The Dental LABCast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

• Dental technology requires a combination of skill, experience, and continuous learning.
• Patient interaction and feedback play a crucial role in the design and development of dental appliances. Clinical Techniques
• Teaching Methods
• Digital Technologies
• Industry Challenges
• Patient Experiences

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Dental Technology
• 05:06 Challenges of Clinical Dental Technology
• 11:03 Patient-Centered Care and Appliance Design
• 33:26 Clinical Techniques and Tools in Dental Technology
• 39:00 Remote Learning and Mentorship in Dental Technology
• 44:25 Extended Scope of Practice in Dental Technology
• 50:17 Impact of Digital Technologies on Dental Technology
• 58:00 Rewarding Moments and Patient Experiences in Dental Technology

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

• Custom mouth guard making
• Learning and innovation in dental technology Custom mouth guards require skill and technique
• Use of digital technologies in dental tech

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Early Career
• 05:47 Transition to Thermoforming
• 11:54 Celebrity Clients and Compliance
• 17:51 Equal Treatment and Visibility
• 24:04 Learning Curve in Mouth Guard Making
• 29:55 Assisting and Advising Other Technicians
• 35:11 Practicing the Basics
• 40:29 Preferred Materials for Mouth Guards
• 52:30 Challenges in Artwork Creation
• 57:50 Problem-Solving in Dental Tech

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

• Dental technology career path
• Impact of digital dentistry Dental technology is a future-proof career with a broad skill set
• The impact of dental technology on people's lives is transformative

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Dental Technology
• 08:02 Skills and Qualifications
• 30:37 The Future of Dental Technology
• 36:04 The Evolving Role of Dental Technicians
• 45:47 The Challenges and Rewards of Dental Technology
• 53:16 The Versatility of Dental Technicians

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

• Clinical experience enhances dental technology
• Open communication between clinicians and technicians is crucial
• Social media has facilitated knowledge sharing in the dental industry Understanding the challenges of working with new dentists
• Considerations for material costs and patient affordability
• The importance of communication and teamwork in dental restoration
• The role of software in dental technology
• The significance of material selection and adaptation
• The future of dental technology and the integration of digital skills

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding All-on-Four Cases and Planning
• 43:08 Material Selection and Patient Affordability
• 48:31 Software and Dental Technology
• 01:07:32 Real Guide and Implant Stacking
• 01:16:17 The Future of Dental Technology

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

• Career journey
• Learning and development
• Patient expectations
• Shade matching challenges Understanding the complexity of shade matching and the Vita Shade Guide
• Challenges and considerations in dental material choices Adaptation to new techniques and materials
• Challenges in pricing and quoting for dental work

Chapters

• 00:00 Career Journey in Dental Technology
• 08:03 Patient Expectations
• 21:04 Shade Matching Challenges
• 31:13 Shade Matching and Vita Shade Guide
• 36:44 Impression Techniques and Material Preferences
• 42:00 Digital vs. Analog Workflow and Material Costs
• 55:14 Adaptation to New Techniques and Materials
• 01:02:38 Influence of Social Media on Aesthetic Expectations and Pricing

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

• Passion and delusion fuelled Beth's ability to manage a busy workload and pursue her career goals.
• Networking and community support played a crucial role in Beth's self-taught journey into digital dentistry and teaching.
• Beth's niche experiences and patient-centric work have shaped her approach to training and teaching, emphasizing the value of clinical experience for technicians. Evolution of mentorship and collaboration in dental technology
• Challenges and learning curve of transitioning to digital dentures Educating patients about dental materials is crucial.
• Building a supportive dental community is essential for growth.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Career Beginnings
• 06:15 Training and Course Design
• 13:34 Regulations and Work Experience in Australia
• 19:19 Work Experience in Different Sectors
• 24:43 Digital Dentistry and Learning Process
• 29:54 Sharing Knowledge and Mentorship
• 36:29 Learning Curve of Digital Dentures
• 41:55 3Shape and Digital Denture Design
• 49:25 Digital Denture Design and Materials
• 55:12 Digital Denture Materials
• 01:02:07 Building a Dental Community
• 01:13:08 Future of Dental Technology

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.

In this episode, Dominic shares his journey from retail management to becoming a renowned dental technician specializing in special effects for films. He discusses the integration of digital workflows, the challenges of breaking into the film industry, and the importance of combining technical expertise with creativity. In this engaging interview, Dominic shares his journey from dental technology to the film industry, revealing the complexities of prosthetic design, the importance of networking, and the realities of working in high-pressure environments. Discover how digital tools and traditional craftsmanship blend to create stunning effects, and gain insights into the passion and perseverance required for success.

keywords

Dental Technology, Film Effects, Digital Workflows, Special Effects, Industry Insights dental technology, prosthetics, film industry, digital dentistry, networking, special effects, career journey, craftsmanship, film production, dental innovations

key topics

Journey from retail to dental technology

Integration of digital workflows in special effects

Challenges of breaking into the film industry

Importance of technical expertise and creativity

Building a global network of film effects professionals Prosthetic design and craftsmanship

Digital tools and traditional techniques

Networking and reputation in the film industry

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dominic and His Journey

04:13 From Retail to Dental Technology: A Career Shift

11:47 The Birth of Bite Makers: Merging Passions

16:43 Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship

22:24 The Art and Science of Prosthetics in Film

28:17 Building a Network in the Film Industry

32:14 The Art of Horror Film Prosthetics

35:31 Digital Innovations in Dental Technology

40:12 Balancing Traditional and Digital Techniques

44:52 Challenges in Complex Cases

47:52 Collaboration with Makeup Artists

58:08 The Importance of Networking and Planning

59:06 The Importance of People Skills in Business

01:00:50 Networking: The Key to Success

01:04:12 Navigating Digital vs. Traditional Techniques

01:08:13 Misconceptions in the Film Industry

01:11:57 The Reality of Hard Work and Sacrifice

01:15:24 Behind the Scenes: Humorous Anecdotes

01:21:19 Outro end page.png

Instagram -@Bitemakers

Music Licenced from Premium Beats. Licence ID: N7A69UNBLBBSE0S4

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

• Prison dentistry involves treating patients with complex dental needs and trauma histories.
• The nature of prison dentistry presents unique challenges and limitations for dental care. Challenges of Communication
• Impact of Work on Perspective

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Prison Dentistry
• 07:05 Patient Care and Treatment Challenges
• 22:09 Clinical Dentistry and Lab Relationships
• 28:47 Shades, Impressions, and Digital Dentistry
• 38:36 Challenges of Communication in Prison Dentistry
• 46:23 Impact of Work on Perspective and Society

Music Licenced from Premium Beats. Licence ID: N7A69UNBLBBSE0S4

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:

Nightshift

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

Music Licenced from Premium Beats. Licence ID: N7A69UNBLBBSE0S4