Midmark acquires European Design Inc.
Midmark Corporation has acquired European Design Inc., a leading manufacturer of premium cabinetry for healthcare professions. Headquartered in Glasgow, Ky., European Design is known for manufacturing beautifully designed cabinetry that offers the dental clinician excellent value and improved efficiency while stainless steel bases provide the durability for even the most demanding clinical environments.
“This truly gives Midmark the best of both worlds to present to our customers — the unmatched durability with Midmark metal casework and the unrivaled beauty and warmth of European Design cabinetry,” said Midmark president and chief executive officer Dr. Anne Eiting Klamar.
Midmark plans to continue to manufacture and market its current line of dental casework, and will add the European Design cabinets to its complete offering of dental equipment.
Johnson retires from Patterson post
After 37 years in the dental industry and 26 with Patterson Companies, Vice President of Operations Gary Johnson has retired, effective Dec. 31, 2007.
Johnson joined the company in 1981 as branch manager in Milwaukee, as well as Lakes Region manager. Next, Johnson moved his family to New York, where he worked as both the Metro NY/NJ Branch manager and Eastern Region manager, with region responsibilities extending from Maine to Florida.
“Gary has always done what is best for the company,” stated Patterson president and chief executive officer James W. Wiltz.
Johnson’s sales background, combined with his approachability and reputation as a straight shooter, built unshakable rapport with the sales force. Portland Branch Manager Rob Kay said, “Our representatives greatly enjoy his honest, candid and straightforward approach to our business and often seek him out for advice and mentoring. Few have had such a positive impact on our sales team and our company.”
Over the years, Johnson has also served as director of business development (1994), vice president of sales (1996) and finally, Patterson Companies vice president of operations (2004-2007). In his most recent role, Johnson has been instrumental in improving cost efficiencies from services that support all three Patterson business units — dental, veterinary, and rehabilitation supply.
Johnson intends to take some time and reflect on what he would like to do next. At 60 and in good health, he views his retirement as an opportunity to write a new chapter that will develop over time.
“I’m looking forward to retirement, but will miss the business and friends within the company and the dental industry,” he said. “I’m proud and feel very fortunate to be associated with the Patterson organization. I couldn’t have scripted a better business career.”
Burkhart opens new distribution center
Burkhart Dental Supply, Inc., celebrates the opening of its newest distribution center in Lakewood, Wash., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Burkhart’s new distribution center introduced a new warehouse management software program built around the “Lean” concept, including license plate technology. Burkhart has more than doubled the square footage from its previous distribution center in Tacoma to support its continued growth.
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Schein technicians learn at Midmark
Service technicians from Sullivan-Schein recently spent three days at Midmark’s Dental Service School in Versailles, Ohio.
The class, one of many conducted throughout the year, included hands-on training for dental chairs, instrument delivery units, sterilizers, lighting, vacuums, and compressors. Documark training was also part of the service school. Documark contains technical documentation for Midmark products past and present including service and parts manuals, installation and operation manuals, color brochures and more. The service school also includes first-class accommodations and meals, and a fun learning environment including evening activities.
Midmark’s service schools are available to all its authorized distributors. Visit www.midmark.com for more information.
Nobel Prize has dental industry connection
The most recent Nobel Prize has a link to the dental industry. Professor Roger Myerson of the University of Chicago, a winner of the Nobel Prize for economics, is the grandson of Dr. Simon Myerson, founder of Myerson LLC, a company currently celebrating its 90th anniversary. Professor Myerson’s father is Richard Myerson, who served as Myerson’s director of research and development and invented the Durablend formula still sold today. Professor Myerson also worked at Myerson for a short time while attending school. For more information on Myerson LLC, log on to www.myersontooth.com.
Whip Mix launches new division
Whip Mix Corporation has unveiled a new company division that will offer the Verus System — technology that produces high quality, high value copings and abutments in Metoxit zirconia and glass-fiber-reinforced plastics.
With a name that is Latin for “true,” the Verus System uses proprietary milling technology to produce a true featheredge margin that does not require additional finishing. Seven color shades ensure a natural look.
The new company division, called Whip Mix Laboratory Services, provides a significant advancement in outsourced milling. Its new CAD/CAM milling facility in Louisville, Ky., will produce Verus products for dental labs in the United States and Canada.
