Hello, Voices of the Bench community. John Isherwood from Ivaclar here, inviting you to join us this February at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Over the three-day show, we're excited to be offering 16 different lecture programs for you to choose from. Simply log on to labday.com/ivaclar, that's labday.com/ivaclar, to check out our lineup and register for these amazing courses. Looking forward to seeing you in the Windy City this February. You know, Barb, when it comes to lab day, I love hanging out with you and our podcast friends in the Ivor Klar Ballroom. But I was thinking, I really don't get down to the exhibition halls anymore, do you?
Know what, Elvis? Not as much as I used to.
Yeah, sometimes I try to sneak down there during the breakdown just to say hi to the few vendor friends that I have. But that's about it.
Isn't that nice of you? Maybe I should make it down there this year. At the very least, I can grab some cool swag.
I don't know. Doesn't it feel like giveaways have dropped in quality over the years?
Maybe a little. Although, I did get a legit orange Hydro Flask from Follow Me last year. You know, the Hyperdent guys? Definitely not a cheapo.
That's right. They raffle those off for their milling roadmap activity. It's kind of like a mini scavenger hunt.
Yes, so full disclosure, I didn't actually participate, but I've got friends in low places.
Of course you do, Barb.
Normally you have to collect stamps from a few of their partner booths to qualify, but honestly, they're probably booths that you're visiting anyways, especially if you're shopping for milling equipment.
Yeah, but you might as well get some cool stuff for doing something that you're already planning on doing, right?
Exactly. This year, their featured partners are Axis, Imagine, DOF, and Roland. So you got to stop there, plus another few.
I've actually heard that they're switching up the grand prize.
Oh yeah.
They used to do cash, which is everybody's favorite. But this year they found a super cool Honda electric scooter and slapped their logo on the side of it. And it folds up like a ******* suitcase. It's like Iron Man. It's awesome. Jordan showed me pictures of it while we're in Vegas.
What? Of course you got the inside view. All right, that just might be the ultimate door prize.
Right? We're already walking the floor, collecting swag. This just happens to have wheels and can carry around a human adult.
Oh my God, you've convinced me I'm going to participate this year properly.
You should as long as we're not recording, but it's easy, and it actually sounds fun. The HyperDent booth is E27 in the East Hall. Grab your game board there first, and it's got a map to navigate to all their partner booths, and then you just collect it. the stamps.
Nice, guys. Sounds like a plan. I'm in.
Oh my God, what have I done? I hope it comes with a helmet for your sake.
Yeah, thanks.
Welcome to Voices from the Bench, a dental laboratory podcast. Send us an e-mail at info@voicesfromthebench.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Greetings and welcome to episode 410 of Voices from the Bench. My name is Elvis.
And my name is Still Barbara.
Still Barbara, how are you? What's happening?
I'm good. Guess what? I live in Florida. And it is Saturday, and tonight at 1 A.m., hopefully we're gonna get ****** snow.
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
That makes you excited, but I'm like... 30 years, 40 years.
This is the first time in 40 years.
Since 1979 and you know I was there 'cause I was 10 and I was watching it, yep.
Are you predicting accumulation or?
No, they've been all over the place. They were like, oh, it's gonna be like a tenth of an inch and this and that, but I just wanna see it come down from the sky so I know it's real. I'm gonna be that person at 1 a.m. standing outside in the cold weather for the snow.
That is awesome. What, do you go to the beach to see it? To me, it'd be even crazier to be on the beach and see snow. Yeah.
No, I'm just going to go outside my door with my boyfriend who thinks I'm crazy and I'm going to wait for it. I'm going to give it about 10 minutes and then I'm out.
You're going to try to catch it in your mouth on your tongue. Is that?
Yes, that's exactly right. You know me so well.
Because you can have some of the 10 inches that's on the ground outside my place right now. Yeah, I know.
When I told you, were like, F off. I think I told you that.
Hold my frozen beer. That is hilarious. Well, congratulations.
Yeah.
Freaking A. Enjoy it. And 40 years. That's great.
Yep. What about you? Are you snowed in or are you back to normal now?
Let's see. Last week, Monday, everything shut down.
Yeah.
I mean, our lab shut down. Louisville got it even harder. Up here in India, it was bad. So everything shut down Monday. Tuesday, I had to drive to a chair side that's usually about an hour away, but it was closer to two just to get out there. And now it's fine. Now all the roads are clear and we're just getting around. So I even went for a run yesterday. It was 17 degrees. A little slippery, but I still managed to get my mileage in.
It's voices from the bench weather.
Yep. That's where people come first. As long as you live in two specific areas, you're up to date.
Right on.
But what? As of this episode releasing, we're finally in the month for the great Chicago meetings.
Yay.
For those of you not going, shame on you. I think it's going to be a great year. I can feel it. For those that are going, let's make sure you come to Cal Lab.
Yeah, that starts on Thursday.
Yes. The 19th, and then into the morning of the 20th, and of course, if you don't already know, which shame on us, it was.
All over Facebook this week.
My God, Rozzy went nuts on you. Barb, he was wonderful. Barb is the chair of the Cal Lab meeting. And you're celebrating 100 years.
It's like the only association in dental that old, guys. Like, this is so exciting. So exciting.
I mean, think about it. If something's been going on for 100 years, must be doing something right.
You know it. We have all kinds of surprises.
Yep. And you all have two events on Thursday.
Yep.
So that early evening, they have that cocktail reception. That's where we're going to be set up recording the podcast.
Or you are, because I'm going to be doing the chair work. I do my best.
I get it. Yeah. If not, just funnel people over and we'll get them on. It's fine. I will get through it. That's a great time to hit us up before we get over the Hyatt for the craziness. I mean, Cal Lab's a little less people, but still a great meeting. So if you want to get to us, that's a great thing to sign up for. And then they also have their late night party on like the 42nd floor or something?
Yeah, it's super great. We got a band, we're gonna dance, we're gonna drink, we're gonna eat, and we're gonna party our ***** off. So we all feel really good on Friday morning.
It's, yeah. It is a great time. You want to see some people get out of their comfort zone and have a good time. It's worth watching. It's great. So right after Cal Lab, we're going to hightail it over to the Ivoclar Ballroom. That's right across the hall from the registration desk. And Barb and I, we're going to be set up again and be there the rest of the day on Friday and then all day Saturday.
