The dental lab–dentist relationship has transformed dramatically over the past 25 years—and it’s evolving faster than ever. From the rise of digital workflows to the pressure of pricing and competition, today’s labs aren’t just making products, they’re providing services, designs, and collaborative support that shape the future of dentistry.

In this episode, T-Bone sits down with BJ Kowalski of RoeDentalLabs to talk about how technology, guided workflows, and AI are reshaping the way dentists and labs work together. You’ll learn why vertical integration doesn’t have to be overwhelming, how labs can meet you wherever you are in your digital journey, and why the future may be less about “working with a lab” and more about “working with a lab designer.”

From trial smiles to full arch workflows, discover the innovations that help dentists deliver better results, faster, while still keeping profitability in check.

@02:37 – How the dentist–lab relationship has shifted in the digital age

@05:29 – Full arch workflows and the rise of guided surgery

@10:08 – The impact of pricing pressures on digital dentistry

@17:00 – Milling, zirconia, and meeting dentists “where they are”

@23:15 – The future of digital smile design and trial smiles

@30:00 – Why collaboration is the key to better patient outcomes

@33:00 – How AI and automation are shaping the future of labs

Connect with Dr. Tarun Agarwal,DDS

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks

Who is Dr. Tarun Agarwal?

Dr. Tarun Agarwal, DDS is considered one of the top dentists in the country. He is a recognized speaker, author, and dental leader. He has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and News 14 Carolina. Dr. Agarwal has been awarded '40 under 40' Business Leaders by the Triangle Business Journal.

He is regularly invited to teach other dentists around the world and recently built a training center within the practice dedicated to sharing his expertise.

Most importantly he is a dedicated father of three wonderful children. His biggest accolade was being voted 'Best Dad in the World' by 2 of his 3 kids.

Do you ever wonder why some dental practices struggle with case acceptance—even when the clinical work is top-notch? Often, the real issue starts long before the patient ever sits in the chair. The truth is, your front office team may be unintentionally sabotaging big cases without even knowing it. From missed opportunities on the phone to using the wrong words with potential patients, these small mistakes can cost you thousands in lost revenue.

In this episode, we break down why your patient’s buying process begins the moment they call your practice—and how training your front office team could be the single most important investment you make this year. You’ll learn how to turn phone calls into powerful first impressions, frame conversations around benefits instead of fear, and set the stage for case acceptance before the consultation even begins.

@02:21 – Are You Training the Wrong Team Members First?

@03:59 – Why the Front Office Call Is Your True First Impression

@09:44 – Why Dentistry Has Changed and How to Adapt

@15:43 – Talking About Price Without Losing Patients

@26:42 – Winning the Case Before They Step Inside

Connect with Dr. Tarun Agarwal,DDS

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks

Who is Dr. Tarun Agarwal?

Dr. Tarun Agarwal, DDS is considered one of the top dentists in the country. He is a recognized speaker, author, and dental leader. He has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and News 14 Carolina. Dr. Agarwal has been awarded '40 under 40' Business Leaders by the Triangle Business Journal.

He is regularly invited to teach other dentists around the world and recently built a training center within the practice dedicated to sharing his expertise.

Most importantly he is a dedicated father of three wonderful children. His biggest accolade was being voted 'Best Dad in the World' by 2 of his 3 kids.

Do you find yourself running a dental practice with great clinical skills—but constant team conflict is draining your energy? Are you frustrated when staff nod in meetings, only for nothing to change later? Do you wish people just got it and kept up with your fast pace?

In this episode, we’re getting real about the emotional dynamics inside dental teams and why understanding personality types—especially using tools like the Enneagram—can be the breakthrough you didn’t know you needed. Our guest, Sarah Wallace of Enneagram MBA, helps decode why team communication fails, how leaders unintentionally demotivate great people, and how to tailor your leadership style to actually get buy-in, not burnout.

@06:04 - Why Saying "Yes" Changes Nothing

@10:15 - Direct Talk That Backfires

@19:00 - The Loyal Skeptic

@26:11 - Read Patients, Close More Cases

@34:52 - Ask This, Boost Case Acceptance

@45:59 - When Words Hurt, Not Help

Connect with Dr. Tarun Agarwal,DDS

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks

Who is Dr. Tarun Agarwal?

Dr. Tarun Agarwal, DDS is considered one of the top dentists in the country. He is a recognized speaker, author, and dental leader. He has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and News 14 Carolina. Dr. Agarwal has been awarded '40 under 40' Business Leaders by the Triangle Business Journal.

He is regularly invited to teach other dentists around the world and recently built a training center within the practice dedicated to sharing his expertise.

Most importantly he is a dedicated father of three wonderful children. His biggest accolade was being voted 'Best Dad in the World' by 2 of his 3 kids.