DEXIS celebrates 10 years in business
DEXIS, LLC commemorates 10 years of exciting evolution, technological advancements, and multi-national expansion as a leader in dental digital imaging.
Proving that great things do come in small packages, DEXIS® hit the market 10 years ago as a definite innovative contender in digital radiography with the first laptop solution. The key to the advanced design was the completely portable DEXIS PerfectSizeTM sensor system. DEXIS has continued to be a pacesetter in the field with other “firsts” such as achieving the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance®, DICOM conformance, and the Reality® Magazine Five-Star Award for four years in a row.
Going forward, the DEXIS goal remains — Enhance and improve the clinical lives of its users, both general dentists and specialists. As Rick Henriksen, vice president of DEXIS Sales, affirms, “We face the future with the same level of confidence in which we have operated during our 10-year history. We take great pride in our world-class company and believe that our strong commitment to listen to our customers, and then respond with new and innovative products and 5-star service, will continue to define us over the next decade and beyond.”
NSK Marketing America established
NSK Nakanishi in Japan has established NSK Marketing America in Irvine, Calif. Junichi Miyata joined as president.
The role of this company is more detailed marketing support as the manufacturer to all of the dental distribution networks, both in North and South America.
NSK continues to distribute the product through the current dealer network. NSK has been opening the regional company in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Russia, UAE, and the United Kingdom for the better service in each market as a global service company.
Darby hosts DTA Credit Management talks
The 2007 DTA Credit Management Symposium was recently hosted by Darby Dental Supply. The purpose of the visit was to meet with their top management officials to discuss Darby’s recent mergers and acquisitions as well as other points of interest and to tour their warehouse distribution facility.
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Benco acquires Marcus Dental Supply
Benco Dental has acquired Marcus Dental Supply. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Marcus Dental Supply was founded in 1946 by John Marcus and grew to become the largest company of its kind in the upper Midwest. Benco Dental will establish branches in Minneapolis and Fargo, N.D., to service existing Marcus Dental Supply customers. They will be the company’s first branches in the area. Key team members will join Benco Dental.
Water Pik tabs “Best of the Best”
Water Pik, Inc. is pleased to announce Dr. Benjamin A. Bowling, a graduate of the University of Iowa, as the 2007 winner of the annual Hanau Best of The Best Award for Excellence in Prosthodontics among both domestic and international senior dental students. The award is presented to the graduating senior who has excelled in the study and clinical applications of prosthodontics.
Each dental school is given an opportunity to nominate a student that has shown excellence in both clinical applications and academic performance. Each of the nominees receives a HanauTM Wide-Vue Articulator in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments. Out of these nominees, Waterpik evaluates the entries and selects one student as the grand prize winner who receives an all-expense-paid trip to the American College of Prosthodontics Meeting.
AFP Imaging receives Canadian license
AFP Imaging Corporation has been granted a medical device license from Health Canada, the federal department that regulates drugs and health products, to market the Company’s advanced NewTomTM VG 3-D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Scanner in Canada.
NewTom VG makes use of the same technology and proprietary software as AFP Imaging’s NewTomTM 3G that provides a horizontal support table to accommodate the needs of the elderly, infirm or trauma patients, as well as small children.
Genexa Medical Inc., serves as the exclusive Canadian distributor for NewTom VG and NewTom 3G.
TIDI wins local award
The Fox Cities Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce recently named TIDI Products, located in Neenah, Wisc., as the “2007 Manufacturer of the Year” in the medium manufacturer category. TIDI Products is a leading North American manufacturer of medical and dental single-use infection control products.
“The employees of TIDI Products are delighted and proud to have won this prestigious award. We view the Fox Cities Chamber’s decision as a tribute to our company’s efforts to focus on the needs of healthcare professionals and their patients,” said Kevin McNamara, president and chief executive officer of TIDI Products.
DentalEZ® Group purchases Nevin Laboratories
The DentalEZ® Group, with corporate headquarters located in Malvern, Pa., has expanded its presence in the dental industry with the recent purchase of Nevin Laboratories, Inc. of Chicago. Gordon Hagler, president of DentalEZ, along with Bob Nevin and Denis Sexton of Nevin, recently completed the transaction.
According to Hagler, “The addition of Nevin to the DentalEZ Group will provide DentalEZ, which already has customers in many of these same markets, a broader range of products with which to better meet our customer’s needs.”
“We know our association with DentalEZ will give us the resources necessary for significant growth,” remarked Nevin.
