Voices of the Bench invites you to follow us on Instagram Laura Prosser: Hi, Voices of the Bench community. I'm, Laura Prosser, the digital market manager here for iacclar North America, and I would like to invite you to start following us 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. So let's get social together. Simply start following us, on Instagram. Iaclar Na. That's Instagram. Iaclar na. We'll see you there. Elvis: Welcome to Voices from the Bench, a dental laboratory podcast. Send us an email@info voicesfrohebench.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. This is our first recording since lab Day Chicago where you went solo Greetings and welcome to episode 362 of Voices from the Bench. Elvis: My name is Alvis. Barbara: My name's Barbara. How are you? I missed you. I missed you last weekend. Elvis: Yeah, seriously, where the hell were you? Just kidding. Yeah, so this is our first recording since lab Day Chicago where you went solo. Barbara: And I know you kicked. Elvis: Well, you didn't miss anything. It was actually a horrible time. Barbara: Yeah, right. Elvis: Nobody was there. The weather was terrible. There was like three people. Just no fun whatsoever. Barbara: Just right. Elvis: You didn't miss a thing, dude. Barbara: I saw you all over social media. So I was in Chicago via, Facebook. Elvis: That must have been tough. I remember when they did a vision a few years ago I couldn't go to. It was. It's hard. Barbara: It was. Yep. Elvis: You know, honestly. Yeah, you missed a great meeting. Catlab started off the whole weekend. They did a great job. Jeff Str. Strongk on his last run. Barbara: No chair. Yes, sir. Elvis: You know, as always, I had some great speakers. Of course, the conversations in between the speakers is to me the highlight. Barbara: Oh, yeah, for sure. Elvis: And then, we recorded at that evening event and I actually did pretty good. I had quite a few people come up and chat. I actually had a whole hour conversation with the, gentleman that started split. You know, that grammerry that I'm super excited for. So I nerd it out for an hour. Barbara: Oh, I know you love those hours too. That makes happy. So, yeah, cool. Elvis: Don't worry. Had a lot of 20 minute conversations too. Barbara: I would have been like, come on. Elvis: Move along, move along. And of course, a huge shout out and a thanks to Ia Clar for again hosting us. They totally redid that ballroom. It is amazing. They did a really nice job. It's kind of funny. I showed up and they wanted to put me kind of in the room and around the corner and I'm like, algh. I guess but eventually someone figured out prime spot right by the door under those famous emacs lips I love so much. Just a ton of traffic. Barbara: Bet thought somebody was you. Did you take that desk and move it? Elvis: Well, it was a little. Yes, I did move the table myself. Barbara: ye. Been there, done that. Elvis: Yeah. Yes, we have. Many a times. But it's just great time. Tons of people. I think I had maybe 18 conversations over the weekend. Barbara: Job, good job. Elvis: Yeah. But I have a cl. Good party. They put on a dinner, of course you were invited but didn't attend. That was really good. Celebrating that 20 years of EMAC and just all the great people I got to see and the new people we get to meet. Past gas coming up. I mean, just a great time. I don't mean to rub it in, but it was a good time. Barbara: I would like to give a very genuine shout out to all of the folks that went out to me and sent me flowers and cards and notes on messenger and just. It was really meaningful. Very hard week for me, but I got a lot of love. And I just want to say thank you to all those out there that acknowledged my father's passing. And it's been a rough week, but you know, life goes on. It was. It's been a hard couple years watching that. Elvis says he's starting to heal from injury ahead of IDS And now we're on to IDS and I'm starting to heal and I'm super happy to be back. But thank you for holding the fort down and thank you to everybody that talked to Elvis. I'm looking forward to the conversations. And I know you're gonna say, well, you weren't there. You weren't there. But I was there in spirit. I was there in spirit and I was following on social media. Elvis: Media. I'm still in the process of bleeping out all the times I say, well, she's not effing here or something, you know, so I'm working on that. Barbara: Well, thank you. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Elvis: Everybody stay tuned. Great stuff coming soon. Barbara: But what I don't plan on missing. Dun dun dun. I think we're about almost a month away, dude. Elvis: We're like three weeks. I mean. Yeah. Barbara: Ids, in Cologne, Germany. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the great people at Exocad. You and I. Voices will be in Hall 1, Booth A040C040 for four days straight. If you think you've got 18inH Chicago, I bet we get 50 at Idea. Elvis: Gonna be nuts. Yeah. Barbara: And if you're having a hard time finding us, just head towards the most Purple area you can find because that is Exocad and they are amazing. So please come say hi, see us, get on the podcast and see all of the amazing things that Exocad is doing for our industry and especially for you and I. Elvis: It's gonna be fantastic. I'm m so excited. A little nervous actually with all the people telling us how big this thing is. in Chicago, you know, you mentioned and you ask, you're gonna be there and so many people are like, bring the good shoes and be prepared. You can't see everything. And I'm just like, God, you're scaring me more than anything. But I'm excited. Barbara: Well, I think we're going to be parked to work in the whole time, so I know as long as we can to our area, then we're good. Elvis: Yeah, I'm gonna just look for purple. Barbara: And follow and bring some purple. Josie Schmidz has been practicing dentistry for nine years Elvis: There you go. So this week we get to talk to an amazing denturist in Canada that actually has really created a fantastic practice for herself, Josie Schmidz. Barbara: Good luck. Elvis: Bertross Burkos. Josie Schmidt Burkot. She corrects it during the interview. She grew up with a father that was a technician. She put in her time cleaning and doing deliveries before she even started doing the lab work. But wanting to be an artist but also seeing patients, Josie found herself going through nine years of school before graduating with a license to be a denturist. Barbara: That's a long time now. Elvis: Also during the nine years she started, grew and sold a very successful non teeth related business. So when she graduated, she had the knowledge to open her own practice and she started seeing patients. Now with nine employees, Josie's busy practice called SB Denture Clinic is thriving. She talks about the importance of that. Good first impression, of course, why she loves Ivalar and finding that work life balance that works for her. So join us as we chat with Josie Schmidz. Bur yes. Barbara: Good luck. WINW Wingo helps dental labs and dental techs connect Mark: 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. Hi, I'm Mark from WINW Wingo and this is precisely why Win Wingo 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 so much and getting so few tech candidates. We understand they don't much care about our industry. WinWnGo.com is simply the best place for lab techs and lab owners to actively engage in creating their ideal future. Winwinggo.com comm how dental techs find paradise. Elvis: Voices from the Bench the interview we are super excited to once again feature a denturist. Barbara: Yay. Elvis: Now, it's been a hot minute since we've had a denturist on, but Barb and I always are huge fans of what denturism and denturists do for the community. Barbara: I know it. So let's welcome to the podcast from British Columbia. Josie Schmitz Elvis: So let's welcome to the podcast from British Columbia. Am I right about that? Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Elvis: Yeah. Okay, British Columbia. Josie Schmitz. Your turn. Josie Schmitz: Boyy. Elvis: Josie Schmid. Boy. Boy cats. Is it like boy cats? Josie Schmitz: it's like boyish and then hots. Barbara: Nice. Elvis: That's where you. It's German. Barbara: correct. Josie Schmitz: Yes, yes. Barbara: All right. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Elvis: Well, welcome to the podcast. Josie Schmitz: Thanks. Thanks for. Elvis: Thanks for doing this. Josie Schmitz: Appreciate you guys reaching out. Barbara: Heck, yeah. Elvis: Absolutely. Of course. Found you on Instagram. You do some beautiful work. Josie Schmitz: Thank you. Elvis: But you actually get to place these and see the whole clinical side. So we're goingna get into all of that. You obviously grew up with a dad making dentures But how did you find teeth? Josie Schmitz: How did I find teeth? That's a great question. I. Well, it kind of goes in multiple different directions from the past, but, yeah, primarily it was through my dad. He is a technician and I love that. Right. Figured. I figured he would. Barb, He'been a technician for over 30 years. He's a, K.O. certified, technician. And he's been extremely passionate and loves what he does and can't get off the bench, so to speak. Barbara: I don't know anyy like that. Josie Schmitz: Right. No, no, we love it. We. That and he's been my primary. I say, I would say mentor. going into this over the years, it's been, it was a long road, kind of getting through and deciding because there was multiple things that I consider doing after university. but. Elvis: Well, let's not. Let's not jump in the universe. Yeah. You obviously grew up with a dad making dentures. Right? I mean, as a kid, den. Barbara: Did he do dentures, ceramics, everything. Elvis: He had to. Josie Schmitz: He does everything. Yeah. Barbara: Oh, so what, did you hang out in the lab when you were younger, like. I did. Josie Schmitz: I did. I had. Actually, I had. My first job was cleaning the lab when I was 14 and yeah, that love that. Yeah, was my favorite. twice a week for like 10 years I did that. And then when I turned. Elvis: Oh wow. Barbara: 17 for free, I'm sure. Josie Schmitz: Oh yeah. No, no, no. I got paid really well. It was a ah, good employee. And then When I was 16 I started driving for him, doing like deliveries. Barbara: That's what I did. Cool. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, yeah. Elvis: And then was this in Canada? Josie Schmitz: Yeah, all in Canada. Yeah. Elvis: Perfect. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. And then later on I did plaster room. And then that was my summer job. Part one of my summer jobs. And then. Yeah. And then it just progressed from there into. Into this. Barbara: So it was always something you kind of liked. Like when you were hanging out in there and looking over your dad's shoulder, was it always something like was intriguing to you? Not the cleaning theual. Josie Schmitz: Not the plaster trough. Elvis: You're really into mopping, right? Like your passion. Ah, ye. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. The Dyson is always my favorite part. U. No, I. Yeah, you know what? It always was. I really liked the fact that it was hands on and there's so many different aspects that go into this type of career. Like from paperwork to having different treatment plans to having something that's hands on. Having to problem solve, the physical. Each one like it's so dynamic and it never gets boring. Barbara: Yeah, I love it. I would agree. Cool. So even when you were 16, 17, you were jazzed about it, eh? Josie Schmitz: Yeah, definitely. Barbara: Cool. Josie Schmitz: Cool. Did your dad teach you how to do dental work when you were young Barbara: Sorry Elvis, now you can ask your question. Elvis: No, no. I mean did you sit next year, did you sit next to your dad doing work? I mean did he teach you as you were aging or was it just you're in the model room? Josie Schmitz: u. No, he did, he taught me. He taught me pore ups and everything and articulations and stuff on when I was like growing up. So that was kind of firsthand. But yeah, I guess after I finished dent sureism, I ended up doing my practicum on the island from to fantastic women that're all still friends today. And they taught me a lot as well. So I got a pretty like rounded perspective and within different perspectives of how to do things which I really appreciated. Elvis: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. When did you decide that denturism was more rewarding than just lab work Elvis: Okay. So when did you decide that denturism was more rewarding than just lab work? I mean it had been something. Barbara: Ah yeah. You mentioned university, so it sounds like you went to uni. Josie Schmitz: I did, yeah. that's a good question. Well, I went to. I did my undergrad in psychology and then I did minors as well. Yeah. And then after that I continued on Into Denturm. But I think, you know, the piece of it was the patient portion of it. There was a while where I considered medical school and I did end up getting accepted into that as well. But I like the self governance of denturism, the ab for me to be able to control my own workflow, control the quality of care and see it as a wholesome business for whatever I would like to do with it into the future and then have the patient aspect of it. You can change someone's life every day, right? And we do. Barbara: Yep. Josie Schmitz: And that, it's pretty awesome feeling when people get to leave with a smile on their face. Elvis: So was your dad encouraging you to do dentriism or is he like technician stay with that aspect? Josie Schmitz: No, I. It was more so laid out as an option. Elvis: Oh, okay. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, it was an option and I think like I was really young at the time, so when I was in university, so I think that it was something where just toggling between different ideas on what I wanted to do. It was a. An option that was laid there, but it definitely was not pushed upon or anything like that. Sounds like you haven't had any other job outside of teeth Elvis: Sounds like you haven't had any other job outside of teeth. Josie Schmitz: No. Elvis: Is this true? Josie Schmitz: This is incorrect. Oh yeah, no, I've had. I've had business before in the food industry and when I was in university I started it and then I sold it right before I finished with school for advtureism. Elvis: So why you're in school, you ran what, a restaurant or. Josie Schmitz: No, I started. It was a marinade business when I was. Elvis: Marinade. Barbara: So you like to cook? Josie Schmitz: I love cooking. Barbara: That is so great. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Elvis: So you made like, excuse my ignorance, but things you marinate like meat in. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, that's really. Yeah, no, I made three different types and it started off at the farmers markets and then it kind of progressed on to grocery stores and multiple different provinces and then I had a pretty large team at the time. Elvis: Really? Josie Schmitz: Yeah, yeah. And then, and then I sold it four or five months before I finished venturism. Barbara: So how did you choose, like how did you know that that wasn't your path and denturism was like you could. Elvis: Have been the marinating queen of Canada. Barbara: Elvis and I, we talked to a lot of people, but we've never heard that. That's pretty incre. Josie Schmitz: It's like random facts. Yeah, no, I. You know what, I had my time with it and I really enjoyed what I did in that business and I loved it, but it was not my long term dream for myself. Because at the end of the day, sure. Like, you know, it's an instant satisfaction product. It doesn't give people that longevity of healthare. And you know, and you'really get to. Barbara: Meet the person and see their teeth and see the light in their eyes and sparkly personality. Elvis: A good meal lasts a few hours, A smile lasts forever. Barbara: Well, food is love. I do know that. Elvis: True. Barbara: Yep. Elvis: I mean, you probably went from making it in your kitchen, selling it at farmer markets, to what, mass production? Josie Schmitz: Yep, that's exactly. Elvis: Yeah, I could, I could see how you would lose interest. