Voices from The Bench Elvis Dahl

Send us your audio thanks to celebrate CDT and Dental Technology Appreciation Month. Every episode in June we will feature technicians thanking the ones that have made a positive impact on their dental Journey. It's super easy and fun. Just record yourself on your phone or computer. Just say your name, where you are from, who you are thanking, and why. Then email it to info@voicesfromthebench.com.


Get a shirt that highlights "Dental Technicians Have Better Technique". Head over to https://www.bonfire.com/we-have-better-technique-the-shirt/ before June 10th to order a shirt, hoodie, or even a tank top. 100% of the profits are donated to the Foundation of Dental Laboratory Technology.


In a time where many are saying the labs are closing or consolidating, here on the podcast we hear about labs owners killing it every week. This episode features a technician that went out to prove to everyone that this industry is still a great profession to find success. Daniel Hassler learned all about dental technology in the Airforce. After his service he traveled to a few states and bettered his skills at a few different labs. Then in October 2022, Daniel opened "Wizards of the Bench" and was a instant success and he's so busy, he's already looking at bring on other technicians. It's a great (and shorter) conversation proving once again that this is a great industry for those wanting a career worth working for.


Did you know that not all Zirconia is the same?

ZirCAD Prime Zirconia from Ivoclar is uniquely produced with Gradient Technology which allows two powders that normally sinter at different intervals, to be combined into one material which sinters uniformly. The manufacturing process not only optimizes the translucent properties but also creates a seamless progression of shade while maintaining optimal strength.

ZirCAD prime is now more affordable than ever and will give you results that your Dentists will notice! Contact your local Ivoclar Sales representative today to find out more about Prime and how Ivoclar can support your success!Special Guest: Daniel Hassler.

Can you believe that LMT Lab Day Chicago was almost 3 months ago? We got 7 hours of recordings when we were set up in the Ivoclar Ballroom. This week wraps it all up with 4 amazing conversations from that wonderful weekend.


First up is Susan van Kensbergen who is the Vice President of Myerson. Susan talks about her journey from being a ceramist, moving up in lab responsibility, managing the world's largest LAVA milling center, and finding her new home at Myerson, the home of Durflex and an upcoming "game changing" printer.


Then we chat with Neal Allen from Mustard Seed Dental Studio. Neal spent 20 years in a large lab before moving into a growing lab owned by a Prosthodontist. Neal talks about the importance of creating a happy lab culture and treating the employees like family.


Next is the "better" half of Artifex Dental Lab, Julio Munoz. Julio grew up in Bolivia where he is a board-certified Oral Surgeon. A lady brought him to the US where he connected with Artifex and helped create the "Triple Jig" technique for full arch implant restorations.


We wrap us the whole weekend with a special treat, Barb's technician son, Zack Wojdan. Zack talks about growing up in the lab, starting at the beginning, working his way up, working with his mom, and goals for the future.


A BIG thanks to LMT for putting on an amazing weekend and a BIGGER THANKS to Ivoclar for hosting us.


The new PrograScan PS3 and PS5 provide true-to-detail, high-resolution and accurate scans for coordinated digital workflows that are precise, fast, and always accurate.

The PS3 and PS5 are powered by the popular and intuitive DentalCAD software from Exocad. Whether you are looking for your first scanner, to upgrade or add to your existing scanners, the PrograScan may be the one for you.

Reach out to your friendly Ivoclar sales representative to select a scanner that matches the needs of your lab Today and tell them you heard about it on the podcast!



Candulor a dental supply company from Switzerland has solutions no matter if you are analog or digital

Check out their PhysioSet TCR tooth line that has been complemented with 18 new shapes. A total of 48 age-appropriate anterior tooth shapes are available for the laboratory or dental practice to select from.

The Swiss School of Prosthetics in Springfield, Missouri is the place to learn all things removable. America with get supported and supplied by the only authorized partner Edmonds Dental Supply

Candulor, High End OnlySpecial Guests: Julio Munoz CDT, Neal Allen, Susan van Kinsbergen, and Zack Wojdan.

Can you believe we are still bringing out conversations from LMT Lab Day Chicago 2023 in May? It was last February when we set up in the Ivoclar Ballroom and recorded all weekend long. This week brings three more amazing conversations with a few past guests and a new friend.


First up is Katie Rinaldo and Mandy Arena. These two removable technicians are trying to get the state of Illinois to make Denturism legal. Katie was on the podcast back on episode 78 & 79. They are back to give us an update on the status of the legislation and to remind everyone how they can help. Go to the Illinois Denturist website or


DONATE TODAY!


