Ivoclar representative today and discover what I've ocean can do for your lab. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. This week we are coming to you from NOLA LabFest for two conversations with some of the people pushing dental technology forward. First, Dylan Paolicelli, Director of Digital Solutions at Bonadent Dental Laboratories, shares his journey from photography to CAD/CAM and how he grew from loading mills and cleaning 3D prints to overseeing digital workflows across six laboratory locations. Dylan talks about the evolution of digital dentistry, the challenges of bringing new materials and technologies into the lab, Bonadent’s training program for the next generation of technicians, and why automation should free skilled technicians to focus on skilled work rather than simply pushing buttons. Then, Erica DiManna and Tom Heusing from Aidite join the conversation to discuss the company’s growth, its 3D Pro Zir Ultra zirconia, and the importance of building strategic partnerships instead of simply following the competition. They explain how Aidite approaches technical support by helping laboratories dial in their materials and firing temperatures, the value of hands-on education, and what’s coming next for the company at LMT Lab Day Chicago. Special Guests: Dylan Paolicelli, Erica DiManna, and Tom Heusing.

Hey, Voices of the Bench community! Erich Neuhaus, Marketing Manager at Ivoclar here. Bring greater efficiency and flexibility to your denture workflow with Ivotion, Ivoclar's digital denture system. Ivotion helps labs reduce manual production steps while delivering predictable, high-quality aesthetics. With new shade options available in both Ivotion Dent Multi and our Ivotion Monolithic Discs, you can broaden your offering and deliver more personalized results. Reach out to your local Ivoclar representative today and discover what I've ocean can do for your lab. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. This week we head to Doncaster, England, to meet Chris Golze, a dental technician who turned a small newspaper ad into a lifelong career in dentistry. Chris got his start in the lab at just 17, working in the model room before moving into crown and bridge. After years in the industry, co-owning a lab, and eventually striking out on his own, Chris found his niche in thermoforming appliances and built a business around doing what he enjoys most. We get into the world of custom thermoformed appliances, from sports mouthguards and whitening trays to retainers and bruxism splints. Chris explains how custom mouthguards can become a canvas for creativity, with layered colors, graphics, logos, and personalized designs that go far beyond the standard guard. We also talk about the challenges of running a specialized lab, finding your place in the industry, and making the leap to doing things your own way. Of course, it wouldn't be a conversation with Chris without a little humor! Known for his dental technician memes and social media presence, Chris shares how connecting online with other technicians helped him discover a much bigger, more supportive dental lab community than he realized existed. From funny moments and unusual requests to the relationships that make this industry special, this episode is a reminder that there's more than one way to build a successful career in dental technology. Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?” You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing. Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free. LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs. Your customers are checking you out on social media long before they ever fill out a form or pick up the phone. By the time they reach you, they’ve already started forming an opinion. That’s why consistency on social media matters. Creating content is hard. Posting consistently is even harder. That’s why we built icortica Social. Create, schedule, publish, and report on your social media all in one place — and let your entire team contribute. With a simple QR code, your team can send photos and videos straight from their phones to marketing, whether they’re in the lab or at an event. icortica Social works as a standalone app, so no existing icortica subscription is required. Make social media easier. Stay consistent. Grow your presence. Check it out at icortica.com/social.Special Guest: Chris Golze.

