Midmark holds national sales meeting
Midmark Corporation recently held its annual national sales meeting at the Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. With more than 130 sales representatives and sales managers in attendance from Midmark's medical, veterinary, and dental divisions including Progeny, the meeting encompassed product training, education, sales strategies, and an overview of its corporate goals and accomplishments.
"It was an exceptional meeting this year having the entire group together as one," said Dr. Anne Eiting Klamar, Midmark's president and chief executive officer. "I believe it was evident to all present that not only has Midmark grown significantly, but no matter what markets we serve, we are one company living the same corporate culture, and we have a vibrant and talented group of professionals here." Klamar continued, "I believe this meeting will produce positive and lasting results for all of our teams."
Jim Aycock, director of sales for Midmark's dental division commented, "Our sales reps left the meeting feeling very energized by the training they received and by the new products and services Midmark will bring to the dental industry in the near future."
The highlight of the sales meeting included an awards banquet, honoring Midmark's top performers for 2009. The following awards were presented to the top sales representatives and managers in the dental division:
Jeremy Bjornberg — Eagle Award, Territory Sales Rep of the Western Region, Focus Award for Operatories and Focus Award for Sterilizers
Note: The Eagle Award, the division's top sales honor, is given annually to the salesperson who best exemplifies a Midmark sales teammate. This award is determined based on exceeded sales goals, annual achievements, and other criteria that are a part of the Midmark dental sales culture.
Vince Noone — Regional Manager of the Year
Mike Damon — Territory Sales Rep of the Eastern Region, Focus Award for Air and Vacuum, and Rookie of the Year
Jim Reed — Territory Sales Rep of the Central Region
Mike Harwood — Focus Award for Cabinetry
John Mulroy — Salesperson of the Year, Progeny
Albert den Otter — Greatest Increase in Sales, Progeny
Bill Fallis — Unsung Hero Award (leading digital sales), Progeny
Awards were given for top sales during a promotion to:
Jim Reed — Top Performer, 2009 National Operatory Promotion
Joe Pantaleo and Bill Iavaroni — Top Performers, 2009 National Sterilizer Promotion
A motivational event was also held at the NCAA Hall of Champions, featuring Basketball Hall of Fame Member and legend, Bill Walton. Walton shared his inspirational story about his life-long struggles with speech, injury and pain, and encouraged the team to press through difficult times with honor, integrity, and passion for their goals.
Darby adds KaVo handpieces, small equipment
Darby Dental Supply, LLC, recently expanded its extensive product offering by adding a wide selection of KaVo® handpieces and small equipment, including the DIAGNOdent™ caries detection aid.
Under a newly-signed distribution agreement with KaVo America, Darby is now an authorized distributor of KaVo's Prestige™, Premium™, and Classic™ air-driven high-speed handpiece collection; its INTRAmatic ES™/E™ and INTRAflex™ low-speed handpiece and air-motor products; MULTI LED™ bulbs and couplers and PROPHYwiz™ ergonomic hygiene handpiece. In addition, Darby is also authorized to distribute KaVo's DIAGNOdent Classic unit, as well as its handheld DIAGNOdent pen.
Dr. Fresh® acquires Dr. Ken's® assets
Dr. Fresh®, Inc. has acquired the assets of Floss and Go, Inc., including the well distributed Dr. Ken's® Natural Products line. The line of mouthwashes, toothpastes, breath strips, and chewing gums is known for harnessing the therapeutic properties of green tea extract. The move jumpstarts Dr. Fresh, Inc.'s entry into the natural products marketplace.
"The Dr. Ken's brand is a strategic fit for us as we expand our oral care business into the fast-growing natural products sector," said Puneet Nanda, president and chief executive officer of Dr. Fresh, Inc.
"With our extensive R&D facilities and in-house state-of-the-art automatic mouthwash production line, we believe we can achieve economies of scale and reduce current product cost substantially, which makes this a very attractive acquisition for us," said Daniel Enriquez, vice president of sales.