Ultradent breaks ground on new facility
Ultradent Products, Inc., recently broke ground on a new 200,000-foot expansion of its manufacturing facility. The groundbreaking began with a welcome from Ultradent’s CEO/President, Dr. Dan Fischer, followed by a presentation by the Colorguard and a rendition of the national anthem by the Salt Lake Scots. Mayor Kent Money gave a speech about the planned manufacturing facility and the City of South Jordan’s involvement. Construction of the facility will take place in four phases. Phase one, consisting of 50,000 square feet, will be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2008.
Canadians pay a visit to Midmark
Service technicians from the Canadian military recently spent three days at Midmark’s Dental Service School in Versailles, Ohio to learn about Midmark products and receive hands-on training. Midmark service schools provide:
- An understanding of Midmark dental products including dental chairs, instrument delivery units, sterilizers, lighting, vacuums, and compressors
- Actual “hands on” equipment identification and operation
- Training on proper field installation procedures
- Preventative maintenance guidelines and troubleshooting techniques
- Documark training (attendees receive a complete set of Documark service and parts manuals in Web and CD format.)
Midmark’s service schools are available to all its authorized distributors. Visit www.midmark.com for more information.
ADA Annual Session gains recognition from U.S. Department of Commerce
The U.S. Department of Commerce has named the American Dental Association’s (ADA) 2008 Annual Session as a participant in its International Buyer Program. The ADA Annual Session is one of only about 36 major U.S. exhibitions selected to participate in the 2008 program.
The International Buyer program, a joint effort between the public and private sectors, helps stimulate U.S. exports by promoting major U.S. industry exhibitions to international markets.
As a participant, the ADA expects additional global attention for exhibitors at its 2008 Annual Session to be held Oct. 16 -19 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The International Buyer Program recruits more than 125,000 qualified foreign buyers, sales representatives, and business partners to its selected U.S. trade shows each year, giving exhibitors excellent opportunities to expand business globally and foreign buyers an ideal venue to identify and meet reputable U.S. companies.
In order to benefit from the 2008 International Buyer Program, a company must be a contracted exhibitor at the 2008 ADA Annual Session. Benefits include access to hundreds of current international trade leads in their industry, hands-on export counseling, marketing analysis, and matchmaking services by country and industry experts from the U.S. Commercial Service, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Additionally, ADA exhibitors will have use of an on-site International Business Center, where exhibitors can meet privately with prospective international buyers, prospective sales representatives and business partners and obtain assistance from experienced U.S. Commercial Service staff. ADA exhibitors also will receive a free listing in the Export Interest Directory.
Zila to help veterans with new contract
Zila, Inc. has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to market its oral cancer screening product, ViziLite® Plus with TBlue630TM, to 58 Veterans Administration dental clinics and 154 Department of Defense dental clinics.
“This contract award will allow us to make our potentially life-saving product available to the 7.9 million veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care System and more than 1.3 million men and women in active military service — a population that is frequently at increased risk for oral cancer,” said Frank J. Bellizzi, DMD, president of Zila Pharmaceuticals.
More information about ViziLite Plus and oral cancer is available at www.ViziLite.com.
LED Dental chooses PSA
LED Dental Inc. has engaged Professional Sales Associates (PSA) to support the distributors of its VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening System in the United States.
“We are very excited about the prospect of PSA working closely with our distributor network to take our sales to the next level,” said David Cox, president and chief operating officer of LED Dental. “Our original team of independent manufacturer representatives did a very effective job of helping us introduce the VELscope system to the market since our August 2006 launch, and we thank them for their efforts. However, the overwhelmingly positive response we have received from current users of our system — as well as their patients — indicates that we have barely scratched the surface of our sales potential. We believe that fully exploiting this potential will require the involvement of a larger and more cohesive manufacturer representative organization, and we are convinced that PSA is the organization to help take us there.”
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Schein discusses REACH program with HDA
The Hispanic Dental Association recently held its annual meeting in Miami, Florida was a great success. From left: Dr. Maritza Morell, Hispanic Dental Association National Trustee; Maritza Alford, Henry Schein Dental Regional General Manager North Los Angeles; and Michele Penrose, Henry Schein Director of Professional Relations. Alford and Penrose spoke to the leadership of the Hispanic Dental Association about Henry Schein’s REACH program, which strives to facilitate the growth of culturally-specific professional organizations through the contributions of Team Schein Members’ unique expertise, time, and Company resources.
