Dr. Shashi Singhul invites dental laboratory community to LMT Lab Day Dr. Shashi Singhul: Voices of the Bench community Greetings. I am Dr. Shashi Singhul, Director of Education and Professional Services with iBolar Academy. I hope everyone is doing just amazing. I'm sure you are excited to be at LMT Day at Chicago. I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you to IBOLAR LMT Lab Day lectures. We have a still a lineup of guest speakers, some of the industry'biggest voices. 18 total programs over three full days. I will be sharing information on cementation protocols during my course, what your doctors need to know about cementation. Our goal is to provide you with great information in a fun and enjoyable setting. Lots of exciting stuff. So please come and join us. You can log on to labdate.com ioclerar that is labddate.com ioclar to see our lineup of lectures and to register for our, programs. Don't miss this opportunity. Come and see us. Thank you so much. Elvis: Welcome to Voices from the Bench, a dental laboratory podcast. Send us an email@infovoicesfrohebench uh.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Greetings and welcome to, episode 354, voices from the Bench. My name is Elvis. Barbara: My name's Barbara. Elvis: Still Barb, happy 2025. Barbara: Yes, sir. Here we are. Elvis: Yeah, it seems like you're starting it off with a cold. Barbara: It couldn't be any worse than last year, Elvis. Elvis: Yeah, that's true. Barbara: That's okay though. I'm all right. Elvis: I started the year with a dog that we had to take the emergency Vetus. Yeah, Cuppy hurt her back, so she's on crate rest and all drugged ups, which is fun. Noodles needed dental cleaning, so he's all drugged up. Barbara: It's just a house full of, thousand dollars dogs. Elvis: Very expensive, but very true. Very true. But they're all just kind of. They're all just kind of messed up in the head, just kind of laying around. Barbara: So we know we won't hear them today. Elvis: Unfortunately, probably not. Cuffy, the loud one is, you know, a little drugged up right now. LMT Lab Day Chicago is happening February 20th to 22nd Barbara: So what's going on? Elvis: Well, you know, we're excited for LMT Lab Day Chicago, which we can finally officially say that it's this year and we can actually say it's next month. Barbara: Yes, sir. Elvis: Super exciting. And as we've done for the last two lab days, the wonderful and spectacular people at Ivaclar, I've given Barb and I a really nice area to set up and record all the amazing people that go to this epic show. Barbara: Right on. Elvis: And to help get everyone Else excited for Lab day that's happening February 20th to the 22nd. We got to talk to two people from Ivaclar that tell us their journey and what to expect at the Ivaclar Ballroom. Barbara: Yeah, can't wait. Elvis: John Isherwood has done a lot of Ivaclar's PR and for 27 years he's helped them get the brand to where it is today. And in those 27 years, John has seen the company launch many successful and industry changing materials like Emacs prime and Iotan. Joining John is Pat Coonhn who joined the podcast last Lab Day. Now, Pats a fundamental part of making sure technicians are educated on all things Ivaclar. So together they weave the story of Ivacar to bring it to the celebration of 20 years. Of 20 years. T that nuts. Barbara: Yes. It's wonderful. Elvis: They talk about the early days, educating the industry. And the best part, we all talk about the grand ballroom that's being filled with 19 programs with some big names happening at LMT Lab Day Chicago. So join us as we chat with John Isherwood and Pat Coonhn, Voices from the bench, the interview. Barb and I are super excited today to have a conversation not only with one of our favorite companies, but to get into the hype for LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025. Elvis welcomes John Isherwood to the show on Thursday All right, so let's meet our guest, John Isherwood. How are you, sir? John Isherwood: I'm doing great. Thanks for having me. Elvis. Barb, Happy Thursday. Hope you guys are well. Elvis: Absolutely. We were all just complaining about how cold it is here in south Mississippi We were all just complaining about how cold it is, so just to get everyone kind of the idea of how close we're getting to Chicago. Barbara: Well, Chicago's always freezing, so, yep. John Isherwood: Bomby 37 in Buffalo. Elvis: I'm sitting here in Indiana. 30 in my first snowfall. Barbara: Oh, my God. Elvis: It's like 58 years. Barbara: So. Yeah. Elvis: And welcoming back to the podcast. And Pat, I think we talked at last years Chicago. Pat Coon, welcome back, sir. Patrick Kuhn: That's right. That's right, Elvis. Yes. Chicago, last year. and just so I can jump in, down here in south Mississippi, we are our first cold snap of the year and we're at 36 this morning. Barbara: So o, you're the reason Florida's cold because it hits you and we're about 55, which is super cold to me. Patrick Kuhn: Yep, yep. Elvis: And that's been your weather minute. Barbara: All right, Voices from the bench. You're welcome. John Ivalar is senior manager of corporate communications at Ivaclar Elvis: So, John, this is your first time. We've, communicated a lot. I want to start off. Barb and I both appreciate everything. Ivalar has done for us and the podcast. Yes, I know you have a lot to do with that and we can't thank you enough, but I think it's time everybody kind of hears your story. How did you end up at Ivaclar? What? John Isherwood: Your back. Thank you. Thank you. This actually next year is going to be year 27, so Im an Ivaclar lifer. I really am amazing company. You know, I thought, thought pre Covid being in healthcare, we were bulletproof. Right. And then Covid hit and I quickly learned that, you know, healthcare is not bulletproof, but it's been an amazing journey. U so prior to joining the IVAC clar, I'm a Buffalo guy, born and raised, married my high school sweetheart. I have two daughters. Both are expecting one. One's expecting at Christmas, the other Valentine's Day. So this is new. My wife retired in June. A lot of change. It's all good. but before joining ivacar, I've always been a PR guy. So I'm a, senior manager of corporate communications again where they have been wearing this hat for 27 years. But prior to that I worked in baseball and hockey. So we have a and u yeah, you know, it was a great ride. I learned a lot about things. Buffalo has a minor league baseball team. At the time when I was there, we were farm team for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Indians. Wow. Barbara: We did not know that. John Isherwood: Yeah, you know, you worked 15 hour days and I wasn't home a lot. I was very fortunate to graduate to the Buffalo Sabersm. I did that for one year. He realized hockey. Yeah, we have the Buffalo Sabers. I was a PR guy there in 1998 and I quickly realized my second daughter Lauren was born and I was traveling. I was not a good husband, a good father, and I just needed to kind of make a change. And I met the people at Ivaclar and forever grateful for, you know, it, it's, it's just a great industry, you know, and I've truly enjoyed it. I get up every day and Im excited to go to work. I don' I don't dread it at all. Elvis: What'd you do? PR for