Henry Schein acquires software supplier
Henry Schein, Inc. has received sufficient acceptances of its offer to acquire Software of Excellence International Ltd., a leading supplier of practice management systems to both private and public health dentists in the United Kingdom, and is also the largest supplier of dental software in Australia and New Zealand. The Company serves more than 5,000 practices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
“Software of Excellence has been delivering innovative solutions to Dental professionals since 1988,” said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer of Henry Schein. “Software of Excellence’s clinical and practice management software will be an important addition to Henry Schein, supporting our objective to be a full service provider to our customers. On behalf of Team Schein, we are very happy to welcome CEO Brian Weatherly and his management team to Henry Schein.”
“We look forward to joining Team Schein, an established leader in providing innovative solutions to the dental community,” said Brian Weatherly, chief executive officer of Software of Excellence. “Together we will be able to offer integrated solutions to our dental customers, enabling them to spend more time delivering quality care to their patients.”
Kess named to lead GKAS
Steve Kess, vice president of professional relations for Henry Schein, has been named chairman of the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) National Advisory Board. Kess, who served on the ADA Foundation Board for many years, has been a leader of Henry Schein’s support of GKAS as exclusive distributor of professional products since the program’s inception five years ago.
For the fifth annual GKAS initiative in February 2007, more than 52,000 dental team members provided free educational, preventative and restorative services to more than 757,000 underserved children in 2,225 communities across the country, setting new records for volunteerism and corporate support. As plans are underway for the sixth GKAS program, the GKAS National Advisory Board is working with the ADA to expand the scope of the event beyond a single day for years to come.
The appointment of Kess as the first non-dental chairman for an ADA board is a reflection of his direct involvement in building GKAS from a pilot program into the national initiative that it is today, as well as his recruiting of nearly 50 Sullivan-Schein Dental supplier partners to crystallize dental industry support for the program.
“Henry Schein remains committed to working with the ADA, its members, Colgate, DEXIS and our many other supplier partners in continuing to build on the great success of the Give Kids A Smile program,” said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer for Henry Schein. “I can think of no one more qualified than Steve for the important role of chairing the Give Kids A Smile National Advisory Board, considering his vision for the initiative and his proven skill at marshalling the resources of diverse members of the dental community to achieve a common goal.”
Yankee Dental Congress eyes new home
“Just Imagine” is the theme of the 33rd Yankee Dental Congress® (YDC), New England’s largest dental meeting, which will be held January 30 through February 3, 2008, for the first time at YDC’s new home, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC).
More than 28,000 dental health professionals are expected to attend the event, sponsored by the Massachusetts Dental Society, in cooperation with the Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont dental associations. YDC 33 offers more than 950 exhibits and 450 courses for the dental professional.
On Friday evening, nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow will provide the celebrity entertainment. Have lunch with Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actress and Massachusetts native, Geena Davis. In addition, Harlan Coben, best-selling mystery author of “No Second Chance,” “Just One Look,” “The Woods,” and “The Promise,” will make a guest appearance.
YDC 33 features admission to more than 60 free courses as well as 11 alumni events, product samples from exhibitors, and computerized continuing education record keeping at the CE Pavilion.
For more information on YDC 33, visit www.yankeedental.com or www.massdental.org.
Patterson holds groundbreaking ceremony
Patterson Companies recently announced the start of construction for the expansion and renovation of the company’s corporate headquarters, located in Mendota Heights, Minn.
Plans call for two additions that will add 37,000 square feet, for a total of 102,000 square feet scheduled for completion in January 2009. In addition to expansion on the east and south sides of the building, existing space will be renovated to gain efficiencies in building design and to take advantage of new furniture design and capabilities. The current structure reached capacity several months ago. When completed, the new facility will accommodate about 500 employees.
The groundbreaking event was Patterson’s first in the company’s 130-year history. Patterson Vice President of Operations Gary Johnson described the project as another step in the growth of Patterson Companies. “This updated facility is efficiently designed to support our growing company and expanding base of businesses in the rehabilitation and veterinary supply markets, as well as traditional base of operations in the dental supply market.”
The Corporate Office will gain 40 additional offices and conference rooms, more than 180 office cubicles, expanded training room accommodations, and more than 200 parking spaces. Enhancements include a new entrance plaza and reception area with updated security system, expanded café area with meeting availability, employee fitness room and shower facility, demountable walls for added flexibility and improved natural lighting.
The company’s Mendota Heights location has served as Corporate headquarters since moving from Bloomington, Minn., in 1994.
AFP Imaging teams up with Genexa Medical
AFP Imaging Corporation that Genexa Medical Inc. has become the exclusive Canadian distributor for AFP Imaging’s NewTomTM 3-D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Dental Scanners and EVATM and EVA+ intraoral dental digital sensors product lines. Previously, Genexa Medical had served as one of several Canadian distributors of EVA and EVA+ products.