Proofs icon Mary Elizabeth Good passes away
Mary Elizabeth Good, a fixture in the dental industry for many years as the editor of Proofs, passed away on Dec. 18. She was 77. A special tribute is being planned in the March edition of Proofs, highlighting her career at PennWell and in the industry.
Good became editor of Proofs in November, 1978, and stepped down in March, 2000.
Treating kids from sea to shining sea
In late September, Christina’s Smile treated over 80 kids at the Patterson Clinic in West St. Paul, Minn. A week later, the mobile dental clinic pulled into San Antonio, Texas, to meet the needs of many more.
Services were delivered in a new 53-foot mobile dental unit, with the latest A-dec equipment, digital radiography, Patterson EagleSoft software and CAESY Patient Education Systems and more, as well as supplies — provided by Patterson Dental and a handful of other major partners dedicated to supporting the mission of Christina’s Smile.
The Children’s Dental Clinic works in cooperation with PGA Tour and Champions Tour golf tournaments to deliver charitable dental care to disadvantaged children in communities that host a PGA Tour or Champions Tour event. Local volunteer dentists and staff members help children who have been identified in advance by charitable groups.
Christina’s Smile tackles a problem facing many underserved families today — decreasing access to dental care, despite an increasing need. Founder and President of Christina’s Smile Dr. Richard Garza, along with dental companies such as Patterson Dental, is continually working to close this gap through Christina’s Smile.
“Patterson has been an unselfish corporate partner, asking nothing in return and providing support in a very generous and giving way,” said Dr. Garza.
Patterson helped Christina’s Smile get on the road when Dr. Garza conceived the idea in 1989, and provides support that has grown right along with the clinic’s outreach. “Patterson Dental is invaluable,” Dr. Garza stated. “This company makes doing what we do so much easier, which we really appreciate.”
Patterson Dental President Scott Anderson said, “When observing Dr. Garza and Christina’s Smile in action, you feel humbled by the work they do for children in need. At Patterson, we’re proud of what Christina’s Smile accomplishes with the support of Patterson Dental and others.”
In 2007, Christina’s Smile conducted more than 20 dental clinics across the nation, treating about 2,500 children and delivering approximately $1.4 million worth of quality dental care.
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The Oral Health America Gala — then and now
It was below zero in Chicago on the evening of February 15, 1991. Inside the Field Museum, about 300 people mingled in warmth while caterers grilled steaks in the frigid museum parking lot. The evening was billed as a “Gathering of Friends of America’s Fund for Dental Health.”
The event was organized by Gala Chairman Emeritus and retired General Counsel of DENTSPLY Bernie Beazley as a one-time fundraising event. Peggy Cottrell of Confirm Monitoring Systems recalled the night as being bitter cold. “There was no auction, and the only entertainment was a speech that no one could hear, but the band was sensational and the crowd was energized,” she recalled.
“I remember we had only one major sponsor the first year,” added Robert Klaus, president and chief executive officer of Oral Health America (OHA). “Wrigley had donated $30,000 for a party at the ADA to thank contributors to the Fund for Dental Health (as it was known then). We agreed instead to use the money to underwrite a Gala to raise additional funds.”
The result has been an event the dental industry looks forward to every year and one that raises much-needed funds for OHA’s programs. Now in its 18th year, the OHA Gala attracts more than 900 people representing every facet of the dental industry. For the first time in the event’s history, people may have to be turned away because the event is reaching the maximum capacity for the Gala’s current location, Navy Pier.
The Gala not only provides a venue for OHA to showcase its programs, it also offers an opportunity for corporate sponsors to be recognized as major supporters of the organization and its innovative programs and communications efforts. Large screens around the room display sponsor information, intermixed with candid photos of the attendees, taken just minutes before. Companies also use the event to entertain key business contacts, buying tables of 10 seats to ensure the opportunity for discussion. The theme “Connect in Chicago” springs from the reputation the event has for providing an unparalleled venue for attendees to mingle with the top decision-makers in the industry.
The OHA Gala is the perfect blend of a great cause, an enjoyable evening, and a unique opportunity to network with key figures in the dental industry. For more information about sponsorships or to order tickets before they sell out, contact Joseph Donohue at (312) 836-9900 or email [email protected].
