BIOMET 3i, Materialise Dental partner
BIOMET 3i and Materialise Dental have entered into a cooperative agreement to offer clinicians and patients a new option for dental implant treatment. Using BIOMET 3i CT Guidance Instrumentation Kits in conjunction with Materialise SimPlant planning software and SAFE System SurgiGuides, clinicians can attain a high level of treatment planning while placing BIOMET 3i Implants in the pre-planned positions in a precise manner.
“We are very pleased to be in a cooperative arrangement with the industry leader in terms of CT-based planning and guide fabrication. Our implant and instrumentation expertise combined with the Materialise CT-based platform will provide BIOMET 3i Implant Users with an effective solution for placement of implants and an opportunity for immediate provisional restorations,” commented Russ Bonafede, Vice-President of Marketing for BIOMET 3i.
Kris Wouters, Chief Operations Officer for Materialise Dental further noted, “Clinicians now can also benefit more from the positive impact of CT guided implant placement on final aesthetics and patient comfort.”
3M acquires rights to PERIDEX®
3M announced it has acquired the manufacturing and marketing rights to the PERIDEX® brand periodontal rinse product from Zila Inc. for $9.5 million in cash.
OMNI Preventive Care, a 3M ESPE Company since early 2006, has sold PERIDEX brand oral rinse to dentists in the U.S. since 2000. “Through this acquisition of the PERIDEX brand, we now own all the rights related to the PERIDEX business beyond our existing distribution,” said Jeffrey R. Lavers, division vice president, 3M ESPE.
PERIDEX 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is a prescription mouth rinse that reduces the redness, swelling and bleeding of gums caused by gingivitis. The rinse, which features an herbal mint taste, continues to work after rinsing because one third of its active ingredient - chlorhexidine gluconate - binds to oral surfaces and is slowly released into oral fluids.
“3M’s expertise in the dental preventive products industry, along with its research and development, will help continue to build the PERIDEX brand, which is considered the gold standard in periodontal rinses,” said Frank Bellizzi, DMD, president of Zila Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Coltene Whaledent hosts Benco Dental meeting
Benco Dental Buckeye Regional Sales Representatives spent a morning at Coltene/Whaledent, Inc. in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. As part of this regional sales meeting, 14 Benco employees toured the manufacturing facility that opened in 2003 and learned about Coltene/Whaledent products.
APW Dental Imaging renamed i-donticsSM
APW Dental Imaging, a leading provider of dental teleradiology services, has officially changed its name to i-donticsSM, as was announced by Dr. Alan Winter, founding partner and chairman.
“The name change reflects the true identity of the business, with its roots in dental imaging, the Internet and information processing technologies,” Winter said.
Founded in 2002, the company has expanded from a single dental CT scanning and image analysis facility in New York City, to 11 sites in four states, including New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Georgia. Current plans call for a minimum of 40 additional locations by the end of 2008.
Benco Dental plans distribution center
Benco Dental announced the purchase of 26 acres on which a new 90,000-square foot distribution center will be constructed, approximately 11 miles from the company’s current northeast regional distribution center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
“The site’s close proximity to major transportation routes and shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx makes it an ideal location,” said Louis Mangino, vice president of operations. “In addition, because it’s nearly three times the size of our current site, we can easily add additional square footage to meet future needs.”
The decision was spurred by the need for increased distribution capabilities in the northeastern United States, where Benco Dental’s market share grew 10 percent during 2006. Once completed, it is anticipated that the facility will become the largest of the company’s four distribution centers. The others are located in Fort Wayne, Ind., Jacksonville, Fla., and Fort Worth, Texas.
Burkhart’s holds Basic Service Technician class
Burkhart recently held its “Basic Service Technician Training” class at the company’s training facility in Tacoma, Wash. The three-week class was taught by Darold Slack, Burkhart’s Service Technician Trainer.
New technicians spent time learning about X-ray theory, sterilizers, nitrous systems, dental chairs and units, lights, as well as safety and troubleshooting methods and techniques. A number of manufacturing partners participated in the training program, giving the service technicians a chance to learn directly from the experts.
“Giving the trainees a sizable amount of ‘hands-on’ time specifically with equipment is the best way to learn. Plus, the added benefit of having our valued manufacturing partners participate helps get our new technicians off to the right start,” Slack said.