sports. Did you get to shoot the T shirt gun or something or how does that. John Isherwood: You know what? Maybe a couple times and I'll even be honest, I wore the mascot costume a few times. Elvis: Are you serious? That hilarious. John Isherwood: You know, but public relations and this was really pre Internet, just when computers were starting to have data, you know, I was using a calculator to create statistics and media guides and a PR guy. In the sports world, you're, you're babysitting the athletes. You're trying, especially in minor league baseball, you don't have the stars to promote, so you've got to promote fun. And, you know, we had just crazy promotions. And actually at the time, Buffalo was trying to get a major league team and that was a really cool experience. So I was working with a PR firm out of New York and Buffalo made a pitch and unfortunately we did not get it. The teams ended up going to Miami and Colorado. But it was a really cool process. the Rich family, a family here in Buffalo, owns the team. And I was just, I learned more that year about public relations than I did in college. I mean, it was just super inspiring. So anyways, that's my story. And, and you know, we love working with you guys as well. You guys are. This industry is amazing. It's all about people. And you know, that's my mo. My MO is all about, you know, treating people properly, with respect. And I think that comes back in two folds. Barbara: Well, you and I have known each other for years and years and years, and I echo, that sentiment. I love the industry as well and I love Ivaclar. I've always been a fan. How did you make the transition from hockey to IA Clark I've got a question for you though. You said you met the people at Ivaclar. Like, how did you. So what were you just interviewing? What kind of, how did you make that transition to that great company? John Isherwood: So while I was with the Sabers, the hockey, it was just a crazy time period. And so I just stepped away from it. And I actually went to work for a friend who owned a public relations company. So I was actually, before I joined IA Clark, just for a short period of time, I was with an agency and I was representing a dentist. And it was Children's Dental Health Month. And they wanted to see if I Havevacar would sponsor Childrennes Dental Health Month. So I came over here to Iaclar, made a pitch, reserved the money, got the. For the doctor. And then Mike Brennan, who was the vice president of marketing at the time, M. Mike pulled me aside and he said, yeah, I like you. Would you like to come work for us? And to be honest, its kind of a funny story. I said no because I had gone through so much transition and finally landed with a friend who owned a PR company. I didn't feel right. Then I came back a year later pitching Ivaclar again for more money. and at that point I Realized, you know, when you're. When you work for an agency situation. I represented like seven clients, and I could never know any of them very well. It was all surface pr. It wasn't. And I. And I. I realized that. And when I. Afterwards, Mike said, hey, I'm still looking for a guy. I'm like, really? Later, you know, u. And I've been here ever since, and it, like I said, it's been a blessing. Barbara: So that's cool that he asked you. And then you went back and then a year later you were like, yeah, the times right now. John Isherwood: Yep. Barbara: Good. John Isherwood: good. Yeah. Elvis: And what did you think walking into. I. I mean, it's got. It had to have been a whole new world for you. John Isherwood: Absolutely. I was a little, you know, I was a little nervous. I think public relations is. Is a standard process. Right. I just had to learn dentistry. And I was super fortunate at the time when I did join ivacl. Clar. Gary Severance. Gary was our director of professional communications. Barbara: Yeah. John Isherwood: And Gary's now with Shine, and he was my mentor. I mean, Gary is brilliant, and he just held my hand every step of the way and when I felt comfortable. And still to this day, you know, I try not to. To fake things. I'm not a dental technician. I try to give people a story the best I can. But. But also, you know, I was so fortunate to have Bob Ganley. I mean, Bob, you know, Bob's the guy who I really credit aesthetic dentistry. I mean, Bob made a pitch with Empress back in, you know, the late 1990s, early 2000s, about a promise for better dentistry with Empress. And, you know, he taught me. He was so inspiring. You know, his M.O. was, you know, create a memory. Whatever you do, you have eight seconds to make a connection with a customer. You need to create a memory. You know, and I still to this day practice that. And, you know, Bob. Bob was amazing. And I got to tell you, Bob loves Barb, right? He does. He. Barbara: Chico knows Barb love job. John Isherwood: But we're in Chicago one time and he stops me and he said, john, you need to get to know Barbara better. She is amazing. And so that's, you know, Barb mentioned that, you know, we've been talking for working together for 20 years, and she was on the ground floor with Empress and Emaxs and helped laboratories realize the opportunity with that. That product. And, you know, next year, it's really. It's really cool. Next year's 20 years of Emacs, and that's going to be a big theme for us in 2025. So, you know, again, I'm very fortunate that I had people like Gary and Bob Ganley to help me along the way. Elvis: Yeah, that's awesome. Barb has spoken very highly of Bob over the years. Barbara: Yeah. Because you know what, I got to say what John said, and I've never heard that with. You have eight seconds to create a memory. And I think any time that you can make an impact on a person and give them a memory. And I've never heard that John and I really love that and I would agree that that's what he does. He just inspired me to be a better technician and a better leader and a better person and really, really great fond memories of Bob. So yes, everybody knows I love Bob. Pat Clark started out in the Air Force as a dental assistant and technician Elvis: So Pat, we talked last year. Yes sir, we got your story. But let's give us a quick summary on how you ended up at Ivaclar again. Patrick Kuhn: Yeah, yeah. So my career started out in the Air Force as a dental assistant and then a lab technician. And I did that between active duty and civil service for 29 years. And then got lucky enough I was ready for a change, from the Air Force, life and got that great opportunity to come work for Ivaclar, as a technical consultant working non materials and, and workflows on the analog side. And then that's gradually, morphed over in the last 11 years to my current position as the senior field digital consultant, working on all digital materials and equipment and workflows and such. Barbara: So what was that like you to make that transition from analog into the digital world? Did you find it at all? We. Elvis: No. Patrick Kuhn: Oh, absolutely not, Barb. I did not fight it in the Air Force. back in 2005 I saw where SARIC was and we worked. In fact, I worked as the I was running the lab there at Keiesler Air Force Base and saw where digital was leading us and so I worked hard to get us one of the first digital systems withinlab and CEC3D