And we can't schedule because it doesn't work that way. But stop by. If we're recording, just give it a minute. And then come sit down with us and check out some amazing things that I have a car has to offer. And also talk to some other amazing people. We like to say amazing on this podcast. We hear good things about the new IPSE Max Ceram art. I'm going to get a kit myself. I can't wait. Other than that, Elvis and I will be out hanging out, seeing friends and hopefully making new ones. So guys, travel safe and we will see you in a few weeks.
So excited. Let's hope all the snow ends up in Florida and not in Chicago.
Touché.
So this week we got to meet a technician in California that has a passion to know and to educate the why in dentistry.
I love the why.
Helen Tanaka was working at a nightclub when she found out about dental lab. Starting as a driver, it was soon apparent that she loved the industry and was soon out of the car and onto the bench.
Nice.
Yeah, I thought that was pretty fancy. I love that. While attending dental lab school and learning about all aspects of it, she found removables and took off from there. But always seeking knowledge and self-funding additional education, Helen has done it all, from bending wire, getting into sleep apnea devices, and implants. It's a great story of always wanting to learn and always wanting to share. So join us as we chat with Helen Tanaka. If you want to grow your business, you need to truly understand what's going on inside it. And of course, what's going on with your customers. And that's where Acornica comes in. It's the tool that makes seeing and acting on those insights easy. My name is Robert Rizzo. I'm the Head of Marketing, Sales, and Education at Canadian Dental Labs. We've been using Ancortica for over two years now. It's become a cornerstone of how we operate. Ancortica enables my team and our organization to process all the vital information about our business performance and our customers' journey at a glance. It helps quickly identify where we should focus our efforts and figure out what the next best steps should be. With built-in tools, it helps take the guesswork out of decision-making and lets us realize opportunities early, and very importantly, helps us solve problems before they become too big to fix. And when we have questions, Rob and his team, and have to give out a shout out to Prudence, are incredibly responsive. They're always there to help us get the most out of the tool, and they feel like a real partner invested in our success. So if you're serious about growing your business and understanding customers better, Icortica is the tool that can get you there. To learn more or to schedule time with us to discuss your needs, visit icortica.com/voices. That's iCortica, i-c-o-r-t-i-c-a.com/voices. iCortica, helping dental labs grow. Hey, Voices from the Bench listeners, Elvis here. Ready to supercharge your digital dentistry skills? Then mark your calendar for Exocad Insights, taking place April 30th to May 1st, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. We know it's stunning because Barb and I were at the last Insights, and it was amazing. Whether you're just starting your digital journey or looking to take your Exocad skills to the next level, Exocad Insights has it all. Now get this, we got keynotes from Global Pioneers, in-depth software lectures, hands-on demos, product showcases from top industry partners, and of course, voices from the bench. We're going to be there doing some on-site interviews. Plus, they're adding some more fun stuff to do too. They can count Barb and me in on the first Insights 5K morning run along the coast. That's right, a running race in another country. country on the coast on a nice island. A minute to win it. And we're not going to miss the legendary Exo Glam Night, which is sure to be the most epic party of the year. Tickets are going fast, so head over to exocad.com/insights-2026 to grab yours today. You can also find that link on this episode show notes. And here for a special treat just for our listeners, 15% off. That's 15% off with the code VFTBPALMA15. That's VFTBPALMA15. And we will see you in Spain. Voices from the bench. The interview.
It's always me, trust me.
That's me too, Barb.
He's the professional.
At least we, yeah, at least we have Elvis.
Yeah.
So this is great. So Barb and I have the extreme pleasure of talking to someone that I've been following on Instagram for a while.
No way.
Who, yeah, I know. Who probably posts more than I do. Let's welcome Helen. Tanaka.
How do you have the same last name as the most amazing dental person? How does that happen?
I know there are a few amazing Tanakas in our family.
Oh, I said it right.
Yeah, sorry for me to interrupt you. I just was like, oh my God, that's her last name. So welcome.
Thank you. Well, thank you for having me, you guys.
Yay.
Absolutely. So I believe you're with Arcline, right?
Yeah, I'm currently employed with Arcline. And then I do a little KOL with DHC, which is Digital Health Care Computers. I know Vince Silva's been on your guys' show before.
Yeah, sure.
Yep.
Awesome.
Awesome. Where are you from?
Oh, so I originated in Southern California. It's where I started. And then about probably like 15 or 16 years ago, I moved on up to Northern California.
So I'm- Okay, so you're in the US.
San Francisco, yeah.
Thank you.
For the rest of us in the country, it's just California. Exactly. We don't get that south and north.
It's liberal.
Well, we always like to start. How did you find out about teeth? Give us the story of Helen coming into the industry.
Yeah, so the most wildest thing, I was always like really afraid of dentists, you know, and I thought that they made the teeth theirselves.
So does everybody else still.
Right, like everyone else does. But so I had graduated high school and I was working at this like a club and one of the bouncers was walking me out and I just didn't love the place, it wasn't great. And I had just started there. It was about my first month. And he was walking me out to my car because that's what they did after he closed. And then he was like, hey, my mom has an opening as a driver if you're willing to do that. And they're like, oh yeah, I'm definitely willing to do that. Like anything to get out of here, right? And then, yeah, and then I started driving. I started in as a driver at my first dental.
So the, wait a minute, the bouncer's mom owned the lab?
Yeah, she owned a Crown A Bridge Dental Lab out in Silverton, California.
That's how I started. I was a driver too.
Oh, that's so awesome.
That's a great story.
I love it because, you know, you kind of learn all aspects of the industry and what we're doing.
Yeah, you're like, hurry up and get this case there in two minutes. And they get two hours away because the patient's flying to London and they need their teeth right now.
Right, one time I was hauling and I was like so nervous because I did see, you know, I got started to get pulled over. So I was like, oh my goodness, you know. But I was hauling because I needed to get there and get this case. the doctor was already hot. And it just worked out in my favor because it happened to be that officer's family member. So I just, I was on there.
Wait a minute. What? The officer that pulled you over, you had a family member's station there.
Yes.
And I'm like, shut up.
Isn't that wild? And I got out of the ticket because of the.
You've got to be kidding me right now.
How did that even come up?
It's like 410 episodes and we've never heard that.
It's just so funny because, you know, it's just how things work. And I, you know, I rolled down the window and gave him the registration and all that. And I told him, sorry, you know, I'm shaking. He's like, well, you got to calm down, you know, and don't stress out too bad. And I was like, it's my first time getting pulled over, but I know I was speeding, but I have to get this to the doctor's office. Like the patient's already in the chair. Brilliant.
That's the truth.
Yeah, and so I just, and I'm blurting out the doctor's name. I'm heading on to Doctor, you know, Southside, and then, yeah, and so he was his family's Dr. so he let me go.