Patterson to build new tech center
Patterson Companies, Inc. has announced plans to build a new facility for its Patterson Technology Center (PTC) in Effingham, Ill.
The Company has identified a potential building site for an 80,000- to 100,000-square-foot complex, more than twice the size of the current PTC (also in Effingham). The preliminary project schedule indicates construction could begin in late spring, with fall 2011 targeted as a tentative completion date.
The PTC provides proprietary software, digital technology, and call center support for each business unit (Patterson Dental, Webster Veterinary, and Patterson Medical), as well as select business partners.
"We are absolutely thrilled about building a new PTC facility, which will reinforce business objectives centered on driving value to the customer," said Pam Hemmen, director of the PTC.
Staff moved into the current facility in 1998, a year after Patterson acquired the Effingham-based dental software developer EagleSoft, Inc. The PTC workforce has grown from 30 to 330 specially trained professionals serving 50,000 customers nationwide.
J. Morita USA partners with TDO
J. Morita USA has announced a strategic partnership with TDO, a quality-centered endodontics organization, for complete 3D imaging and software integration. TDO's practice management software is the most comprehensive and widely used endodontic software in the world. TDO users can now seamlessly incorporate any Morita 3D unit into their practice with full compatibility.
Morita's i-Dixel software, standard with all Morita 3D units, has been programmed for a direct connection to the TDO environment. Patient files are comprehensively integrated, allowing for easy access between programs in one window to maximize productivity. Selected slice images can be transferred to TDO with a single click of the export icon.
Lindquist Marketing reestablished
Lindquist Marketing, established in 1994 in Southern California, has been reestablished to serve the dental dealer network in the Pacific Northwest.
Rick and Vicki Lindquist are pleased to be representing quality dental equipment, and can be reached at (503) 325-3050 or email at [email protected] or [email protected].
AdDent honored
AdDent, Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the "dental instruments" category by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA).
The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off statistical research and also information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports. The SBCA considers award winners as a valuable asset to their community and an example of what makes small businesses great.
SciCan involved in major merger
SciCan, a Toronto-based manufacturer of infection control products and solutions with subsidiaries in Canonsburg Pa., Augsburg, Germany, and Zug, Switzerland, has merged with dental manufacturer SycoTec (previously, EWL, a subsidiary of the KaVo Group located in Leutkirch, Germany) and French endodontic specialist MICRO-MEGA (Besançon). The three companies are being integrated under one common umbrella, but will remain independent.
SciCan will be part of this strong company alliance under the leadership of SycoTec's managing partner, Dr. Martin Rickert. Together the group will be one of the 10 largest dental equipment manufacturers in the world of products for the dental and medical markets.
Preparations underway for IDEM India
After its successful inception in 2009, IDEM India, the International Dental Exhibition & Meeting, will return for the second time to the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai. Show dates are set for September 9-11, 2010. The event will be organized by Koelnmesse YA Tradefair Pvt. Ltd., the Indian-based subsidiary of the German trade show organizer Koelnmesse and organizer of IDS, the world's largest dental trade show.
Favorable demographics and the strong demand of the Indian dental industry have caught the attention of exporters worldwide. India currently imports 40% of its dental equipment, has 40,000 practicing dentists, a middle class of 200 million people, and its dental industry grows by 20% per year. As a response to the strong interest among North American dental exporters in the Indian market, the Chicago-based subsidiary of the Koelnmesse group will offer a USA Pavilion for this event.
The 2009 edition of IDEM India attracted 143 exhibitors from 21 countries who met with 2,531 attendees. Half of the exhibitors came from countries outside of India, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, and the U.S.
More information regarding IDEM 2010 can be obtained by contacting Silke Eidam, North American Sales & Project Manager of IDEM INDIA 2010, at (773) 326-9929 or [email protected].