in our clinic there at Kesler. So I saw where it was going back there in 2005 and just have been trying to worm my way into this world the entire time. So yeah, I came on with Ivaclar in 2013 to work on zirconia and digital even back then. But it was, you know, we didn't have a separate digital department. It was just somebody who needed to be able to work with, design and, and working with zirconia. So. But Then when, I saw what we were doing with digital denture in about 2014, 2015, I just weren t werened my way into it. I said, that's something I want to do. And I didn't let anybody tell me no. And I just, just working with it on my own to get, to get there. Elvis: So you just walked into the room and just started working in there like. John Isherwood: Yeah, basically. Patrick Kuhn: Basically, Bill Barton was, was working very, very hard. He's another one of our technicians. He was working very hard with our team in Liechtenstein. And I got. Would look over his shoulder and watch over his shoulder, while he was doing that. And then as soon as I could, I got the software and started playing with it myself. So just so that I could become as, as knowledgeable about it as I could. Elvis: You brought up a really interesting point. There was a time when IVAC car didn't have a separate digital. Yeah, at one point it broke off. Not maybe not broke off, but became like its own thing. At what point does ivocar say we need to focus certain people on digital? I mean, at what point does it become so big that it becomes its own thing? Patrick Kuhn: That's a good question. You know, we've had a Zirconia product in EMAC since 2005. I mean that was part of the original Emac system was our Zircad. But you know, it was all for Chairside and small things and things like that. But when we bought Vand or acquired Vand in 2013 and then started bringing. Elvis: That in, I tell you, we had one of those mills running for a decade. I mean. Oh yeah, that tiny little mill. John Isherwood: O ye. Yeah. Patrick Kuhn: Oh, that little Mini. That little Mini was, was a, was a workhorse. It was a workhorse for sure. But yeah, I think, I think they just decided that, you know, we brought them in and then, you know, we kept the Velan name for a few years but then decided that it needed to be I havevac Clark Digital. I think's what happened and to bring it under our name umbrella there. And that is slowly over the last few years, kind of disappeared a little bit. Just again with the very brandanding a couple years ago with, with everything, and just now everything is just Ivacar. So it's. I think it's just, you know, bring it back under the house and, and keep everything in under one umbrella. Elvis: So it didn't sound like anyone just threw a switch and things became digital. Sounds like it was kind of organically kind of just rolling into the next wave of what needed to be done? Patrick Kuhn: Yeah, I think so. John Isherwood: If I could add, you know, it was a, an evolving process. It was work in progress, you know. And as Pat mentioned, we're the branding now is strictly Avocar. At first it was hey, we're in digital now. I think people expect that. And it's still evolving partnerships with like Sprint Ray. We now have R and D teams in, in our corporate headquarters that are focused on printing materials. You know, that's the future and that's where we want to be. We want to be a partner in success with other companies to create materials and Yeah, yeah, we'll see what happens. In 2014, you guys jumped into digital dentures Barbara: So I was going to ask pat. So in 2014 was when you guys jumped into digital dentures. Patrick Kuhn: We've been working on digital denture for yeah, a decade at least. I mean I don't remember the exact date, it was 13 or 14, but it was all in the background and we were working three shape back then to help improve their denture module to get it to something that would, could actually produce a denture. you know, they had a denture module but there was nothing, no way to really produce it at that point. You could design it, but you really can produce anything. But we kind of worked with them to get that streamlined and make it so that we could get something produced with the software. So. Barbara: And in your opinion now it's 2024. Barbara: How far have we come? How far has I. Years. Patrick Kuhn: Light years. Light years for me. I mean, I mean I compare this all the time to the fixed world. You know, people don't think about digital dentistry until about 2004, 2005 with when SAH3D came out and for the chair side. But Saric has been around since 1989. I think it was doing stuff and it took you know, 25 years for that to really. Or right. Not 25 years, I guess, but 20 years almost for that to really gain any ground. And, and then of course we all know what happened when the 3D system came out in 2005. It just took off. But I think in the 10 years that we've been working on it and just since 2017 when we introduced it to the world that it has, which has only been seven years now. Yeah, we are about at that point where it is starting to really, really take off. Very much like it did for, for Ceric after, after, you know what, 15, 16 years. Barbara: Yeah, takes a little bit of time. Patrick Kuhn: Yeah, it does take time. It takes time for Those people on the bleeding edge of the technology to start, start doing it and then, you know, a few more people will get in on that cutting edge and get in on it. But, I think we're now where we're getting close to almost mass adoption. I mean it's not going to be. It's still a very small percentage of the dentures in the world that are being produced digitally, but it's in the U.S. it's a higher percentage than worldwide. the U.S. and Canada. Barbara: Well, why do you think that is? Patrick Kuhn: I think the folks here in the US are in Canada and North America are willing to take a little bit more chance. They're willing to see the opportunity that the digital denture world leads them into. they can see where the potential is in it, Europe and, and everything. They're a little bit more, a little more reserved. They're a little more reserved in what they want to do. But it is starting, it is starting to take off there. But I mean, I say it's. We're bigger than they are, but I mean we're talking, you know, 10% of the dentures here in the U.S. or probably digitally. I think it's about 5%, 6% in Europe. So it's, it's where they're not that far behind us. It's just. We're a little bit further ahead. Barbara: Good for us. Patrick Kuhn: Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. John Isherwood: Absolutely. So you mentioned in Lab Day when we talked about a printable emacs Elvis: So you mentioned in Lab Day when we talked about a printable emacs. Where are we at on that? Give us the goods. Patrick Kuhn: I couldn't tell you a whole lot more. I haven't. I know that they're still working on that, with them, but, I don't have a whole lot more information on it since then. unfort. Elvis: Still working on like, y. Patrick Kuhn: They're still working. I mean it absolutely takes time and it will be there. Elvis: So yeah, it will be exciting. Patrick Kuhn: Absolutely. Barbara Goddard: Emacs celebrating 20 years with Lab Day Chicago this weekend Barbara: So do you want to segue