That is probably the craziest thing I've ever heard.
That's so cool. That's so funny.
But while you're out there driving it, did you really know what it was or what you were delivering?
No, and so that's what it was, and that's where my passion is. I'll listen, so I'm glad you even brought that up because, you know, here I am just getting lost. But yeah, I started as a driver and then I worked my way up to the model room and I started trimming dyes and then I learned how to wax copings, but I just still didn't know the fundamentals. I didn't know why, really what we're doing and the end product. And it was, you know, some numbers of years back like 23 years ago and it wasn't as people weren't as forthcoming with information. And that's what I love about your guys' show and just about social media as well. It's like, we all have tools in our toolbox and we can all share, you know?
Yeah.
But yeah.
Did you want to get out of driving? Yeah, I know, I know. You gotta tell us that. Ask me to come out of driving.
Yeah, no, I just wanted.
How did that happen?
I just loved, like, so it was my passion immediately when I seen what they were doing. I didn't know why they were doing it, but I was just like, wow, this is so cool. And I just, you know, and I just spent all the time I could after work and then come in early and try and work with people. But again, people aren't as forthcoming, but I found a few, I got very blessed, a few people that were willing to, take me under their wing and give me a little bit more knowledge behind it. And then I just said, you know what? I need to go learn everything about this because that's just kind of how I am. I'll get curious and I'll dive in. And so I went to school for it for a couple years out in. Oh, wow.
Hey, who taught you?
His name was Dr. Beckstrom. He was from the Navy. He was just an amazing, yeah. He's like, I don't know where he is or if he's even still with us, but he was such an amazing guy. And we had a great time and I had to learn all the fundamentals about all the six specialties. And that at that time is when I fell in love with removables and dentures because Crown and bridge, I do. I mean, it's gorgeous. It's an art. But once you learn materials, limitations, you know, it's just like the parameters, it gets.
But what else can I do, right?
Yeah, I need some more challenge. So that's what brought me to dentures. And then I love the study of occlusion. So I went to Dawson and I studied at Pinky and, you know, the different occlusal theories. And it's so important for us technicians to really understand that because a lot of our doctors these days, what I have found You know is that we work with a lot of the schools and such and the dentists are graduating with less and less experience or confidence in doing dentures
Which is crazy to me because we're doing more and more dentures as we go for right learning less and less It doesn't make sense to me.
It is and when you really realize that it is so systematic I just hope that our whole country really like gets the full picture, because it is so systematic. If we don't have proper occlusion, that affects our posture, that affects our breathing, that affects our ability to go out and intermingle our confidence. It affects what we can eat, our health. So it is so very important, but we put so little attention to it in our healthcare system, I feel.
Yeah, so that's what's wrong with all of us.
It is. It's all screwed up. That's what I say to you, Barbara. Yeah. You know, and then, but the thing is, that then we have those labs that we're only training for production. You only want to, you know, train the technician to this level, but nothing further, because then you're going to pay them more and that's going to, you know, not work out well. But then we have the older generation that had all that knowledge. What I'm seeing is a lot of them are, they're aging out, they're going away. Now we are looking at this digital aspect, which I am so blessed that Vince helped me and pulled me along with that and really got me up to speed on that. And so I got certified for Exocad, and of course, 3Shape, I'm able to use that as well. But it's amazing what we can do digitally, but if we don't understand behind the computer, the why?
Yeah.
Are we really servicing our patients?
But the computer's gonna do it for us.
That's where we need our brains.
Right. That's.
Where it seems like, yeah, everywhere is trying to cut the technician out, but really, okay. No.
So how long were you in the lab before you went to school?
Oh, so I think, let's see, I was 18, at about, probably about three or four years before.
Oh, so you got some good real life experience work before you went to school. Because a lot of times we talk to people that like they start in school before they even work in a lab.
I know, which I kind of love that as well too.
Yeah.
All the walks, it's kind of, it's really awesome. But so I started just, on the bench and I had exactly no knowledge of the whys and what I needed to know, all the materials, just very limited. But I still got practical experience and that's so valuable.
And then when you got to school, I mean, was it easy for you? Was it challenging? Talk about that.
Yeah, you talked about that doctor, but like how many years, what courses? Sounds like you went through everything and fell in love with dentures. But what'd you think of everything else?
I mean, I absolutely love the morphology of teeth. I mean, I'm such a dang weirdo. I'm sure you guys are too. I feel like we're all in good company here.
Oh yeah.
We have to be weird.
Yeah.
The structure and the anatomy of a tooth is so gorgeous. And so like, I love morphology, but I will tell you, I have a couple, you know, a few learning disabilities. I'm dyslexic and I am a little ADHD, not a little just playing. I'm ADHD.
So I think we all have to have it. It's a journey to really do what we do. Don't worry, Helen. I mean, this is how we communicate.
This is home. We're all a good company here. We're all, yeah. So I just, you know, so learning the terminology was a bit challenging on top of, you know, I was younger and I had a young, very young family at the time. So I was in college while I was watching three kids.
My God, you left that out. How do you leave that out?
I know, they're so amazing. They're like the most, the greatest accomplishment, I swear, of my life are my kids. But I'm, yeah, we're here talking about dental, so I'm so passionate.
Oh, I know, but you were young, you were in school, and you had three little ones, so you must have fallen in love and had them early.
Yeah, so I met my spouse when I was around 13 or 14. So quite, yeah, quite young.
Oh, wow, yeah.
And just, you know, and then by the time I was, I think I was I was about 19 when we finally got married. But so I had these small kids and I'm watching them working and then also going to college. It was a challenge. But so I think that in school, the terminology gave me the most challenge just because of those barriers or challenges.
Yeah.
Hey, they're hard to pronounce words. Don't get, yeah, I'm right there with you.
It's like a different language, isn't it? I'm just like, what? Pretty much. So, that was, I think, my biggest challenge, but I absolutely fell in love with ortho. I just love bending fire.
Yeah, interesting.
Isn't that weird?
It is weird, most people don't.
Yeah, I wanna know.
I just love the bending wires. And I think that goes to speak to like kind of how my mind works. And that's why I ended up with specialty in implants, just loving puzzles. I love occlusion.
Parts and pieces. Yes.
You know, and just like diving into like the rabbit holes of everything. And so I just love bending the wires. You know, it's just not really as, no one could just pick it up and just, you think you bend wire here and it's gonna result in the difference. But you know, it's just really kind of tricky.
Well, every time you bend, something, it moves something. You have to visualize, right? That kind of turns me on saying that. So you bend it, you can't do this. I'm kidding. But you know what?