Coltene/Whaledent announces new President's Circle members
Don Berse, Director of North American Sales for Coltene/Whaledent, Inc., recently announced that three new inductees will be added to the President's Circle for their efforts in 2009. Each territory manager who wins the President's Circle designation has his or her name engraved on a special plaque in the lobby of the company's headquarters in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in addition to receiving a monetary award.
2009's Specialty Award winner is Pete Booker (Cincinnati), who was the Alpen Rotary Instruments top sales performer of the year.
The Rookie Territory Manager of the Year (greater than 12 months of service but less than 24) is Jay Bookman (Baton Rouge, La.).
Bryan Landry (Fort Worth, Texas) was awarded the Territory Manager of the Year (greater than 24 months of field territory sales).
Temrex acquires Cooley & Cooley assets
Temrex has acquired the assets of Cooley & Cooley, Ltd.
"We are pleased to add this company and the Copalite brand into our family of products," said Ethan Levander, president of Temrex. "Their cements and varnishes, as well as other products, are a natural complement to the existing Temrex and Rand products we distribute globally for restorative dentistry."
Cooley & Cooley, located in Houston, has manufactured dental products since 1933. Temrex, located in Freeport, N.Y., also acquired the J R Rand company in 2005.
Nobel Biocare partners with Noritake, Seattle Study Club
Nobel Biocare has signed a preferred partnership agreement with the Japanese company Noritake Dental Supply Co., Limited, a leading supplier of restorative and prosthetic materials for dentists and dental technicians. This agreement with Noritake marks the company's third alliance under its recently established Preferred Partner Program, following two earlier agreements with Ivoclar Vivadent and VITA Zahnfabrik.
The partnership also includes the development of new materials, joint educational and training programs, and commercial activities.
Additionally, Nobel Biocare and Seattle Study Club (SSC) have signed a long-term partnership. Nobel Biocare and SSC will collaborate in the areas of training and education and at events and conferences.
Aribex settles lawsuit
Aribex, Inc., has settled a patent case involving Sigma Biomedics, Inc., Dentalaire Products International, and DigiMed Co., Ltd. The case was brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah in October, 2009 alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,496,178 for a handheld X-ray device. None of the parties admitted any liability.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Sigma Biomedics, Dentalaire Products International, and Digimed Co. have discontinued the distribution of the Bio-Ray PROX and similar handheld X-ray devices within the United States. The other terms of the settlement agreement are confidential.
Curve Dental completes acquisition of Orasphere, Ltd.
Curve Dental, developers of Web-based dental software, recently completed their acquisition of Orasphere, Ltd., a developer of dental patient education videos that can be viewed on a dentist's Web site, computer, on DVD, or on an iPod Touch.
"Orasphere will add to Curve Dental's product offering by contributing world-class patient education materials to our Web-based dental software," said Jim Pack, chief executive officer of Curve Dental. "We intend to leverage the Orasphere library by hosting it in the cloud or on the Web, thus removing the need for expensive software, tedious installation, and risky upgrades."
Benco announces partnership with ProDrive Systems
Benco Dental has established a partnership with ProDrive Systems, manufacturer of revolutionary triangular bur and upgrade system. The agreement allows Benco Dental to introduce ProDrive's innovative handpiece and bur products to dentists across the United States.
"ProDrive's innovative products offer a high-performance solution to dentists who have become frustrated with the outdated friction grip design of regular handpieces," said Paul Jackson, vice president of marketing for Benco Dental. "We are excited about offering ProDrive to our customers, and expect it to be a leading product for Benco in 2010."
Novalar inks German distribution agreement
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH and Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have entered into an exclusive license and distribution agreement in which Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland will have the right to commercialize and market Novalar's OraVerse in Germany with options to extend the license to additional European countries. OraVerse is the first and only local anesthesia reversal agent that accelerates the return of normal sensation and function following routine dental procedures. OraVerse is approved for use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration and sold by Novalar direct to dentists.