Darby Dental Supply acquires Becker-Parkin
Darby Dental Supply, LLC has acquired the telesales operation of New York City-based Becker-Parkin Dental Supplies and Equipment.
According to Darby Dental Supply president Gary Rosenberg, “Less than a year ago, we announced that we were refocusing our business to become the leading telesales distributor in the dental industry. This strategic acquisition puts that goal well within sight.”
Under the terms of the agreement, all Becker-Parkin telesales accounts will become Darby customers and the 60-person Becker-Parkin telesales team will be offered full-time positions at Darby telesales branches in Jericho, N.Y.; Tampa, Fla.; Pompano Beach, Fla.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Memphis, Tenn. and East Lansing, Mich. Darby will retain Becker-Parkin’s telesales branch offices in Akron, Ohio, and De Pere, Wisc., to provide improved personalized service in the Midwest and across multiple time zones.
“The Becker-Parkin telesales staff are highly trained, seasoned professionals,” explained Rosenberg. “Their dental product knowledge and industry experience will prove to be an asset to our vendors and customers alike. By joining Darby, they will be working for a company with a similar business culture, utilizing state-of-the-art ordering and logistics technology that does not divide its support between telesales and field sales reps. This is a winning situation for all.”
Doral Dental helps Kids Smiles
While tooth decay continues to be the most prevalent chronic disease among U.S. children, smiles just got a little bit brighter for some at-risk youth at St. Gabriel’s Hall. The Kids Smiles program has partnered with St. Gabriel’s System to open a dental clinic for adjudicated delinquent boys aged 10-18 in Audubon, Pa. Doral Dental was instrumental in developing the St. Gabriel Hall Clinic, which is the third Kids Smiles nonprofit dental health center for disadvantaged children in the Philadelphia area.
“Our children often grow up in high-risk urban environments with minimal access to necessary medical care,” said Stacey Weinstein, a social worker with the St. Gabriel’s System, explaining the impact of the program. Weinstein said the partnership has allowed St. Gabriel’s to better address the overall emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of the children.
Since the clinic opened, the dental team has treated dozens of boys who are residents in the St. Gabriel’s System. The Kids Smiles program was started in Philadelphia five years ago by a citizen concerned by the need for dental services among disadvantaged youth.
DENTSPLY, Sultan Healthcare transaction
DENTSPLY International Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Sultan Healthcare, Inc., a well-known dental consumable manufacturer recognized primarily for infection control products, dental materials and preventive products. It is expected that this acquisition will add approximately $45 to $50 million on an annual basis to DENTSPLY’s sales.
“Partnering with the industry leader was a natural choice,” said Paul Seid, president of Sultan Healthcare. “DENTSPLY offers a rich history of dental traditions and product innovation that aligned well with the Sultan management team’s growth strategies and our commitment to quality and service.”
“Sultan Healthcare provides DENTSPLY with important entries into new consumable categories such as infection control, while complementing DENTSPLY’s offerings in dental materials and preventive products,” added Bret Wise, chairman, chief executive officer, and president for DENTSPLY International. “We look forward to welcoming the associates of Sultan Healthcare to DENTSPLY International.”
Pet Dental Kit now distributed by DiatechUSA
DiatechUSA, a dental products company specializing in Swiss-made diamond burs, will be the exclusive dental distributor of the KEEP IT CLEAN™ Pet Dental Kit. The kit includes everything pet owners need to brush their pet’s teeth and help prevent periodontal disease, a serious problem in most dogs and cats over age three.
“More and more Americans are concerned about the welfare of their pets, and brushing a pet’s teeth at home is an easy way to prevent oral disease and extend their life by as much as three years,” says Alicia Leithauser, president of DiatechUSA. “We’re excited to offer our dental clients a new tool that will help them maximize their office profits while demonstrating their concern for the health of the entire family by offering a top-quality product.”
ADA honors IDM leader Friedrich Herbst
The ADA Board of Trustees elected Friedrich A. Herbst, executive director of International Dental Manufacturers (IDM), to Honorary Membership in the American Dental Association.
This honor is conferred on “individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the art and science of dentistry,” said Kathleen Ross, ADA President.
The award presentation will occur at the ADA’s annual session in San Francisco.