into Chicago? Patrick Kuhn: Yeah, absolutely. Barbara: Can we start celebrating? Patrick Kuhn: That's a good, good point. Elvis: Bringing up some information that I have. So let's talk about the upcoming Lab Day Chicago. So Barb and I, this will be our third year, that we'll be in your grand ballroom recording all weekend. But you all always put on a fantastic weekend. Barbara: Yeah. Elvis: What is going on this year? You mentioned the theme. Emacs 20 years. That's pretty cool. John Isherwood: Well, thank you guys. So actually this year, you know, we felt like over the last 10 years it is. We put, our heart and soul into that again. That's a Bob Ganley thing, like we're going to Chicago, we're gonna go big. This is what our customers deserve and that's what we do. But this year we're changing some things up so that big ballroom we'have air wall. The air wall will go up and on, one side of the ballroom will be Ivaclar Academy. So that'll be our main stage. We have 10, 10 different lectures scheduled over the three days. And then on the other side of the wall we're going to call it, it's going to have like a loungey vibe and we're going to have an area inside there where we're doing intimate learning experiences for like 40 or 50 people. One hour long programs. You'll see a showroom if you will. Our team and you know, just celebrating 20 years of Emacs with just fun, fun, fun, fun. And so, you know, that's really the M.O. and I think the lecture. We have 19 different programs in those two days. 21 different thought leaders, if you will, that are presenting and we're super excited. And to have you guys back three years in a row is outstanding. I mean you guys help carry the message and we truly appreciate it. Barbara: Oh, we love our setup at Iaclar. Honestly that has just been so good for us, because we've got these steady stream of, you know, technicians and leaders and they all just pop by. And I know Elvis loves it because we get about 20 hours worth of conversations. Elvis: I do love my content. John Isherwood: That's awesome. Barbara: You guys create a new and different experience every single year. It's got to be a team of least 10 people. What do you do, like a think tank and like what are we gonna do and what's our vision and like how does that all evolve? John Isherwood: So that's a complete synergy, Barb. You know, we have marketing, we have education, we have our customers. We, you know, we always talk about listen more than you speak. You have two ears, one mouth. And I think what we try to do is, and also lmt, they share the type of information that dental technicians want. You know, so, you know, we were thinking about hour and a half, two hour programs. Lt, said no people want one hour programs. You know, so there's so much education over those three days, but it'I get goosebumps thinking about it. The three days is hectic. But it's so much fun. It is so much fun. We do, we try to, it's that old Bob Ganley adage to create a memory. And you know, that room had Been pretty, pretty much the same thing. And that's why we tried to change it up this year. Elvis: And so you're gonna do hour long talks. Didn't Bob Gallley want you to have 8 second long talks? Wouldn't that be. John Isherwood: That's more of the elevator pitch kind of a concept. But yeah. So, and we do, we have great people, you know, we have some of our regular cast of characters and then we have some newbies. Elvis: Let's name drop. Who are we going to see up on stage this year? John Isherwood: So you know, we have the two different spaces. So maybe from the IVAC Clar Academy. This is the big ballroom where 200, 300 people can sit. We have. One of the things that we're going to be doing is an EMAX 20 panel discussion. Barb is going to join us. So Dr. George Tasowski will moderate. It'll be an hour long program. Dr. Ken Malamin will join us. He'll talk about kind of the research, of emacs over the years. Stephanie Goddard is s going to join us. Give us a perspective. Believe it or not, Glidewell next year is going to produce their 1 millionth emax lithium disilicate restoration. That is amazing. You know. So, the longevity that that material has had with Glidewell is outstanding. And Stephanie will share her point of view. Mike Roberts will join us. So Mike Roberts is the son of Matt Roberts, CMR Dental Laboratory out of Idaho. Matt retired a couple years and it's a really cool story. You talk about, you know, this product being around 20 years and just the, the generational shift of dad to son, you know, so he'll share that perspective. Jessica Burrell will join us. Jessica's a laboratory technician. She's got a fun story. You know, she created last year a documentary that, that she shared with consumers. You know, so Jessica looks at things very differently, I feel like then than a lot of laboratory dental technicians. So Juded Archibald will join us. Juded's got the nickname Professor Prime. Jed works with Gordon Christensen and many of the, the great dentists around the world. He's done a lot of research. For example, Dr. Ed McLaren and so this group'get together and Dr. Zasowski will just kind of go through the evolution of the material, maybe tease what's on the horizon and just talk about the product in workflows, the different materials, indications. And our goal is to celebrate that 20 years of EMAC. So you know, that's just one of the programs. Got Lee Callp coming Back to do a program. Yuki Moma will give you his take on our Prime Zirconia Yuki Moma. Yuki is just outstanding. He's a dental technician that's in Boston. He's actually in Japan lecturing for us now. He lectures all over the world. So he'll give you his take on, on our Prime Zirconia. Elvis: His name has dropped quite a bit on this podcast. John Isherwood: he's, he is salt of the earth. I tell you. He's the kindest and he, there's nothing he doesn't share. You know the secret sauce is. There's no secret sauce. Elvis: Try to schedule him to come and visit Usute. We'd love to have a conversation with him. John Isherwood: Absolutely. And maybe just to keep going like you know John Wilson. John joined the stage last year. John's back again this year. You know he's, he talks about purposeful design and he just, he's an inspiring guy. He too looks at things differently in the intimate learning area that now this is the smaller room. We're going toa have programs hosted by Janelle Tobacovic. So Janelle will do a program on our, on our Nexco product. we have one of our folks from Sean coming in, Dr. Benjamin Geardt. u He's going toa tell everybody about our new Iotan based print which is a material for printing primarily in this a Sega machine. But they're, they're working on other developments with Sprint, Ray as well and other companies. Pacoun's doing a program. I'll let maybe Pat kind of chime in but Pat's going to talk about what's new with our CAM software. Patrick Kuhn: Yeah, definitely. Yeah. Elvis: What are you talking about? What is new with the cam? Patrick Kuhn: So, so we're goingna talk about the we just released in October our latest version of our programl Cam has some great updates in it. Some new indications that people have been chiming in about and wanting are now included in the software Instead of having to try to create your own strategies to be