I'm not kidding, Barb. Don't worry. But serious. And then, okay, so after that is when I went into...
What was the name of that school? Are you still around?
No, unfortunately. And dang it, they were accredited when I started. And then by my last year, they had lost their accreditation. And that was their last year.
And so. Really? They closed the doors after you. They said, Helen's done and so are we.
Dropped the mic. Now I'm just playing. No, but I think that's our challenge right there, Elvis. And that's where my passion is today, is that really just giving the education back to the younger technicians. I love listening to your guys' podcast and on social media. I connect with a lot of technicians on IG. And anyone who's willing to learn what I have to say, I'm willing to, you know, give it to a show where I found it. Cause I always have the data to back it, you know?
Yeah.
But I don't think there's enough schools. No, that's for sure.
And I think that's what we're.
Looking at right now. It's like, it's like almost like a dying art because we have the digital aspect, which is amazing, but it feels like they're trying to edge the technician out. I get it. But at the end of it, we're really, not doing our whole, our whole industry a disservice by doing that. We're... Well, yeah.
I meant it when I said you need a brain.
Society.
Yeah.
Really? Yes, that's exactly it. And I just, that's what I'm saying. You guys have so much fun and you guys make it so spunky and you bring awareness. And that's what I love about you guys.
Aw. And **** *** a few people.
I was just saying. I know, I love your posts. Oh my goodness, some of them are so wild. I'm like, I want to repost all of them, but...
That's the biggest comment I get on the memes is I want to repost it, but I'm friends with some dentists.
Yeah, and they will not like that very much.
I'm like, Elvis, if you have the cojones, we'll let you guys have the cojones for us and just like it the best.
That's not me. That's the podcast. What are you talking about?
That's not me.
So how long was the school? Three years.
It was two years. And so I got. Two years, okay. Yeah. After that, I went on to, again, study more. Like, so I also studied dental sleep medicine.
Wow.
Yes, I love that too.
In that two years, or was that a separate?
No, no, It's basically just me going on about how nerdy I am for school. So, because the dental technology school was just the start. You know, it was two years. It was awesome. and it gave me understanding of all six specialties and the why behind and the materials so it's everything I base my you know my moving forward off of but it just got me like more hungry to know more so that's when I started being fortunate enough to be able to study like I went out to New York and did the flexible thing Wow when Val plus was out there you know.
Well wait wait wait what does that mean flexible thing talk to me well.
You know Val plast had a core on how to, you know, block out properly, how to fabricate flexibles properly, the length of the pallet, just kind of all of it, right? Right. They used to certify you, but now it's not really even like, you know, they don't really do that, I don't think.
That was back in the day.
Yeah, now I'm dating myself even more.
Well, you sound like you're 20, just saying. Well, thank you. And that's a very nice compliment. I'm not being a , but I'm. I'll take it. Yeah. Wow.
So who's sending you to all these courses? Are you doing it yourself or are you working for a lab that's... So a lot of it.
I invest in myself, but some of it when I was working at Micro, so for the dental sleep medicine, that was through Micro Dental.
Oh, you were with them for a while? Yeah. Okay.
And yeah, I was with them for quite some time and I've seen a lot. They're huge, you know, they're pretty big.
They are a big operation.
Who was the leader when you worked for them? Just curious.
It was Kim.
Yeah, okay.
Yeah, I love Kim.
That was like what, like 10 years ago or long ago?
Longer. That's 14 years ago. Yeah, time flies.
That's so crazy. I see her online. And I remember I went out to the micro and met them and their their whole team. And I guess you're right. It was like 1516 years ago, man.
You were out there and I didn't get to meet you.
Yeah, out there because they were looking at we were talking to each other corporately, you know what I mean? Wink, wink. And I just kind of went out and and saw the whole thing and was amazed by everything they did. That's great. But I do keep in contact with her. She was awesome.
She sure is. Yeah, I'm still in contact, like on, you know, Facebook or whatever. And she does some amazing things. She's just a beautiful woman, you know, through and through. And I've met some really great people over the years, Kim being one of them. And then also, the lady who's in charge now over there is Ricky. I think it's Ricky.
Ricky Brass. Well, she was with the NADL. We know her totally.
She's been on here so much.
Oh my goodness.
She's just. Yes, she's amazing.
Yeah.
So what'd you do for micro? Did you bend wire for him or?
No, I, yeah, a little bit, I guess. But I was first hired as their technical service representative. So it was only supposed to be for removables. But then again, like I told you, I like dive in. And since my background was crown and bridge, also, I worked well with the combination cases and the planning of those attachment cases, you know. So what does that mean?
Doctors have an issue and you're the one that talks to them about it.
Basically exactly that. It's just like all of the trouble cases or more complex cases, any of the, like I would have to do the rework analysis and find out the root cause and if it's us.
Well, how do you learn that?
I know, I'm saying I'm doing that now.
Two years of school, and let's be honest, school's not going to teach you all the. things we see on a daily basis.
By that time, I had already been managing a small lab. So, I mean, I kind of advanced really quickly in my career. I worked in the lab before school for about 3, four years. Then I went to school for about 2 years. Then after that, I was working again for about... Two and a half, three more years. And then when I moved out to the bay, it was to manage a small full service lab.
They just brought you in as manager.
Yeah, no. So what happened? No, they didn't. But they brought me in as like to train for their manager because unfortunately, yeah, the manager there was sick with cancer. And so she was going to. Yeah. So I mean, some really sad things, but at the same time, Just I got to build this amazing friendship with her and she taught me a lot as well. And it was just really amazing how that transpired. She just trained me on how to run a lab while she was doing it.
How did you like management? How did you like management? Delivery driver.
Yeah.
That's, I mean, that's the thing though, is that I really work well with management and I've done that for the last probably 15 years, even though, I mean, most recently someone had pointed out to me, they were like, oh, it looks like when I look at your resume, you flip from implant specialist to manager to team leader. But truly in all the 15 years and all of the 15 role or the roles I've been in the last 15 years have been management, have been teaching, have been training. I also get the opportunity to go to the college around here and speak with the dental students.
Oh, wow.
That's such an amazing experience, you know, even from the first years and like, you know, they have that little deer in the headlight look all the way on up to when they're about to graduate and they're just so confident and you get to see that look on them. And, and it's just amazing to see that whole thing and be able to partner with them and let them know, look, I'm just another tool for you. But if we can come together, partner and communicate together openly.
Teamwork.