Hey, Voices of the Bench community! Erich Neuhaus, Marketing Manager at Ivoclar here. Bring greater efficiency and flexibility to your denture workflow with Ivotion, Ivoclar's digital denture system. Ivotion helps labs reduce manual production steps while delivering predictable, high-quality aesthetics. With new shade options available in both Ivotion Dent Multi and our Ivotion Monolithic Discs, you can broaden your offering and deliver more personalized results. Reach out to your local Ivoclar representative today and discover what I've ocean can do for your lab. NOLA Lab Fest is back, and Voices From the Bench will be recording live from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside on October 16th and 17th! Join Elvis and Barbara as they hang out with the HyperDent team, talk shop with some of the best in the dental industry, and host the always-entertaining Lab Family Feud. The fun kicks off Thursday, October 15th, with Jude Grayson leading a half-day workshop for lab owners and department leaders, sponsored by HyperDent. While you're there, check out Roland DGA's CAM trade-in special, where you can trade in your old CAM software for HyperDent and unlock the full potential of your mill with better milling quality, faster milling times, and the ability to mill Ivotion dentures with Elevate denture solutions. Registration is open now at NOLALabFest.com, and spots are limited. Don't miss out on the fun, the learning, and probably a few too many beignets! This week we're finally checking a guest off our wish list as Jay Shin from TruAbutment joins us to talk about the company, his unexpected journey into the dental industry, and the technology that's changing implant dentistry. Jay shares how he went from running dry cleaners and a poke restaurant to learning the ins and outs of custom abutments, and how True Abutment grew from its early days into a major player in digital implant solutions. We get into what makes TruAbutment's split-file workflow so popular with dental labs, the development of custom abutments and full-arch solutions, and how IO Connect and T-Marker are helping labs capture implant positioning data. Jay also gives us a look at the future, including T-Snap, new 3D-printing materials like True Flexible, and the company's expanding digital workflow solutions. There's plenty of implant talk, exciting technology, and a few ideas from Elvis that might just make it into a future product. Your customers are checking you out on social media long before they ever fill out a form or pick up the phone. By the time they reach you, they’ve already started forming an opinion. That’s why consistency on social media matters. Creating content is hard. Posting consistently is even harder. That’s why we built icortica Social. Create, schedule, publish, and report on your social media all in one place — and let your entire team contribute. With a simple QR code, your team can send photos and videos straight from their phones to marketing, whether they’re in the lab or at an event. icortica Social works as a standalone app, so no existing icortica subscription is required. Make social media easier. Stay consistent. Grow your presence. Check it out at icortica.com/social. Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?” You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing. Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free. LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.

Hey, Voices of the Bench community! Erich Neuhaus, Marketing Manager at Ivoclar here. Bring greater efficiency and flexibility to your denture workflow with Ivotion, Ivoclar's digital denture system. Ivotion helps labs reduce manual production steps while delivering predictable, high-quality aesthetics. With new shade options available in both Ivotion Dent Multi and our Ivotion Monolithic Discs, you can broaden your offering and deliver more personalized results. Reach out to your local Ivoclar representative today and discover what I've ocean can do for your lab. NOLA Lab Fest is back, and Voices From the Bench will be recording live from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside on October 16th and 17th! Join Elvis and Barbara as they hang out with the HyperDent team, talk shop with some of the best in the dental industry, and host the always-entertaining Lab Family Feud. The fun kicks off Thursday, October 15th, with Jude Grayson leading a half-day workshop for lab owners and department leaders, sponsored by HyperDent. While you're there, check out Roland DGA's CAM trade-in special, where you can trade in your old CAM software for HyperDent and unlock the full potential of your mill with better milling quality, faster milling times, and the ability to mill Ivotion dentures with Elevate denture solutions. Registration is open now at NOLALabFest.com, and spots are limited. Don't miss out on the fun, the learning, and probably a few too many beignets! Getting paid for your work should be the easy part of running a dental lab, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always how it goes! This week,we sit down with Matt Travis from Burt and Associates, a familiar name to many in the dental laboratory industry who specializes in helping labs collect unpaid invoices. Matt shares how he got his start in dental lab collections, including a memorable first collection involving Mike Zuber, a little too much fun the night before, and a $5,000 invoice that got paid before he even left the dental office. But there’s a lot more to collections than making phone calls and demanding payment. Matt explains how Burton Associates approaches overdue accounts, why labs can get into trouble by continuing to send cases to customers who aren’t paying, and how difficult it can be to decide when a customer has become a debtor. The conversation also covers credit applications, checking a customer’s credit before extending terms, protecting accounts receivable, and why having clear policies in place can save a lab from a whole lot of headaches. With stories of unpaid balances reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, this episode is a reminder that doing great work is only part of running a successful dental lab. You have to collect the money, too! Your customers are checking you out on social media long before they ever fill out a form or pick up the phone. By the time they reach you, they’ve already started forming an opinion. That’s why consistency on social media matters. Creating content is hard. Posting consistently is even harder. That’s why we built icortica Social. Create, schedule, publish, and report on your social media all in one place — and let your entire team contribute. With a simple QR code, your team can send photos and videos straight from their phones to marketing, whether they’re in the lab or at an event. icortica Social works as a standalone app, so no existing icortica subscription is required. Make social media easier. Stay consistent. Grow your presence. Check it out at icortica.com/social. Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?” You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing. Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free. LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs. Will your next equipment purchase pay for itself? It’s the question every lab owner asks. But here’s another one: How much is it costing you not to invest? Every remake, hour of downtime, and case outsourced because you’re at capacity eats into your profits. The right milling solution can help increase production, reduce interruptions, and keep your technicians focused on revenue-generating work. That’s why dental labs continue to choose Roland DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions. Built for dependable performance, they help keep your lab running smoothly and create opportunities for growth. Because the best investment is one that keeps paying you back. Learn more at rolanddental.com.Special Guest: Matt Travis.