able to mill those in the program mills. so they are now included with it and we're going to go over a lot of that and what else might be under the hood that can help our technicians on a daily basis as they're trying to get things cammed and produced. Elvis: Is PM M7 is that program mill what you mentioned? Patrick Kuhn: Program mill seven? Yes. John Isherwood: Ye. Patrick Kuhn: Yep. That's what the PM stands for. Elvis: No ideaep. That's fantastic. Yeah. Clark Academy and lounge will be smaller than previous LMT shows So what exactly is the difference between the Academy and then you say they're smaller. So what Is it just less people, more intimate with the instructor? John Isherwood: Yeah. So the Academy will be hour long programs that will be on the one side of the room where two to three hundred people will come. In the lounge area we're going to set up like 40 chairs so that it could be just, you know there's different ways to take in education and we just felt like these will be more like demos so and a chance for you know like Yuki'gonna do a program for a chance for people to just really get to say hello and thank them. U yeah so yeah, just just a different environment. Can't put everybody on the main stage because of time so we thought, you know we want to bring more programming to LMT Chicago. So this is new for us but we're super excited to, to try these little intimate learning sessions. They will as well be one hour long. Elvis: Yeah. Barbara: So did you guys have to get like twice the space or you just changing it and breaking it up a little differently? Is it sound? John Isherwood: No. So that ballroom, that ballroom'huge and we've always left the wall open. This year we're going toa close that wall and actually create two spaces. So you know you come down the escalator, you turn the corner, we're gonna open that door. So before you get to registration that door now will be open and people will be able to actually go into the one side of the room or the next side. There'll be a sign that will have the different programs and then traditionally people have entered across from the LMT registration area. Yeah, so this will be, you know why we didn't think about this years ago. I don't know U but this will be a little different and the stage is going to be so cool. I mean we're go going toa have lights talking about a DJ with intros just you know again trying to create that memory so that people enjoy what they're doing. Barbara: Yeah, yeah. Elvis: So to find Barb and I to find Barb and I are we in the door before registration or across from. John Isherwood: So you? Yeah, both. So the first, the first door will go into the IVAC Clare Academy. The second door which is kind of sits kitty corner to the registration area they're going to be able to enter there or across from lmt. So there'll be two doors open into the lounge area, one across from the LMT registration and then one is you go down the hallway before you get to it. So yes, that's how we're going toa separate the two rooms the first room that you'll cross, I have a Clark Academy, big lectures. Second room will be our lounge where we'll have our showroom of products where you guys will be and where we'll do these intimate learning sessions. Barbara: So you guys have a sweet spot. I mean, literally, you go down the escalator and bam, Iaclar is right there. Did you secure that spot for like 20 years? John Isherwood: Yeah, yeah, we've had that. You know, that'that's how mt rolls. And we appreciate that. You know, we the first writer refusal, you know, and kudos to lmt. You know, they, what they do for us in our profession is amazing. And you know, these shows we go to west and east in Chicago and it's, it's a great chance to get to see our customers. U. maybe a little tidbit on LMT as well. Next year they're going to do webinars, first time ever. So they're actually, I think Judy was waiting for the right time and her and her team now we're gonna do live webinars and on, on demand stuff. So, you know, they're all about education as well. So, so kudos to them. They're an amazing partner for sure. Barbara: Webinars at the show. John Isherwood: No, I mean just show. Yeah, after the show. So they're gonna have a platform next year and that's going to be one of their new offerings where I think it's going to be like on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 where den technicians can take a break and join in on a liveh, webinar. Barbara: Nice. You, you heard here, Everybody, I imagine. Elvis: I have a car is going toa be doing a few of those, I would hope. John Isherwood: Yeah, I did, I did. Thank you. I reserved a few. Barbara: Nice. Smart guy. Elvis: putting Pat on there. Pat, you got toa do a few. Patrick Kuhn: I haven't been asked yet, but, I'm always open, you know. John Isherwood: And I got to tell you, you know, Pat and the team back there, I knock on their door all the time and they're just amazing, you know how they treat our customers, you know, and me, you know, they, they never say no. So I might be putting you to work, Pat. Patrick Kuhn: All right. Hey, put me to work. Me, keep me employed. Pat is involved in almost 500 educational programs a year Elvis: So Pat, what do you do during Chicago because you're on stage for an hour is the rest of time just kind of customer service? Answering questions. Patrick Kuhn: Yeah're talking to customers about, the new digital equipment, answering questions, maybe helping troubleshoot something that might be happening to them. Back in the lab. but it's all about getting to know them a little bit better and doing what I can to, make their life easier. Elvis: Yeah. Barbara: Is that what you pretty much do like daily? Are you traveling to different labs and troubleshooting and helping and. Patrick Kuhn: I do, I do, yes. I Barb, I absolutely do that. I go into labs and help troubleshoot. When they're having an issue with prime or with a mill or with a printer or something of that nature. I will go out and teach. you know, my focus is mostly digital denture nowadays, but you know, I can do other classes as well. But, usually, I'll go out and do a couple days of digital denture training and holding their hand and trying to get them through the process of from scanning in impressions to outputting a denture things of that nature. And of course doing some courses at our academy locations, whether it's in Amherst or Mississauga in Ontario, or even out in Santa Fe Springs in the LA area. Barbara: Wow, you guys have three now? Patrick Kuhn: we've had three for a little while. Santa Fe Springs has been on the kind of the back burner for a little bit, but the u, the two at Amherst and Mississauga have been, running hard though. So. Barbara: Wow. John Isherwood: This whole, you know, post Covid and how people consume education with. You've got podcasts, webinars. Yeah, it's been tricky. But IVAC CLAR Academy is our education platform. And what that means is we have a portal where we, we have our own webinars where we have videos, tutorials. So that's another thing that Pat does. He's working with our team to create instruction for use or tips and tricks. And so if you go to our website, you can click on Ivaclar Academy. And it's an amazing resource. But IVAC CLAR Academy also includes brick