Yeah, we're gonna make this great. And so that's been awesome. The last year or two, I've been doing a lot of like, we got opportunity to work with Zest closely for their locator fixed initiative. So we were at a lot of their Zest mastership courses, so I got to work with a lot of those doctors. and meet Dr. Massad, who is, just the godfather of restorable, and then Dr. Sherher, and just, to get to see these amazing people in their element and just kind of study their tools and their ways, and each, every, provider has a unique approach. And so it's helped me with my toolbox too, so that I can continue to partner with technicians and doctors alike, maybe like connect the dots, if you will.
It sounds like you're meeting some amazing people along this journey.
I know, I love it. And look, I'm here sitting here talking to you guys. I love that. I'm like, this is the goal. I'm excited.
But you're talking about doctors and going to Zest implant courses. Like who and how does that happen? Like does the doctor just say, hey, let's go to this or like what? How does that transpire?
No, so like the company that I'm with now, we, you know, we partnered with them as like, just kind of like the restorations part. And so when you're in the live tapings, of course, I'm a technician, if something goes down, you want me right there because I can just, you know, fix it really quick.
Heck yeah, you do.
And so that's why I got the opportunity to work over there with such amazing doctors because, you know, we're doing some live on their master mastership, I believe it's called courses over there. They do some live live patients.
So when they're doing live patients at you're the one that's making the prosthesis.
For those ones that we're invited to, absolutely, yeah. We're never getting to the restorations, and then that's why I'm there just in case, or even if we're converting. I had the opportunity to go to, let's see, another place called Pathways out in New Mexico. Have you heard of them? Yeah. Oh yeah. They're amazing. Yeah, they teach implant dentistry like crazy, and so I had the opportunity to go over there as well. For the locator fix, we were doing a lot of overdent Ensure conversions that day, and so I do that. I'll go to chair side with doctors, kind of like you, Elvis, and coach them on picking up housings or even... to be there for conversions day of.
It's crazy how nervous they are picking up a housing.
I know.
It's so funny to me.
I know. And that, but that's the rewarding part, right? Is that you see it on them in the beginning, but when you thoroughly explain to them and really they can grasp what the undercut is, what, where are the, where are the parts that could hang you up? What are we doing here? And then they're like, oh, that's so easy. You could just, I don't know.
And they're like, thank you. How come nobody's ever told me that?
Yes, and then they call you back in a week like, what did we do again?
Totally. I'm gonna need you again. It's the same thing. What are you talking about?
Yeah, but it just gets easier and easier, you know, each time. So that's pretty much what. I've been really passionate about the last year or two is just trying to gather more information to make our lives easier and pass that along.
Do us a favor and I never heard of ArcLine until I've of you. Yeah, but. It seems like seems like Arcaline's a pretty decent sized lab. Can you kind of hit on the story of them?
Yeah, actually, where are they? We know they're in California, but honestly, I've never heard of them.
Yeah, we're based out of San Jose, California. That's our headquarters and we are global operations. And so we work with some of our labs that are overseas and we have a few technicians here that, you know, handles some of the rush cases or the repairs or relines, but for the majority of it, we are working overseas. And so then I help guide and oversee the removables team and the implant team. If there's, like again, a complex case or something comes up, I help make sure that we're equipped with that. And then also just like I get a quality check to work and make sure that, you know, all the SOPs are being followed and everything is up to what we're... You're talking my language. You know, quality and standards and just making sure that everything we produce is to the best that we can, Do.
You ever go overseas to train the team?
So I haven't had the opportunity just yet. So a lot of it is done. So a couple of our employees, technicians have come over here and met with me here at the lab so that I can just do like, you know, That's fantastic. It is. It's so amazing. And then also with the technology of today, you know, we got videos, you can talk online like we're doing, you know, it's just like very easy to communicate in that way.
It's a global market.
It is, exactly. You can discuss cases from 1,000,000 miles away and you can still get it done right, hopefully. Anyway.
You're like, hopefully. Yeah, no, for the most part, it's pretty repeatable and amazing. You just follow the, you know, you gotta know the why and stick to not cutting corners anywhere. and just get the repeatable results. That's what I'm seeing.
How did you get hooked up with them? Did they find you online?
Yeah. So actually the last, I want to say the last four jobs, three jobs or four jobs I've had have been just like, I haven't applied for them. They've just like reached out and then it's just been kind of like an opportunity, like an opportune moment. So prior to working here, I was over at my micro dental again. So I went to micro dental and then I left, I worked there for probably like 5 years and then I left there and I had my own little, before that, let me reverse. I worked at Clear Choice.
Oh yeah.
Wow. So I was working clear choice for three years, and then I had my own little lab for a couple years, and I found out that I do not know how to build properly.
Oh God, none of us do, honestly. Geez.
Really, yeah, it's the billing part. I know, it's just the receiving part I wasn't really strong at. So, yeah. So then I ended up going back on in to working for someone, and I worked at another local lab, and then I was out there. Micro when my boss, Chris Conception from Arcline gave me a call. And it was just a really weird time. So over there, so at Micro, because one of our team members that had been there for so long had just left. And I was, you know, he was like my counterpart and I was like, in such shock, you know?
Yeah.
And so it just kind of happened like, and I had asked, you know, the manager at that time, you know, the direction and I wasn't, I didn't feel so comfortable. I wasn't.
I think that's the beauty of our industry is that it's so small. It really is a cottage industry. So if you know somebody or they've heard of you, there's so many opportunities. I'm not saying anything bad about any company, but it's like if you're not the fit or you might not feel like you are, it's like pivot and go here. And I think that's amazing that you meet all these people and you tie in all these relationships so you can go to a different place or a better place or whatever. You know what I'm trying to say, right?
And I'm still friends with all of my managers. Every single place that I've worked for, like I've put in my two-week notice and like it clear choice they weren't able to find someone. So I stayed an additional 3 months until they could finally go.
That was nice of you.
Oh my gosh. Yeah, no, I really, or I will give like, I have excellent, I love to network you guys. And so I keep a whole strong network of technicians at different skill levels. And you know, if ever I've got to go or you know, I see a need, I always like, hey, let me give you, let me connect to you. Yeah, so I just, it's a small community. I just never burn bridges. I really just try to be, you know, as nice and forthcoming as I can but you're like you're right Barb you can always pivot and yeah find your niche if you will.
And it sounds like you have and you did how did you like what do you put online obviously Elvis is more of the you know online Instagram person but like what are you doing that you're showing online that's getting everybody talking?