Then we chat with the wonderful, talented, and gifted Jen Ludwig. Jen (and all her amazing personality) stops by the booth to update us on life after receiving CDT of the YEAR and to talk about all the public speaking she is doing and what she has lined up.


We wrap up the episode catching up with Jim Collis. Jim is starting to look at his next chapter of his career. After a time with Solvay and Dandy, Jim has some personal goals to reach before he finds his next home which we are sure will be at a place that allows him to continue teaching, guiding, and educating so many technicians.


If efficiency and performance are what you are looking for in a milling system, then the high-performance PrograMill PM7 from Ivoclar is the right choice for you.

Equipped with a high-performance spindle, this high-power 5-axis milling machine efficiently produces both wet and dry restorations.

Ivoclar provides white glove delivery service, training, choice of service contracts and their outstanding after sales service and support.

Contact your friendly Ivoclar sales representative today and create a digital solution that’s right for you!



Candulor a dental supply company from Switzerland has solutions no matter if you are analog or digital

Check out their PhysioSet TCR tooth line that has been complemented with 18 new shapes. A total of 48 age-appropriate anterior tooth shapes are available for the laboratory or dental practice to select from.

The Swiss School of Prosthetics in Springfield, Missouri is the place to learn all things removable. America with get supported and supplied by the only authorized partner Edmonds Dental Supply

Candulor, High End OnlySpecial Guests: Jennifer Ludwig, CDT, Jim Collis CDT, Katie Rinaldo, and Mandy Arena.

Hope to see you all at LMT Lab Day West! Come find us in the Ivoclar Room.


June is CDT and Dental Technician Appreciation Month. Every year we highlight those that mean a lot to all of us. For every episode in June we will play YOUR audio clips thanking that special someone in or around our industry. Just record yourself on your phone or computer and email it to info@voicesfromthebench.com and we will play it on the show.


Back in February, there is the biggest dental lab meeting in the US called Lab Day Chicago. We were set up in the Ivoclar Ballroom all weekend and recorded a ton of great people. This week brings two fantastic conversations. First up is Chet Spivey. Chet has been with Ivoclar for over 25 years and tells us about the journey of the innovative company. With so many products under their belt, Ivoclar can celebrate their 100th year by honoring the customers. Then we finally get to chat with Canadian Denturist superstar Esther Schwenning. Esther talks about following in a family tradition of becoming a denturist, learning and teaching the suction denture technique, setting up her practice to go all in with digital, and of course….. beer.


Are you attending the LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California?

Join Ivoclar as they continue to celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary in the dental industry.

At Lab Day West you can get up close and personal with Ivoclar digital technology, materials, and an EPIC speaker lineup. Learn first hand from many of the industry’s leading dental professionals as they share their tips and tricks for success. Come and hear from Rafael Santrich, Jed Archibald, Steve Hatch and experience hands-on courses from Jenelle Tabakovic, and Pat Coon. For a full listing of speakers simply visit LMTmag.com and register today!

Also, come and see us, Voices from the bench, as this will be our home from May 12-13th. Come by to say Hi and tell us what inspires you or give Ivoclar a ”Happy 100 year“ message.



Candulor a dental supply company from Switzerland has solutions no matter if you are analog or digital

Check out their PhysioSet TCR tooth line that has been complemented with 18 new shapes. A total of 48 age-appropriate anterior tooth shapes are available for the laboratory or dental practice to select from.

The Swiss School of Prosthetics in Springfield, Missouri is the place to learn all things removable. America with get supported and supplied by the only authorized partner Edmonds Dental Supply

Candulor, High End Only



Bringing Dentures to Life, Featuring Sr Nexco® with Jenelle Tabaković at LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California.In this hands-on course, Jenelle Tabaković teaches you how to take your dentures to the next level using SR Nexco Gingival Composite. Suitable for both analog and digital dentures, she leads you through a deep dive into the proper cutback, prep and glaze protocols. Space is limited. Light lunch is included. Register HERE!Special Guests: Chet Spivey and Esther Schwenning.

As Elvis and Barb prepare to record at LMT Lab Day West on May 12 & 13, they bring you three more conversations from the Ivoclar Ballroom at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2023.


First up is Alan Banks from Roe Dental Laboratory. Alan talks about his many roles in the lab and their new and interesting way to take accurate full arch implant impressions without the need of photogrammetry called just Grammetry.


