KOMET USA opens new headquarters
KOMET USA officially opened its new North American headquarters in Rock Hill, S.C., with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Southcross Corporate Center.
“Today’s event is the direct result of all the hard work and subsequent success experienced by the entire KOMET USA family,” said Warren A. White, chief operating officer of sales and marketing for KOMET USA. “Since we launched in at the start of 2007, we not only established ourselves within the U.S. dental market, but also made Rock Hill our home. We found a stable and extremely dedicated work force here, and it’s only fitting that we open our new headquarters in a community that has welcomed us with open arms.”
In attendance was KOMET’s worldwide chief executive officer, Klaus Rübesamen, who traveled from KOMET’s global headquarters in Lemgo, Germany.
KOMET USA’s new headquarters (10,000 square feet) more than doubles the size of its last office the company operated out of on South Anderson Road, also in Rock Hill. KOMET USA’s new mailing address will be 3042 Southcross Blvd., Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC, 29730.
3M forms Digital Oral Care Department
3M announces the creation of the 3M Digital Oral Care Department. The department is part of the 3M ESPE Division, with related reporting to 3M Unitek Orthodontic Division. Mark Farmer has been named general manager of the new unit.
Farmer, previously the global marketing director for 3M ESPE, successfully led the 3M ESPE dental consumables business for the last six years. Joining him to lead the digital research and development effort, David Frazee has been named the new unit’s technical director. Frazee previously led the Software, Electronic and Mechanical Systems (SEMS) Laboratory, one of 3M’s largest multipurpose product development corporate labs.
“We are very excited with the creation of this department and to have someone of Mark’s leadership skills and qualifications to drive our efforts in transforming key components of treatment planning for dentists and orthodontists around the world,” said Jeff Lavers, division vice president and general manager, 3M ESPE.
The intent of the new 3M Digital Oral Care department is to accelerate and strengthen 3M’s efforts to lead the digital transformation that is occurring in oral care.
Midmark restructures
Midmark Corporation recently announced several changes within its corporate structure. Among them are:
- Dr. Anne Eiting Klamar, Midmark’s president and chief executive officer, will devote more time to corporate strategy, innovation, and driving the company’s growth initiatives.
- Greg Blackmore will assume the new position of chief operating officer, North America, having previously served as senior vice president and group president, life sciences, for STERIS Corporation.
- Among those reporting to Blackmore are Eric Shirley of Midmark’s dental division, who is also a member of the Proofs Industry Experts Panel.
Midmark’s reorganization will allow a dual focus on growth in established markets and continued development of future markets.
OHA plans underway for Chicago
In celebration of the event’s 20th Anniversary, Oral Health America has chosen a dazzling new site for its annual Gala Dinner and Auction — Chicago’s historic Union Station. The night of the Gala has also been changed to Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010). The event raises funds to support educational and service programs designed to improve oral health.
The Oral Health America Gala, held each year during the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, is one of the dental industry’s premier networking events. It has become so popular that it sells out early. For this reason, organizers have set up an online reservation system at www.oralhealthamerica.org, so attendees can reserve their tickets early to avoid disappointment. The black tie optional evening features dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Oral Health America is also seeking event sponsors at the Gold ($3,000), Platinum ($5,000), and Diamond ($10,000) levels. In recognition of the Gala’s 20th anniversary, there will also be a special, one-time Anniversary level sponsorship available for $20,000.
The Oral Health America 20th Annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction will run from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday Feb. 24, 2010. Tickets are $285 each ($300 after Feb. 1, if still available); a table for 10 can be purchased for $2,500 ($2,750 after Feb. 1, if still available). To reserve tickets or to get information on sponsorships or donations please contact Joe Donohue at OHA by calling (312) 836-9900 or email [email protected].
Expodental happy with attendance
The 37th edition of International Expodental, held in October in Rome, saw roughly 22,000 people visit during the three-day show, organizers say.
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GC America begins expansion
GC America (GCA) has begun an expansion and renovation project. A 40-year resident in Alsip’s industrial community in Illinois, GCA is expanding its manufacturing facility by 25% to 100,000 square feet. The new facility will include a state-of-the art manufacturing plant.
