Voices from The Bench

• 364: 7th Year Anniversary: International Style with Renata Budny, Sevastiani Perselis, and Rebca Nikedemos

  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 the differences in food and lifestyle. Sevastiani's determination led her to pursue her education in dental technology, where she found her calling. Her love for the craft shines through as she describes the joy of working in her father's dental lab and the satisfaction of seeing happy patients. Rebca, on the other hand, comes from a lineage of dental professionals in Ethiopia. She recounts her family's history, with her grandfather being the first dental clinic owner in the country. This legacy inspired her to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in dental technology. As a first-year student, Rebca shares her initial fears and the excitement of learning in a new environment. She emphasizes the importance of making mistakes as part of the learning process, a sentiment echoed by her peers. Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for Ivoclar North America (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us). She would like to invite you to start following them on Instagram. It's your chance to obtain exclusive updates on product announcements, industry news, upcoming educational events, and heartwarming stories about our local team and industry professionals. Let's get social together. Simply start following us on Instagram @Ivoclar.na (https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/). We'll see you there. Are you a dental lab in need of more talent to improve your bottom line and keep production on schedule? Are you a dental tech with great skills but feel you're being limited at your current lab? Well, the answer is here and this is precisely why WIN WIN GO (https://www.winwingo.com/) was created. The dental lab and dental tech community needed a place where labs and technicians can meet, talk about their needs and connect in ways that foster a win win outcome. As a tech. If you're ready to make a change, thinking about moving in the next year or just curious what's out there, sign up today. It's totally free. As a lab, you might be feeling the frustration of paying the big employment site so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WINWINGO.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to actively engage in creating their ideal future. WINWINGO.com, how dental techs find paradise. Special Guests: Rebca Nikedemos, Renata Budny, CDT, TE, and Sevastiani Perselis.

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• 363: From the 40th Lab Day 2025 Part 1 with Vicki Thomas, Becky Tyre, and Katie Rinaldo & Mandy Arena

  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 to getting good pricing on the things you need to run your lab. She talks about why she stated it and some of the vendors that have already seen what the power of numbers can do. https://savvylabsolutions.com/ Next up is the "voice" behind LMT, Becky Tyre. Becky comes on to talk about the newest thing LMT is doing, Soundbites (https://lmtmag.com/podcast). This short audio podcast highlights the current month’s magazine. Becky talks about her background in radio, why they started the podcast, and why you should be listening. https://lmtmag.com/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MX2VTKfT5bxVXq9s7dPFN Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lmt-soundbites/id1745578142 We wrap up the episode to get an update on Katie Rinaldo & Mandy Area's push to make Denturist legal in Illinois.... and now in other states too! The Illinois Denturist Association (https://illinoisdenturist.com/) is working on another bill to submit for legislation. They talk about the current state of the bill, how they are getting others involved, and what you can do to help! https://illinoisdenturist.com/ Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for Ivoclar North America (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us). She would like to invite you to start following them on Instagram. It's your chance to obtain exclusive updates on product announcements, industry news, upcoming educational events, and heartwarming stories about our local team and industry professionals. Let's get social together. Simply start following us on Instagram @Ivoclar.na (https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/). We'll see you there. Are you a dental lab in need of more talent to improve your bottom line and keep production on schedule? Are you a dental tech with great skills but feel you're being limited at your current lab? Well, the answer is here and this is precisely why WIN WIN GO (https://www.winwingo.com/) was created. The dental lab and dental tech community needed a place where labs and technicians can meet, talk about their needs and connect in ways that foster a win win outcome. As a tech. If you're ready to make a change, thinking about moving in the next year or just curious what's out there, sign up today. It's totally free. As a lab, you might be feeling the frustration of paying the big employment site so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WINWINGO.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to actively engage in creating their ideal future. WINWINGO.com, how dental techs find paradise. Special Guests: Becky Tyre, Katie Rinaldo, Mandy Arena, and Vicki Thomas.

