Introducing “Let’s Talk Lab” – the podcast series for technicians

Introducing...

“Let’s Talk Lab”

the podcast series for technicians

There is no question that podcasts have become one of the most popular forms of audio entertainment in recent years. There is an ever-growing catalogue of genres - such as comedy, sport, music, drama and current affairs - available to listen to on demand.

Podcasts create an independent space where contributors and listeners can gain an insight into just about any subject, but what is out there for dental technicians and lab owners?

Dentsply Sirona has something new to offer with “Let’s Talk Lab”, a brand-new podcast series dedicated to all things Lab.

A new viewpoint

“Let’s Talk Lab” is a podcast series where industry experts and peers come together to discuss the current and future landscape of the dental technologies industry. The episodes cover a multitude of topics, exploring how people are overcoming the increasing challenges facing the modern lab, how they are thriving by diversifying their offering, the future of digital dentistry and how to expand and develop a successful laboratory business.

Each episode invites a mix of dental technicians and professionals working in the lab today to discuss topics that matter most to them. Dental technicians have long played a pivotal role behind the scenes in the success of each dental practice, and this is the way to showcase this fact to the profession as a whole.

With no commercial agenda, Let’s Talk Live’s aim is to be a frank and open discussion about today’s lab industry.

Dental labs today

Episode one of “Let’s Talk Lab” features two industry heavyweights, Ashley Byrne and Steve Campbell, discussing their experiences as lab owners, the current state of the industry, the chronic staffing and recruitment issues they face, and how labs can safeguard their future by digitising their workflows.

Talking after the recording, Ashley Byrne commented, “Once I knew I was doing this podcast with Steve Campbell, who I really respect, and that there was no sales motive behind it, I was really happy to take part.

“We are all stressed and finding things very difficult at the moment. It’s a challenging industry and everyone’s looking for a bit of support. This is just a way of showing a bit of lab owner love to each other, and that’s what we have tried to get across in the podcast!

“I think this is a great opportunity and I hope more lab owners will get involved in podcasts like this. I’m interested to hear how other lab owners are feeling, how their work is going and the challenges they are facing. This isn’t an easy time for any business, but the more people who come forward with honest opinions, the better for all of us as an industry.

“There is more work out there than labs can currently handle. We have to invest in new technology to help us advance, but getting hold of dental technicians is a big, big problem. We are no longer competitors, and if we all get together and share our ideas and concepts through podcasts like this, we will become a better industry as a whole.”

The future of digital dentures

The second episode of “Let’s Talk Lab” sees Brian Fritsch, Global Director of Marketing and Development for Digital Lab at Dentsply Sirona, discussing the advancement of digital dentures with a focus on how the American market has embraced this workflow.

Dentures are “the last bastion hold-out of digitisation globally” according to Brian. While labs have been moving towards digital dentures for a considerable period of time, they are fast reaching a tipping point where they will have to become increasingly digital and adapt at a much faster rate.

Alongside this, Brian discusses the shortage of skilled dental technicians worldwide, with ever fewer people looking to join the industry. He talks about what needs to be done to tackle this problem and the role the industry must play to make it easier for labs to go digital and meet the production challenges of a decreasing workforce set against increasing demand.

Brian also believes that there is also a responsibility for lab owners and managers to recognise that the trend is changing. “Digital is not a threat, but a realistic method of manufacturing which also has the potential to become a competitive advantage.”

Get involved

“Let’s Talk Lab” is a platform to bring together technicians and lab owners from across the country to discuss the challenges facing the industry and explore new topics which are relevant to every lab.

There are four more thought-provoking episodes to come in this inaugural series. Dentsply Sirona invites you to subscribe, get connected and join the conversation too.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST SERIES NOW AT https://open.spotify.com/show/73DqBeO50osQxugwh8DRZO OR VIA YOUR PREFERRED PODCAST PLATFORM.