A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held to kick off the expansion project. Alsip Mayor Patrick Kitching, Building Commissioner Mike Spongberg, State of Illinois Senator Edward Maloney, President and CEO GC Corporation Makoto Nakao, Director International Department GC Corporation Dr. Kiyotaka Nakao, Director International Business Dr. Jurgen Eberlein, and President and COO GC America Yutaka Suzuki were a few of the dignitaries in attendance.
In addition, GC Corporation (GCC) is transplanting one of its manufacturing plants from Japan to Alsip. This move will not only increase production in the United States, but will expand employment opportunities directly and indirectly, making GCA a leading global manufacturer.
“When other companies are moving manufacturing offshore, this transplant is a show of confidence in GCC’s U.S. subsidiary,” said Carolyn Van Eck, vice president and CFO of GCA.
Demandforce makes splash in Inc.
Inc. magazine has named Demandforce, Inc., a Web-based customer communication and reputational marketing software platform, one of the fastest-growing, privately held businesses in the United States. Demandforce makes its debut on the coveted annual list at No. 220 with three-year growth of 936.2%.
“We are proud to be recognized by Inc. magazine. The team of dedicated, hardworking individuals we have assembled, as well as the customers who had the faith and foresight to work with us from the beginning, are the reason we are on this list,” said Rick Berry, president of Demandforce. “We have already eclipsed our 2008 results and are ahead of plan in 2009. We look forward to continuing the accelerated growth in our existing markets as we begin to enter additional industries.”
DentaPure prices reduced
MRLB International, Inc. has announced that it has reduced recommended retail prices 30 to 60 percent on all of its DentaPure® Microbiological Water Purification System products for dental operatories. The price reduction was made possible through the use of new cost-saving manufacturing techniques. DentaPure products are completely produced, assembled, and manufactured in the United States.
“In today’s economic climate, we feel a responsibility to keep prices as low as possible,” said Barry Hammarback, president of MRLB International. “We provide economical solutions that allow dentists to protect their patients without having to make a major financial investment.”
Del Medical Imaging now under UMG
Del Global Technologies Corporation and United Marketing Group have entered into an agreement in principle to transfer certain assets and the product lines of Del Medical Imaging from Del Global to UMG.
Del Global Technologies Corporation is primarily engaged in the design, manufacture, and marketing of high-performance diagnostic imaging systems for medical, dental, and veterinary applications through the Del Medical Systems Group.
“UMG intends to continue to run Del Medical as a wholly-owned subsidiary, enhance the existing product line and maintain the collective current channels of distribution,” says Toufic Lorenzo, president and chief executive officer of United Marketing Group.
IQ Dental now part of ADC
IQ Dental Supply, a dental distributor based in Fairfield, N.J., has joined the American Dental Cooperative (ADC) membership group. This brings the total ADC membership to 33 full-service dental distributors.
IQ Dental Supply is focused on group practices. Their modern warehousing facility located in central New Jersey will now stock the Quala brand of dental products exclusive to ADC distributors.
Benco acquires Arizona-based distributor
Benco Dental has announced plans to acquire Arizona-based Dental Design & Supply Co. in early 2010.
Headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., Dental Design is a full-service distributor. Its employees will be retained by Benco to fully serve the Tucson and southern Arizona markets.
“The acquisition of Dental Design & Supply fits perfectly with our business and development strategy of seeking out like-minded companies who are intensely customer-focused and combining their strengths with our wide breadth of services and inherent efficiencies,” said Chuck Cohen, president of Benco.
Dental Design and its president, Rick Rogers, have been serving the Southern Arizona area for 26 years. Rogers and his entire team, which combines for over 50 years experience, will remain in their current positions with Benco.
Benco, Vatech ink pact
Benco Dental has announced a non-exclusive agreement to sell Vatech imaging products throughout the United States.
Vatech, in alignment with the new agreement, will showcase its digital radiography equipment as part of Benco’s CenterPoint showroom. Scheduled to open in early 2010, the 272,000-square-foot distribution center and showroom will house 24 live operatories as well as an X-ray suite with 13 fully functional digital X-ray machines where Vatech equipment will be available for visiting customers to operate and test.
“This partnership is a complimentary relationship,” said Peter Steinhausen, Vatech’s vice president of dealer relations. “Such an agreement is unique in that it allows each company to take advantage of the strengths of the other.”
GNYDM installs new chairman
The Greater New York Dental Meeting has announced that Dr. John R. Halikias has been elected General Chairman for the years 2010 and 2011. As the largest dental convention, exposition, and congress in the United States, the meeting continues to attract more than 57,000 attendees, including 17,000 dentists from all 50 U.S. states and 118 countries.