DTA and Koelnmesse, Inc. awarded
During IDS 2007, Koelnmesse, Inc. invited all U.S. exhibitors to a networking reception in the lounge of the USA Pavilion. On that occasion George F. Ruffner, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs of the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, awarded the Chicago-based Koelnmesse, Inc. and the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) the “SHOWCASE GLOBAL AWARD.”
The Award recognizes both parties for their efforts to provide a global platform for U.S. exporters via the USA Pavilion Program. A record of 108 U.S. exhibitors participated in this year’s Group Pavilion.
“It was the first time that DTA had organized a joint USA Pavilion together with Koelnmesse Inc., Chicago after years of coordinating our own DTA group pavilion,” said Gary Price, chief executive officer of DTA. “DTA member companies praised the IDS organizer, hall traffic and the design of the U.S. pavilion. The on-site team of U.S. Commercial Services was very effective in connecting our member companies with new international dealers from around the world,”
Mette Petersen, President of the Chicago based Koelnmesse, Inc. added, “The SHOWCASE GLOBAL AWARD is a very prestigious recognition. We are proud to be the recipient this year and we will work hard to help U.S. dental suppliers build up their international business during future IDS events. The USA Pavilion provides the right tools to be successful here.”
The next IDS show dates are: March 24-28, 2009 in Cologne, Germany.
Flow X-Ray undergoes changes
Flow X-Ray has changed its name to Flow Dental. This name change includes a new logo. This change is part of Flow’s long-range strategy to expand its product offerings beyond the company’s core expertise of X-ray and imaging. Whether through organic growth or acquisition, Flow Dental is committed to expanding its menu of services to the Dental community.
Also, Flow Dental introduces a brand new look to its line of dental X-ray films. The new boxes include Flow’s complete line of D and F speed films in both adult and child sizes.
Flow’s complete product line can be accessed via www.flowdental.com
Hu-Friedy® fights breast cancer
Hu-Friedy and the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization™, a Chicago-based national nonprofit organization, formed a special bond when Hu-Friedy created a special periodontal promotion, “Inspired by You,” focused directly towards dental professionals.
Hu-Friedy made a priority of supporting its predominantly female customer base and the fight against breast cancer. A unique Y-ME scaler, featuring pink grips and the Y-Me ribbon, was created as the free item for the promotion and a $2 donation was made to the Y-Me organization with every offer redeemed.
The promotion resonated strongly with dental professionals and Hu-Friedy was pleased to present the Y-ME organization with a contribution of $18,424.
Additionally, more than 100 Hu-Friedy employees, friends, family members, and Chicago dental professionals, including members of the American Association of Women Dentists and the American Dental Hygiene Association, banded together to participate in this year’s Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization™, RACE TO EMPOWER, raising more than $20,000 in donations.
Hu-Friedy will continue to support the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization through the sales of newly designed Y-ME instruments, now permanent fixtures in the Hu-Friedy catalog, as well as through annual participation in Y-ME fundraising events.
Identalloy expands to ceramic materials
In response to market trends, the Identalloy Council has formed a new division - IdentCeram. The IdentCeram division of the Identalloy Council will offer certificates documenting the use of zirconia and al oxide-based substructure materials along with certificates for feldspathic ceramics. All companies manufacturing and supplying these type products to the American and Canadian markets are invited to participate by becoming licensees of the Identalloy Council.
There is no cost to laboratories or dentists to participate in the Identalloy programs.
The Identalloy Council Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed to raise healthcare standards through the documentation of alloys and ceramic materials used in dental restorations. For more information regarding Identalloy, call (888) 577-2634 or visit www.Identalloy.org.
Sullivan-Schein trains at Midmark
Eight service technicians spent three days at Midmark’s Dental Service School in Versailles, Ohio to learn about Midmark products. Product focuses included Midmark’s dental chairs, instrument delivery units, sterilizers, lighting and the new Midmark line of vacuums and compressors.
Midmark’s dental service schools include classroom instruction, hands-on technical training, a complete set of Documark service and parts manuals in Web and CD format, first-class lodging and meals, and a fun learning environment.
Midmark’s service schools are available to all its authorized distributors. Visit www.midmark.com for more information.
NOVALAR hires vice president of marketing
Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the appointment of Diana P. Friedman as vice president of marketing to lead the marketing efforts for the company’s dental specialty pharmaceutical products and to coordinate the anticipated Q3 2008 launch of NV-101, a local anesthetic reversal agent for use following routine dental procedures.
