Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Dental LABCast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| 03 - Studying Later in Life: The road to becoming a CDT | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:50:53 | |
Sean Ward is a Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) who qualified in dental technology at the age of 31 with a BTEC in Science, following an earlier career in engineering. He began his dental career in a commercial laboratory in Hexham before moving into a research technician role at Dundee Dental School, where he spent three years developing his technical and scientific expertise. He then returned to the commercial sector, specialising in denture work for over a decade and building extensive hands-on experience. Sean later went on to open his own dental laboratory, working closely within a dental practice environment. This allowed him to bridge the gap between laboratory work and clinical care, deepening his understanding of patient-focused dentistry and the full treatment journey. Alongside his clinical and technical work, Sean is also an Associate Tutor at Cardiff Metropolitan University, where he supports the next generation of dental professionals In this Episode: Sean Ward shares his journey into dental technology, the challenges of clinical dental technology, and the impact of patient interaction on appliance design. He also discusses the need for business education in dental courses and the importance of patient-centered care. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to dental technology, including clinical techniques, teaching methods, digital technologies, and industry challenges. Sean shares insights on patient experiences, clinical procedures, and the impact of digital advancements on the industry. Takeaways
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| 02 - Custom Mouthgaurds with Chris Golze | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:50:45 | |
The conversation with Chris Goltz, a custom mouth guard maker, covers his journey in the dental field, from early career experiences to the incorporation of artwork into mouth guards. Chris shares insights on working with high-profile athletes, continuous learning, and the importance of equal treatment in the industry. He also discusses the learning curve in mouth guard making and the value of trial and error in dental technology. Additionally, Chris reflects on his role in assisting and advising other technicians and considers the possibility of teaching a course in the future. The conversation covers a range of topics related to dental tech, including the challenges of transitioning to work, the potential for creating dental tech courses, the importance of proper mouth guard creation, the use of digital technologies, equipment and materials, preferred materials for mouth guards, adoption of digital technologies, challenges in artwork creation, artwork application techniques, and problem-solving in dental tech. The discussion also includes closing remarks and expressions of gratitude for the opportunity to share expertise and knowledge. Takeaways
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| 01 - Getting into Dental Technology with Edward Mapley | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:58:22 | |
The conversation covers the introduction to dental technology, the journey into the field, the artistry involved, the transition to digital dentistry, required skills and qualifications, training and career progression, and the future of dental technology. The conversation covers the broad skill set of dental technology, its transformative impact on people's lives, the evolving role of dental technicians, the importance of collaboration, the challenges and rewards of the profession, the future of dental technology, the versatility of dental technicians, and the value of dental technology in people's lives. Takeaways
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| 04 - From Dental Nurse to Digital Pioneer with Julia Glancey | 27 Apr 2026 | 01:16:17 | |
Julia Glancey is a remote digital dental designer with over 20 years’ experience in dentistry. She began as a head dental nurse, leading teams and managing clinics, before retraining as a dental technician—bringing valuable clinical insight into her technical work. She started in prosthetics, with strong experience in removable appliances, before specialising in implant restorations, particularly AOX case assessment, bridge design, and full-arch cases. Julia works across both analog and digital workflows and is proficient in Exocad, Zirkonzahn, and RealGuide, designing prosthetics, surgical guides, and diagnostic wax-ups. She is currently expanding her expertise in crown and bridge design. Alongside her technical career, she has extensive experience in leadership, team development, and performance management. She is passionate about teaching and believes continuous learning and openness to new perspectives are key to growth. Summary The conversation covers the reconnection of dental professionals, the transition from dental nurse to technician, the role of dental nurses, the impact of clinical experience, the importance of communication, learning and knowledge sharing, the transition to implant restorations, the power of social media, ethical considerations, and understanding all-on-four cases and planning. The conversation covered various themes including challenges in restorative dentistry, material selection and patient affordability, patient management and aesthetics, software and dental technology, material advancements and integration, real guide and implant stacking, and the future of dental technology. The discussion highlighted the importance of communication, teamwork, and the role of skilled technicians in the evolving landscape of dental technology. Takeaways
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| 05 - Built by Experience: Ceramics, Clinical Insight & Teaching the Craft with Dean Brew | 11 May 2026 | 01:14:43 | |
Dean Brew is a dental ceramist with over a decade of real-world clinical experience, working chairside with dentists and patients to understand what truly works in modern ceramics. Since 2010, and from an on-site lab in the North East of England since 2012, he has developed a hands-on, results-driven approach shaped by global training and daily clinical collaboration. His work is built on communication, precision, and seeing cases through from planning to final fit. Now delivering courses and mentorship, Dean shares practical, experience-led insights to help others improve their craft. With a growing focus on digital workflows like Exocad, his mission is simple: keep learning, keep evolving—and help others do the same. The conversation covers Dean Brew's career journey in dental technology, his learning and development, managing patient expectations, and the challenges of shade matching. From his early start in dental technology to his current role, Dean shares insights into the evolution of his career and the challenges he has faced. The discussion also delves into the importance of continuous learning, effective communication with patients and clinicians, and the complexities of shade matching in dental ceramics. The conversation delves into the complexities of shade matching and the Vita Shade Guide, as well as the challenges and considerations in dental material choices. It also explores the impact of on-site clinics, impression techniques, digital vs. analog workflow, material costs, and the dynamics of teaching and learning ceramics. The conversation covers the adaptation to new techniques and materials in dental ceramics, the transition to full contour and monolithic techniques, challenges in dental milling and material placement, the impact of digital tools and new materials on traditional methods, frustrations with pricing and quoting in the industry, and the influence of social media on aesthetic expectations and pricing. Takeaways