The parties will collaborate to submit the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) in 2010 in several European countries with an anticipated approval in Germany by 2011. Sanofi-Aventis will be responsible for the launch of OraVerse in Germany. Novalar will be responsible for supplying product to Sanofi-Aventis under a supply agreement between the parties. In consideration for the license, Sanofi-Aventis will pay Novalar a combination of upfront and milestone payments in addition to royalties on product sales.
Ormco to support Smile for a Lifetime Foundation
Smile for a Lifetime Foundation has signed an exclusive arrangement with Ormco Corp. to help deliver pro bono orthodontic treatment services to underprivileged children throughout the country.
Ormco will provide products free of charge to orthodontists affiliated with Smile for a Lifetime to treat underserved children. Smile for a Lifetime is a non-profit organization that works nationally with orthodontists to provide treatment scholarships to underprivileged children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford treatment.
Ormco will donate a number of state-of-the-art appliances including the Damon® System, a combination of tie-less braces and high-tech memory archwires that help clinicians treat patients quickly and comfortably. Doctors also will have access to the Simpli5™ express aligner system through Ormco's AOA Orthodontic Laboratory, which manufactures customized appliances.
Ultradent, Shofu partner in Japan
Ultradent Products, Inc. and its orthodontic division, Opal Orthodontics, recently unveiled its partnership with Shofu, Inc., which will be the exclusive distributor of Opal Orthodontics in Japan.
Shofu will be the exclusive distributor of Opal Orthodontics products in Japan. Ultradent Japan will continue with distribution for Ultradent's dental products through a network of distributors in Japan.
DenMat acquires Snap-On Smile® brand
DenMat Holdings, LLC, recently announced its acquisition of the Snap-On Smile® brand and all intellectual property surrounding it. Snap-On Smile will be produced exclusively by DenMat's LUMINEERS® Smile Design Studio, an ISO 9001 certified laboratory offering a comprehensive range of superior esthetic and restorative services.
The Snap-On Smile is a patented, removable custom appliance requiring no prepping, no injections and no adhesives, which simply snaps over a patient's natural teeth. Applications include using the Snap-On Smile as esthetic provisionals in implant cases, a vehicle for increasing facial height (vertical dimension), cosmetic removable partial dentures, and even as a long-term smile enhancement.
Dent-X has sensor coverage program
Dent-X has launched the EVA-Guard program, a robust coverage plan for EVA sensors. EVA-Guard is in addition to EVA's standard 2-year warranty. All EVA owners have the option to purchase this "no questions asked" policy directly from their local dealer.
EVA-Guard protects EVA digital sensor owners in case something happens that is not covered by their 2-year, standard warranty.
Once enrolled in this annual program, there is a deductible for any EVA replacement, but at a significantly lower price. Dent-X waives the enrollment fee for users that sign up within 30 days of an EVA installation. The program can be entered retroactively, but users must pay the enrollment fee and all annual fees for any uncovered years. EVA-Guard is renewable each year for five years, with the sixth year covered for free. After the termination of the sixth year, the EVA-Guard program concludes for that sensor. Each EVA sensor is covered under the current and standard factory warranty of two years with free lifetime remote technical support.
Cadent, Pankey Institute establish grants
Cadent has established a grant program in association with The Pankey Institute. Cadent will provide a technology grant to The Pankey Institute in the name of any faculty member who purchases the iTero digital impression system for use in their practice. Similarly, Cadent will provide an education grant in the name of any student or alumnus of The Pankey Institute who purchases the iTero digital impression system for use in their practice. This education grant may then be applied to the next course taken at The Pankey Institute.
In addition, Cadent will provide an iTero system and models for use in applicable core curriculum at The Pankey Institute, including a live patient training program currently under development.
Delcam wins UK's Queen's Award
Benco, Pankey Institute partner
Benco Dental and The Pankey Institute have formed an alliance to help dentists achieve their goals through continuing education.
