Voices from The Bench

• 390: FDLA 2025 and Jensen Dental Part 3 with Leah Gold & BONUS with Jade Connors

  The race is OVER! Thank you to everyone that donated to this wonderful organization. But the fundraising doesn't end at the race, you can donate all year long at: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/ This week wraps up the collection of conversations we got at the Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) booth at the FDLA Symposium and Expo (https://www.fdla.net/). Thank you Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) for hosting us at this wonderful event. First we talk to Leah Gold, an assistant turned dental technician. Leah got into assisting while in Ohio and during the pandemic, she moves down to Florida and starts working in a in-office lab for a prosthodontist. Basically having to teach herself most of the skills, she was soon setting teeth, using exocad, and doing custom shades with MIYO (https://miyoworld.com/). Then as a BONUS, not at the FDLA, we bring back on Jade Connors, denturist out of Canada. We just talked to Jade last March at IDS and she was a day away from finding out if she won the CANDULOR KunstZahnWerk Award (https://www.candulor.com/en-us/kzw-winners-2025). Well, it turns out she did win and she comes on to talk about the process, the pains, and the wins, all while learning a new skill. Looking for a way to unlock the full potential of your digital dentistry workflow. Take it from Elise Heathcote, associate manager of digital services with Ivoclar. This is all about the Cam Academy. They have a new in-person training experience designed specifically for dental technicians. This hands-on course explores the full potential of programmable Cam software, helping you take your digital workflow to the next level. Learn directly from Ivoclar experts, refine your skills and bring new precision and efficiency to your lab. Cam Academy is more than a course. It's your next step in digital excellence. To reserve your spot, visit the Ivoclar Academy website (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/academy/learning-opportunities?page=1&offset=12&filters=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22dateRange%22%2C%22selectedLowerBound%22%3A%222021-12-09T07%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%2C%22selectedUpperBound%22%3A%222022-06-09T06%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22type%22%2C%22advancedFilter%22%3Afalse%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22In-house+trainings%22%5D%7D%5D) or contact your local Ivoclar sales representative today. Take your Full Arch game to the next level! On October 11th, 2025 the people that brought us the Locator attachment, Zest Dental Solutions (https://www.zestdent.com/) is putting on their first-ever ZEST LAB MASTERSHIP (https://info.zestdent.com/labmastership) program! You'll master the art of creating life-changing full-arch restorations, discover streamlined protocols, and develop the diagnostic skills that will revolutionize your practice. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience with LOCATOR FIXED (https://www.zestdent.com/locator-fixed-now-available?srsltid=AfmBOoo_v9_ANsrYCMncz0XWLf5401jx3ezw_Dgq16lTov7fkI4iMeK9). Head over to zest.pub/labmaster25 (https://education.zestdent.com/events/zestdental/1779555) or visit the full calendar at zestdent.com (https://www.zestdent.com/) right now and secure your spot. Use the code VOICESLAB to save $100!! Special Guests: Jade Connors, DD, RDT and Leah Gold.

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• 389: FDLA 2025 and Jensen Dental Part 2 with Nick Bathija, Shanna Gripp, & Mark Stueck

  It's the 11th running of the Race For the Future in Fort Worth, TX on September 14, 2025. This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a industry we all love so much. Important links: All the money goes to The Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology: https://dentallabfoundation.org/ All about the Race: https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/ Race website: https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/ TO DONATE: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/ Select: Race for the Future Enter the name of the racer you want to support: BARB WARNER or THE CROWN JEWELS Enter the amount (One Million Dollars) A BIG thanks to Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) for allowing us to record at the amazing FDLA Symposium & Expo! First up is a dentist turned sales rep and now 26 years with Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/), Nick Bathija. Nick talks about becoming a dentist, falling in love, and learning that he's not really suited to be a dentist. Starting with Jensen when it was still a mostly alloy company and being there when MIYO (https://miyoworld.com/) hit the scene, Nick can talk a lot about what makes MIYO so great! Then we are visited by past podcast guest, Shaana Gripp. Shaana went from an introverted in-office technician to leading education at Harvest Dental (https://harvestdental.com/). She talks about making the switch, getting used to being in front of a camera, and the joy of seeing people get better with techniques she taught them. We wrap up the episode with a conversation with long time lab manager at Drake Dental Laboratory (https://drakelab.com/), Mark Stueck. Mark talks about going from a McDonald's Manager to delivery driver, being recruited to another state, being there for 36 years, and why it was important for him to give back on the NBC board. Looking for a way to unlock the full potential of your digital dentistry workflow. Take it from Elise Heathcote, associate manager of digital services with Ivoclar. This is all about the Cam Academy. They have a new in-person training experience designed specifically for dental technicians. This hands on course explores the full potential of programmable Cam software, helping you take your digital workflow to the next level. Learn directly from Ivoclar experts, refine your skills and bring new precision and efficiency to your lab. Cam Academy is more than a course. It's your next step in digital excellence. To reserve your spot, visit the Ivoclar Academy website (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/academy/learning-opportunities?page=1&offset=12&filters=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22dateRange%22%2C%22selectedLowerBound%22%3A%222021-12-09T07%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%2C%22selectedUpperBound%22%3A%222022-06-09T06%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22type%22%2C%22advancedFilter%22%3Afalse%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22In-house+trainings%22%5D%7D%5D) or contact your local Ivoclar sales representative today. Take your Full Arch game to the next level! On October 11th, 2025 the people that brought us the Locator attachment, Zest Dental Solutions (https://www.zestdent.com/) is putting on their first-ever ZEST LAB MASTERSHIP (https://info.zestdent.com/labmastership) program! You'll master the art of creating life-changing full-arch restorations, discover streamlined protocols, and develop the diagnostic skills that will revolutionize your practice. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience with LOCATOR FIXED (https://www.zestdent.com/locator-fixed-now-available?srsltid=AfmBOoo_v9_ANsrYCMncz0XWLf5401jx3ezw_Dgq16lTov7fkI4iMeK9). Head over to zest.pub/labmaster25 (https://education.zestdent.com/events/zestdental/1779555) or visit the full calendar at zestdent.com (https://www.zestdent.com/) right now and secure your spot. Use the code VOICESLAB to save $100!! Special Guests: Mark Stueck, Nick Bathija, and Shaana Gripp.