Well you know what Barb it's crazy because I just recently had stopped posting because you You really got to be careful. I was just posting, fun stuff about life, because I like to go out and ride my scooter, fly my little drone or whatever, just have fun on my offline. And then I have fun making restorations. So I record that, a fun little selfie, I did my hair a certain way or whatever. And then, that, but then it was crazy because my account kept getting hacked into.
Oh, really?
Was it you, Elvis?
No, come on now.
No, that's the wildest thing. Yeah, my account got hacked into a couple times. And the last time was like, it was rather scary because see, I was at work for a gala. a dental gal, like a gala for one of our...
Like dress up really beautiful and go party with dentists.
Yes, and I was like, exactly, and I was like so excited, and I got this message telling me from whoever had access to my account, have fun at your gala tonight.
Oh my god, that'd be weird.
Yeah, that freaked me out so bad. So recently I haven't been posting too much, But basically when I post, it's all just for fun and just like, showing what I'm doing that day and just trying to connect with our, fellow community out there.
And what'd you see, Elvis? Tell me.
I saw where you're on stage, you know, and you're speaking. I don't know who you're speaking to or where you're at, but that's what really grabbed my attention because, you know, that's going to mean you got a good story.
Yeah.
Oh, yeah. Well, I do. I get a lot of opportunities with our claim to go to, you know, like I said, to the master chips or to we hold a lot of courses here as well, CE courses for our doctors and with, you know, just different reps and companies. And so with my specialty, sometimes they like me to get up there and speak about workflow or, you know, just like, you know, Elvis and Barb, just some things of what we've seen and how we can avoid it.
So do you love that? Do you like getting on stage and talking to people or does that make you a little nervous?
It makes me hecka nervous, just like this podcast, but it's You've got to challenge yourself, right? Because that's how you have fun.
Wow, that's awesome.
That's a great answer.
What sort of things do you talk about? I mean, like with zest, do you talk about fabricating over the locator abutment and incorporating the housing and all that?
We talk about like, well, first off, I like to always start with denture fundamentals, you know, landmarks.
What? How could you? Going back to the good stuff.
As if you don't really know the fundamentals of just a complete denture, you really don't know enough to go on to over denture. And that's just how I feel. So I start with... the basics. And then I go from there. We talk about also, obviously the surgeons that are there are talking about the placement, but also, I like to educate myself on that as well. What's too close or what's ideal. And so I've also had the opportunity to work with code diagnostics and planning the on X surgeries and fabricating surgical guides. And so.
Oh my God, now you're talking.
Oh, Jesus. Podcast over. Here we go, Elvis.
Shut up. Love it.
Yes. And like, you know, and I love getting into those courses, Elvis. So if I can incorporate myself into any of those implant surgery courses, restoring courses, whatever they want to know, I'm there to help. You know, I want to know.
Yeah. So are you doing Doing stackable guides with co-diagnostic.
Over at Microdental, that's what we were doing here at Arkland. We do not.
Okay.
What is that? I don't even know what that is.
Well, it's when you get like a CBCT or, you know, scans, you plug it into the digital program and you're basically going to, you want to make sure that you're avoiding any of the nerves and the sinuses, you know, all the mental, all the important stuff.
Yeah.
That you have enough room to place the implant from if there's another tooth or another implant and you know just all that and you kind of plan out the whole guided surgery and then you'll then fabricate the stackable surgery guide that they'll use then to place in the mouth and then shows how much bone to reduce and they stack the next layer in it and it will show you placement which will also help if they want to with their burr depth, angulation, positioning, yeah. to get the ideal, you know, so that the implants are positioned in the most ideal position for the restorative and the bone.
I think we actually do them at my company, but I'm just a ceramist, not just. I don't get out much because I've got so much work that I don't go see that. It's so interesting to me. I love the word stackable.
Yeah. Is that what you, I mean, is that how you would describe it, Ellis?
Yeah.
Yeah, pretty much.
In a nutshell.
Yeah. It's kind of crazy when you really think about how much trust they put in us. So like, this is how much bone I want you to remove from this human body. And I'm going to say this much. And I'm just like, I shouldn't have this sort of power, but I guess I do.
Right? And that's... Pardon me, you got a frog. Take that out, Elvis. OMG. Please edit that out. Oh my goodness. Yeah. But yeah, that's what I'm seeing more and more Elvis. It's almost, it's exciting, but could be scary. I mean, in the wrong hands, you know, and I do see a lot of people that like to really think that they're doing great for the patient and the doctor. But when I really start asking the questions and finding out the why are you doing that, they really don't know the why. So that's the scariest part for me. Why I just really want to continue to like, if somebody wants to know, I want to teach them. And then I want to I found it because evidence there.
So I love the fact that you keep asking about the why. Where did that come from? Is that the book? Am I thinking of the guy of the book? Or is that just natural to you to ask what is your why?
Simon Sinek.
I know it's Simon Sinek. That's who it is. Just saying. Know your why?
Simon Sinek.
Right? Or no, Elvis.
I don't know. What are you talking about? Why you move my cheese?
Is that what? Oh, it's know your why. Okay, sorry.
Oh, no, I don't read.
You can take that out, but I'm curious. as to why you keep saying that. Where did you learn that? Because it intrigues me that you want to dig into that. And I find that very fascinating and important.
Well, because even for you, Barb, when you're putting that, you know, you're building your cusp and you're building all your... ridges and narrow blink. You're just want to know why, how does that affect the occlusion? If you don't know why, you don't know how much really. You're guessing, in my opinion. And that's why I think I just really love to get to the bottom of why we're doing it. Because also like what Elvis said, we have a lot of, I feel like a lot of other responsibility on our shoulders.
Yeah.
Because we're in the business, if you really think of it, of manufacturing, even though we have to know dentistry and we have to know physiology and all that stuff, we're really in manufacturing. So we have to know the specifications of the materials, their limitations, and--.
You've got to know the why.
Yeah, the contradictions, right? And then we also have to know for the medical side of it too.
Yeah.
Because we all took an oath not to harm anyone, you know? And I think that if you just do things not knowing why you're doing them, you can very easily harm people. unintentionally, but still.
And I think that does happen. And God forbid, we don't want it to, but I think it's lack of knowledge, things that you don't know, you haven't learned. And like you said, but you're going to wing it. And the patient doesn't know you're winging it. But yeah, there could be consequences to those actions. So I love that you're teaching it and you're building that message for people to actually know. It can't just reduce bone. I think, Elvis, you said it. It can't just reduce bone. You got to know where you're going.
In the real world. Yeah.
Just hack it away. Helen, do you ask yourself the why and everything in life or is it just dental?