Hey, Voices of the Bench community! Erich Neuhaus, Marketing Manager at Ivoclar here. Bring greater efficiency and flexibility to your denture workflow with Ivotion, Ivoclar's digital denture system. Ivotion helps labs reduce manual production steps while delivering predictable, high-quality aesthetics. With new shade options available in both Ivotion Dent Multi and our Ivotion Monolithic Discs, you can broaden your offering and deliver more personalized results. Reach out to your local Ivoclar representative today and discover what I've ocean can do for your lab. NOLA Lab Fest is back, and Voices From the Bench will be recording live from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside on October 16th and 17th! Join Elvis and Barbara as they hang out with the HyperDent team, talk shop with some of the best in the dental industry, and host the always-entertaining Lab Family Feud. The fun kicks off Thursday, October 15th, with Jude Grayson leading a half-day workshop for lab owners and department leaders, sponsored by HyperDent. While you're there, check out Roland DGA's CAM trade-in special, where you can trade in your old CAM software for HyperDent and unlock the full potential of your mill with better milling quality, faster milling times, and the ability to mill Ivotion dentures with Elevate denture solutions. Registration is open now at NOLALabFest.com, and spots are limited. Don't miss out on the fun, the learning, and probably a few too many beignets! This week, we sit down with Milos Miladinov, a dental technician, educator, photographer, and digital dentistry enthusiast who has spent years pushing the boundaries of what technology can do in the dental lab. Milos shares his journey from discovering dental technology almost by accident in Romania, building a lab with his wife, becoming an early adopter of digital workflows, and eventually making the move to the United States and starting over from scratch. Milos takes us deep into digital dentistry, including virtual patients, intraoral scanning, CBCT, face scanning, digital veneers, print-and-press workflows, and the technology he believes is changing the way technicians work. We also get into one of his biggest passions: dental photography. Milos explains how learning to photograph his own work completely changed the way he saw it, why proper lighting and positioning matter, and how technicians and dentists can improve their photography without spending a fortune. And because this is Milos, the conversation doesn't stop there. We talk about AI, marketing, SEO, digital tools, new materials, zirconia, microwave sintering, and even his unique approach to creating “tooth tattoos” to add natural-looking details to monolithic restorations. Milos has a constant curiosity for new technology and a willingness to actually try it, test it, and figure out how it can make dentistry better. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about technology, creativity, photography, business, and what it takes to keep moving forward in an industry that never seems to stop changing. https://www.toothpic.ai/ Your customers are checking you out on social media long before they ever fill out a form or pick up the phone. By the time they reach you, they’ve already started forming an opinion. That’s why consistency on social media matters. Creating content is hard. Posting consistently is even harder. That’s why we built icortica Social. Create, schedule, publish, and report on your social media all in one place — and let your entire team contribute. With a simple QR code, your team can send photos and videos straight from their phones to marketing, whether they’re in the lab or at an event. icortica Social works as a standalone app, so no existing icortica subscription is required. Make social media easier. Stay consistent. Grow your presence. Check it out at icortica.com/social. Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?” You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing. Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free. LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.Special Guest: Milos Miladinov.