and mortar. So these facilities that Pat talked about. And then in general, you know, when you, when you talk about what we do with dentists as well, we're involved in almost 500 different educational programs a year. That's 500. Barbara: Do you do. John Isherwood: When you talk about. It's, it's mind blowing. It's a team, you know, Dr. Singhal and Tabitha and our education team with Pat and in the, and the team of technicians and our docs, it's working with a, trade shows. It's working with continuums like clinical mastery and, and there's a bunch of them out there. Seattle study club, Panky, Dr. Brady, you know It's. It's an amazing network, and it's just, you know, that's step one, right? If you want to earn somebody's business, you have to teach them. You have to earn the respect. I think that's why that, for us, that's one. That's step one, and that's why we're so active in education, because nobody knows our products as well as we do. Elvis: Pat, do you ever have to teach, clinical. Patrick Kuhn: I have done some clinical courses, on Emacs and Ceric, but, Or Chairside, but. Yeah, I do that every once in a while. Once in a while, I'll talk to, a room full of dentists about, how to, get into the digital denture world and what the lab needs for the doctor to provide them to actually get this going. Because, you know, a lot of times they're unsure. They think that it's, completely different than what they're doing in the analog world. And truly it's not. Barbara: And let's be honest, they're not doing, you know, I'm not Dish and Dennis. But analog also has been difficult for them. Patrick Kuhn: Oh, absolutely. Barbara: They're not well trained, and they need a lot of hand holding and a lot of teaching that I would assume digital would scare the heck out of them. So that's great. You've got to add. You got to bring them together and say, hey, it's really not as hard as analog. I don't believe. Patrick Kuhn: No, I think once they get around the idea that, you know, especially with, a. You know, everybody's used to. If they're doing dentures, they're used to doing a wax try, and they're used to being able to move teeth Chairside and things like that. Most doctors don't, but, there are those ones that do. There's those ones that do. And. And that's the hardest thing for them to get around, is what do I do with that? And I tell them, you just learn to communicate just a little bit better. Tell the technician what you need. And. And they can handle that because they're not getting something in wax. They're getting a big, solid block of. Of resin to evaluate. Elvis: I always have to kind of emphasize that digital doesn't fix all the analog issues. Patrick Kuhn: No, no, no, it does not. No. If they can't take an impression, you know, or they miss something, that's going to be missed in digital just as well, you know, trying to teach them those basics and things like that to get a better product is where we're at. Elvis: So yeah, digital is not going to help you get a bite that a 15 year old edentulist patient doesn't have. It's not going toa fix that problem. But there's different ways to do it and there are. Yeah. And I imagine, you know, remembering our audience teaching to technicians is probably a little bit easier and fun. Patrick Kuhn: Yes, yes. Yeah. Oh, I, you know, I've love teaching to all audiences. I would say my favorite part of my job is the teaching and then second favorite is actually going into a lab and helping with, with an issue that they're having. Both of those are very customer forward type of situations we're getting in and talking to the technicians and the doctors and what the troubles are they're having and trying to, as m much as I can help them get past those issues and, and learn, to handle them better. S I just love doing that. Barbara: Yeah. Do you ever get together with other educators in other parts of the world Elvis: Well, on this topic of education, I mean, I know Ivaclar is, I mean it's global, right? I mean you're in basically every continent. Do you ever get together with the other educators in other parts of the world and kind of bounce ideas off each other or maybe kind of see what other people are teaching? Patrick Kuhn: We definitely do. We definitely do. We have usually once a year or so in several different areas we will have a, what we call a T andme meeting, a training and education meeting. In fact, I was just at one at the end of August in Liechtenstein with all of our digital masters from all over the world. So all of the other technicians that are doing digital training and education and support, we all got together for a week in Liechtenstein and Sean and learned what was new coming out and learned some new tricks with the new software, asked each other questions and help to figure out what's going on with this customer, that customer, and seeing how we could help them. But yeah, we do that at least once a year. John Isherwood: So you know, and maybe just add to that. Like Yuki is actually lecturing for us in Japan. Patrick Kuhn: Right. John Isherwood: He was in Mexico earlier this year. He was in Italy. One of the guys that we have a new person that we have on the stage in Chicago is u, his name is Mariano Morizi. So Mariano is out of Argentina. He has 85,000 followers on Insta. Barbara: Wow. John Isherwood: he has an amazing message and he, he too travels around the world to teach different protocols. But he's doing a program for us in Chicago called Aesthetics on Teeth and Gums. You know, a very simple title, but he has this technique he calls his cover makeup technique where he puts a thin layer of enamel on and through his process and protocols it helps with controlling surface texture and reflection of light. So I'm super excited that I think people will, will find his program just inspiring. He's a very, very neat guy. So. But yeah, there's a lot of synergy in all of this. All this. And I think we try to work the best we can to have, you know, a unified message I of a CL education globally. Barbara: So do you use Instagram and to, to find new texts and to see what, what techs are doing with your products? John Isherwood: Yes, I do. Barbara: You're like Elvis, awesome. John Isherwood: I mean, you know, it's, it is, you know, and, and that's one of the things I do. I go on insta every day and if somebody post a message I thank. you know, it's, they're, they're doing us a favor and you know, why do people post? They want that recognition and to me that's a no brainer. And actually another entree into Chicago. We have a gentleman that's going to lecture for us. That's how I found him, Barb. His name is Aaron Johnson. Aaron works at CMR Dental Lab with Mike Roberts and the guy does amazing work with our blue block. Outstanding. And so I texted him one day and said, hey, you want to join us in Chicago? And he said, yeah, you know, so there's some new blood. Barbara: so what's he do with the blue block? Give us a little hint. John Isherwood: He's a master. You know, he, I think the title of his program is Living in a world of Blue. So I love it at CMR Dental Lab. You know, they use, they're all in on emacs, the family of products they press, they cad, they do use the prime. I don't know exactly the protocols for what they use for each, but he's just goingna