No, I'm such an overthinker. No, I know Elvis. I am so daunting, but that's why I got to get out and have fun. I work hard, I play hard. And that's why. Because exactly I do. I'm such a damn why person. I'm so curious, I guess. I don't know. Yeah.
You talk a lot about teaching dentists. Do you ever teach technicians?
I do. I love to. And that's why, you know, and it's like but basically what I go back to are the main fundamentals because.
Yep.
They got to know them. Even our digital guys, they're amazing, and I love them. They have to know the beginning.
And not many people teach technicians the fundamentals anymore. I mean, it's a common complaint about all of our shows is, you know, you got all these people on stage, but no one's talking about the simple stuff.
Exactly. And, you know, 25 years ago, the dentist had to actually probably do like 4 full removable cases. And they really focused on that. But the more and more of advancement that they have to learn and know, less and less is the focus on that, and what I see a ton of, I'm sure you do too, Elvis, is... they're not confident and they don't wanna do it. And so you'll get something that just looks like it's just thrown together and the patient's not happy, the doctor's completely upset and they're just like, they tell that poor old lady, Well, go home, that's the best that you need.
Oh God, that's horrible.
That's so good. Instead of, This is the best I can do 'cause I'm limited, so I just, I don't know, that's where the passion of that Paul, teaching the dentist and the technicians, 'cause again, if the technicians, don't know who's going to continue to pass on that information that they rely on us for.
Yeah, what I see a lot is, I've had dentists tell me that they would much rather sell a crown than do a denture just because it's a one and done, you know, and it's easier billing. And a denture, they know it's going to take steps, it's going to take time, they're going to come back, and they just don't even want to bother anymore. And it seems like you need to change the insurance payout or something.
That's exactly Yes, Elvis, that's exactly what it is and that's why.
How do you even know that, Elvis? Where did that even come from? That was genius.
What do you think I'd do all day? You think I just.
Yes.
I listened to doctors. Me too.
Oh my goodness. Me too. And that's what I've heard too. And it's true, but I feel like, you know, it is, it's truly sad. That's why I said we really, the whole healthcare needs to be educated on how systematic and how important the dental industry is because removables are part of that. Oh yeah.
It's not going away.
Yeah. And they're disabled like completely. That's not going to come back.
And I've said this on the podcast a million times, but what we're doing is throwing plastic in a mouth and telling people good luck. When you're replacing a body part, and if someone loses a leg and they get a fake leg, they go to rehab for like 6 months.
Yeah.
With a denture? Nope. Here you go. Have fun. Good luck.
Good luck on those wandering bites, right, Elvis?
Yeah, just try eating. You'll find something you can eat. You just have to change the way you eat. I mean, like, what are we doing? I know, But I'm just here to about it. I'm not going to do anything about it. I'm just here to.
Oh, you're so funny. You sure are. I know. Now you're doing it. Yes, you are. What you guys are doing. You get to deal.
With those cases every day, don't you? Isn't that part of what you do?
Pretty much. Yeah.
So that's what you do too, Elvis, Same thing.
Right.
Yeah. I go chair side and I see these dentures, but I'm usually called in. After a few try-ins or after it's been delivered, it's just not working. And I'm like, well, what bite did we have the first time? And they're like, I don't know. And I'm like, well. A lot of it's just doing it over, slowing down, and getting the correct record.
Did they give you more analog records or digital or both when you're at that point where everything's screwed up?
Most of the dentists that I work with, I have pushed to digital. Because I'm able to get better records. Oh, that's great. I will agree that the dentures aren't as good looking. We could have that argument all day long. But when it comes to dentists getting records, I love digital.
Well, yeah. And even being able to retain those records, Elvis, because think about it. Look, this is someone, like you said, once we cut that bone, once we take those teeth out, we never have those records again. Those are gone before digital, right? And so that's what is so amazing about digital is, yeah, we can store that data and kind of see what were their habitual functions at that time and kind of draw back, like a reverse engineer in a sense. Because yeah, that's what I'm called to, Elvis, is when there's already been a couple try-ins or it's been processed, now there's some huge problem or something, and I get called in to go see what's going on. And most of the time you're all pretty unhappy when you first walk in. But I think that's the best thing, right? Is you figure it out and you've done these enough times and I have to that you kind of you see it. You're like, oh, okay, this is what that is.
Yeah, this is exactly what you did. You didn't do the bite block right.
That's the big thing. Oh my gosh. You go back to fundamentals and you're like, oh, you missed this very important step. And here's why you really need to do that. So that's where, again, I go back to my. I love that. My annoying whys. Yes.
This is what makes sense, doc.
Maybe that's what I need to get better at, because I just do it for them.
No, well, I guess, because then, hey, there's job security, right? But I just.
There is that. But I'm tired of going out there for the same thing.
I'm telling you. And so then that's what also why I love part of like DHC and just some of the technologies, you know, with like a scan of a QR code, you can have literally Elvis right there telling you how to do things. I mean, just technology. is wild with what you can do with it these days.
Oh yeah, for sure.
How did you adapt to technology? I mean, you came in through a school and you worked your way up through some smaller labs. I don't know if they had technology, but I imagine... The one you're with now and micro dental, I imagine they're big into it.
Oh, yeah. And when I remember just kind of watching technology as it grows, right, how big the milling machines were for zirconia guys. Do you remember that?
Oh, geez. That was the size of a room.
Yep, no doubt. Damn, yeah, it was all louder. So then, yeah, and now they're just like, you can have a whole room full and you can actually hear yourself think and it's not so huge. But so to your technology, the first time I touched a digital denture was approximately Fifteen years ago, I believe it was Alfro Dental with Kolzer, because the company Kolzer.
Oh yeah, the Polydental, the Palladenture, or it was like PA in LA or something.
Yeah, there you go, that's it, and so we were launching those. Before, truly, you know, well, anyways, before all the data was really there. So yeah, you know, we're really trying to run to the finish line, but I learned quite a bit because we launched it and I have to say it. I mean, there's no way around it. I'm trying to politically speak so I don't **** anyone off, but we launched. I do that every day. You do? I'm like, how do you edit this? I'm a lot of them. But that's how I learned though, is because I was thrown in the deep end and they launched it. And I was again, head of that team. And I was like getting calls from doctors, how do you take the bites? How are we gonna do the immediates? And at the time they had already launched it, but they didn't even have a way to do an immediate. So like it was really kind of underdeveloped in a way.
Yeah, and the ability to get the records. It wasn't quite there yet. And I mean, things were moving faster than other parts of it. And we had to go through the pains. I get that.
Yes. And thank goodness for the companies like and, you know, I have a dent and all that.