Friedman joins Novalar from Philips Oral Healthcare, where she was Business Director for Philips Medical Systems. Friedman has also served in senior consulting roles to Fortune 100 companies launching dental products in the professional and consumer markets.
KaVo Dental holds training sessions
Several companies including Burkhart Dental and Iowa Dental have taken advantage of KaVo Dental training sessions. Sales group representatives spent a few days at KaVo Dental’s Lake Zurich facility to learn about KaVo products. Product focuses included KaVo Air handpieces, electric handpieces, light sources, tubings, and the DIAGNOdent laser caries detection device.
Instructor Doug Mayer led an intense training curriculum that included PowerPoint presentations and hands-on product training with the support of KaVo Dental sales representative.
Pulpdent helps Peru Health Initiative
Pulpdent Corporation donated Embrace® Sealant, Embrace Etch-Rite, Flecta® Disposable Mirrors, and patient brochures in Spanish to the Andean (Peru) Dental Health Initiative. The program provides oral health care for the children of Huánuco, Peru, many of whom are Quechua Indians.
Many of Peru’s indigenous children suffer from untreated dental disease and limited knowledge of good dental hygiene habits. The absence of affordable help and knowledge contributes to the suffering of these marginalized and underserved people. The Andean Dental Health Initiative outreach effort used the Pulpdent products to improve oral health among the local people.
Preventative dental education and water fluoridation is nonexistent in Huánuco, Peru. Because of a fear of dentists and the cost of dental care, treatment is sought primarily for emergency extractions. These extractions are usually done without the use of anesthesia, which compounds the fear of the dentist. Rampant carries are visibly evident in these children, contributing to malnutrition, constant dental infection and loss of education due to school absenteeism.
“Our first goal is to educate about good dental health,” says Heidi Philley, RDH, program coordinator for the Dental Health Initiative. “We instruct the children on the importance of brushing their teeth, good nutrition and work to change the view of the dentist’s role in their health care. We have trained 12 Peruvian volunteers, three dentists, and two medical staff to give educational talks and apply the fluoride varnish.”
Shofu rounds up top performers
Shofu’s 2007 top performers met at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch in Tucson to broaden their skills with team building and advanced sales training to better address their customer’s needs. The “Wild West” atmosphere allowed clinical and laboratory territory managers the opportunity to celebrate their teams’ best-of-the-best, with top honors going to Lisa Brewer, RDH, and Lenny Sulkis.
Brewer has an extensive career in dentistry that has enabled her to solve customer’s porcelain needs across the U.S in just four years. Her knowledge of the labs porcelain requirements includes strategic planning with her accounts to generate incremental sales to the lab’s customers.
Sulkis, a.k.a. “Lenny the Legend,” has excelled in dental sales for more than 20 years, achieving top honors in clinical and lab sales during his career. Educated as a dental technician, Sulkis raised the New England territory to top area in just two years.
Ultradent receives Pacesetter Award
Ultradent Products, Inc. received the 2007 Zions Bank Global Pacesetter Award, an award given in conjunction with the Zions Bank International Trade and Business Conference.
The Zions Bank Global Pacesetter is awarded to a Utah-based company that demonstrates leadership and courage by exploring opportunities in global trade. Ultradent develops and distributes affordable, high-quality dental products in more than 80 countries. Part of the company’s mission is to raise the level of oral healthcare around the world through exporting high quality dental products and through sponsorship of a non-profit foundation, The Diversity Foundation, which has donated products and financial assistance to humanitarian efforts on a local and international level.
Sullivan-Schein rep wins DentaCheques drawing
Sullivan-Schein sales rep Karl Schoewe was the lucky winner of a trip after his name was selected in the DentaCheques drawing during the California Dental Association’s Spring Session.
Schoewe, based in Oregon, was given the choice of a trip to the Dental Trade Alliance’s annual meeting at the Nemacolin Resort in Pennsylvania or the ADA Annual Session in San Francisco.
Revenue from the sales of DentaCheques are wisely invested in programs that provide direct care to elderly, disabled, and medically compromised people in need of dental treatments. In 2006, more than 28,000 people were served thanks to the program.
Becker Parkin distributing VELscope™ System
Becker Parkin Dental Supply announced that it recently signed a distribution agreement with LED Dental, Inc., the manufacturer of the new VELscope™ system.