Dr. Halikias has served the Greater New York Dental Meeting for more than 25 years. In addition, he was president of the Second District Dental Society, one of the sponsors of the meeting.
3M ESPE’s RelyX™ hits milestone
3M ESPE announces the production of the 50 millionth capsule of RelyX™ Unicem Self-Adhesive Universal Resin Cement. The first-ever self-adhesive resin cement has proven its value in millions of applications around the globe.
Since its launch in 2002, an ever-increasing number of users trust the world market leader RelyX Unicem cement.
“The significant number of capsules produced during the last seven years reflects the outstanding reliability and clinical performance of RelyX Unicem cement,” said Jeffrey R. Lavers, division vice president for 3M ESPE. “A combination of tradition and innovation, long-term experience, and new ideas are key to the cement’s success. Its unique chemistry will secure our product a leading position in future markets as well.”
Colgate hygienist board convenes
As part of its longstanding commitment to improving oral health, Colgate-Palmolive Company has established an Oral Health Advisory Board comprised of dental hygienists in the U.S. The board is comprised of eight dental hygienists and two hygiene students from a wide range of communities across the U.S. and will work with Colgate to find ways to more effectively reach patients in their communities.
The inaugural meeting with the 10 founding members was held in New York City in October — providing the board with the opportunity to share their ideas on providing optimal oral care to patients. The board members met with top Oral Care leaders at Colgate in New York City, as well as at the company’s global Colgate Research and Technology Center in Piscataway, N.J.
The six practicing hygienists on the board were selected to be on the board based on the recognition submitted by their patients, volunteer outreach efforts and commitment to dental hygiene. The two dental hygiene students were selected based on essays submitted on the topic “The value of a specific toothpaste recommendation for your patients’ home care regimen.” Two dental hygiene author/lecturers complete the board’s composition.
Board members include Jeri Lynn Coenen (Rogers, Ark.), Davina Craig (Seattle), Laura Giusti (Commack, N.Y.), Shelley Johns (Beavercreek, Ohio), Beatriz Lefran (Miami), LaHoma Martin (Hattiesburg, Miss.), Christine Saraceno (West Haven, Conn.), Tabbatha “Shae” White (Colorado City, Texas), Ann Eshenaur Spolarich (Cave Creek, Ariz.), and Dianne Glasscoe Watterson (Frederick, Md.).
Schein makes donations to OHA
Henry Schein, Inc., presented Oral Health America (OHA) with a $10,000 donation at the Greater New York Dental Meeting. The grant will help OHA fulfill its mission to change lives by connecting communities with resources to increase access to dental care, education, and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable.
At the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Henry Schein also unveiled a new logo for Oral Health America. The new design aims to clarify OHA as the American public’s advocate for oral health, support and communicate its new mission, and highlight oral health as an important component of one’s overall health and wellbeing. After much collaboration to understand OHA’s goals, Henry Schein created a logo featuring a simple, bold figure to convey the importance of taking a proactive stance with respect to both oral and total health. Oral Health America has partnered with Henry Schein since 1994, when the company designed OHA’s previous logo.
“Henry Schein’s new logo design for Oral Health America is an especially meaningful gift because it captures the energy and vitality behind our mission to improve the oral health of all Americans, especially those most vulnerable,” said Beth Truett, president and chief executive officer, Oral Health America. “It was a pleasure to work with the Henry Schein branding team to update our ‘look’ and help us communicate our commitment to bringing healthy smiles to life.”
Prime minister visits Triodent
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key recently gave dental manufacturer Triodent his seal of approval at an unveiling ceremony to launch the company’s major expansion project.
Key had been invited to open the Triodent Innovation Center, the first stage of the company’s plan to build a new headquarters in Katikati, New Zealand, about two hours southeast of Auckland. The Prime Minister unveiled a sculpture to commemorate the event. Appropriately, it was made using the company’s new titanium laser sintering machine, which will be used to manufacture core Triodent products. In the photo at right, Key (right) inspects Triodent’s new laser sintering machine with Triodent founder and chief executive officer Dr. Simon McDonald.
The new headquarters will bring all of Triodent’s New Zealand operations, including manufacturing, administration and international call center, to one site for the first time since early 2007. A new factory is scheduled to open there in late 2010, with the administration wing to follow.