Hey, Voices of the Bench community! Erich Neuhaus, Marketing Manager at Ivoclar here. Bring greater efficiency and flexibility to your denture workflow with Ivotion, Ivoclar's digital denture system. Ivotion helps labs reduce manual production steps while delivering predictable, high-quality aesthetics. With new shade options available in both Ivotion Dent Multi and our Ivotion Monolithic Discs, you can broaden your offering and deliver more personalized results. Reach out to your local Ivoclar representative today and discover what I've ocean can do for your lab. NOLA Lab Fest is back, and Voices From the Bench will be recording live from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside on October 16th and 17th! Join Elvis and Barbara as they hang out with the HyperDent team, talk shop with some of the best in the dental industry, and host the always-entertaining Lab Family Feud. The fun kicks off Thursday, October 15th, with Jude Grayson leading a half-day workshop for lab owners and department leaders, sponsored by HyperDent. While you're there, check out Roland DGA's CAM trade-in special, where you can trade in your old CAM software for HyperDent and unlock the full potential of your mill with better milling quality, faster milling times, and the ability to mill Ivotion dentures with Elevate denture solutions. Registration is open now at NOLALabFest.com, and spots are limited. Don't miss out on the fun, the learning, and probably a few too many beignets! This week we sit down with Mike Archibald, the “black sheep” of the Archibald family and the third Archibald we’ve had on the show. Mike shares his journey from starting in his dad’s laboratory at just 17 years old to becoming a technician, educator, speaker, and advocate for having the conversations that don’t always happen in dentistry. We talk about functional dentistry, ceramics, teaching, family expectations, imposter syndrome, recovery, mindset, and the importance of being willing to step away and find a healthier perspective on life. Mike also tells us about Table 52, his vision for creating a community where people can have honest conversations about the struggles behind the scenes, along with his work with Harvest Dental and Open Bench. It’s a very real conversation about dentistry, family, personal growth, and what happens when you stop worrying about looking like you have it all together and start focusing on becoming the best version of yourself. Open Bench: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKvmZEdlxtQM 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. Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?” You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing. Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free. LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.Special Guest: Mike Archibald.

What if zirconia could look even more like natural teeth? According to Dr. Ed McLaren, “Of all the zirconia’s he's tested, the optical properties of Ivoclar’s e.max zirconia are the closest to natural teeth.” (And I second that with everything I’ve see – if Barb does the read) Discover what’s redefining the possibilities with IPS e.max Zirconia. Join Dr. Ed McLaren for Zirconia Reimagined—an informative webinar exploring the latest advancements, clinical insights, and practical applications of zirconia in modern dentistry. October 5th @ 7:00 pm. Register today at Vivalearning.com As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. This week we head across the pond to Leeds, England, for a conversation with Phil Reddington of Beever Dental Technology lab. Phil’s journey into dental technology is one of those stories that sounds completely made up until you hear him tell it. At 15 years old, Phil skipped school, wandered into a dental laboratory, and convinced them to give him a bench test. Armed with a scalpel and a bar of soap, he carved an ornate little bottle and somehow impressed them enough to land himself a job. From that accidental introduction to dentistry, Phil has spent more than 35 years learning, building, and evolving in the dental laboratory world. Phil takes us through his early days working in the lab, learning ceramics and refractory techniques, and eventually taking over his own laboratory. As offshore competition began putting pressure on lab pricing, Phil and his wife made a conscious decision not to compete by simply becoming cheaper. Instead, they invested in equipment, education, and relationships with dentists who wanted to provide high-quality restorative and implant dentistry. That philosophy eventually helped transform the laboratory and allowed Phil to focus on doing the best work possible rather than chasing the lowest price. A huge part of Phil’s story is the team he has built around him. We talk about what happens when a laboratory develops a blame culture, why people leave toxic work environments, and how changing that culture can completely change a business. Phil shares his approach to hiring for attitude, creating an environment where people can learn from mistakes, bringing educators into the lab for customized training, and giving his team opportunities to grow. He also talks about remaining fiercely independent when it comes to materials and techniques, allowing different technicians to use the systems that work best for them rather than becoming tied to a single manufacturer. The conversation also dives deep into the technical side of the laboratory, including digital workflows, full-arch restorations, printed try-ins, implant solutions, and the different full-arch options Phil’s team provides. One of the highlights is the laboratory’s work with thimble bars, a restoration they have become known for and one that Phil considers their premium full-arch product. With a focus on repairability and long-term service, the lab even offers a lifetime guarantee on their thimble bar cases. We also get into the business side of running a laboratory, including marketing through social media and word of mouth, setting realistic turnaround times, knowing when to say no to a case, and the importance of getting the information needed before starting a restoration. Phil explains why sometimes saying “no” is actually one of the most valuable tools a laboratory can have. Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?” You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing. Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free. LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs. 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.Special Guest: Phil Reddington.