share his tips and tricks. You know, I think for him he's all in on the blue block. So Mike has him focus on dentistry with that. And they've just found the fit and, and they play with different settings. I think they're doing very thin veneers. So he's going to share a lot of that. And I think, you know, iocar right now we were really focused on, I think the industry is on zirconia. We don't want to lose sight of this animal called emac Lithium disilica. That really has been an amazing product for our industry for the, you know, the last 20 years. I mean, it's bulletproof. Right. You know, it's, it's just, you know, you don't. We don't get a lot of calls from people saying crowns are breaking, falling off. And, you know, that's why I work for Ivaclar, because we, we put the research in before we. We do the work, we test it. It's super important. Patients deserve that. Barbara: Yeah. And that's so true. I mean, I've been working with it for that long, and I swear, I very, very rarely see one come back for breakage. I mean, it's a hearty material. It works well. You guys have great R and D. And it's just, it's longevity. It's no doubt. It's 20 years. It's so exciting. So much we can do with it as well. John Isherwood: Yeah. Barbara Ivocar: Finding guests for this podcast is very difficult Thank you, Barb. Elvis: So I think it's important to note that this Aaron guy, he just tagged Ivocar on Instagram to get your attention. John Isherwood: No. So sometimes I'm there because I think. Elvis: A lot of people are doing this. Barbara: Yeah. John Isherwood: Yeah. You know, so it just depends, Elda. Sometimes I'm just kind of wandering. Sometimes people will tell me about somebody. you know, so same with Facebook. And then I'll just start to follow them, kind of see the behavior and what they're doing. and then if it makes sense. You know, sometimes we have thought leaders come to us that want to become full time educators and they want X amount of dollars. And that, that doesn't always work for us because as a dental professional, in our opinion, you can make, you should be. You'll make more money in the practice or in the laboratory than being a professional educator. Barbara: Yeah. John Isherwood: And so. And it's got to be right. You know, we've had some people come in and say, I can do this, this, and this for X yz. And it's. No, you know, it's really. It's about the passion and that kind of thing that we want to align ourselves with people that, you know, want to do good for the profession. So there's a vetting process and, it's worked out well. Barbara: Yeah, I mean, I like that message too. It's not for the money, it's not for the fame. It's because you love it. John Isherwood: Exactly. And that's where it has to start. Barbara: Yeah. John Isherwood: Has to start there. Elvis: It's very similar how we find guests for this podcast. John Isherwood: Yeah. Elvis: Other than, ah, nobody's asking for money because we don't have any. But we find you online, we see your passion and we Just want to talk to you. Talk about how prime aesthetics have changed the Ivaclar industry Barbara: So can we give Prime a shout out? Talk about prime and just the way it's changed the Ivaclar and the industry. Which one of you wants to talk about it? John Isherwood: I'll let the expert. Patrick Kuhn: Yeah, I mean, I mean, I think, you know, prime is, And especially now with, with the prime aesthetic, you know, being able to do just about 80% of anything you want to do in the lab with that prime aesthetic, you know, from single units up three unit bridges. And it is so nice coming out of the furnace, matching the shade guide. I think it's just made things so much simpler for technicians. If they learn to use it and, and use it well, I think it can make their life so much easier. It's just such a, I couldn't believe the product when I first saw it, you know, a couple years ago and at a meeting where they were introducing it to us. And and they compared. And this was back when we, when it was just prime and the, the 3Y, a little bit more opacious material. But, comparing it to, an Emax Press multi restoration side by side, it was hard for all of us technicians without looking at the inside of the restoration, to tell the difference between them. I mean, when we look at the inside, of course we can tell the difference because we can see the unglazed, zirconia. But, but otherwise it was very difficult for us to, to tell. And I think they're just. That product is something that is, Everybody is trying to, trying to duplicate now, where, you know, we're the first ones that had a multi Y restoration on the market. And now it's. Everybody is getting one. None of them have the gradient technology like we do, but it's, Everybody is trying to copy it now and. Barbara: Just clinically, the way, the way it photographs, I mean, you see these photographs and you're just like, wow, there's no way that Zirconia. No way. Patrick Kuhn: Yeah, it's amazing. It's amazing stuff. Elvis: So does it replace emacs? Patrick Kuhn: No, I would, I would never say that it would replace em, Max. I mean, it can get close in situations. and I will always say this to anybody that asks, you know, even if they're trying to get zirconia, if I get somebody in there, they're trying to match number eight to number nine on a full contour restoration with zirconia, I'm gonna say probably. Let's, you know, you should probably try something with some, some actual Glass in it, some, some emacs, something like that. Because that is going to give you a little bit more lifelike, you know, translucency and depth and such. Now if I'm doing, you know, a full mouth and you know, I am replacing, you know, number five through number 12, then everything is gonna match and I'm gonna make my life easier and it's gonna look fantastic, you know, being able to use prime, or prime aesthetics specifically to to get that. But if I'm doing that single central that I have got to match the tooth right next to it to a T. Emac is still gonna be my. It's still going toa be my go to. Barbara: And I like the way you can combine the cases and you can do your, you know, front six with emacs and then your, you know, your posteriors with the prime aesthetic and everything. Patrick Kuhn: Right? Yeah, yeah, because, because, yeah, because that's, you know, that's, that's really nice because like you said, as you're moving further back in the mouth, it gets a little bit, you know, less out of the aesthetic zone. So you don't notice that transition quite as much. Although, you know, it's even hard to tell that transition from one to the other. Barbara: Yeah. So that's what I always recommend when a doctor called. Well, when a doctor calls and says, hey, you know, I need some, you know, stronger posteriors, but I wanterior to be an emacs and it's a no brainer. Patrick Kuhn: Oh, absolutely. Barbara: I got the perfect material for you. And it photographs unbelievable. And it's strong and it's just, all day, every day. I recommend it. Patrick Kuhn: Yes, yes. Elvis: What do you use more of Barb, Em max or prime? Barbara: Oh, it's about half. Half and half. We do, I mean, we do more posteriors with, with the prime, but we do a ton of both. Emac has been around for 20 years and still has iconic lips Elvis: So you