PodcastsHealth & WellnessVoices from The Bench

Voices from The Bench

Elvis Dahl & Barb Warner
Voices from The Bench
Latest episode

416 episodes

  • Voices from The Bench

    416: Lab Day Chicago 2026 Part 2 with Rob Fletcher, Don Bell & Andreas Klie

    16/03/2026 | 1h 26 mins.
    Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

    If you’re passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I’m honored to be part of Ivoclar’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.

    Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.

    Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere.

    Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults…

    Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.

    That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next.

    Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.

    Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower.

    Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026*

    Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/

    exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026

    Live from the Ivoclar stage at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026, Elvis and Barb sits down with two very different innovators shaping the future of the dental lab world.

    First up is industry veteran Rob Fletcher, who shares the story behind ACES (Automated Case Entry Software)—a system designed to eliminate one of the biggest bottlenecks in dental labs: manually entering handwritten prescriptions. Drawing on years of lean manufacturing experience running labs like Knight Dental Group and Bayshore Dental Studio, Rob explains how combining OCR and AI can read RX forms, learn lab terminology, and automate case entry directly into an LMS. The result? Faster workflows, fewer data entry headaches, and one less department that labs have to constantly hire and retrain.

    Then the conversation shifts to collaboration and innovation as Don Bell and Andreas Klie discuss a new partnership between Ivoclar and Panthera Dental. They break down how Panthera’s Fusion Bar technology works with Ivoclar materials to simplify full-arch workflows while improving precision, aesthetics, and efficiency. The team also dives into the education behind the technology, the launch of the Panthera Academy, and how collaboration between companies—and listening to technicians—helps push the industry forward.

    Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?

    He’s a client rep for Derby Dental Laboratory, out in the field every day doing chairside visits and building relationships. His job is simple—keep doctors happy and keep them coming back.

    And he couldn’t do it without iCortica.

    Right from his phone, Elvis can see sales, remake rates, account notes, risks, and cross-sell opportunities—even before he walks through the door. No spreadsheets. No surprises. Just the info he needs to grow accounts.

    Stop digging for data and start taking action.

    Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.

    Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

    Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the FIRST 5k run on the coast! And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

    Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.

    In today’s dental labs, reliability isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s why so many labs trust Roland DGSHAPE milling solutions—true workhorses known for precision, durability, and dependable performance day after day.

    Now Roland is taking digital denture production even further with the Elevate Denture Solution, including compatibility with Ivotion Denture System from Ivoclar. This validated workflow gives labs a powerful way to produce premium digital dentures with confidence and consistency.

    Built on the trusted DWX milling platform, the Elevate Denture Solution allows labs to expand their capabilities while continuing to rely on the same dependable technology that keeps production running smoothly.

    Learn more about DWX Milling Solutions and the new Elevate Denture Solution at rolanddental.com.
    Special Guests: Andreas Klie, Don Bell, and Rob Fletcher.
  • Voices from The Bench

    415: Lab Day Chicago 2026 (& Cal-Lab) Part 1 with Jeff Stronk, April Newell, & Joey Hunter

    09/03/2026 | 1h 16 mins.
    Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

    If you’re passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I’m honored to be part of Ivoclar’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.

    Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.

    Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere.

    Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults…

    Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.

    That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next.

    Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.

    Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower.

    Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026*

    Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/

    exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026

    At the 100-year celebration of the Cal-Lab Association, Elvis checks in with past chair Jeff Stronk after the first full day of the meeting to see how things are going. With Barb stepping into the chair role and kicking things off in style, Jeff talks about the incredible energy in the room, the rise in attendance, and the surprising number of first-time lab owners showing up. From powerful panel discussions filled with unforgettable one-liners to honest conversations about succession planning, leadership, and the realities of running a lab, day one proves why this meeting has survived for a century. Unlike traditional trade shows packed with sales pitches, Cal-Lab keeps the focus on real lab owners sharing real experiences, giving attendees practical insights they can take back to their businesses.

    After moving over to the Ivoclar Ballroom at LMT Lab Day Chicago, the conversation shifts to the future of the industry with April Newell, a former dental hygienist who strategically worked her way into the world of additive manufacturing at Nota3D. Now selling advanced resin and metal 3D printing systems to dental labs, April breaks down how 3D printing evolved from simple model production to full frameworks and implant bars. She explains the realities of metal printing, the technology behind lasers and powder systems, and why labs that invest in metal printing tend to grow faster than they expect. Her perspective highlights just how quickly digital manufacturing is changing the lab landscape—and how dentistry continues to pull people into its orbit for life.

    Finally, Elvis talks with Joey Hunter, a veteran technician with nearly 30 years in the industry and a true removable specialist. Joey shares how she answered a newspaper ad looking for a “starving artist” back in the 90s and ended up building a lifelong career in dental technology. From mastering every step of removable fabrication to adapting after losing her hearing during her career, Joey’s story highlights both the artistry and resilience behind the craft. Now working at Renstrom Dental Studio, she reflects on seeing LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026 for the first time and being amazed by how far the industry has come. Her experience reminds everyone that while technology continues to evolve, the hands-on knowledge and artistry of technicians remain at the heart of dentistry.

    Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?

    He’s a client rep for Derby Dental Laboratory, out in the field every day doing chairside visits and building relationships. His job is simple—keep doctors happy and keep them coming back.

    And he couldn’t do it without iCortica.

    Right from his phone, Elvis can see sales, remake rates, account notes, risks, and cross-sell opportunities—even before he walks through the door. No spreadsheets. No surprises. Just the info he needs to grow accounts.

    Stop digging for data and start taking action.

    Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.

    Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

    Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

    Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.
    Special Guests: April Newell, Jeff Stronk, and Joey Hunter.
  • Voices from The Bench

    414: Richard Rosas Sr: From Salsa Dancing to Parking Lot Prosthetics

    02/03/2026 | 1h 10 mins.
    Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

    If you’re passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I’m honored to be part of Ivoclar’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.

    Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.

    Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere.

    Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults…

    Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.

    That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next.

    Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.

    Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower.

    Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026*

    Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/

    exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026

    This week, we sit down with Richard Rosas Sr — artist, entrepreneur, removable specialist, and the man behind one of the most creative workflows we’ve heard in a long time. Richard’s journey starts in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he grew up moving between nine schools, discovered a gift for fine art, and even earned a scholarship to Tyler School of Art and Architecture — which he turned down out of fear of becoming a starving artist. After a detour into computer programming, granite engraving, and even opening a salsa dance studio with his mom (yes, there’s a South Beach nightclub moment that changed everything), Richard eventually answered a tiny newspaper ad asking, “Are you an artist?” That question led him into a dental laboratory and launched a career that would blend creativity, discipline, faith, and serious removable skills.

    Under intense mentorship and PTC-style training, Richard sharpened his craft in removables, eventually managing a department and earning enough respect that doctors specifically requested him chairside. One large account even pulled all their cases after Richard pushed back on unrealistic deadlines — only to return weeks later with deeper respect and loyalty. That experience shaped his philosophy: honesty, communication, and quality always win long term. His path then led him to ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, where performing four to six arches a day gave him next-level surgical and prosthetic experience. It was there that the real lightbulb went off — immediate impression evaluation, real-time patient interaction, faster turnaround, and true collaboration between surgeon, prosthodontist, and technician completely changed his view of what was possible.

    Now Richard has taken that high-efficiency, patient-centered model and built something entirely his own: a boutique removable lab with a fully functional, patent-pending mobile on-site dental laboratory inside a Mercedes Sprinter van. By bringing the lab directly to private practices, he combines multiple traditional appointments into streamlined visits, delivers final dentures in as little as two weeks, processes chairside in the parking lot, and markets not only to dentists but directly to patients. His mission isn’t just to make dentures faster — it’s to elevate the technician’s role, strengthen patient connection, and show that removables can be both efficient and beautiful. Through his new YouTube channel, Mastering Removables, he’s beginning to share that knowledge with others who want to rethink what a lab can be.

    Hey, listeners—ever wonder what Elvis is doing when he’s not recording Voices from the Bench?

    He’s a client rep for Derby Dental Laboratory, out in the field every day doing chairside visits and building relationships. His job is simple—keep doctors happy and keep them coming back.

    And he couldn’t do it without iCortica.

    Right from his phone, Elvis can see sales, remake rates, account notes, risks, and cross-sell opportunities—even before he walks through the door. No spreadsheets. No surprises. Just the info he needs to grow accounts.

    Stop digging for data and start taking action.

    Head to icortica.com and schedule your demo today.

    Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

    Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the FIRST 5k run on the coast! And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

    Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.
    Special Guest: Richard Rosas Sr.
  • Voices from The Bench

    413: Jay Collins: The Art of Aggressive Calming Sales for a Dental Lab

    23/02/2026 | 1h 11 mins.
    Hey Voices from the Bench community! Jessica Love here, sending a shoutout from Utah!

    If you’re passionate about creating natural, beautiful smiles—but want to simplify your workflow without sacrificing aesthetics—this is for you. I’m honored to be part of Ivoclar’s development team introducing a powerful new stain and glaze system featuring Structure Paste, IPS e.max Ceram Art. Create stunning depth and lifelike color in as little as one firing.

    Let’s continue to innovate, simplify, and create meaningful change—one smile at a time.

    Elvis actually made it down to the exhibition halls this year — and hyperDENT from FOLLOW-ME! Technology was everywhere.

    Booth after booth, people were talking milling strategies, templates, and workflows. It felt like a full-on CAM takeover. Their Milling Roadmap scavenger hunt had attendees bouncing between Axsys, Imagine, D.O.F., and Roland collecting stamps like responsible adults…

    Responsible adults chasing a bright orange folding electric hyperDENT scooter.

    That’s what we love about the FOLLOW-ME! team — world-class CAM engineers talking microns and validation protocols one minute, then ripping around Lab Day the next.

    Serious about precision. Not too serious about themselves.

    Big shoutout for bringing the brains — and the electric horsepower.

    Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows in 2026*

    Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/

    exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026

    This week we finally get Jay Collins to stop dodging Elvis long enough to sit down and share one of the wildest journeys in dental lab history. From a family split between union steamfitters and dental technicians in Philadelphia to surviving “The Great Brotherly Lab War,” Jay’s story is packed with grit, loyalty, and a whole lot of Irish Catholic chaos. What started with an uncle drafted into dental technology during Vietnam eventually turned into a multi-generation lab legacy—and Jay swearing he’d never get into teeth… only to build a powerhouse anyway.

    After the 2008 crash wiped out his construction business, Jay bet everything on selling outsourced restorations door-to-door, sleeping in his car, showering at the gym, and cold-calling hundreds of offices a week. What followed was the development of his unapologetically bold, psychologically savvy sales approach—what he calls being “aggressively calm.” From pushing doctors to “no,” to matching their energy toe-to-toe, to walking into offices as “the lab” and walking out with cases in hand, Jay breaks down the mindset shift most lab owners desperately need: sales isn’t optional, and it definitely isn’t accidental.

    Now leading multiple lab locations under the brilliantly simple name thedentallab.net, Jay shares hard truths about growth, mergers, firing abusive clients, and why cutting your sales department in tough times is the worst move you can make. If you’ve ever struggled with prospecting, scaling, or standing your ground with doctors, this episode is packed with practical strategies, hilarious role-playing, and a reminder that confidence—backed by accountability—wins every time.

    At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next.

    Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.

    If you’re serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow.

    Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

    Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

    Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.
    Special Guest: Jay Collins.
  • Voices from The Bench

    412: Matthew Douglas: The Fastest Hands in Texas and the story of the DLAT show

    16/02/2026 | 1h 9 mins.
    Join Ivoclar (AND US!) this February at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Ivoclar will be offering 16 different educational lectures over the three-day event, giving dental professionals plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Visit labday.com/Ivoclar to view the full schedule and register, and be sure to stop by and see the Ivoclar team in the Windy City.

    Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it.

    Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT booth (E-27, East Hall) and take part in their Milling Roadmap—a quick, scavenger-hunt-style activity that leads you to key milling partners like Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland.

    Collect stamps at booths you’re likely visiting anyway and get entered to win some great giveaways—including this year’s grand prize: a foldable Honda electric scooter.

    You’re already walking the floor. Now it might carry you.

    Come see and talk to Elvis and Barb at all these amazing shows coming up in 2026*

    Cal-Lab Association Meeting in Chicago Feb 19-20 https://cal-lab.org/

    LMT Lab Day Chicago Feb 19-21 https://lmtmag.com/lmtlabday

    Dental Lab Association of Texas Meeting in Dallas Apr 9-11 https://members.dlat.org/

    exocad Insights in Mallorca, Spain Apr 30 - May 1 https://exocad.com/insights-2026

    This week we finally sit down with the one and only Matthew Douglas — technician, educator, denture-setting machine, former Affordable legend, past DLAT president, and all-around force of nature out of Texas.

    Matt’s story starts with baseball. A promising career cut short by a hip injury (the “Bo Jackson thing,” as he calls it) led him to find a different path — one that started at TSTI in Waco and ended up shaping thousands of dentures, dozens of labs, and one of the fastest-growing state dental lab associations in the country.

    From living in an RV at the end of an airport runway while in school… to learning how to tear down porcelain ovens and rebuild lathes… to mastering ambidextrous denture setups with a soldering iron (yes, really), Matt built his foundation the old-school way. And he built it fast.

    We dive deep into his 12-year run with Affordable Dentures — managing high-production labs doing 60+ arches a day, training technicians across the country, helping open over 200 sites, and eventually becoming a regional leader. He shares what it takes to build systems that move that kind of volume — staggered lunches, zero idle time, and a whole lot of hustle.

    From there, Matt takes us through Barksdale Dental Lab, the early days of All-on-4, learning analog conversion workflows before digital streamlined everything, and why zirconia has changed the long-term game for full-arch restorations.

    When Matt returned to Texas and got involved with the Dental Laboratory Association of Texas (DLAT), the show had about a dozen booths. Today? Over 100. He breaks down how restructuring leadership, empowering the right people, removing outside management costs, and reinvesting in members transformed DLAT into one of the strongest state meetings in the country.

    If you want to grow your business, you need clear insight into what’s happening inside your operation and across your customer journey. That’s where Icortica comes in.

    At Canadian Dental Labs, Icortica has become a cornerstone of how we operate—giving us at-a-glance visibility into performance, helping us focus our efforts, spot opportunities early, and solve problems before they grow. It takes the guesswork out of decision-making and shows us what to do next.

    Plus, the Icortica team is incredibly responsive and feels like a true partner in our success.

    If you’re serious about growing your business and understanding your customers better, Icortica can get you there. Learn more at icortica.com/voices — Icortica, helping dental labs grow.

    Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting.

    Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don’t miss the FIRST 5k run on the coast! And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars.

    Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.
    Special Guest: Matthew Douglas CDT.

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About Voices from The Bench

A weekly podcast dedicated to the dental laboratory industry. Featuring anyone associated with the profession from all over the world. Host are in their own dental laboratory every day making teeth and interviewing people from the industry on their time off. New episodes every Monday morning.
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