The Dental LABCast

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.SummaryThe 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.TakeawaysClinical experience enhances dental technologyOpen communication between clinicians and technicians is crucialSocial media has facilitated knowledge sharing in the dental industry Understanding the challenges of working with new dentistsConsiderations for material costs and patient affordabilityThe importance of communication and teamwork in dental restorationThe role of software in dental technologyThe significance of material selection and adaptationThe future of dental technology and the integration of digital skillsChapters00:00 Understanding All-on-Four Cases and Planning43:08 Material Selection and Patient Affordability48:31 Software and Dental Technology01:07:32 Real Guide and Implant Stacking01:16:17 The Future of Dental Technology

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 professionalsIn 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.TakeawaysDental 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 TechniquesTeaching MethodsDigital TechnologiesIndustry ChallengesPatient ExperiencesChapters00:00 Introduction to Dental Technology05:06 Challenges of Clinical Dental Technology11:03 Patient-Centered Care and Appliance Design33:26 Clinical Techniques and Tools in Dental Technology39:00 Remote Learning and Mentorship in Dental Technology44:25 Extended Scope of Practice in Dental Technology50:17 Impact of Digital Technologies on Dental Technology58:00 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.TakeawaysCustom mouth guard makingLearning and innovation in dental technology Custom mouth guards require skill and techniqueUse of digital technologies in dental techChapters00:00 Introduction and Early Career05:47 Transition to Thermoforming11:54 Celebrity Clients and Compliance17:51 Equal Treatment and Visibility24:04 Learning Curve in Mouth Guard Making29:55 Assisting and Advising Other Technicians35:11 Practicing the Basics40:29 Preferred Materials for Mouth Guards52:30 Challenges in Artwork Creation57:50 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.TakeawaysDental technology career pathImpact of digital dentistry Dental technology is a future-proof career with a broad skill setThe impact of dental technology on people's lives is transformativeChapters00:00 Introduction to Dental Technology08:02 Skills and Qualifications30:37 The Future of Dental Technology36:04 The Evolving Role of Dental Technicians45:47 The Challenges and Rewards of Dental Technology53:16 The Versatility of Dental Technicians