Together, Benco Dental and The Pankey Institute will offer Benco customers the opportunity to attend Essentials 1, Occlusion, and The New Patient Experience at a reduced tuition. In this course, dentists explore occlusal disease and determine when its management is vital to the success of the dentistry and doctor-patient relationship. They are exposed to a vision of practice that embraces comprehensive care, values the patient relationship and involves the patient in an effective co-discovery examination.
"Our objective is to encourage our customers to enlist in The Pankey Institute Essentials continuum," says Charles Cohen, president of Benco Dental. "We have entered into this alliance because the nature of Pankey courses is to address all aspects of dental practice (behavioral, clinical, and managerial) as dentists develop the highest level of comprehensive care for their patients. The Institute's philosophy of patient-centered care is congruent with our philosophy of customer-centered service, leading to success smile after smile."
DHPI works with DenTrek on training
Dental Health Products, Inc. has partnered with DenTrek to implement online training and to manage a web-based training program for DHPI's sales force of more than 75 reps.
DenTrek specializes in online multimedia education with an extensive library of training modules encompassing all disciplines of dentistry. Training modules consist of pre-produced content as well as live interactive web-based seminars. DenTrek has developed a strong foundation in online dental education through its flagship website, DenTrek.com. DenTrek provides a complete Internet-based training solution for dental corporations seeking to augment their current corporate training strategy.
DHPI continues to strengthen its sales rep training initiatives. "Our company has a track record of supporting dental education and bringing effective programs to our sales team. Our mission is to consistently provide and support initiatives that allow us to have the best and well-trained sales force," said Steve Desautel, DHPI's vice president of sales and marketing. "DenTrek's programs are an ideal fit for our short and long term training goals. Using technology will allow us to expand our reach to deliver consistency and effectiveness to our entire sales force."
CareCredit, the nation's leading patient payment program, recently continued its support as Founding Donor of the American Dental Association Foundation GIVE KIDS A SMILE Expansion Fund with its fourth consecutive $100,000 donation.
Cindy Hearn, senior vice president of marketing, CareCredit and member of the Give Kids A Smile National Advisory Board (right), presents a $100,000 donation to the ADA Foundation GKAS Fund during the advisory board meeting Feb. 24 in Chicago. Accepting the check are (from left) Steve Kess, board chair and vice president of Global Professional Relations, Henry Schein Inc.; Dr. Jeff Stasch, board member and member of the ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations; Dr. Ron Tankersley, ADA president; and Robert C. Henderson, Ph.D., board member and member of the ADA Foundation Board of Directors.
National Dentex acquired
National Dentex Corporation, one of the largest owner/operators of dental laboratories in North America, has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger to be acquired by GDC Holdings, Inc., a holding company of GeoDigm Corporation, a technology-based manufacturing and laboratory company and a portfolio company of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe XI, L.P.
Schein partners with Brain-Pad
Henry Schein has announced a new strategic partnership with Brain-Pad. Under a new five-year agreement, Henry Schein Dental will be the exclusive professional dental distributor in the U.S. and Canada for the NatureZone™ one-touch UV/Ozone oral appliance sanitizer.
Brain-Pad's NatureZone™ UV/Ozone oral sanitizer is an innovative new solution to quickly, safely and effectively disinfect, sanitize and deodorize oral appliances including mouth guards, retainers, dentures, nightguards, and more. Equipped with a unique, patented ultraviolet light and ozone ion technology, NatureZone kills 99.9 percent of germs and viruses that can lead to MRSA, Staph, and Strep bacteria on any oral appliance in less than three minutes.
Henry Schein will also market and distribute Brain-Pad's line of protective and performance dual-arch athletic mouthguards to dental practitioners and laboratories on a non-exclusive basis.
IDEM Singapore deemed a success
The International Dental Exhibition and Meeting (IDEM) Singapore 2010 reported registered participation from 6,057 dental traders and practitioners, including dentists and dental clinicians. IDEM Singapore 2010 brought together participants from 54 countries in a four-day event that delivered the cutting edge in dental technology, techniques and patient treatment.