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Elvis: Or passion, I guess. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. And I mean, I think too like from perspective of going from mass production, from homemaking in the kitchen to even workflow in the office, like the two kind of parallel with each other of keeping the creativity alive. Elvis: Sure, yeah. Josie Schmitz: Because you know, as soon as you end up getting to a certain point, it can become sometimes a little bit phased out with interest. And that's something that I love about denturism, that it doesn't happen if you don't want it toah. Elvis: Okay, I swear we're go goingna move on from this, but are you sure? Is your recipe still out on shelves? Josie Schmitz: u. I think it is, yeah. I don't really keep tabs on it anymore. Elvis: Really. Interesting. Josie Schmitz: We have, we have a pretty big food chain here in Canada. It's save on Foods and they have it in a bunch of their stores. I'm pretty sure they still do, but I don't. Elvis: You don't have a hankerring for it every now and again? Josie Schmitz: No. Elvis: That's funny. So talk about the university experience. Where did you go Okay, we're moving back to tea, so. Sorry. So talk about the university experience. Where did you go? What was it like getting into it? I mean, it had to have been pretty easy for you. I mean, grew up with it. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, I started university, I graduated high school when I was 16 and then went into university like two weeks right after I turned 17 and I went to UBCH. Elvis: Wow. Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, I just got my driver's license, so it was, it was, it was a siteight to see. yeah, I went to university at UBC in Kelowna. and I was there for six years and Barbara: Six years? Josie Schmitz: Ye. Yeah, yeah, I did that. So I did my degree in psych and then I did three minors as well during that time. And then while I was in my last year, I, That was when I kind of needed to decide what I wanted to move on and do after the undergrad. And then veturism was there and yeah. Barbara: So in a list after six years of school, that's where you went. That is so amazing. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. And then it three years after that, it was a long stretch. Barbara: I mean that's remarkable though. I mean that's nine years. Correct? Nine years of school. Yesy. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, yeah. Elvis: When you decide to go into denturism, do you have to like take a test to get in or. Yeah. What's that? Josie Schmitz: Like they do like a little entrance exam at the time. Like they do. They only take a certain amount of people every, every couple years. Barbara: Yeah, we've heard that. Ye. The ones that do really well. Josie Schmitz: Yes, absolutely. It'it's a pretty competitive thing to get into. So yeah, you write an entrance exam and then they have you do an aptitude test as well for like dexterity and whatnot. And then they come back and review everything with you. And then from there you either get in, or get out. Elvis: Do you make a denture? What's the dexterity? I mean is it dental related or is it like a fidget spinner? I don'you. Josie Schmitz: Know what, it's so funny that you asked that. They actually had us draw a tooth on graph paper that was the same size as a smaller one that they give you. So for ratio wise. Elvis: Oh, okay. Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Like a circle out of rot wire and see how good your circle is. And like Barbara: So you actually have to do stuff? Josie Schmitz: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like little things, of course, but it's still like part of it. I forget exactly what else they made me do. But yeah, those two things I remember specifically, especially the circle because it had to be flat. So. Elvis: Oh, I could never. I could even bend a paper clip and make it look goodire. Barbara: So yeah. So take us through the dentureism part of the university. So you said what, it was another three years or two years? Josie Schmitz: M. It was ah, two years. And then, and then we continued to do the practicum after and the, the part that I saw, I graduated from denturism in February of 2020 and it was right two weeks before we got shut down for Covid I. Covid, right. Yeah, yeah. So it put a screeching halt, into things for obviously for everybody. And then I waited out and then I started my practice that summer on the island, on Vancouver island. And that was six months. Barbara: So what was that like what you do? Josie Schmitz: It. It was amazing. Barbara: Yeah. Were you in like doctor's office? Josie Schmitz: I was in a practice with two other denturists and their team and we, we had a blast. I learned so much from, from both of them. They were definitely like my main mentors during that time. And yeah, they're both Avocar trained denturists, taught SEMCD courses and that entire world of analog. And I really loved the way that they had run their business at that time. It was inspiring as a young woman to go into there and then have two other women kind of guide you along the wayh. Elvis: Yeah. Barbara: Aw heck yeah. Some people had a hard time finding placement after graduating from dental school So does the school place you or do you have to find somewhere to go for that time? Josie Schmitz: That's a really good question. You have to find that on your own. And unfortunately there was a lot of people in my class that had a really hard time finding placement after we graduated and finding practicum spots. I know that some people didn't find placement for over a year afterwards or even longer because people just weren't willing to put themselves out there and train the next generation coming up. So I was really lucky that I got in with them and that I got in so quickly. Elvis: So you're saying it wasn't just like a Covid issue? Even without the pandemic, it's hard to find people willing to train new dentures. Josie Schmitz: Oh yeah, yeah, absolutely. Yeah, yeah. I mean we all, we all, we're all a little stuck in our ways, let's be honest. So yeah, like naturally being in this field. So it's, and that's okay. But yeah, it was definitely hard. I m just happy that they were willing to take me on. So would you look up lab owned women Women owned Ventur. What did you search Barbara: So would you look up lab owned women Women owned Ventur. What did you search? Josie Schmitz: No. So I, when I was in school my dad, him and I used to go to different courses together even before I had my license. And we would, we actually went to Chicago, LMT there I think it was 20, which was amazing. Barbara: Shout out to your dad, right? Josie Schmitz: Yeah. So then I was looking for an IVACAR setup course at the time and my mentor was the one that was teaching it and little did I know he had reached out to her and was like, hey, you know, like my daughter would needs a placement, would you be considering taking a practicant student? And and then she did a couple. Elvis: Who is it? Name drop maybe we know. Josie Schmitz: her name's Erica Colbank. Elvis: The name's familiar. I think I've seen it on a course or two. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, yeah. And Stephanie eats. Yeah. One of the biggest challenges in dentistry is dealing with emotional situations Elvis: So when you got into the real world, clinical aspect, was there anything that surprised you that they didn't teach you at school? Josie Schmitz: Oh my goodness. Barbara: They don't teach you what don't they? Elvis: Right. There's personalities behind these teeth, what. Josie Schmitz: There is. Yeah. And honestly, like, I think that that's one of the biggest challenges is learning how to deal with difficult situations where they don't tell you how to protect yourself, how to maintain good status quo for us and your staff and protect your staff. Because I came right out of my practicum, wrote my board exam and opened my own office right away. Elvis: That's nuts. