The Dental LABCast

Chet Geisel is a dental technician, educator and digital innovator. As a Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, he teaches fixed and removable prosthodontics and explores how technology can deepen learning.

Chet developed Dental Apptitude, an interactive learning tool, and Bench Hour, a CPD platform connecting professional development with laboratory practice. His work focuses on removable partial denture design, digital workflows and helping technicians build skills they can use at the bench

SUMMARY

In this episode, Chet Geisel shares his journey into dental technology, discussing the challenges he faced during his education and the transition to professional practice. The conversation explores the evolution of teaching methods in dental technology and the importance of adapting to industry changes while maintaining foundational skills. The conversation explores various aspects of dental education, focusing on the importance of understanding student perspectives, the significance of explaining the 'why' behind techniques, and the evolution of assessment methods. It also discusses the development of meaningful continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for technicians, the role of practical experience, and the balance between technology and traditional skills in the field. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of dental technology education, highlighting the integration of AI, the importance of adaptability in technicians, and the challenges faced in recruitment and education. It emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in training and the future of dental materials and techniques.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 01:01 Chet's Journey into Dental Technology
• 03:33 Initial Challenges in Learning
• 06:34 Transitioning from Education to Practice
• 10:09 Career Progression After Qualification
• 14:21 The Shift to Teaching
• 15:54 Keeping Up with Industry Changes
• 20:51 Balancing Education and Practical Skills
• 22:59 Evolving Standards in Dental Technology
• 26:01 Reflections on Changes in the Profession
• 28:38 Understanding Student Perspectives in Learning
• 30:08 The Importance of 'Why' in Education
• 32:01 Shifting Assessment Methods in Education
• 34:15 Innovations in Dental Education
• 39:55 Developing Meaningful CPD for Technicians
• 42:24 The Role of Practical Experience in CPD
• 49:11 Networking and Knowledge Sharing in Dental Technology
• 53:06 Balancing Technology and Traditional Skills
• 57:00 Navigating Challenges in Dental Technology Education
• 58:02 The Role of AI in Dental Design
• 01:00:00 Essential Skills for Future Technicians
• 01:00:55 The Evolution of Dental Materials and Techniques
• 01:01:58 The Digital Transformation in Dentistry
• 01:03:01 Addressing Recruitment Challenges in Dental Technology
• 01:04:53 Improving Dental Technology Education
• 01:08:07 The Future of Dental Technology Programs
• 01:10:06 Personal Aspirations and Industry Improvements

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Lola Welch is a dental technician, lecturer, and Lead Surgical Planner with over than 20 years of experience in implant-supported dental technology. She specialises in full-arch rehabilitation and guided surgery, working with clinicians around the world to plan complex implant cases and deliver predictable outcomes.

Passionate about education and innovation, Lola enjoys sharing practical knowledge through lectures, publications, and mentoring, helping clinicians and technicians embrace digital workflows with confidence.

Originally from Poland and now living in Northern Ireland, Lola is a CrossFit enthusiast, mum, and lifelong learner who believes the best results come from curiosity, collaboration, and never standing still.

Instagram - @all_about_the_gums

Episode Summary

In this episode, Lola Welch shares her journey into dental technology, detailing her early challenges, career transitions, and the embrace of digital dentistry. Her story highlights the importance of passion, adaptability, and continuous learning in achieving success in the dental field. In this conversation, Lola shares her journey of transitioning into a digital dental technician role, discussing the challenges and rewards of her career change. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the impact of digital technology in dentistry, and her experiences in education and lecturing. In this conversation, Lola shares her journey in dental technology, highlighting her unexpected creativity and the importance of recognition in the industry. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by technicians, the support for women in the field, and the future of dental technology careers.

Takeaways

• Passion drives career success
• Embrace digital dentistry opportunities Career transition success
• Importance of mentorship Creativity in unexpected places
• Recognition and support in the industry

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey into Dental Technology
• 06:27 Early Career Challenges
• 12:25 Learning Through Experience
• 20:43 Transitioning to Digital Dentistry
• 28:38 Career Growth and New Opportunities
• 36:59 Embracing Change in Career Paths
• 39:52 Navigating Family Dynamics and Relocation
• 43:57 The Value of Risk and Change
• 46:00 Challenges in Implant Planning
• 49:23 The Role of Mentorship in Dentistry
• 52:59 The Impact of Digital Technology on Dentistry
• 57:00 Building Relationships in Dental Teams
• 01:00:09 The Journey into Education and Lecturing
• 01:05:53 Navigating KOL Relationships and Credibility
• 01:09:34 Unveiling Creativity in Dental Technology
• 01:13:44 The Impact of Awards and Recognition
• 01:20:27 Navigating Challenges in the Industry
• 01:29:21 Empowering Women in Dental Technology
• 01:32:23 The Future of Dental Technology Careers

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Emily Pittard is a Clinical Dental Technician and co-director of The Hive Dental Clinic & Laboratory. With a passion for high-quality, patient-centred prosthetics, she combines clinical care with advanced dental technology to create bespoke solutions for patients, particularly those who may feel anxious or have complex needs.