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• 388: FDLA 2025 and Jensen Dental Part 1 with Savannah Jones, Gabriel Jimenez, Tom Zaleske, & Josh Williams

  It's the 11th running of the Race For the Future in Fort Worth, TX on September 14, 2025. This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a industry we all love so much. Important links: All the money goes to The Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology: https://dentallabfoundation.org/ All about the Race: https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/ Race website: https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/ TO DONATE: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/ Select: Race for the Future Enter the name of the racer you want to support: BARB WARNER or THE CROWN JEWELS Enter the amount (One Million Dollars) A HUGE thanks to Jensen Dental (https://jensendental.com/) for allowing Elvis to go to one of the greatest regional shows left, the https://www.fdla.net/ Southern States Symposium & Expo. First up we meet two "newish" technicians in our industry. From Alaska to Florida, Savannah Jones taught herself exocad and is now doing removable work at DCS Dental Lab (https://dcslab.com/). Gabriel Jimenez was working at Walmart when he found a dental office that had an in-office lab and it wasn't long before he too found himself at DCS Dental Lab. They talk about their journey, learning new things, and what they think of their first dental show. Then a blast from WAY back comes on to update us on all things Tom Zaleske. Tom was on episode 16 (if you can believe it)! He talks about his journey to become a one person removable technician working out of his house, getting into speaking and what he speaks on, and some thoughts on the future of dental labs. Then we wrap up the episode with another past podcast guest, Josh Williams. Josh is at GPS Digital RPD (https://gpsdigitalrpd.com/) where they are killing it at printing metal frameworks. He talks about their growth, the process of fabrication, and how easy it is to get them a case. Looking for a way to unlock the full potential of your digital dentistry workflow. Take it from Elise Heathcote, associate manager of digital services with Ivoclar. This is all about the Cam Academy. They have a new in-person training experience designed specifically for dental technicians. This hands on course explores the full potential of programmable Cam software, helping you take your digital workflow to the next level. Learn directly from Ivoclar experts, refine your skills and bring new precision and efficiency to your lab. Cam Academy is more than a course. It's your next step in digital excellence. To reserve your spot, visit the Ivoclar Academy website (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/academy/learning-opportunities?page=1&offset=12&filters=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22dateRange%22%2C%22selectedLowerBound%22%3A%222021-12-09T07%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%2C%22selectedUpperBound%22%3A%222022-06-09T06%3A30%3A45.534Z%22%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22type%22%2C%22advancedFilter%22%3Afalse%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22In-house+trainings%22%5D%7D%5D) or contact your local Ivoclar sales representative today. Special Guests: Gabriel Jimenez, Josh Williams, Savannah Jones, and Thomas Zaleske, AS.