“The VELscope system is quickly becoming the standard of care for the detection of oral cancer in the dental office,” said Barry Salzman, president of Becker Parkin. “We are proud to be able to provide this unique, effective, and cost-efficient tool to our customer’s to assist them in the detection and treatment of oral cancer.”
Straumann acquires Japanese distributor
Straumann has completed the acquisition of Daishin Implant System (DIS), the exclusive distributor of Straumann implant products and services in Japan, for a purchase price of CHF 75 million in cash and an additional performance-based consideration of up to CHF 10 million, to be paid on or before Feb. 1, 2014.
The acquisition provides Straumann with its own fully-fledged local subsidiary to serve the Japanese dental market directly. DIS is a privately-held company that enjoys a leading position as a distributor of products and services for implant dentistry in Japan. With Straumann as its exclusive partner in implant dentistry since 1984, Daishin has successfully built up a multibillion-yen business driven primarily by Straumann products. Headquartered in Osaka, DIS currently employs a staff of approximately 80 employees.
MIS now exclusive distributor of PerioChip®
MIS Implants Technologies Inc. is now the exclusive distributor of PerioChip® (2.5 mg chlorhexidine gluconate) in the U.S. PerioChip is a locally applied antimicrobial (LAA) indicated to reduce pocket depth as an adjunct to SRP or as part of a periodontal maintenance program. PerioChip is the only FDA-approved LAA that is non-antibiotic and bactericidal. It is safe for repeat use and is the only LAA supported by a published, long-term (two-year) clinical study.
Trujillo tapped to lead Pankey Institute
Tony A. Trujillo, Jr., former executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Intelsat Global Service Corporation located in Washington, D.C., has been appointed chief executive officer of The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Key Biscayne, Fla.
“I am very excited to welcome Tony Trujillo as the new CEO of The Pankey Institute. Tony comes to us with great credentials, enthusiasm, and a vision for the future. He is a real winner and I look forward to working with him,” said Jack Shirley, DDS, Pankey Board of Trustees President.
While with Intelsat, the leading satellite communications services provider, Trujillo was responsible for human resources, corporate communications, government relations, corporate security, facilities management, and office services. He established Intelsat’s first in-house government affairs capability and represented Intelsat before the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government and the Federal Communications Commission.
Founded in 1972, The Pankey Institute is a nonprofit organization that promotes optimal oral health care through advanced continuing education for dentists (www.pankey.org). It was the first institute of its kind and remains among the most prestigious, attracting dentists from 42 nations to its educational programs. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 dentists and specialists have attended its courses and now serve millions of patients worldwide.
Lanmark’s Klein earns distinction
Lanmark Group, a full-service healthcare advertising, marketing, and communications agency, is pleased to announce that its president and owner, Howard Klein, has been selected as one of NJBiz magazine’s Forty Under 40 for 2007.
Each year, the Forty Under 40 awards program honors men and women 39 years old or younger who have been making headlines in their field and who share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community. Nominees are either self-nominated or nominated by another person. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges.
“I am extremely honored to be included in this prestigious list of New Jersey business leaders,” remarked Klein. “This award is a tremendous recognition for our company as a whole. It represents the leadership and drive that Lanmark strives for as an agency. We continuously evolve as a result of hard work and ongoing team involvement.”
Crosstex acquires Twist 2 It
Cantel Medical Corporation, through its Crosstex International subsidiary, has further expanded its dental infection prevention and control business by purchasing the assets of Twist 2 It Inc. Twist 2 It, based in Woodside, N.Y., designs, markets, and sells a unique, patented, disposable prophy angle for the cleaning and polishing of teeth, that eliminates the splatter of saliva, blood, and other potential infectious matter. The business being acquired has preacquisition annual revenues of approximately $1.3 million.
According to Andrew Whitehead, vice president of sales and marketing at Crosstex, “The Twist is an ideal addition to our Crosstex brand - innovative, high-quality, disposable and manufactured in the United States. The popular Twist prophy angle will be sold exclusively through Crosstex’ network of distributors, complementing the full line of Crosstex’ new Patient’s Choice™ products that include prophy pastes, fluoride gels, foams and trays, as well as topical anesthetics.”