Hey, Voices of the Bench community! Erich Neuhaus, Marketing Manager at Ivoclar here. Bring greater efficiency and flexibility to your denture workflow with Ivotion, Ivoclar's digital denture system. Ivotion helps labs reduce manual production steps while delivering predictable, high-quality aesthetics. With new shade options available in both Ivotion Dent Multi and our Ivotion Monolithic Discs, you can broaden your offering and deliver more personalized results. Reach out to your local Ivoclar representative today and discover what I've ocean can do for your lab. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. This week we finally get the conversation we’ve been trying to have for years with the 2025 CDT of the Year, Mike Wandling! Mike takes us back to 2001, when a few friends pointed him toward the dental laboratory industry and he landed at Keller in St. Louis. Starting out in crown and bridge, waxing, metal finishing, and casting, Mike quickly discovered that his real passion was working with people and teaching others. We talk about Mike’s journey from technician to trainer, Director of Training and Education, department manager, and eventually production manager overseeing a large fixed department. Along the way, he became heavily involved with the NBC, helping Keller become a CDT exam host lab and creating study clubs and hands-on preparation that helped take the lab from just a handful of CDTs to 17 in only a few years. Mike went on to earn multiple CDT certifications and eventually became a Master CDT, examiner, and member of the NBC Board of Trustees. Mike also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into creating and updating the CDT exams, including his legendary “A-Team” partnership with Barb. We talk about keeping certification relevant as technology changes, the importance of continuing education, and why Mike believes in getting just one percent better every day. After leaving Keller in 2015, Mike opened his own laboratory, eventually merging with Summit to become Summit-Horizon Dental Laboratory. Today, he serves as Operations Manager while still working on specialty cases and staying involved with doctors, production, workflow, and quality. We also talk about his recent recognition as the 2025 CDT of the Year and his new role as a Key Opinion Leader with Aidite. 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. Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?” You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing. Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free. LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs. True ROI isn’t just about what you pay for your equipment—it’s about what it delivers every day. With Roland’s DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions, reliable performance means more production, fewer interruptions, and less time troubleshooting or waiting on equipment. Keep your workflow moving, take on more work, and let every completed case contribute to your bottom line. That’s real ROI. Visit rolanddental.com to discover Roland’s DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions.Special Guest: Michael Wandling CDT.