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• 387: Dr. Brandon Kofford is Getting Even Smarter About Conversions

  It's the 11th running of the Race For the Future in Fort Worth, TX on September 14, 2025. This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a industry we all love so much. Important links: All the money goes to The Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology: https://dentallabfoundation.org/ All about the Race: https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/ Race website: https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/ TO DONATE: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/ Select: Race for the Future Enter the name of the racer you want to support: BARB WARNER or THE CROWN JEWELS Enter the amount (One Million Dollars) Full Arch Immediate Load Hybrids is still one of the most profitable restorations to a lab. The skill and confidence to do them is difficult, but thanks to Dr. Brandon Kofford, the day of surgery is getting even easier. Two years ago, Dr. Kofford came on this podcast to talk about Smart Denture Conversion. The workflow to make a faster and better converted denture. Well after a lot of work and FDA planning, they are back as Smart on X and have introduced the Omibut (https://smartonx.com/pages/omnibut), a new MUA that can be used at any angle. He also talks about improving the original version to make Smart Denture Conversion 2.0 (https://smartonx.com/collections/smart-denture-conversions-kits/products/pre-coated-tibase-recharge-kit)and the use of prefabricated arches (https://smartonx.com/pages/rapid-arches). Let's be honest. There are a LOT of zirconia on the market these days. How do you know which is which? Is one better than another? Is there one that can handle every situation? Check out a FREE webinar from Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) called Zirconia Unboxed with Jeff Smith, CDT. (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/course/zirconia-unboxed/246115?utm_source=External+-+Voice+from+the+Bench&utm_medium=QR+code&utm_campaign=Academy&utm_term=August) "This introductory webinar is the first in a five-part series designed to address the most frequently asked questions by dental labs when selecting zirconia for their restorations. With a focus on practical guidance, this session explores the key considerations in choosing the right zirconia, including material properties, esthetics, and processing techniques. This introductory webinar is the first in a five-part series designed to address the most frequently asked questions by dental labs when selecting zirconia for their restorations. With a focus on practical guidance, this session explores the key considerations in choosing the right zirconia, including material properties, esthetics, and processing techniques." Check it out at: https://www.ivoclar.com/enus/course/zirconia-unboxed/246115?utmsource=External+-+Voice+from+the+Bench&utmmedium=QR+code&utmcampaign=Academy&utm_term=August Special Guest: Dr. Brandon Kofford.

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• 386: Farewell to IDS 2025 & exocad Part 11 with Agata Bak, Iman Ansari, & Larry Bodony

  It's the 11th running of the Race For the Future in Fort Worth, TX on September 14, 2025. This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a industry we all love so much. Important links: All the money goes to The Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology: https://dentallabfoundation.org/ All about the Race: https://dentallabfoundation.org/news-events/race-for-the-future/ Race website: https://fortworth.californiatriathlon.org/ TO DONATE: https://fdlt.memberclicks.net/donor-form#/ Select: Race for the Future Enter the name of the racer you want to support: BARB WARNER or THE CROWN JEWELS Enter the amount (One Million Dollars) All good things must come to an end. No, not this podcast... but the recordings we got while with the AMAZING people of exocad (https://exocad.com/) at IDS 2025. It was a wonderful trip and we got to meet and talk to a lot of fantastic people from around the world. This week is no different as we meet a married couple that met in a lab, married, and now own a lab. Agata Bak is from Poland but went to London to find more opportunities for dental technology. Iman Ansari is from Iran and also ended up in London. They both worked at the same lab and it took Iman a while to win Agata over, but he did, and they fell in love. After getting married and working at a few other labs, they put everything on the line and opened Black Pearl Dental Lab (https://www.instagram.com/agatabak.dt/reels/?hl=am-et) where they specialize in high end fixed work. Then we meet the past President of exocad (https://exocad.com/) North America Larry Bodony. Larry recently retired but still stopped by to tell us the awesome story on how he got the job when at IDS 2011. Taking a chance on a new design software and them taking a chance on Larry, set into motion of growing exocad in North America. It took time and work, but soon exocad was gaining popularity. Larry talks about those early years, his use of "reverse" tradeshows, and now that he is retired, working with another new exciting software Bite Finder (https://bite-finder.com/?v=0b3b97fa6688). Let's be honest. There are a LOT of zirconia on the market these days. How do you know which is which? Is one better than another? Is there one that can handle every situation? Check out a FREE webinar from Ivoclar (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us) called Zirconia Unboxed with Jeff Smith, CDT. (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/course/zirconia-unboxed/246115?utm_source=External+-+Voice+from+the+Bench&utm_medium=QR+code&utm_campaign=Academy&utm_term=August) "This introductory webinar is the first in a five-part series designed to address the most frequently asked questions by dental labs when selecting zirconia for their restorations. With a focus on practical guidance, this session explores the key considerations in choosing the right zirconia, including material properties, esthetics, and processing techniques. This introductory webinar is the first in a five-part series designed to address the most frequently asked questions by dental labs when selecting zirconia for their restorations. With a focus on practical guidance, this session explores the key considerations in choosing the right zirconia, including material properties, esthetics, and processing techniques." Check it out at: https://www.ivoclar.com/enus/course/zirconia-unboxed/246115?utmsource=External+-+Voice+from+the+Bench&utmmedium=QR+code&utmcampaign=Academy&utm_term=August Special Guests: Agata Bak & Iman Ansari and Larry Bodony.

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