Ella Pittard is co-director and Registered Manager of The Hive Dental Clinic & Laboratory. With a background in management and digital marketing, she oversees the business, compliance and patient experience, helping to ensure The Hive remains a welcoming, inclusive and forward-thinking dental business.

They are both co-founders of Nightshift and trustees for the Den-Tech Charity.

Instagram: @cdtemily

@eleanor.pittard

Website: www.thehivedental.co.uk

The conversation covers the journey of Emily and Eleanor in dental technology, from their individual career paths to their collaboration in setting up a dental laboratory and clinic. It explores the challenges and rewards of business ownership, as well as the dynamics and complexities within the dental industry. The discussion also highlights the unique challenges faced by CDTs and the regulatory requirements involved in setting up a dental laboratory and clinic. The conversation delves into the challenges and disruptions caused by the extended scope of practice in the dental industry, highlighting the impact on technicians, nurses, and therapists. It also explores the need for empowerment and fair compensation for all professionals involved. The conversation delves into the dynamics of team collaboration and the impact of technical knowledge on clinical practice. It explores the importance of mutual respect and collaboration between clinic and lab professionals, highlighting the role of innovative thinking and problem-solving in the dental industry. The conversation covers the themes of team collaboration, specialization in dental labs, marketing and branding, and cross-skilling and professional development. It delves into the importance of teamwork, the impact of specialization on dental labs, the role of marketing in branding, and the significance of cross-skilling and professional development in the industry. The conversation delves into the importance of employee loyalty and its impact on business growth. It also explores the significance of authenticity in social media marketing, highlighting common mistakes made in this area.

Chapters

• 00:00 Getting Into Dental Technology
• 02:27 Meeting and Working Together
• 03:23 Setting Up Their Own Business
• 05:02 Challenges of Business Ownership
• 06:09 Navigating Industry Dynamics
• 08:02 Challenges of CDTs and Industry Dynamics
• 12:17 Setting Up a Dental Laboratory and Clinic
• 24:32 Extended Scope of Practice and Industry Disruption
• 47:28 Team Dynamics and Collaboration
• 48:10 Innovative Thinking and Problem-Solving
• 50:57 Clinic and Lab Integration
• 01:23:13 Cross-Skilling and Professional Development
• 01:33:28 Employee Loyalty and Business Growth
• 01:35:18 Mistakes in Social Media Marketing

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Agata Bak is a master ceramist and owner of Black Pearl Dental Laboratory. Originally from Poland, she specializes in all-on-X restorations, single central shade matching, and aesthetic veneers. Passionate about dental technology, Agata enjoys sharing knowledge to advance the field. Outside of work, Agata enjoys being a new mum, loves hiking, travel, and cats.

Agata Bak shares her journey into dental technology, training, and the establishment of her own dental lab. She discusses the use of lithium disilicate and zirconia, as well as the challenges and considerations in working with these materials. The conversation also delves into the importance of client communication and the technical aspects of veneer and crown restoration. The conversation covers a range of topics related to dental materials, dentists' preferences, patient satisfaction, and the need for improved communication between dentists and technicians. It also delves into the challenges of material comparisons and the importance of accessible knowledge for technicians. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to dental technology, including testing materials, learning styles, back to basics approach, and the challenges of different dental disciplines. The discussion also delves into the importance of community, sharing knowledge, and the impact of space and equipment on a dental lab's capabilities.

Instagram - @agatabak.dt

Takeaways

• Dental technology training and career journey
• Challenges and considerations in working with lithium disilicate and zirconia Material comparisons are essential for understanding the differences and limitations of dental materials.
• Improved communication and collaboration between dentists and technicians are crucial for delivering high-quality dental restorations.
• Accessible knowledge and training courses are needed to bridge the gap between beginner and advanced knowledge in dental technology. Material testing and feedback
• Importance of accessible knowledge
• Challenges of different dental disciplines
• Community and knowledge sharing
• Impact of space and equipment on lab capabilities

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey into Dental Technology
• 01:23 Training and Career Development
• 02:37 Transition to the UK and Material Preferences
• 06:03 Establishing a Dental Lab
• 12:09 Client Communication and Material Considerations
• 23:24 Technical Aspects of Veneer and Crown Restoration
• 28:21 Dental Material Comparisons
• 29:18 Challenges in Dentist-Technician Communication
• 30:34 Patient Satisfaction and Aesthetic Demands
• 36:16 The Importance of Accessible Knowledge for Technicians
• 59:41 Understanding Zirconia and Yttria in Zirconia
• 01:00:11 Material Testing and Feedback
• 01:03:17 Learning Styles and Accessible Knowledge
• 01:04:16 Challenges of Different Dental Disciplines
• 01:07:24 Community and Knowledge Sharing
• 01:09:12 Impact of Space and Equipment on Lab Capabilities

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Rowland Gardner is the Head of Dental & Maxillofacial Technology at King’s College Hospital, Gillies Unit Sidcup, bringing over 54 years of experience in Dentistry across orthodontic technology, orthognathic planning, and implant‑retained prosthodontics. A skilled clinical practitioner in removable prosthodontics and therapy devices, he also spent 15 years as Lecturer and Principal Tutor at Guy’s Dental Hospital, teaching all dental technology specialities.