Next up is Millie Tang, owner of Hunan Vsmile Biotechnology Co, a manufacturer of zirconia in China. Millie talks about their zirconia, how they distribute it, and her 10 year goal of taking over the dental world.


Wrapping up the episode is Monica Buchanan. Monica is a CDT in orthodontics and talks about the experience getting it virtually. Monica also talks about all the appliances she makes being an in-office technician in a two doctor practice.


Are you attending the LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California?

Join Ivoclar as they continue to celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary in the dental industry.

At Lab Day West you can get up close and personal with Ivoclar digital technology, materials, and an EPIC speaker lineup. Learn first hand from many of the industry’s leading dental professionals as they share their tips and tricks for success. Come and hear from Rafael Santrich, Jed Archibald, Steve Hatch and experience hands-on courses from Jenelle Tabakovic, and Pat Coon. For a full listing of speakers simply visit LMTmag.com and register today!

Also, come and see us, Voices from the bench, as this will be our home from May 12-13th. Come by to say Hi and tell us what inspires you or give Ivoclar a ”Happy 100 year“ message.



Candulor a dental supply company from Switzerland has solutions no matter if you are analog or digital

Check out their PhysioSet TCR tooth line that has been complemented with 18 new shapes. A total of 48 age-appropriate anterior tooth shapes are available for the laboratory or dental practice to select from.

The Swiss School of Prosthetics in Springfield, Missouri is the place to learn all things removable. America with get supported and supplied by the only authorized partner Edmonds Dental Supply

Candulor, High End Only



Bringing Dentures to Life, Featuring Sr Nexco® with Jenelle Tabaković at LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California.In this hands-on course, Jenelle Tabaković teaches you how to take your dentures to the next level using SR Nexco Gingival Composite. Suitable for both analog and digital dentures, she leads you through a deep dive into the proper cutback, prep and glaze protocols. Space is limited. Light lunch is included. Register HERE!Special Guests: Alan Banks, Millie Tang, and Monica Buchanan.

We are still amazed by all the conversations Elvis and Barb got while at in the Ivoclar Ballroom during LMT Lab Day Chicago 2023. Didn't get a chance to record with us? You have another chance, as we will be again with Ivoclar at Lab Day WEST May 12 - 13 in Garden Grove, California. Come say hi and be on the podcast!


This week brings us 4 conversations with 6 people! First up is Tobias Specht who is a Master Dental Technician and has been with Ivoclar for 23 years. He gives us some insight into Empress, emax, Ivotion, the "red lips", and so much more.


Then we catch up with the two newest employees of Oaks Dental Design. Eiron Simmons come back on to talk about all that she is learning and Olivia Davis, who recently joined the lab, talks about what she is learning and inspiring to do next.


After that we chat with Crystal Heung from Sumc Dental Lab in China. Crystal talks about this LARGE operation and her goal of creating relationships in other countries.


We wrap up the episode with two past guests that come on to talk about life and lab. Christina Heaslip and Dora Rodrigues (sharing almost the same birthday) update us on labs and family. Dora just got done speaking and is getting ready to do it again at Ladies of the Mill and Christina updates us on all the exciting and different things happening at this years summit being held in Chattanooga, Tennessee on July 21-22.


Are you attending the LMT Lab Day West show in Garden Grove California?

Join Ivoclar as they continue to celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary in the dental industry.

At Lab Day West you can get up close and personal with Ivoclar digital technology, materials, and an EPIC speaker lineup. Learn first hand from many of the industry’s leading dental professionals as they share their tips and tricks for success. Come and hear from Rafael Santrich, Jed Archibald, Steve Hatch and experience hands-on courses from Jenelle Tabakovic, and Pat Coon. For a full listing of speakers simply visit LMTmag.com and register today!

Also, come and see us, Voices from the bench, as this will be our home from May 12-13th. Come by to say Hi and tell us what inspires you or give Ivoclar a ”Happy 100 year“ message.



Candulor a dental supply company from Switzerland has solutions no matter if you are analog or digital

Check out their PhysioSet TCR tooth line that has been complemented with 18 new shapes. A total of 48 age-appropriate anterior tooth shapes are available for the laboratory or dental practice to select from.

The Swiss School of Prosthetics in Springfield, Missouri is the place to learn all things removable. America with get supported and supplied by the only authorized partner Edmonds Dental Supply

Candulor, High End OnlySpecial Guests: Christina Heaslip, Crystal Heung , Dora Rodrigues, Eiron Simmons, Olivia Davis, and Tobias Specht.