Ultradent assists Utah Food Bank
Ultradent employees awarded Utah Food Bank representatives the largest check and food donation in Ultradent’s partnership with the organization last week. Representatives of the Utah Food Bank accepted a donation of 4,336 pounds of canned goods and a check for more than $7,000, which resulted from an employee food challenge with Swire Coca-Cola.
“I’m so proud of the Ultradent team,” said Ultradent president and chief executive officer Dr. Dan Fischer. “Ultradent employees were able to double their donations from last year.”
Ultradent’s contribution will be used to provide 3,386 meals for local families.
DHPI moves Ohio office
Dental Health Products, Inc., has relocated its Ohio branch office from Akron to Gahanna, located just northeast of Columbus near the Port Columbus International Airport. This new location was chosen to better serve customers and vendor partners.
The new office address and phone numbers are:
Dental Health Products, Inc.
812 Morrison Road
Gahanna, OH 43230
Phone: (866) 860-5040; Fax: (866) 860-5041
Branch Manager: Matt Oblak
Septodont donates to NCOHF
Septodont has donated dental products valued at $25,000 to National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s Toothfairy® (NCOHF) to provide vital dental treatment for underserved children across the country.
Four NCOHF Affiliates — Central Community College in Hastings, Neb.; Valley Community Clinic in North Hollywood, Calif.; Children’s Dental Health Services in Rochester, Minn.; and Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic in North Wilkesboro, N.C. — each received up to $7,000 in donated Septodont products to support continued comprehensive oral healthcare services for local at-risk children.
Straumann, Cadent reach agreement
Straumann and Cadent Inc., have established an agreement that makes Straumann the exclusive European distributor of Cadent’s iTero digital impression system. The agreement provides Cadent with access to the European dental market through the Straumann sales network and brand. It also enables Straumann to offer European customers intraoral scanning technology as part of an integrated range of tooth replacement and restoration solutions. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The deal follows a data-sharing agreement between the two companies, which was announced in August.
Patterson, Kids World team up
Patterson Dental recently signed an agreement with Kids World Productions as the exclusive distributor of the My First Toothbrush line of products. This fun, education-based offering will debut in the new products section of the January Patterson Dental Front Office Products catalog.
Featured products include toothbrushes, stickers and an entertaining book to help kids and parents understand the importance of dental hygiene called, “My First Toothbrush: Quacky and Jackie Learn to Brush.”
“In building a program with the irresistible, entertaining influence of the Quacky and Jackie characters associated with this product line, dental staffs have another tool for developing rapport with young patients and building a strong foundation for lasting relationships,” said Patterson Office Supplies Marketing Manager Kim McQueen. “These unique characters make taking care of teeth fun and easy for kids and encourage proper life-long dental care.”
ADC welcomes two new members
American Dental Cooperative (ADC) announces two new members, Sunshine Medical and Dental Supply and Esperanza Dental Supply, LLC. Sunshine Medical and Dental Supply is located in Livonia, Mich., and serves dental offices throughout the state of Michigan. In addition to being a full supplier of dental supplies, Sunshine Dental also operates a handpiece repair business. Esperanza Dental supplies dental merchandise to the Southern California market and is located in a new distribution facility in Hawthorne, Calif. Both distributors will now have access to the Quala Brand of dental products, exclusive to ADC members.
DentaCheques 2010 introduced at GNY
After a banner year of tripled sales of the 2009 edition, DentaCheques 2010 was introduced at the GNYDM.
What’s new with the 2010 edition of DentaCheques is the complete redesign of its companion website, www.DentaCheques.org. The site now offers one-time registration allowing purchasers to use multiple books with the same username and password.
The price of the books remains at $149 as does the participating supply-company credits of at least $120. Also repeated, are the availability of separate, dealer-specific editions featuring only the products and brands supported by each supply company.
With every $149 DentaCheques book, not only does the doctor receive between $1,500 and $12,000 in free and discounted product, and the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped is able to take 100% of that $149 purchase price and leverage it into more than $2,200 in free care for so many vulnerable individuals.
Each book sold by sales representatives not only generates this life-changing care, but also grants one entry for a trip for two to Palm Springs, sponsored by the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation and to be raffled during the California Dental Association meeting in Anaheim this May.
For more information, contact Rob Saldaña at [email protected] or (800) 366-3331.
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