Yeah, I'm glad you went through all that pain because our.
Lab didn't do it. Well, no, just to get started, you know, to get it all started. Right. And so, yeah, we did that. And then and then from there, I helped Micro Dental get their sleep appliance. micro two out and so launched two. So I helped with the doctors and training them on the bite taking and all the records how to collect that data. And that was really digital. So I guess that was pretty much where I learned the first how to design the fully digital basically like splint, if you will.
Because what was that? A mandibular jaw moving forward device.
Yeah, MAD. Ventibular advancement device. Exactly. Yeah.
Or MAD. That's what I meant.
This is where Elvis starts to sound smarter.
Whatever. I just don't know sleep appliances. Sorry.
Well, this is your jam. I know you love talking about this stuff, but that's cool. I've never heard of that device ever, guys.
No, you haven't? Oh, they're out there. It's just, but I guess, yeah, it's like, it's not in the, well, you might need it in the Crown and Bridge. You might need it in the Crown and Bridge world, I'm sure.
You don't put ceramics on it.
No, I know, I think it's fascinating. You know, it's funny, I love this podcast, but every single time we have a guest on the Kellen, I learn more than you think, because I'm actually paying attention, I'm listening to YouTube geek out, and I'm like, wow, I, okay, let me visualize this and let me think about that. So, it's kind of like me being a person listening and I like it. So there you go.
And vice versa when we have a ceramist on and you all talk about color and hue and value.
I love that stuff.
I don't know what you're talking about.
See, that's why I love the whole thing because that's where I started too, Barb. I remember doing glazing and staining. I had to do like a piece work. So I had to do at least 100 crowns to even make.
Oh my God, just to make anything.
Make a mill. Yeah.
And they're done that. Yes.
So I kind of love the whole thing about it. But yeah, I'll geek out about probably removables and implants more than crown and bridge.
So what's next for you? So like, what are you doing right now? You're not going on Instagram because somebody stole your **** but what's exciting you right now?
I guess I might, I mean, I'll go back on Instagram. It's just, yeah, got to get.
Oh yeah.
I am messaging you on Instagram about coming on the podcast, right? We're not talking to whoever hacked your account, right?
Oh, no, I bought it back. I fully got it back. But that's why I started, I don't know, you might have noticed like less and less posted. That's kind of why, because I got a little shaky. I was like, oh, I don't blame you.
Feel that way too, man.
But also most exciting now is just really on the next part is, you know, photogrammetry is out there. It's kind of in all the scanners and I've worked a little bit with it here and there, but basically is just honing in on how to perfect more digital and aspect. And again, like we are there, but I still think that we can, we have so much room for improvement on acquiring data for like dentures or partials and such.
And do you have like a doctor that your lab works one-on-one with that you gather all the photos and all the information and you do some trial and error and some beta cases? You probably have several, don't you?
Yeah, it's kind of like there are a few, but basically we were just kind of, I suppose, Not one in specific, no, but there's a couple. And they cut, we get the courses and we get to see all the new scanners and all the new stuff. And so we get to play with it, and kind of dissect it and see how it works. So we can help our offices.
And get totally jazzed about what you do for a living. Yes.
I know, I'm so excited to see you guys at the next show. I think those are what really pumps me and keeps me going is, Getting to meet in person with all of my people out there, yeah. Just having fun, seeing what's new, what's old, and just like... mingling with our techniques.
Oh, 100%. What's your speaking schedule like for 2026? Are you booking up? Are you going out to Zest? Are you going out to Pathways?
Yeah, so this year we've only got a couple months scheduled out so far. And it looks pretty busy, but mostly it looks like I'll be here mainly in the bay. Maybe a little bit of Vegas, but mostly here in the bay and really just trying to, we built out our learning facility at Arquine, and it's really amazing. So we're inviting people to host courses here as well.
Oh, that's fantastic.
This year. I think definitely doing a lot of that.
Are you speaking in Chicago?
Not this year. Oh my goodness. No, not this year. Maybe next year. That's on my bucket list, but not yet.
Sounds like you have a ton to offer. I mean.
Oh, thank you. I just talk a lot, Elvis. That's all.
That's all speakers do, really. You've got to be able to talk a lot and just about something people want to hear.
And something you're passionate about and knowing the why behind it. I love that. There you go. I'm telling you. All this week, I'm going to say, do I know my why? I'm not being facetious or funny. I'm being sincere. Yes.
I do it, I do it too on a personal level, just because what you have to do what's right, even when no one's looking. If you know your why, you know what I mean? Even when you're tired, you're going to do what you need to do.
Yeah, and you're always going to be authentic and you're always going to do the right thing.
Well, you're always going to try, right? I think I'm an expert because I have made many mistakes. So I had to learn how to, reverse engineer and get on out of there.
So, yep, figure it out.
There's nothing wrong with learning from a mistake.
No doubt, that's for sure.
Right? Sometimes it's the most fun. I'm just saying.
Well, yay. No, it's great. Well, Helen, thank you so much. We appreciate you coming on the podcast. I had no idea just watching Instagram that You're so vast in dental lab.
I was so nervous because I was like, oh my goodness, I'm going to speak with Barb and Elvis. What the heck will I be able to say that's going to be great? But you guys really made me feel great.
So thank you very much.
Yay. Appreciate that.
Thank you so much. And I learned a lot. Just saying.
Will we see you in Chicago?
Yeah, I'm so I'm headed out to Chicago and then I'll be at Lab Day West too. Will you be?
Oh, perfect.
Awesome.
Well, we'll see you at the big bar then, I'm assuming so, right?
Oh, definitely, I'll come find you guys.
Awesome.
Well, thank you so much, and we'll see you, what, in about a month.
All right, we'll see you guys soon. I'll see you online too, thank you.
Thank you. Absolutely, thank you, have a great day.
Okay, bye-bye.
A huge thanks to Helen for coming on our podcast and telling your story. We still cannot get over you getting out of that speeding ticket. That's very amazing. It will be a story we will always remember. I personally love your passion for finding the why, I love the why, and always wanting to learn more about every single thing we do. We have always encouraged technicians on this podcast to take on self-learning, to better yourself, and you're the proof of what you can accomplish when you do. So cannot wait to see you in Chicago. Can't wait to see everybody in Chicago. Have a great cold week. Go snow.
And sign up for Cal Lab.
Yeah. Yes, please.
All right, everybody. That's all we got for you. Have a good one.
Have a good one. Bye. My happy is going to be up at 1 A.m. to see it. If it happens, I'll be there.
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.