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| 06 From Digital Dentures to Community Leader: How Beth Built Her Career to Inspire a New Generation | 24 May 2026 | 01:12:47 | |
Bethany Brown is a Prosthetic and Digital Dental Technician who qualified in 2018 and earned her MSc in Dental Technology in 2023. Since starting her career in 2014, she has worked across NHS, private, and specialist laboratories, including orthodontics, digital full arch, denture clinics, and removable prosthetics. Her achievements include guest lecturing at universities, volunteering with Den-Tech Charity, and advocating for continued education in Dental Technology. In 2022, Bethany founded The Party Enamel, an inclusive platform supporting Dental Technicians through CPD courses, mentoring, and webinars. She also created Tech Talk, a global Dental Technology community and mobile app designed to connect technicians through shared resources, education, collaboration, and support. Bethany is passionate about helping professionals grow, building strong clinical relationships, and promoting lifelong learning through education and experience. Links: Socials @Thepartyenamel web: www.thepartyenamel.com Beth Brown, AKA The Party Enamel (TPE), shares her journey into dental technology, her vision for CPD, and the evolution of her teaching and training approach. She discusses her work experience in Australia, the impact of regulations, and the challenges of balancing work and passion. Beth also highlights the value of niche experiences, patient-centric work, and the self-taught process of digital dentistry. The conversation covers the evolution of knowledge sharing and mentorship in dental technology, the challenges and learning curve of transitioning to digital dentures, the role of ThreeShape in digital denture design, and the comparison of milled and 3D printed materials for digital dentures. It also addresses the impact of CPD and registration on knowledge sharing and the importance of starting small and building skills in digital denture technology. The conversation covers the themes of quality vs. cost in dentistry, changing perceptions of dentures, building a dental community, balancing work and personal life, and the future of dental technology. It explores the mindset of clinicians and patients, the stigma around dentures, social media engagement, work-life balance, and the impact of digital advancements on the industry. Takeaways
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| 08 - From Dental Lab to Film Set: The Bitemakers Story | 22 Jun 2026 | 01:21:28 | |
Dominic has been a dental technician for over 12 years, in which he has managed to carve out a career not just as a technician, exocad trainer, and an iTero clinical trainer , but also managing to start up his own business (Bitemakers Ltd) in 2017 making teeth for film and television. | |||
| 07 - Dentistry Behind Bars: Transforming Lives Inside a Women's Prison | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:57:58 | |
Christina Worle works as a general dentist in a women’s prison in South Gloucestershire. She is especially interested in the application of trauma informed dentistry and how to best care for patients who have suffered traumatic past life events which may make dentistry difficult for them. Christina is also the dental strategy clinical lead for Gloucestershire ICB and is passionate about representing primary care dentistry at an NHS leadership level and using her significant experience of working with socially excluded groups of people to improve oral health inequalities. She is also a trustee of the dental charity Den-Tech. Christina Worle shares her experience and insights into the world of prison dentistry, highlighting the unique challenges and limitations faced in providing dental care to incarcerated individuals. From security procedures and patient triage to treatment planning and lab relationships, Christina's work sheds light on the complexities of dental care within the prison system. Her emphasis on trauma-informed dentistry and the impact of dental care on patient confidence and quality of life provides valuable insights into the unique nature of prison dentistry. The conversation delves into the challenges of communication in prison dentistry, highlighting the limitations and barriers faced by dental technicians and practitioners. It also explores the impact of working in a prison environment on one's perspective and trust in society, shedding light on the emotional and ethical considerations involved in the work. Takeaways
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| 09 - The Real Story Behind Nina's Success, Confidence, Resilience & Self Belief. | 06 Jul 2026 | 01:39:57 | |
Nina Frketin is a Croatian dental technician who has spent the last 15 years in the UK perfecting work most people never notice and learning what that invisibility costs. Nina is the founder of Nightshift, a global community empowering women in dental technology, and a technician at Queensway Dental Laboratory. She mentors, teaches, writes and speaks internationally, not because she chases titles, but because she believes this craft deserves better visibility, fairer value, and healthier people. Award-winning, outspoken, and deeply committed to the technicians behind every smile, especially when no one’s looking. Links: Frketin Nina - Queensway Dental Laboratory | LinkedIn NINA | Dental Technician (@nina_f_dt) • Instagram photos and videos Summary In this inspiring interview, Nina shares her journey from Croatia to the UK, her passion for dental technology, and her efforts to empower women in the industry through Night Shift. Discover insights on building a career, overcoming challenges, and fostering community and confidence. In this engaging episode, Nina shares her journey in dental technology, her passion for empowering women, and her inspiring experiences from Uganda to international competitions. Discover how she overcomes imposter syndrome, builds supportive communities, and advocates for change in the industry. Chapters 00:00— Introduction and welcome to Nina02:30— From art to dental technology07:15— Moving from Croatia to the UK12:45— GDC registration and qualifying in the UK17:20— Why dentures became Nina’s passion22:00— The psychological side of dentures and patient care28:15— Confidence, judgment, and being a woman in dentistry36:22 — Community, mentorship, and the Night Shift platform44:05— Supporting women and overcoming imposter syndrome52:30— Nina’s volunteer work in Uganda with Dentec75:00— The impact of volunteering and cultural exchange85:00 — Competitions, awards, and lessons from challenging herself88:05— Self-love, authenticity, and supporting each other94:00 — Embracing imperfections and individuality99:15— Balancing passion, work, and personal life103:30— Future goals and inspiring technicians105:50 — A surprising personal fact about Nina106:25— Final thoughts and closing remarksMusic Licenced from Premium Beats. Licence ID: N7A69UNBLBBSE0S4 | |||