Barbara Warner Wojdan, co-host of the Voices from the Bench podcast, will be back at exocad Insights conducting live interviews and connecting with technicians and clinicians from around the world. A longtime lab professional and industry leader, Barb brings decades of experience and a passion for storytelling to every conversation. In this exoBlog, she shares what takeaways she had from the last Insights in 2024 and what expectations she has for Insights 2026.
Q: Let’s start with your background. How did you get into dentistry?
A: My dad started a dental laboratory, so I grew up in it. After high school, I didn’t really have a plan, so he pushed me into the lab. I started in shipping as a driver and worked my way up. Once I found a technical role, I fell in love with it. I loved the people and the artistry. I’ve been in the same lab since I started at 19.
Q: How have you seen lab life change over time?
A: The biggest shift is digital. We were early adopters with mills and printing. It’s changed everything. You still use your hands, but now you’re using your brain in a different way with computers. It’s allowed technicians to take on more complex cases and get better at what they do.
Q: What has the Voices from the Bench podcast meant to you?
A: We’re going on almost nine years, and it’s enriched my life. We talk to technicians, manufacturers, and leaders and hear how they got into dentistry. Every interview leaves me with something new. We travel, we do interviews face to face, and every story is different but also very similar.
Q: Any interviews that stand out?
A: Interviewing Jim Glidewell was special. He’s very down to earth. We also interviewed exocad’s CEO Tillmann Steinbrecher at IDS, and that was remarkable. But honestly, they’re all meaningful in different ways.
Q: You’ve held leadership roles in the industry. How did that path develop?
A: My dad always told me to get involved. I started going to meetings early in my career. When the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology started, I knew I wanted to be part of it. From there, I got involved with NADL (National Association of Dental Laboratories). I enjoy giving back. It’s introduced me to people and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Q: How has hosting the podcast influenced you personally?
A: Hosting Voices from the Bench has helped me during times when I felt burned out. Some conversations really stick with you and give perspective. It’s not scripted. We just let it go where it goes, and that honesty resonates.
Q: How has digital dentistry changed collaboration between labs and clinicians?
A: Digital dentistry has made things much more collaborative. Doctors want to be involved in design now. We can share designs, make adjustments, and align on expectations before the final result. It leads to better outcomes the first time.
Q: You attended Insights previously. What stood out?
A: What stood out to me at the last exocad Insights was the energy. Bringing together technicians and dentists from around the world in one place is powerful. The collaboration, the learning, and the setting all make it a unique experience.
Q: What sets Insights apart from other events?
A: It’s focused on digital workflow and innovation. It’s not just about selling products. It’s about learning, improving, and bringing people together across roles.
Q: What are you looking forward to at Insights 2026?
A: Seeing familiar faces, meeting new people, and hearing from speakers like Seth Potter. The “Women in dentistry” lunch will be great. There are also fun activities outside the sessions, and the overall energy is always high.
Q: What should first-time Insights attendees expect?
A: They’ll walk away inspired. The event is well organized and packed with valuable content, from digital dentures to software to clinical insights. It’s a great learning experience.
Q: What are you hoping to learn more about?
A: I want to keep improving with exocad DentalCAD. Learning the ins and outs and getting tips from others is always valuable.
Q: What advice do you have for someone entering the dental lab field?
A: My advice to someone entering the dental lab field is to find a mentor. Use online resources and talk to people. If you put in the effort, your skills will grow quickly. It’s a great industry to be part of.
Q: What’s your favorite tooth?
A: The single central. I love the texture, translucency, and layering.
Q: If you weren’t in dentistry, what would you do?
A: I’d be a veterinarian. I love animals.
Q: One word for exocad?
A: Amazing.
Q: Where can attendees connect with you at Insights?
A: Come by the Voices from the Bench podcast booth. We’ll be doing live interviews all week. Anyone can stop by and share their story.
Barbara Warner Wojdan, CDT, AAACD, is president of Knight Dental Group in Oldsmar, Florida. With more than 25 years of experience in the dental laboratory industry, she is widely recognized as a leader in both business and technology. Barb serves as treasurer on the board of the National Association of Dental Laboratories and is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In 2011, she was named one of the “Top 25 Women of Dentistry” by Dental Products Report. She is also co-host of the Voices from the Bench podcast, where she has contributed to more than 400 episodes, sharing insights and stories from across the global dental community. Follow Voices from the Bench on Instagram.
by Caitlan Reeg
Writer at exocad
Caitlan Reeg spends her days telling the world about the innovations her colleagues create. She’s passionate about healthcare, technology, and the ways the two interact to improve our lives. A former journalist, Caitlan has worked on staff at Dow Jones Newswires in Frankfurt and at the national public radio program Marketplace in Los Angeles.