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  1:03:20
• 362: Josie Schmitz-Burchartz is Marinating in Denture Goodness

  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 practice with smiles on their faces. Her approach is patient-centered, focusing on long-term treatment plans rather than quick fixes. Throughout the episode, Josie discusses the challenges she faced while establishing her practice, SB Denture Clinic (https://sbdentureclinic.com/). She opened her office just before COVID-19 hit, which brought unexpected hurdles. However, her determination and passion for her work helped her navigate these challenges successfully. She highlights the significance of teamwork in her practice, where she has built a strong team of professionals dedicated to providing quality care. One of the most fascinating aspects of Josie's work is her commitment to using traditional methods in an increasingly digital world. While many are moving towards digital dentures, Josie believes in the value of hands-on techniques that allow her to connect with her patients and provide personalized care. Her dedication to quality over quantity is evident in her meticulous approach to dental impressions and patient consultations. Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for Ivoclar North America (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us). She would like to invite you to start following them on Instagram. It's your chance to obtain exclusive updates on product announcements, industry news, upcoming educational events, and heartwarming stories about our local team and industry professionals. Let's get social together. Simply start following us on Instagram @Ivoclar.na (https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/). We'll see you there. Are you a dental lab in need of more talent to improve your bottom line and keep production on schedule? Are you a dental tech with great skills but feel you're being limited at your current lab? Well, the answer is here and this is precisely why WIN WIN GO (https://www.winwingo.com/) was created. The dental lab and dental tech community needed a place where labs and technicians can meet, talk about their needs and connect in ways that foster a win win outcome. As a tech. If you're ready to make a change, thinking about moving in the next year or just curious what's out there, sign up today. It's totally free. As a lab, you might be feeling the frustration of paying the big employment site so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WINWINGO.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to actively engage in creating their ideal future. WINWINGO.com, how dental techs find paradise. Special Guest: Josi Schmitz-Burchartz.

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  1:04:45
• 361: Vladimir Roman is Your Guide to Surgical Guides with Romanax

  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 aviation, he found himself drawn to the dental field, ultimately leading to a fulfilling career in dental technology. His experience in the military provided him with a robust training foundation that he has built upon throughout his career. One of the key themes of the conversation was the importance of collaboration between dental technicians and dentists. Vladimir emphasized that effective communication and teamwork are essential for achieving the best outcomes for patients. This collaborative spirit is what drives him and his team at Romanax Dental Lab (https://www.romanax.com/) to provide high-quality surgical guides and dental solutions. Vladimir shared insights on the evolution of digital workflows and the role of 3D printing in modern dental practices. He highlighted how technology has transformed the way dental labs operate, making processes more efficient and allowing for greater precision in patient care. The use of virtual assistants in his lab has further streamlined operations, enabling technicians to focus on their core tasks while ensuring that administrative duties are handled effectively. Vladimir’s passion for education and mentorship shines through as he discusses the training programs he offers for both dental technicians and dentists. He believes that knowledge sharing is crucial for the growth of the industry, and he is committed to helping others learn about surgical guides and implant planning. Take it from Laura Prosser, the digital marketing manager for Ivoclar North America (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us). She would like to invite you to start following them on Instagram. It's your chance to obtain exclusive updates on product announcements, industry news, upcoming educational events, and heartwarming stories about our local team and industry professionals. Let's get social together. Simply start following us on Instagram @Ivoclar.na (https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/). We'll see you there. Make sure you visit Aidite (https://www.aidite.com/) at Booth E-26 during your visit at LMT Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday)! They will be there showcasing their exciting new products and cutting-edge solutions in digital dentistry. Attendees can explore hands-on demonstrations of Biomic stain & glaze (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/Biomic_Stain_Glaze_130_2.html) techniques and some of their other innovative technologies. Aidite will also host engaging lectures in Grand Suite 2, East Tower, covering topics such as EZneer (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/EZneer_113_2.html), 3D Pro-Zir, (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/3D_Pro_Zir_111_2.html) Digital Dentures, and their Aidite Cloud design service (https://www.aiditecloud.com/). Even before you go, you can stay updated by following @AiditeNorthAmerica (https://www.instagram.com/aiditenorthamerica/) on all social media platforms. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how Aidite is shaping the future of dental labs! Are you a dental lab in need of more talent to improve your bottom line and keep production on schedule? Are you a dental tech with great skills but feel you're being limited at your current lab? Well, the answer is here and this is precisely why WIN WIN GO (https://www.winwingo.com/) was created. The dental lab and dental tech community needed a place where labs and technicians can meet, talk about their needs and connect in ways that foster a win win outcome. As a tech. If you're ready to make a change, thinking about moving in the next year or just curious what's out there, sign up today. It's totally free. As a lab, you might be feeling the frustration of paying the big employment site so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WINWINGO.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to actively engage in creating their ideal future. WINWINGO.com, how dental techs find paradise. Special Guest: Vladimir Roman.