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. And I'm like, that's all I ever wanted to do. And I love that. And we've come a really long way. We've had an excellent last couple years, but it's a struggle, like insurance wise, you know, all those things. And it comes with its challenges for sure. But I think the people emotional piece of it is probably one of the hardest parts. Barbara: I think. Yeah. Explain that. Like the emotional piece for you or for them or what does that mean to you? Josie Schmitz: I think it means to be able to. So, like, when patients come to me, I. My treatment planning goes as far as. As far down the line as I can see for people I love that don't like patchwork. I'm not into patchwork. And generally the patients that do come to me, they know that that's my style of treatment planning is as far on the. As we can possibly see. And taking that into account to be able to wholesomely guide people through the process of being like, hey, this is where you're at right now. Having communication with the dentist or with the oral surgeon properly along the way and then being able to help the patient in that process. So we book their appointments for them with their dentist, with the oral surgeon, or do referrals for them. We do everything in house. So it really helps guide the process versus just telling the patient, tell your dentist you need rest preps, and then you don't hear anything for a month. Like, we've never done that. So from our office, we have a really awesome, integral community for communication to be able to book patients. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Get that process started for them. Because like, people, you know, if they come to you, they're looking for answers. They don't want an answer in six months. They don't want an answer year, they want an answer now. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: So that's something that we strive ourselves on in the office is giving long term treatment plans in an efficient manner. Barbara: But I like how you say emotional so you emotionally connect with the patient like you're there for the long term. M want to see them healthy and happy and like it's not just one stop shop. Josie Schmitz: Totally. Yeah. Yeah. And I love that because that's, you know, it is about gaining trust with one another and guiding each other along the way. And I think a lot of people, you know, they're in a lot of really vulnerable positions when they get full mouth clearance and some implants or not or that itself is an extremely emotional, process for people to go through and then support them in it. But I'll also be really realistic with them about and don't have any false expectations. Like okay, cool. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Like, you know, here's an immediate. Read the piece of paper by. No, it's like this is life changing and people need to be completely informed about all of those, any type of denture process, because it is life changing. Right. It feeds you, you have confidence through it, it nourishes you. It's not only piece of plastic. Right? Barbara: Yeah, yeah, so true. That really comes out when you're speaking about it as well. You know, you could, anybody could, you know, restore teeth, but there's a whole different level of the way you're speaking and how passionate you are and how well you take care of them. And that's why Elvis and I love denturis. Rightis. Elvis: yeah. You just opened your own practice after graduating from college Barbara: Seriously. Elvis: I'm amazed that you graduated. You just opened up your own practice. You didn't work anyere. Barbara: I thought you were gonna say I'm amazed that you graduated after 10. Elvis: Well, there's that too. I'm proud of everyone. Josie Schmitz: Thanks. Yeaheah. Elvis: No, I mean did you just open up your own. Did you buy an old practice? Josie Schmitz: No, I started from scratch. Elvis: You just use your marinade fortune, that's genius. Josie Schmitz: No, I, So my dad had an office down on one end of town and when I was close to graduating, we bought the building that we're in together after and then started renovations and I like, as soon as I found out that I passed and my license came through, I opened like as soon as I could. So I, I opened in December of 2021 and then everything went really quickly. it was just so I had a technician that I'd hired a couple months before that because we were doing some work for dentists with my dad. And then, I kind of slowly progressed and then she was amazing and she worked for me up until this last summer when her family moved out east. And then since then we've gained, we have, there's nine of us now in my office. And it's been a really ever changing, rapid growth, but still maintaining that quality of car along the way. So, yeah, we've had a lot of, lot of change. Elvis: How do you find these people? Barbara: I know I had to go back. I got to go back further and you got to go through with Elvis and I and everybody listening. Like opening a lab that young. Opening a denturism lab, I guess. Is that how you say it? Elvis: Office. Barbara: Office. Dentur. Office that young. Just starting out. Like, where do you even start? Who's the first person you hire other than yourself? Like what do you do? Josie Schmitz: that's a good question. So I hired a technician that I got really lucky because the town that I live in is, is quite small. And I hired a technician before I opened and her and I worked together for a couple months to feel each other out. And we were working on cases at the time for some dentists and she was looking for a job and happened to live right down the street. So it was like the godsend at the time. Barbara: I'll say. Elvis: So you're doing work for other dentists? Josie Schmitz: Yes. Elvis: Oh, interesting. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Ok. I did like I built the dentures when, under my dad's lab at the time, before I had even opened. Barbara: Smart. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, yeah, yeah. So we from that then I opened and then slowly I, I Sorry, Dad. Barbara: I'm taking her with me. Josie Schmitz: I know, right? And she was incredible. Like she worked for me up until this last summer. Barbara: Nice. Josie Schmitz: When her and her family decided to move out east. I miss her a lot. She was an absolute like staple, super hard working woman. I respected her a lot. Barbara: So. Josie Schmitz: And we grew together over the years and, but since then, in that time m. So I hired her in November. Then my office manager I hired in February and she is absolutely incredible. Barbara: Yah. You can't live without handles. Any keeps you straight. Josie Schmitz: The funny part about her is that she's also my best friend, but her daughter worked for my dad. Elvis: And you do live in a small town. Josie Schmitz: Uh-huh. Yeah. So I got really lucky and she's my rock at work. she's amazing. And then. Well, yeah, over the years we've just, we've had ae, lot of horseshoes sticking around for finding a really, really good team along the way because it isn't necessarily easy. We have had like, the reality of it is we've had people come and go and people that, you know, you don't click with them that just, that's part of it. Elvis: Yeah. That s part of life. Josie Schmitz: It is. Yeah. And as uncomfortable and awkward as it is, it's just part of the workflow. Barbara: So do you go park it in your dad's office and say, dad, what the hell do I do about this? Josie Schmitz: No, no, we. No, we work really well together. Like, I, adore. So he makes all my frameworks for me. Barbara: Swee. Elvis: Oh, wow. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Which isn t awesome. So we keep everything in house, which I really pride ourselves on. everything is. Obviously, there's huge amount of quality control there, which I love Obviously, there's huge amount of quality control there, which I love. And he's super communicative. Like, you know, if a bike'tight we don't have enough room, or, you know, different design options and materials or what kind of class system we'renna put on. That is something that him and I can talk about. And if he needs something, he just walks over. If I need something, I walk over. So it's. I'm really lucky to have to have that. When you decided to start seeing patients, how did you start advertising Elvis: when you decided to start seeing patients, how did you. Did you start advertising? They just show up. How does that. How does that work? Josie Schmitz: I put a couple ads into the local paper. Elvis: Like. Like a physical newspaper? Josie Schmitz: Yes. Elvis: We have a. Wow. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, it's called the Pendicton Herald. And, I had a friend pagee banner, and I have had that French front page banner since almost the day I opened for the entire time, and I still have it. Elvis: Wow. Barbara: So they find you. Josie Schmitz: They find me. Or we. Or we get referrals through dentists. We work with an awesome group of dentists. I think there's about 30 dentists that I work with primarily. And then. Elvis: Town's not that small. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. And then, with a couple really awesome oral surgeons in Kelowna. and yeah, so we all refer each other patients. So it's a really, really good flow of community. Elvis: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: And for patient referrals, which I think is really important because the last thing you want is someone not to be treated properly because you don't have that, communication with other practitioners as well, Right? Barbara: Oh, yeah. I think that's one thing that stresses doctors and dentures out. And you always want to leave with a happy patient because they tell their friends that it was either amazing or it wasn't so amazing of an experience. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah, they do. Barbara: it'especially in a small town, I'm sure. Word tre quickly. Elvis: Real fast. Josie Schmitz: Oh, my goodness. A trou. Very fast. Yeah. Yeah. Everything in my clinic is completely analog, so I'm not digital Elvis: So you mentioned Ivacara earlier, wanting to learn their technique on setups. What do you mostly do in the clinic now? Are you an ivaclar fan or you? Josie Schmitz: I am an Ivaclar lover. Elvis: Okay. Whoa. Josie Schmitz: I KN. Barbara: Knew we were going there. Josie Schmitz: Yes. I never. It. I have a Clara lover. Elvis: That's okay. Barbas too. Josie Schmitz: I don't blame you. So I'm not digital by any means. I tried it and I'm not a fan for really interesting from a denturist perspective. I just don't think the technology is there yet. So everything in my clinic is completely analog. and we. Everything we do from setups to materials to the injections to everything is from Iaclar. Anything you can think of, you can get from ivacar. That's what we use. Elvis: Nice. Barbara: Now, is that like what you always used? Did your dad recommend it? Was that what they used at the university? Like, how did you start there and realize how great it was? Josie Schmitz: No, That's a good question. In my practicum they were also like really hardcore with their IVACAR products and I just loved it. And along the way I've tried other ones and I just I'm not a fan, so. Barbara: So you used them along the way and then you realize that's the only one for me and my. Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Back to the stuck in my ways. Barbara: Exactly. Love it. Josie Schmitz: With good reason. With good reason. For me, every impression that I take is suction denture based Barbara: So why didn't you like digital? So you said you tried it a little bit here and there. Like we're not a pro or against. we've heard both sides. But for you, like what didn't you like about it? Josie Schmitz: Yeah, I mean, each to their own. Everybody has their different flow in their. But for me, every impression that I take is suction denture based. So I just. There's no intra oral scanner that's going to be able to get muco compressive and like mucodynamic impression. Your tabletop scanner can get your final impression. That's great. But functionally speaking, I like the ability to be able to walk the patients through. You know what I mean? Their natural muscle. Totally weir. Right. Barbara: Y. Josie Schmitz: As soon as you end up with a scanner in there, there's things that doesn't catch and then things get faked. And I personally, from my personal perspective, I don't like, I don't like the material got. I think it feels weird and chalky. Yeah. So I, you know, like each to their own. I have no judgment. But for me personally, it's not the ro. That I am willing to take or try again. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Until there's something that's invented that gets. That really elevates the game. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: and that's worth investing in because it's not only like a timely investment It's a huge financial investment as well. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: And I'm willing to undertake that, but under the right circumstances. Barbara: Yeah. So you're not closed minded, you're just kind of like, yeah, for me in my practice, I'm, not there yet or they're not there yet, I should say. And I think that's a good call for your patients. And I think Elvis and I, we've talked to somebody about six weeks ago that said the same thing about the suction based. And that part of it isn't that all boiled down to how. That. How well they fit in the mouth? Josie Schmitz: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hundred percent, 100%. And every patient that comes through my door, like, they all get. I take my time with every single impression they all have. You know, I border rolled on all of them and do two washes on all of them and I take a stick bite and do my functional bite rims. And every case is, is treated the same. the only thing that kind of differs in our office is the teeth. And then people can use either the phanaris or, you know, I do use beta teeth as well. The lingo forms. and I like those as well. But yeah, I think quality wise I have much more control with the analog and I like being able to see this set up in front of me. I know what my patient looks like. I don't have it on a screen. Sure, yes, you can add your images over each other, but it's still not the same. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: And with the, SEMCD like measurements when you do set up, everything is based off of golden proportions. Elvis: Ye. Josie Schmitz: You know, sure, you can do that on your computer. You can do it on Exocad. I have tried it. I just don't like the feel of it as much. And maybe I'm a little bit old school, but I just appreciate. Barbara: I think that's a very fair answer. It's a fair answer and sincere. And from the looks of you, you're definitely not old school. So don think it's just an honest observation and that's what works for your practice. so I think that's a great answer. Elvis: And I'll even say for someone that does a lot of digital dentures, it's very fair what you're saying. You're right. The lack is that initial impression. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, totally. Elvis: How did you get certified the. What you call it SEMCD T. I mean. Josie Schmitz: Oh, yeah. It's a course, that you can take and suction effective manibular dentures. And it goes for uppers and lowers the same way. Like in school they teach you, you know, your single wash with a tray that you hold in their mouth and then you do your white blocks is separate. in this method, one of the primary pieces is having it be directly from the patient. So we put it in like we have our bite blocks that are pre measured from a centrication bite that we take on their preliminary impression day with a stick bite and a midline marker and it all goes on the articulator. So then by the time we put the final impressions in their mouth, everything's preset and pre measured for proper freeway. So they have a good supportive bite when it goes in. And then the rims are designed in order to get the most optimal border mold and Suction. Yeah, borders and whatnot. So they take a little while, but they're worth it. The first impression appointment is the root and the foundation of the house Elvis: So how much time are you spending with each patient on every appointment? I mean, are we talking hours? Josie Schmitz: For my final impression appointments, I bookc 45 min SLS. Elvis: That's a healthy impression time. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, it's a healthy impression time because that appointment is the root and the foundation of the house. Elvis: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: If that appointment is done quickly, you will end up with a patient where things are moving around. They get more sourrece bots. They are already predisposed to dry mouth, a lot of them and getting more sore spots because of it. Let alone, you know, between all of the factors that you're trying to take into place, it is the appointment that is the most important in my opinion. Function first. People want to eat. Elvis: Yes. Barbara: And comfortably. For sure. Josie Schmitz: Yeahably. So if you can minimize all that by taking a little bit more time and in that, appointment and walking people through it. Like all of my patients are pre informed before we go ahead with the process. So when I do sit down and consult with them, they know exactly what's happening on every single appointment before I even start. And they know, you know, these are 45 minute appointments. You know, there's to be a lot of in and out and I walk them through it so I stand in front of them and do the motions with them, that I need to be able to get a proper impression. I don't, you know, there's no manipulative border molding for me unless the patient needs some help. but otherwise it's natural based and I really believe in that method. Elvis: What does that mean? You don't manipulate the lips and cheeks. You let them do it. Is that what that means? Yeah, because I see this all the time. Chairside doctors put it in. Then they pull their lips and they, you know, they're just moving muscle around and it all seems very unnatural. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, and that's, that's a good point. It is unnatural. Like, I'm not gonna stand there and move your cheeks when you're eating your hot dog. Like. No. Elvis: Yeah. How often do people stick their finger in there and pull it forward and move it up? Josie Schmitz: So in u, in this style of final impression taking, because the runs are preset and everything's pre measured to the proper freeway and a supportive occlusal bite is that I pop everything in their mouth. We do the first heavy border on the upper and the lower trays, or just the upper trays or just the lower. And then I stand in front of them and I walk them through. They do like a super big smile and then they do like a kiss face and then they open their mouth and they stick their tongue out and we get all of the muscles of mastication within those three or four movements that I walk them through and maximum freedom extension. So like when we go through that, like, I don't need to do any freedom relief on my final dentures because I know exactly that those patients have given. Elvis: That's awesome. Yeah. And you're doing this in a custom tray. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Elvis: That's crazy. I love it. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, Thanks. I like it too. Elvis: Recently I've been spending a lot of time clinically doing indentures and it's just, it's mind boggling, the, I guess, lack of attention to even the first impression. You know, just kind of stick it in there. And then like I say, they move their lips around and I'm like, what are you doing? I don't understand this, but what's your. Josie Schmitz: Favorite part and your least favorite part? Elvis: my favorite part is just delivering a thing and having it delivered, honestly. Because I usually get called in when things are not going well. Josie Schmitz: Right. Elvis: That's usually when I show up. So that's definitely my favorite. Least favorite is just when they're not going well. You know, especially with digital. I don't understand how we can have a bite digitally and we don't have it clinically. Yeah, that's confusing to me. And if once I figure that out, I will be making a lot more money than I am now. Josie Schmitz: A lot less headaches, a lot less. Yeah, yeah, no, that's really valid. for sure. It was very challenging to find the proper staffing for that van Elvis: Well, I noticed, you know, just strolling on Instagram, you got a van, you get out there and you head out to the Sticks. Is that a thing? Josie Schmitz: Man, that van, I used to. And so I sold. I sold it last year. Elvis: Aw. Josie Schmitz: It was very challenging to find the proper staffing for that man. Elvis: who wants to work in a small van? Josie Schmitz: Oh, man. Like. And you know, the thing is that that van wasn't, like, I never worked out of the van. It was literally just a transportation mechanism for, patients that had mobility issues. Elvis: Because o. Okay. Josie Schmitz: L. In a small town, we don't have, we don't have. We have like, one cab in the entire South Okanaa that has a wheelchair accessibility or even oversight. yeah, that was why I bought it, because I'm like, this is. This is crazy. Like, I got to get out there. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Like, people need help. How else are they supposed to get around? And that was the idea with it. And it did work really well. It was just a logistical nightmare when it came to staffing and scheduling and finding a driver that actually knew it was a right hand drive as well. So most saw that and they were like, no, than. Yeah, but it was awesome. And I. The people that did use it, they used it a lot. And I think that it really opened up, you know, because it was for any dental appointments, any medical appointments. It wasn't only appointments to my office. Elvis: Oh, wow. You the entrepreneur. Josie Schmitz: Thanks. That's pretty. Barbara: So what in your brain, you were just like, we need this and you invest. Josie Schmitz: I came back one summer holiday with my van, and I was like, we're gonna try this. That is awesome. Yeah, it was fun. Like, I really liked that van, but I, yeah. Ended up selling it to a gentleman that turned it into a camperv van, because that's what those ones are traditionally like. Barbara: There is only so much time in the day. People like. Yeah, I would see that. Elvis: How often did you end up driving me? Josie Schmitz: Oh, too many times. Yeah, too many times. And then I have a full patient load and, doing that on top of it and trying to just efficiently and, calmly go through my day. It was just, a problem, but I wasn't really willing to. You said you have a staff of nine. What is everybody else like? That's a big team Barbara: Yeah, sounds like you have a knack for taking really good care of yourself. So I got a question. You said you have a staff of nine. You're the main. So you basically go in and you treatment plan. How. What is everybody else like? That's a. That's a big team. So you have a couple denturesists also with you or. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Ah, I have one other denturist. Barbara: Ye. Josie Schmitz: So myself and him. And he's amazing. And, yeah, and then I have, my office manager, a receptionist, a patient coordinator, and then everybody else is technicians in the back. Barbara: That's a big team, lady. Seriously, what do you guys, like, move in through a day? I mean, how do you, see to it that you're not too busy? Do you have one day that you're making dentures? Do you have one day that you're trying them in? Like, what is your. Are you a five day? Are you four day? I know that's a lot of questions. Elvis: Start going number one. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, no, so we run, we run four tens. Elvis: Oh, wow. Josie Schmitz: I used to run five eights, but I just don't, You know what? Barbara: Everybody, ye. Josie Schmitz: On a Monday, you're rested. If I need to do paperwork on a Friday or whatever else. organizing. Barbara: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: You know, like, there's so much happening. So. Yeah, like, I mean, between myself and my, wonderful colleague that is also denturous, we probably see anywhere from between the two of us, 30 people a day. Elvis: A day. Barbara: 3, 030. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Barbara: Wow. Elvis: And 45 minute impression appointments. How does that math work? Josie Schmitz: Every. So the appointments are all staggered. We always keep multiple spots for patients in the day for adjustments, you know, walk ins, repairs, stuff like that. And then the appointments are all staggered appropriately between the two of us so we have enough time to efficiently treat everybody. Elvis: Wow. Josie Schmitz: And yeah, and then we have a really good routine. Like our patient coordinator, she is also in charge of sterilization. So my colleague and I, we see our patients, but we don't, sterilize the rooms ourselves or anything like that. So it's just maximum efficiency in the office so that they're greeted properly, forms are filled out properly. Him and I have enough time to do our patient charting, properly. And then my office manager also treatment plans, and, she runs all the insurance for patients as well. So we have a really awesome system going on. And we also have, meetings twice a day. So we do meeting in the morning and a meeting the evening. Elvis: Twice a day. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Yeah. It's an absolute must for us because everything is analog and because, you know, there's so many case pans, everybody has their stations and the stuff that they work on individually before it moves on to their next colleague. So to be able to make sure everybody's on time, the time slips are appropriate. You know, we're all in order and on time to support each other so that no one runs out of time or patients aren't waiting for something unnecessarily. The meetings are the one Thing that keep us connected as a team. Elvis: Yeah. It makes you slow down and just connect base with everybody. Yeah, yeah. Barbara: Which is the emotional connection you were talking about earlier. Josie Schmitz: Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And everybody gets to talk in the meetings too, so we have a lot of fun on our meetings. Elvis: Yeah. You said you work four days, 10 hours, which I love How many technicians do you have? Two. Josie Schmitz: So I personally have trained three. Elvis: Oh, wow. Josie Schmitz: And then I have. Yeah. And then the other, the other technicians, they're unlicensed, but they're trained from other places where they've come to me. Elvis: Sure. So, are they doing just your work and your associates or they. You still taking work? Okay. So wow, you're doing a lot. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Barbara: What's it like to manage all that? Like, do you have work like balance? You said you work four days, 10 hours, which I love. So you have three days off. Do you find yourself getting pulled back in in those three days? Are you managing to actually have some downtime? Elvis: Depends on the week. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Depends on the week. You know what, up until a couple months ago I was working 15 plus hours a day. Barbara: Yeah. Ye. Josie Schmitz: And every day. And I, I love that I can have no problem embellishing myself in that and you know, staying on top of everything. I have no problem doing all that. I think being the team size that we are, it is building trust. Josie Schmitz: Within one another to make sure that everybody'taking care of their responsibilities properly. And in that, ah, it leaks into me having a little bit more work life balance like you said. and I love my work life balance that I'm introducing my new self into because it is new. but yeah, yeah, it's definitely a really, it's a, it's a work in progress. Especially when you work that much and then on the weekend, you know, you always have a little bit of like guilt. Barbara: Yeah, no, no. I was raised Catholic. We don't know about. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Like it's a thing and I love what I do. I'm super passionate about it and I love taking care of my patients and, and being my best for them and for my team and making sure that everybody's taken care of properly. But at the end of the day too, it's something that I, yeah, I definitely had some times where I burnt out over the years and it's just honing back and being like, okay, what does this look like now for me? when you're constantly taking care of everything else. Barbara: Yeah, yeah, wow. Josie Schmitz: yeah, but it's busy. I like it busy. Elvis: But yeah, sometimes you gotta just sell that van. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, exactly. That van. It was a good chapter, but it needed to end. Elvis: Yeah. Barbara: That's awesome. So what's next for you? Do you have plans to expand or is your dad still there So what's next for you? Do you have plans to expand or is your dad still there? Is he gonna work more years or, like, what's the future for you? Josie Schmitz: Yeah, my dad is still there. He has his lab and he's full throttle forward. Barbara: Good for him. Josie Schmitz: Yes. Yeah, he is. Yeah. He's not even close to retirement and he loves what he does. But for me and the team, I think at this point we are holding a study and refining ourselves every week and getting better every week and learning each other and growing together. Because it's one thing that I've noticed over the last couple years is everybody has new ways of doing things and listening to one another and making the system better. It's not only the size and the volume, it's quality over quantity that is really important for me to focus on, and it always has been. But there's, you know, there's always time. There's like, okay, no, no, no, we need to hone in again, like, right. Where are we and what do we want for ourselves? And yeah, the future is definitely a little bit more work life balance for everybody. So we had a meeting yesterday where everybody got to pick what kind of holidays they wanted to take. And I leave that up to my team because at the end of the day, I do really believe in their mental health as well along the way and having them pick when they want to take holidays and how. And I leave it completely up to them to govern them, for themselves. Elvis: I celebrate Mondays. Mondays is my holiday. Josie Schmitz: Monday is myiday. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Monday. Good. The Mondays is always a good day. Mondays is not a holiday for us, though. Barbara: Yeah, I'm not a fan of Mondays. It always every technician. Elvis: That's why it's my holiday. I have to take every Monday off. Barbara: Yeah, thank you. Would agree with you on that for sure. Josie Schmitz: It always comes around. I want to ask about the dentures that have clear palatess Elvis: I want to ask about the dentures that have clear palatess. Josie Schmitz: Okay. Elvis: These things are not in America. I mean, I don't see them really. Yes. And I was. We talked to somebody, I think they were from Brazil or something, and they did. Only those. Are they big in Canada up there? Josie Schmitz: no, but it's interesting that you say that you're talking to someone from Brazil because they have a beautiful system down there for, doing more custom stains and, you know, bringing life to the dentures. Yeah, they're not really common. Like, I know of a couple other clinics that do them, but most, you Know, the patients that I do get, they specifically ask for them. And it's definitely something where, you know, the people that do know that I do it. Like, I've had people seek me out specifically for that reason because they know that I do that. M. But it's not that common. No. Elvis: Yes. So where did you learn it? From somebody in Brazil? Josie Schmitz: No. Oh, no. I. I would love to, but no. I learned the clear palette technique from when I was doing my practicum because they did that in their office. Elvis: Interesting. Yeah. Josie Schmitz: and then I kind of just progressed from there and started using different products and different ideas. Barbara: Would you guys like to expand on what that is? For my. Elvis: Non denture knowledge brain? Barbara: Yes. Elvis: Elvis, like I said, we don't do them here or I don't see them, but from what I understand, it's a clear denture, but when you get the pink, it's only up around the teeth. And it's all done with a series of stains. So it's less monolithic. Josie Schmitz: Yes. Yeah. Yeah. They, I find. So, like, the cool thing with the clear palatess is that when patients, like, if they're younger, for example, or if they're more aesthetically, you know, inclined to be like, I don't want anybody to see that it's in there. If you stand. If you're talking to somebody at a dinner table and they look up at you, you can't see the paltes, the clear palatess in their mouth versus, like the traditional whatever, usl or whatever pink you're using. Elvis: Wow. Josie Schmitz: You see that terminating line at the end, right? Elvis: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: With the clear pate. You don't. And then the other neat part is that you can put different. All kinds of different colors, so from different backgrounds. So if you have, you know, different skin colors, you can adapt to that. it's not only the, you know, one trick pony. Elvis: Yeah. But it's like internal staining and external, I think. Elvis: I only do internals now. I don't do externals anymore Barbara: How do you know about it, Elvis? Elvis: I do a podcast that I talk to some people. Josie Schmitz: All your secrets. Barbara: That's not true. How do you know about it? Elvis: Seriously? Just. Josie Schmitz: Oh, man. M. yeah, no, I think they're great, you know, and they're. They're super fun to make. Like, I need one date and the patient was like, ecstatic. Elvis: Wow. Yeah. Josie Schmitz: But I only do internals. I don't do externals anymore. Elvis: Okay. Josie Schmitz: There's a couple different reasons for that. The. I've tried both, and I've tried a combo both. I've tried. I've tried Everything under the sun with these things. And I think the internal I like the most because when you finish your denture, you have it finished and it's done. you can high polish it, you can put a high shine on it and it's beautiful. There's no flaking, there's no calculus that sticks to it. When they come in in a year from now, that denture with the proper cleaning protocol is going to look exactly the same. Elvis: Brand new. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, exactly. The externals I find that they end up like flaking orul sticks to them and you just can't longevity wise they're personally like I found them not to be as nice. Elvis: Yeah. Josie Schmitz: you have more control, but that's about it. Elvis: They're still acrylic and it's objected. It's just clear. Right M. Yeah. I figured it was the same process. Josie Schmitz: So I use the one stain from ivacar and then I use another stain from Enigma. Elvis: Oh, okay. I haven't even heard of them. Josie Schmitz: Yeah, they actually don't. I don't think that they make their stains anymore. They, they stopped producing them not too long ago and I went on a hunt to find every single. Elvis: Oh, you hoarded it, huh? Josie Schmitz: Yes I did. Yeah. I was that person. So. So I bought, I bought everything I could find in sight because it's my hilarious favorite internal stain to do. But yeah, the ivacar one is also really good. They have the three shades, the three primary shades that you can use as well. But. And then I just inject with the clear acrylic from Iacar as well on top. Barbara: Wow. Elvis: So I haveocar's got all this stuff. I wonder why America doesn't do it. They do know they do. Maybe just not around me I guess know could be. Josie Schmitz: But you guys only. There's only five states that actually have dentures, am I right? Elvis: If even that. But yeah, it's something like that. Yeah. Josie Schmitz: And how many dentures are there? Elvis: I have? Not many. Elvis: We probably talked to most of them on the pocket. Barbara: Seriously. I mean I'm don't know by the fact that you can run your own business and you can treat patients and you can meet patients and treatment plan and do everything to that level of excellence. And I love dentists but without, you know, having a, you know, dentist. I just think it's amazing. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. So is it mostly prosthodontists that then take care on those cases or dentists? Barbara: O. They try. Elvis: Yeah, they try. Yeah, they send, they send crappy Records and scans to a lab to make a denture. Barbara: Not to that level. I. I can tell you that. Josie Schmitz: no doubt we've all been accustomed to those. Barbara: Exactly. Elvis: For sure. Josie Schmitz: Want another reline on an old tc? Please. Elvis: That's okay. I'll just softline it later. Josie, thank you so much for joining us today It's fine. No problem. Josie, thank you so much. What a great time talking to you about denturism. Josie Schmitz: Thank you so much for having me on. Barbara: yeah, and I think you're gonna just keep building and building and building. I don't think you're going toa be at nine folks for a while. It'snna be you'renn. It sounds to me like you've got bigger things in mind, personally. Josie Schmitz: Yeah. Thanks. I appreciate it. For you always got something in the background. Barbara: Bingo. Never stop. Never stop, stop. Josie Schmitz: You're right. Well, I wish you both a beautiful weekend. Barbara: Thank you. Elvis: Do the same. Thank you so much. And, hopefully we'll see you at a lab day someday. Barbara: Y. Josie Schmitz: Absolutely. That would be amazing. Elvis: Awesome. Have a good one. Josie Schmitz: You too. Barbara: Have a great one. Thank you. Josie Schmitz: Bye. Josie has been selling dentures for nine years now Barbara: A ah, huge thanks to Josie for coming on our podcast and talking about your amazing journey that was only accomplished by years of hard work. Nine years. Like that's ridiculous. And selling a business on top of that. It's really great to see what you have created and the good people that you have surrounded yourself with. Tell you what, from marinade to suction based dentures, your path is definitely one of the most unique ones we have heard. So keep doing what you're doing and keep sharing it online because I know Elvis loves it and me too. But you're, on more than me. Elvis: All right, everybody, that's all we got for you. And of course we'll talk to you next week. Barbara: Let's do the countdown diet. Have a great week, everybody. Elvis: Bye. Voices from the Bench podcast features guest perspectives on current events So where were we? Barbara: she was just talking about the building that she and her father. Elvis: Yes. Yeah. Josie Schmitz: Oh, yeah. u. Yeah. So what's that? Barbara: I said I was listening. Josie Schmitz: Sty golden star for Barb. than. Elvis: I was panicking over here. Sorry. Josie Schmitz: yeah, I guess so. Elvis: The views and opinions expressed on the Voices from the Bench podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the host or Voices from the Bench llc.