Dentrix Advantage course impresses attendees
Veteran dental software instructors Pat Tandon and Melissa Dyches recently hosted the Dentrix Advantage course in Irving, Texas.
The course focused on DENTRIX® Version 12 dental software, emphasizing “G2” training for optimizing users’ skills with the expanded capabilities of the new software. An interactive, hands-on course, the 23 attendees had varying levels of experience with the software and were comprised of assistants, hygienists, office managers, and one dentist.
When introduced to the new version’s many upgrades and enhancements, enthusiastic choruses of “ooh!” and “ahh!” and “cool!” rang out from the group. Tandon and Dyches also acted as tutors by providing personalized and compassionate assistance to less-experienced individuals. They graciously helped them get “up to speed” and increase their confidence with the software. Throughout and at the conclusion of the course, the instructors invited suggestions for future versions.
Information on future Dentrix Basic and Advantage course dates may be found at www.dentrix.com/training/
Schein moves into new Louisiana office
Sullivan-Schein recently opened a new office in Mandeville, La., to replace the old branch in Jefferson, La. Though the Jefferson facility was not significantly damaged by Hurricane Katrina, damage and flooding to employees’ homes and much of the surrounding area prompted Schein to move to the new location.
The new office is housed in a brand new building and features a larger warehouse and state-of-the-art showroom (shown below).
Dubai meeting obtains U.S. trade fair status
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced that AEEDC, The Dubai Dental meeting, has obtained U.S. Trade Fair Certification. Acting as its U.S. sponsor, the Greater New York Dental Meeting will work with the DOC’s Trade Fair Certification Program to assist U.S. companies looking to expand their sales opportunities in the Middle East region.
“This will be a great opportunity for the U.S. dental trade to expand their sales into the Middle East where there are over 90,000 dentists. The sales opportunities are tremendous,” said Dr. Robert R. Edwab, executive director of the GNYDM.
The Dubai Dental Meeting is the largest dental meeting/exposition/convention in the Middle East with more than 15,725 registrants from over 113 countries in 2006. There were 50 U.S. companies exhibiting in 2006. For the past three years, there has been a double digit increase in attendance and U.S. exhibitors to this annual event.
Partnering with the U.S. DOC, the GNYDM intends to offer its knowledge, contacts, and assistance to any member of the U.S. dental trade industry.
“We cannot stop expanding U.S. dental trade. Today, the Middle East ... tomorrow China ... and then South and Central America and Mexico,” Dr. Edwab said. “The potential attendees and dental sales are endless.”
Specific plans and information about the Dubai Trade Mission is March 2008 will be published over the next few months.
GC America’s “Drill or No Drill”
At the California Dental Association’s Spring Session, GC America lured dental teams to their booth using a promotion based on the hit game show, “Deal or No Deal.” GC America’s “Drill or No Drill” was a huge success, according to Dr. Robert Lee, the company’s marketing director.
MIS now exclusive distributor of PerioChip®
MIS Implants Technologies Inc. is now the exclusive distributor of PerioChip® (2.5 mg chlorhexidine gluconate) in the U.S. PerioChip is a locally applied antimicrobial (LAA) indicated to reduce pocket depth as an adjunct to SRP or as part of a periodontal maintenance program. PerioChip is the only FDA-approved LAA that is non-antibiotic and bactericidal. It is safe for repeat use and is the only LAA supported by a published, long-term (two-year) clinical study.
Trujillo tapped to lead Pankey Institute
Tony A. Trujillo, Jr., former executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Intelsat Global Service Corporation located in Washington, D.C., has been appointed chief executive officer of The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Key Biscayne, Fla.
“I am very excited to welcome Tony Trujillo as the new CEO of The Pankey Institute. Tony comes to us with great credentials, enthusiasm, and a vision for the future. He is a real winner and I look forward to working with him,” said Jack Shirley, DDS, Pankey Board of Trustees President.
While with Intelsat, the leading satellite communications services provider, Trujillo was responsible for human resources, corporate communications, government relations, corporate security, facilities management, and office services. He established Intelsat’s first in-house government affairs capability and represented Intelsat before the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government and the Federal Communications Commission.
Founded in 1972, The Pankey Institute is a nonprofit organization that promotes optimal oral health care through advanced continuing education for dentists (www.pankey.org). It was the first institute of its kind and remains among the most prestigious, attracting dentists from 42 nations to its educational programs. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 dentists and specialists have attended its courses and now serve millions of patients worldwide.