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  1:03:32
• 360: Escape Some Workload with Dentscape AI - Ryan Axelson, Bill Chou, & Dr. Sylvie Liu

  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 artificial intelligence (AI) is paving the way for significant advancements in efficiency and patient care. In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with the innovative minds behind Dentscape AI, a company that is transforming the dental lab landscape. Dentscape AI is not just another tech startup; it’s a groundbreaking solution designed specifically for dental labs. With their AI agent, dental technicians can now generate up to 100 crowns in just 10 minutes! This remarkable feat is achieved by simplifying workflows and reducing the workload of dental professionals, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks that require human creativity and expertise. The conversation began with the introduction of the Dentscape team, including co-founders Bill Cho and Dr. Sylvie Liu. Sylvie, a practicing dentist and lecturer in digital dentistry, shared her journey from traditional dentistry to entrepreneurship. Her passion for the artistry of dentistry led her to seek innovative solutions that would not only enhance her practice but also address the pressing challenges faced by dental labs. Bill explained the three key pillars that support their AI model: high-quality data, advanced algorithms, and robust computing power. By partnering with large dental labs, Dentscape AI ensures that their models are trained on real-world data, allowing for accuracy and reliability in crown design. As Ryan Axelson, another key member of the Dentscape team, pointed out, their goal is to provide tools that empower technicians, allowing them to enhance their workflow and ultimately improve patient care. You are invited to Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us)’s IPS e.max Panel Discussion Friday, February 22nd stating at 3:00 at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Our very own Barb Warner will be on stage with Jessica Birrell, Stephenie Goddard, Mike Roberts, Jed Archibald and Dr. Ken Malament as they dive into the world of e.max. After the panel discussion, Ivoclar will host a Happy Hour to commemorate this 20-year milestone. So, please join us by registering at Labday.com/Ivoclar. Make sure you visit Aidite (https://www.aidite.com/) at Booth E-26 during your visit at LMT Lab Day Chicago (https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday)! They will be there showcasing their exciting new products and cutting-edge solutions in digital dentistry. Attendees can explore hands-on demonstrations of Biomic stain & glaze (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/Biomic_Stain_Glaze_130_2.html) techniques and some of their other innovative technologies. Aidite will also host engaging lectures in Grand Suite 2, East Tower, covering topics such as EZneer (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/EZneer_113_2.html), 3D Pro-Zir, (https://www.aidite.com/detail/materials/3D_Pro_Zir_111_2.html) Digital Dentures, and their Aidite Cloud design service (https://www.aiditecloud.com/). Even before you go, you can stay updated by following @AiditeNorthAmerica (https://www.instagram.com/aiditenorthamerica/) on all social media platforms. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how Aidite is shaping the future of dental labs! Are you a dental lab in need of more talent to improve your bottom line and keep production on schedule? Are you a dental tech with great skills but feel you're being limited at your current lab? Well, the answer is here and this is precisely why WIN WIN GO (https://www.winwingo.com/) was created. The dental lab and dental tech community needed a place where labs and technicians can meet, talk about their needs and connect in ways that foster a win win outcome. As a tech. If you're ready to make a change, thinking about moving in the next year or just curious what's out there, sign up today. It's totally free. As a lab, you might be feeling the frustration of paying the big employment site so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WINWINGO.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to actively engage in creating their ideal future. WINWINGO.com, how dental techs find paradise. Special Guests: Bill Chou, Dr. Sylvie Liu, and Ryan Axelson.

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  1:06:50

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