"Once again, IDEM Singapore has successfully brought the latest innovations and emerging technologies from around the globe to Asia's dental community. The response from participants and exhibitors has been encouraging, and we are proud to have facilitated the fruitful interactions and networking that will lay the foundation for future collaborations," said Michael Dreyer, vice president, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse.
Another investment comes for SensAble
SensAble Technologies, Inc.®, a leading provider of 3D modeling software, haptic devices, and dental restoration design and fabrication solutions, has received an $8 million investment to propel sales, marketing, and engineering efforts for its digital dentistry product line. Existing investor HLM Venture Partners led the round and was joined by North Bridge Venture Partners, both of whom are headquartered in the Boston area, and have extensive expertise with medical device company funding.
SensAble will use the new capital to better compete in the $3 billion worldwide market for dental restoration equipment and supplies.
Schein launches Endovations™
Henry Schein, Inc., recently launched Endovations™, a new business initiative dedicated to meeting the product and service needs of endodontic practitioners around the world. Endovations, which is part of Henry Schein's Global Healthcare Specialties Group, provides endodontic clinicians with a wide selection of innovative products and services to enhance clinical outcomes and increase practice efficiency and success.
"Dental specialists have special needs in the products and services required to operate successful endodontic practices, and we have created Endovations to meet this growing need," said Stanley Bergman, Henry Schein's chairman and chief executive officer. "We are eager to introduce exciting new technology-driven products and services to our endodontic customers, and with our increased focus in this area, also expect an increase in sales of the wide range of products we currently sell for endodontic treatments, including the innovative Twisted Files from Sybron Dental Specialties, among others."
Windent purchased
PracticeWorks Systems, LLC, a division of Carestream Health, Inc., and Healthsoft, Inc., jointly announce the purchase of the Windent business of Healthsoft by PracticeWorks. Windent is a leading provider of sophisticated oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental practice management software sold under the brand names WINDENT OMS, WINDENT SQL, WINDENT Enterprise, and WINDENT Platinum.
Windent's successful practice management system will expand and strengthen PracticeWorks' comprehensive array of practice management systems and digital imaging solutions. PracticeWorks will retain the product and industry knowledge of the Windent team to ensure continued support of Windent customers and further development of Windent products. Plans include augmenting the Windent support and development teams with the full resources of PracticeWorks.
Darby now authorized KODAK seller
PracticeWorks Systems, LLC, the exclusive maker of KODAK Dental Systems, which includes KODAK Digital Imaging and KODAK Practice Management Systems, recently signed a multi-year agreement with Darby Dental Supply, LLC, the largest all-telesales distributor of dental merchandise and small equipment.
The agreement, effective immediately, appoints Darby as an authorized seller of KODAK Digital Imaging Systems products, including the KODAK 1500 Intraoral Camera, KODAK RVG 6100 Digital Imaging Sensors, and the KODAK 2200 Intraoral X-Ray System.
Corrected address from March issue
The address for GC Corporation listed in our March international manufacturers directory was incorrect. Please use the address below.
GC Corporation
76-1, Hasunuma-cho, Itabashi-ku
Tokyo 174-8585
Japan
P: 03-3965-1221
F: 03-3965-3331
www.gcdental.co.jp
Patterson, Schick extend agreement
Patterson Dental has announced a three-year extension with Schick Technologies, Inc. to serve as the exclusive distributor for Schick digital dental X-ray products in the U.S. and Canada. With this agreement, the two technology leaders extend an exclusive partnership in effect since May 1, 2000.
"Our renewed agreement demonstrates the strength of our partnership and our ability to innovate and bring the best digital products to dental practices," said Paul Guggenheim, president of Patterson Dental. "We are fully committed to being the North American market leader with Schick and to working closely with dental professionals to realize the wide-ranging benefits of our combined strengths."
Terms of the distribution agreement, effective through December 31, 2012, renew Patterson's key role in the promotion, sales, installation, service, and support of Schick's digital product line through full-service branch offices across North America.