Lanmark’s Klein earns distinction
Lanmark Group, a full-service healthcare advertising, marketing, and communications agency, is pleased to announce that its president and owner, Howard Klein, has been selected as one of NJBiz magazine’s Forty Under 40 for 2007.
Each year, the Forty Under 40 awards program honors men and women 39 years old or younger who have been making headlines in their field and who share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community. Nominees are either self-nominated or nominated by another person. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges.
“I am extremely honored to be included in this prestigious list of New Jersey business leaders,” remarked Klein. “This award is a tremendous recognition for our company as a whole. It represents the leadership and drive that Lanmark strives for as an agency. We continuously evolve as a result of hard work and ongoing team involvement.”
Crosstex acquires Twist 2 It
Cantel Medical Corporation, through its Crosstex International subsidiary, has further expanded its dental infection prevention and control business by purchasing the assets of Twist 2 It Inc. Twist 2 It, based in Woodside, N.Y., designs, markets, and sells a unique, patented, disposable prophy angle for the cleaning and polishing of teeth, that eliminates the splatter of saliva, blood, and other potential infectious matter. The business being acquired has preacquisition annual revenues of approximately $1.3 million.
According to Andrew Whitehead, vice president of sales and marketing at Crosstex, “The Twist is an ideal addition to our Crosstex brand - innovative, high-quality, disposable and manufactured in the United States. The popular Twist prophy angle will be sold exclusively through Crosstex’ network of distributors, complementing the full line of Crosstex’ new Patient’s Choice™ products that include prophy pastes, fluoride gels, foams and trays, as well as topical anesthetics.”
Dentrix Advantage course impresses attendees
Veteran dental software instructors Pat Tandon and Melissa Dyches recently hosted the Dentrix Advantage course in Irving, Texas.
The course focused on DENTRIX® Version 12 dental software, emphasizing “G2” training for optimizing users’ skills with the expanded capabilities of the new software. An interactive, hands-on course, the 23 attendees had varying levels of experience with the software and were comprised of assistants, hygienists, office managers, and one dentist.
When introduced to the new version’s many upgrades and enhancements, enthusiastic choruses of “ooh!” and “ahh!” and “cool!” rang out from the group. Tandon and Dyches also acted as tutors by providing personalized and compassionate assistance to less-experienced individuals. They graciously helped them get “up to speed” and increase their confidence with the software. Throughout and at the conclusion of the course, the instructors invited suggestions for future versions.
Information on future Dentrix Basic and Advantage course dates may be found at www.dentrix.com/training/
Schein moves into new Louisiana office
Sullivan-Schein recently opened a new office in Mandeville, La., to replace the old branch in Jefferson, La. Though the Jefferson facility was not significantly damaged by Hurricane Katrina, damage and flooding to employees’ homes and much of the surrounding area prompted Schein to move to the new location.
The new office is housed in a brand new building and features a larger warehouse and state-of-the-art showroom (shown below).
Dubai meeting obtains U.S. trade fair status
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced that AEEDC, The Dubai Dental meeting, has obtained U.S. Trade Fair Certification. Acting as its U.S. sponsor, the Greater New York Dental Meeting will work with the DOC’s Trade Fair Certification Program to assist U.S. companies looking to expand their sales opportunities in the Middle East region.
“This will be a great opportunity for the U.S. dental trade to expand their sales into the Middle East where there are over 90,000 dentists. The sales opportunities are tremendous,” said Dr. Robert R. Edwab, executive director of the GNYDM.
The Dubai Dental Meeting is the largest dental meeting/exposition/convention in the Middle East with more than 15,725 registrants from over 113 countries in 2006. There were 50 U.S. companies exhibiting in 2006. For the past three years, there has been a double digit increase in attendance and U.S. exhibitors to this annual event.
Partnering with the U.S. DOC, the GNYDM intends to offer its knowledge, contacts, and assistance to any member of the U.S. dental trade industry.
“We cannot stop expanding U.S. dental trade. Today, the Middle East ... tomorrow China ... and then South and Central America and Mexico,” Dr. Edwab said. “The potential attendees and dental sales are endless.”
Specific plans and information about the Dubai Trade Mission is March 2008 will be published over the next few months.