He holds advanced qualifications including Cert Ed (Dist) and Dip CDT RCS (Eng), is a member of the Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists and the College of General Dentistry, and is a double award‑winner at the 2013 FMC Laboratory Awards. With 15 years’ departmental leadership at Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup, Rowland continues to uphold excellence, innovation, and honour within the profession.

The conversation covers the journey of Roland Gardner in dental technology, from early career and training to the challenges and opportunities in the field. It explores the impact of education changes, the future of dental technology, and the transition to digital dentures and orthognathic surgery. The conversation delves into the evolution of dental technology, the impact of digitalization, and the personal journey and advice for young dental technicians. It provides insights into the changing landscape of dental technology, the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization, and the personal experiences and advice from a seasoned dental technician.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Dental Technology
• 00:31 Early Career and Training
• 03:01 Transition to Hospital Work
• 05:17 Challenges in Commercial Laboratories
• 06:29 Business Skills and Education
• 16:01 Impact of Education Changes
• 17:51 Hospital vs. Commercial Work
• 19:50 Apprenticeships and Education
• 26:32 The Future of Dental Technology
• 35:41 Orthognathic Surgery and Digital Dentures
• 41:12 The Changing Landscape of Dental Technology
• 46:11 The Impact of Digitalization
• 01:10:44 The Personal Journey and Advice for Young Dental Technicians

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Deepa is an award winning registered Dental technician with 15 years of experience in dental technology. Specialising in private dentistry for the past decade, she is passionate about creating highly aesthetic smiles with expertise in implant-retained dentures, acrylic hybrid prostheses and premium private dentures. Deepa is an international speaker, published author, social media educator, Den-Tech charity supporter & coordinator, KOL for Bredent and Co-Founder of Nightshift.

Instagram - @d_Mandalia & @calligraphybydee

web: www.nighshiftdentaltech.com

www.den-tech.org

The conversation covers Deepa's career journey in dental technology, from her initial introduction to the field to her experiences in the lab. It also delves into the topic of building confidence and the importance of effective communication in the dental technology field. The conversation highlights the importance of effective communication in the dental industry, emphasizing the need for clear and open communication between dentists and technicians. Additionally, the discussion delves into the challenges of balancing work and family life, showcasing the need for support and self-compassion in managing multiple responsibilities. The conversation covers the importance of communication in dental technology, the experience of skydiving and overcoming fears, and the balance between creative pursuits and work-life commitments. It emphasizes the role of passion and conviction in driving success.

Takeaways

• Career Journey
• Building Confidence Effective communication is essential in the dental industry
• Balancing work and family life requires support and self-compassion Communication is key
• Passion and conviction drive success

Chapters

• 00:00 Career Journey
• 15:58 Building Confidence
• 31:08 The Importance of Effective Communication
• 52:25 Balancing Work and Family Life
• 01:02:06 The Importance of Communication
• 01:07:30 Skydiving and Overcoming Fears
• 01:14:20 Creative Pursuits and Work-Life Balance

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Mark Ambridge shares his journey into dental technology, the evolution of the industry, and the impact of digital technologies on the profession. He also discusses the changing dynamics of work and the environmental implications of digital dentistry.

Takeaways

• Dental technology has evolved significantly over the years, with the introduction of digital technologies revolutionizing the industry.
• The transition to digital dentistry has impacted the way technicians work, offering new opportunities for remote work and changing the traditional workflow.

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey into Dental Technology
• 03:01 Transition to Dental Technology
• 06:00 Evolution of Dental Technology
• 15:28 Impact of Digital Technologies
• 21:04 Changing Dynamics of Work
• 29:03 Environmental Implications of Digital Dentistry

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If you missed us back in May at the DTS you can now catch up with our conversations we had in the Dental Pod. We have two parts to this episode kicking off part 1 and a very impactful conversation with Shaenna Loughnane.

Shaenna Loughnane is Chief Executive Officer of Bridge2Aid, where she leads work to improve access to oral healthcare in East Africa and the UK through locally led, sustainable partnerships. With over 20 years in the voluntary sector and a previous career building an award-winning healthcare business, she brings both strategic insight and hands-on experience to her role. Alongside this, she is Chair of The Keepers – Wotton Area Community Hub, volunteers with Cranfield Trust, and supports sector development through her role with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

The conversation covers the partnership between Bridge2Aid and Den-Tech, the impact of Den-Tech's involvement in training and mentorship, the role of dental therapists, challenges and solutions in dental care, and the impact on local communities. It also discusses volunteering and fundraising opportunities for those interested in supporting the cause.

Takeaways

• Training and education in oral health
• Partnership and collaboration

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Charity Overview
• 01:40 Partnership with Dentech
• 03:13 Impact of Dentech's Involvement
• 04:10 Role of Dental Therapists
• 05:27 Training and Collaboration
• 06:21 Dental Care in Tanzania
• 07:32 Challenges and Solutions
• 11:15 Training and Mentorship
• 13:10 Impact on Local Communities
• 26:45 Volunteering and Fundraising

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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

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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

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