mentioned earlier we're getting ready to wrap up, but emac is on its 20 years. I have a long standing request to know whose lips are on the stickers. I have been asking on this podcast. I probably asked four or five different people and I've had a couple different answers. John, do you know this person? Do you know this story? John Isherwood: I don't. I recall it. Elvis: I was hoping, you know, I recall. John Isherwood: It, it being a patient out of seann. But I gotta tell you, those lips still are kind of the foundational brand of emacs. I mean that helped us tell that story. And I think once, you know, when we introduced dmax, it was this umbrella of materials. But a few years in, lithium disilicate just rose the top. Through some studies that were done through the NYU Dr. Mallamman and, and Van Thompson and they, they people started to realize that the lithium disilicate was just a special, special material. U and it's funny as we're the 20 years, we're thinking, how do we come back? You know, what is the branding of it? We're still going through that. That. But the lips in the magenta was super powerful. But Elvis. Next time we talk, I'll get you that answer. Elvis: That would be amazing. I think it was, maybe it was Lee Culp who told the story of how in marketing the lips were closed at the beginning and they slowly opened as it got closer to launch. Do you remember that? Is that true? John Isherwood: I don't. Elvis: I'm not going to say I'm obsessed about them, but I sounds like it a little bit. Barbara: I mean, it's pretty remarkable marketing when you're selling a material with lips and you're not even seeing teeth. But yet it took off and it obviously made an impact with Elvis and the rest of the industry for sure. Elvis: I think the reason it sticks out to me is because I started in this industry in the shipping department and I had to put those little stickers on every invoice of emacs that we did. And I just kept seeing these lips over and over and over and I just. Somebody did something right way back in the day and here it is 20 years later and I'm talking about it on a podcast. John Isherwood: So that's awesome. Elvis: I don't know if that says more about you or less about me. I'm not sure. Is Ivaclar launching some new products later this year Barbara: So I'm curious. everybody always launches something and I know you're not going to tell us, but in factuary, yeah, you will. Is Ivaclar launching some new things that you guys are going to announce then and obviously not now? John Isherwood: I think for us in Chicago, the Iotan based ##int is a big priority. Our new cam software, there are lots and lots of developments going on behind the scenes with other products. We'll have some product launches later this year. I think though, to be honest, really it's just spending time with our customers and I think, you know, our focus is Prime Zirconia Iotan and really just helping them understand these products the best they can and to be good at them. Barbara: Yeah. H and a celebration. John Isherwood: I think you a celebration. Barbara: Are you having a party? John Isherwood: Yeah, we're working on that. Yeah, we're talking about a that. Thank you. Thank you. I remember, I think it was two years ago we had the party and, a few of the girls, the ladies of the mills girl got up on stage with the band and we were dancing and it was. As a PR guy. I almost poop my pants. Right. You know, it's not a good thing, you know, like what's gonna happen here. But yeah. You know, which, again, I think our customers deserve that. It's a create a memory. And we haven't finalized plans, but we'll have something up our sleevet. Elvis: I remember how packed that party y you had like lightable ice cubes or something. Barbara: Glasses. John Isherwood: Ye. Elvis: Yeah. Barbara: And that's our memory. You see, you created, Elvis: Yeah, it took eight seconds for me to realize there's too many people here. John Isherwood: That's funny. Elvis: Well, gentlemen, thank you for coming on the podcast. Super excited. Not only just for lab day Chicago. I mean, every year I just get so excited to see all the friends and the people in the industry. But just thank you for giving us the space to do what Barb and I love to doeses. It really sounds like it's gonna be hard to keep Barb in her seat with all these speakers you have up. because she wants to go. Barbara: I'll do my. Elvis: Yeah, please. Barbara: Yeah. Elvis: U just. Thank you. Barbara: Yeah. Elvis: What you. Barbara: Thank you. And thank you Iaclar. John Isherwood: Yeah. And thank you back, you guys. You guys are tremendous service for our industry. You know, conversations are so important and, we truly appreciate, you know, letting us tell stories with you. Patrick Kuhn: Yesauul. Thank you for time. Elvis: Yeah, we'll see you all in, Chicago. Patrick Kuhn: Absolutely. Looking forward to it. John Isherwood: Yeah. Thank you guys. Barbara: Happy 20th Max. Patrick Kuhn: Thank you. Elvis: We'll talk to you soon. Thank you. Patrick Kuhn: Bye bye. John Isherwood: Bye bye. Ivoraclar is supporting the lab tech industry with its upcoming Chicago seminars Barbara: A huge thanks to John and Pat for coming on the podcast and to all of Ivaclar for you guys support of us and the industry. While many companies are tending to give more resources to the clinical side over the lab side, it is clear that Ivaclar sees the benefit of supporting our industry and we really hope that you can support them back. Take advantage of all the free education by hitting the academy tab@ivaclar.com. and of course, this should go without saying, but make sure you register for lmtab daychicago@lmtmag.com do come to the Ivaclar Ballroom right by the registration desk and say hi to us. Or come on the podcast and while you are there, take a lecture. They are going on all weekend or take a look at some of the amazing things that IVAC CL does to make us better technicians. Elvis: Now, let's not forget, Barb, you're on a panel during Chicago. Barbara: I know. Elvis: Yes. This is. This is a pretty nice lineup of some pretty smart people. I'd be intimidated if I was up on that stage. Barbara: No pressure. Elvis: So this is happening, what, Friday, three to four? Three to four? That's the 21st, so. Yeah, so make sure everybody come see Barbin or panel. John Isherwood: Yay. Elvis: And I think it's just talking about emacs, right? Barbara: Oh, yeah, we're celebrating. Talking, chatting about Emacs. Yes. 20 years. Elvis: That's cool. Make sure everyone goes to C, Barb. Barbara: To see a full lineup of speakers, check out lmtmag.comivaclar forward slash seminars. Or is there. Or is there a dash there somewhere? I don't know. Elvis: No, you're. You're'you're. Correct on your slash. Barbara: Thank God. I know. That was a lot of web address, so just check out this episode. Show notes for all of them. Elvis: Awesome. Everybody. Barb, I hope you feel better soon. Barbara: Thank you. Elvis: You're sounding a little nasy. Barbara: I am. I know. Elvis: Alri, right, everybody. That's all we got for you. Happy 2025, and we'll talk to you next week. Barbara: Ye. I'm gonna go run it off. Elvis: There you go. The hell with my knees and my cold. Patrick Kuhn: I'm going for a run. 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.