What if zirconia could look even more like natural teeth? According to Dr. Ed McLaren, “Of all the zirconia’s he's tested, the optical properties of Ivoclar’s e.max zirconia are the closest to natural teeth.” (And I second that with everything I’ve see – if Barb does the read) Discover what’s redefining the possibilities with IPS e.max Zirconia. Join Dr. Ed McLaren for Zirconia Reimagined—an informative webinar exploring the latest advancements, clinical insights, and practical applications of zirconia in modern dentistry. October 5th @ 7:00 pm. Register today at Vivalearning.com As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. What happens when you combine a family-run software company, decades of dental laboratory experience, and a mission to make labs run smarter? You get Magic Touch Software. In this episode, Elvis sits down with Dan Sinclair and Amir Bagheri to dig into the history, philosophy, and technology behind Magic Touch and find out why they believe a laboratory management system should do a whole lot more than just track cases through production. Dan shares his unexpected journey back to Magic Touch after leaving the company, while Amir takes us all the way back to the 1990s and the origins of the software, including how his father, Gary, helped develop what would eventually become the foundation of Magic Touch through his work with Glidewell. The conversation dives into the evolution from production-focused LMS platforms to complete business management systems that bring customer management, accounting, inventory, automation, digital case entry, integrations, reporting, and production workflows together in one place. We also get into one of the biggest challenges facing modern dental labs: digital case entry and the ever-growing pile of scanner portals and inboxes. Amir and Dan explain how Magic Touch can automate that process, reduce manual entry, minimize missed cases and errors, and give lab teams more time to actually work on cases instead of hunting them down. And if you've ever wondered how much time and money a lab can lose by having a collection of disconnected systems, this conversation makes a pretty compelling case for consolidation. But perhaps the biggest theme of the episode is that Magic Touch doesn't want to be just another software vendor. Their approach is built around implementation, consultation, process improvement, and helping labs understand what they actually want their business to look like before configuring the system to get them there. From breaking old habits to building super users, testing changes before they go live, and using data to identify where a lab needs to improve, the goal is to create a system that grows and changes with the business. 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. Dental lab owners and managers — are you spending too much time chasing paperwork, checking portals, tracking cases, and answering doctors asking, “Is my crown done yet?” You didn’t start a dental lab to become a full-time paperwork wrangler. LabNCloud is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by techs, for techs, with 90+ features to streamline your entire lab — from case tracking and invoicing to shipping, time tracking, doctor portals, and automatic digital file routing. Stop managing chaos and start managing your lab. Visit LabNCloud.com to book your free personalized demo. And mention “Elvis is Handsome” to get your first month free. LabNCloud — the operating system for dental labs. Built by techs, for techs.Special Guests: Amir Bagheri and Dan Sinclair.

What if zirconia could look even more like natural teeth? According to Dr. Ed McLaren, “Of all the zirconia’s he's tested, the optical properties of Ivoclar’s e.max zirconia are the closest to natural teeth.” (And I second that with everything I’ve see – if Barb does the read) Discover what’s redefining the possibilities with IPS e.max Zirconia. Join Dr. Ed McLaren for Zirconia Reimagined—an informative webinar exploring the latest advancements, clinical insights, and practical applications of zirconia in modern dentistry. October 5th @ 7:00 pm. Register today at Vivalearning.com As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership. DETAX has been making waves in the dental industry with 3D printing materials, and in this episode, Elvis and Barb sit down with Veronika Perrone from DETAX and Brandon Smith to talk about where digital dentistry is headed—and why flexible printed partials might be one of the most interesting developments yet. Veronika shares her journey from Germany to the United States and her nearly 15 years with DETAX, while giving us a look at the company’s history, its roots in medical and audiology materials, and its growing presence in the dental market. Brandon brings the technician’s perspective, talking about his path through the lab world, Triad, Whip Mix, 3Shape, and eventually starting his own consulting and training business. The conversation really gets interesting when they dive into DETAX’s flexible resin. Brandon explains how the material handles in the lab, from design and nesting to printing, post-processing, bonding and finishing. They discuss the chemical bond between the flexible base and denture tooth resin, the ability to design flexible partials from scans, and how the material can be used for everything from flexible partials and flippers to unilaterals and claspless appliances. They also get into DETAX’s lineup of splint materials, printer validations, hands-on training courses, and what’s coming next—including retainer and aligner materials and additional crown shades. Whether you're already printing removable appliances or just wondering if it’s finally time to bring flexible partials into your digital workflow, this episode is packed with practical information, real-world experience, and plenty of dental-geek conversation. Special Guests: Brandon Smith and Veronika Perrone.

Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS Emax Zirconia offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership. From polishing hearing-aid earpieces to becoming the first female clinical dental technician to qualify in the UK, Caroline Kirkpatrick has taken a pretty incredible—and definitely unconventional—path through dental technology. Caroline joins Barb and Elvis to talk about how a broken denture repair sign outside a dental laboratory sparked her interest in the industry, her early years learning crown and bridge, orthodontics, and working in a dental hospital, and how her curiosity pushed her to learn every side of the profession. Eventually, that curiosity led Caroline to become one of the first four technicians accepted into the UK’s pioneering clinical dental technology program in 2010. But Caroline’s story doesn’t stop at the bench. She built her own laboratory, taught dental technology, treated patients clinically, raised a family, and continued pushing herself into digital dentistry. She shares how she experimented with early digital workflows, 3D printing, digital dentures, and eventually exocad—and why she believes the best digital workflow isn’t necessarily the fanciest one, but the one that actually works in the real world. Caroline also talks about working with her sister and daughter in the family lab, the importance of exposing young technicians to different laboratories and workflows, and why sharing the mistakes you’ve made can sometimes be one of the best ways to help someone else learn. From Scotland to the world of digital dentures, this is a great conversation about curiosity, adaptability, education, and never being afraid to learn something new. You know what's expensive in a dental lab? Most people would say the mill, but the real cost is downtime. When production stops, everything backs up—cases get delayed, technicians get frustrated, and customers start asking questions. That's why reliable equipment matters. Roland DGA's DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions are built for dependable production, helping labs stay on schedule and keep work moving day after day. Less downtime means fewer surprises and more time doing what your lab does best. And when your equipment is reliable, your customers notice the difference. Reliability isn't just a feature—it's the foundation of a successful lab. Visit rolanddental.com to learn more about Roland's DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions.Special Guest: Caroline Kirkpatrick.

Hello, Voices of the Bench community. This is Casey Baldwin with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS emax Zirconia, offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help you save valuable production time while maintaining consistent outcomes. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out today and discover how IPS emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. Join us at the Race For the Future 12 to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laborary Technology. September 27th in Valley View, Texas! https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/ Shawn Nowak from Nowak Dental Supplies joins Elvis and Barb to talk all things NOLA LabFest October 15-17th, including the welcome addition to the speaker lineup: martial arts instructor and business coach Jude Grayson. After Jude’s keynote at last year’s LabFest, the response was strong enough to bring him back for another keynote and a breakout session. The conversation starts with the obvious question: what the heck does a karate instructor know about the dental laboratory industry? As Jude explains, quite a bit. Having practiced martial arts since he was five years old and built a career around teaching, competition, entrepreneurship, and business coaching, Jude draws a surprising number of parallels between martial arts and business. He talks about discipline, competition, confidence, risk, and his “five-year-old board break moment”—the idea that sometimes the ability to succeed is already inside us, and the right coach simply helps unlock it. He also explains how those lessons translate into working with business owners and helping them recognize opportunities they may not see themselves. The conversation then turns toward one of the biggest challenges facing dental laboratories today: knowing when it’s time to pivot. With technology, AI, 3D printing, changing doctor workflows, and the evolving DSO landscape continuing to reshape the industry, Jude’s NOLA LabFest keynote will focus on how business owners can recognize when change is necessary, decide when to act, and understand the risks that come with being an early adopter. He also shares some great perspective on failure, competition, and why making a bad business decision doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost—the real loss comes when you stop competing altogether. Shawn also gives us a look at what else is happening at NOLA LabFest, including education on AI, social media marketing, employee culture, DSOs, and other topics affecting dental laboratories right now. And, of course, there’s plenty of the NOLA LabFest fun mixed in, from the masquerade party and distillery tour to the return of Family Feud. It’s a conversation about business, leadership, taking risks, and finding ways to keep dental laboratories moving forward—and it all starts with a karate instructor walking into a dental show. Special Guests: Jude Grayson and Shawn Nowak.

Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS Emax Zirconia offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership. This week on Voices From the Bench, we finally sit down with someone we’ve been wanting to have on the show for a LONG time—Philip Gold! Philip grew up in the dental laboratory, quite literally pulling teeth out of formaldehyde bottles in his father Raymond Gold’s lab in Atlanta. His father started the laboratory in 1946, and Philip eventually found himself following in those footsteps, although not without first taking a seven-year detour working for Williams Gold. That experience gave him the opportunity to visit laboratories all over the country, learn from some of the best in the industry, and see firsthand how different labs operated. Philip eventually returned to the family laboratory in 1980 and began the process of taking over from his father. What followed was a career built around learning, adapting, building teams, and—most importantly—relationships. Philip shares what it was like stepping into a leadership role at a young age, earning the respect of experienced technicians, and learning that being a leader isn’t about knowing everything yourself, but understanding the work well enough to help the people around you succeed. He also talks about selling the laboratory to National Dentex with the goal of giving the business and its people an opportunity to continue growing, only to eventually find his way back into the laboratory world with By Design Dental Studio alongside his daughter Katie and Denise. And if you know Philip, you know he’s never stopped learning. He currently holds six CDT certifications, including ceramics, crown and bridge, partials, implants, dentures, and digital. His story about preparing for the digital practical exam is a perfect example of his determination—his first practice run took seven and a half hours for an exam designed to be completed in just over five. So he reorganized, practiced again, changed his workflow, and eventually got it down to under five hours. And of course, Philip isn’t pursuing certifications just for himself. He wants to set an example, motivate the next generation of technicians, and encourage more people in the laboratory to continue learning. We also get into the importance of customer service, why relationships are at the heart of this industry, and why sometimes the best thing a laboratory can do is simply pick up the phone and help. Philip shares his philosophy that when something goes wrong, you drop everything and make it right. We talk about giving back to the industry, the people who helped shape Philip’s career, and how the dental laboratory community has always been willing to share knowledge when you’re willing to ask. And yes… somewhere along the way we also hear the greatest “okey-doke” story in dental laboratory history. Special Guest: Phillip Gold.

Hello, Voices of the Bench community. This is Casey Baldwin with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS emax Zirconia, offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help you save valuable production time while maintaining consistent outcomes. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out today and discover how IPS emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one. Join us at the Race For the Future 12 to raise money for the Foundation For Dental Laborary Technology. September 27th in Valley View, Texas! https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/ This week, Elvis sits down with Martin Schmid and Alyse Hifko from Ivoclar to talk about the launch of the new Ivoclar Academy and why education is still one of the most valuable investments a laboratory can make. Martin shares his journey from apprenticing in Germany to teaching technicians around the world, while Alyse explains how a passion for digital dentistry and troubleshooting CAD/CAM software led her to Ivoclar. Together they discuss how today's technicians can learn faster, work more efficiently, and gain confidence through hands-on training instead of trying to figure everything out on their own. The conversation dives into Ivoclar's growing catalog of Academy courses, from Ceram Art stain and glaze techniques to advanced ProgramMill CAM training that goes far beyond the initial installation. Martin explains how simple workflows and the right materials can help technicians create highly esthetic restorations, while Alyse reveals the hidden capabilities built into the CAM software that many users never realize they already have. Whether you're looking to improve your ceramics, maximize your milling workflow, or simply stay ahead as digital dentistry continues to evolve, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can bring back to the lab. Plus, learn why even technicians who don't own an Ivoclar mill are showing up to these courses—and leaving convinced they need one. Special Guests: Alyse Hifko and Martin Schmid.

Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS Emax Zirconia offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership. Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership. But this conversation goes far beyond Matt's career. His book, The Invisible Profession, explores how the dental laboratory industry arrived at a place where technicians and laboratories are often undervalued, pushed into price competition, and expected to simply keep their heads down and produce. Matt shares his thoughts on the "million little things" that shaped the industry, the danger of becoming a "busy fool," and why laboratories need to stop competing solely on price and start becoming known for the value, expertise, and partnership they bring to the dental team. Elvis, Barb, and Matt also talk about the changing landscape of digital dentistry, AI, 3D printing, speed, service, and why the labs that embrace change and remain agile will be the ones positioned for the future. It's an honest, thought-provoking, and ultimately optimistic conversation about where the dental laboratory profession has been, where it is today, and where it can go next. Special Guest: Matt Everatt.