“Genexa Medical is an experienced sales and marketing organization serving the Canadian dental market. It is a unique professional distribution organization offering full financial services to its equipment customers as well as innovative ownership programs. We have enjoyed an existing relationship with them as a distributor of our EVA line, and we are happy to expand our partnership to include the NewTom 3-D scanners. They will now market both lines to dental practices, imaging centers and hospitals throughout Canada,” says Donald Rabinovitch, President of AFP Imaging. “We look forward to a long and very prosperous association with them.”
As a result of AFP Imaging’s new relationship with Genexa Medical, the company expects in the next 12 months to realize Canadian sales of NewTom 3-D scanners and EVA and EVA+ dental sensors of approximately US$4 million and continued growth in future years, according to Daniel Fields, executive vice president of AFP Imaging.
Beaverstate Dental holds sales meeting
Beaverstate Dental’s first “National Sales Meeting” was recently held as all territory managers were invited to the factory in Newberg, Ore. This was the first opportunity for management and the entire sales force to gather, as one, to discuss sales topics and product information. During a two-day period, the sales force was introduced, in depth, to the details and selling features of the new Aerolight Operatory light, as well as other equipment. Also discussed, in detail, was the broad spectrum of Beaverstate Dental’s many marketplace advantages in today’s competitive dental equipment and component business.
Sales Achievement Awards were presented to Bob Doling, Jim and Bobbi Vinton, Merv Tonkin, and Ed Snyder.
A-dec helps Christina’s Smile
As many as 120 underserved children ages 6 to 15 received free dental care at a recent Christina’s Smile Children’s Dental Clinic visit to Oregon. The visit highlighted Christina’s Smile’s newest self-contained mobile dental treatment facility outfitted by A-dec and other partners in the cities of Beaverton and Newberg, Ore., where A-dec is based.
A-dec has supported the Christina’s Smile program since 1998, and has contributed both monetary donations and dental equipment to help meet the program’s needs. The newest 53-foot trailer features three fully equipped state-of-the-art operatories with A-dec 500® chairs and delivery systems, digital monitor mounts, operatory lighting, A-dec Preference® cabinetry, sterilization equipment, chairs and stools.
“This program shows dentistry at its best and we are honored to be part of it,” said Scott Parrish, president of A-dec. “Studies show that children with poor oral health often don’t do as well in school due to the painful distractions of tooth and gum disease. Unfortunately, the high cost of health care makes it impossible for most impoverished families to receive the care they need.”
Local dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants volunteered to offer dental care from the mobile facility, providing cleanings, sealants, fillings, crowns, root canal treatments and extractions, as needed. Approximately $70,000 to $80,000 worth of dentistry is delivered during each Christina’s Smile three-day clinic across the U.S.
For more information about Christina’s Smile, visit www.csmile.com or contact Dr. Richard Garza at (512) 335.1445.
OHA gala set for Chicago Midwinter
Oral Health America, a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans for more than 50 years, will be holding its 18th Annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction Feb. 21, 2008 at Navy Pier in Chicago. The event will raise 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. The “party on the pier” has become so popular that organizers anticipate having to limit the number of tickets for the first time in the event’s history. For this reason, they are urging attendees to purchase 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 ($2,500), Platinum ($5,000), and Diamond ($10,000) levels.
The Oral Health America 18th Annual Gala Dinner and Silent Auction will run from 7 until 11 p.m. Tickets are $275 each; a table for 10 can be purchased for $2,400. To reserve tickets or to get information on sponsorships or donations please contact Joe Donohue at OHA by calling (312) 836-9900 or email him at [email protected]
OSAP announces video winners
The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has announced the first winners for its I See IC Contest for “YouTube” style video clips and still photos that promote infection control in the operatory. The first winners were Mike and Leslie Canham for “The Beauty Pageant for Gloves” (video category) and the Dental Assisting Class of Santa Rosa Junior College for “The IC (NOT!) Collection” (still photo category). Winners won cash to select their own camcorder (video winner) and camera (photo category). To view past winners, vote on current entries, or enter the contest, go to www.osap.org.
The I See IC contest continues through the end of the year, with prizes for each category awarded monthly. At year-end, a Grand Prize winner will be selected. To enter the contest, participants create a short video clip or still photo that either captures good infection control procedures in action or unmasks the hazards of poor technique. A link on the OSAP website allows entrants to upload their submissions. Contest rules and criteria for acceptable entries are posted on the website. There is no charge to enter.
Anyone can vote for a favorite entry during designated voting periods. For more information, visit www.osap.org.
JJL Technologies acquired by Vita and Vident
Vita Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH & Co. KG (“Vita”), Vident (“Vident”) and JJL Technologies LLC (“JJL Technologies”) have announced that Vita and Vident acquired substantially all of JJL Technologies’ dental business, which includes certain assets and rights to intellectual property developed by JJL Technologies related to dental shade matching and color measurement of teeth and dental materials.
JJL Technologies, founded by Wayne Jung, Russell Jung, and Alan Loudermilk, is a developer of color measurement/shade matching instruments and technologies and is the original developer of the product that was successfully introduced to the market by Vita and Vident as the Vita Easyshade system
BIOMET 3i inks pact with research institutions
A collaboration agreement has been signed between The Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy of Göteborg University, and BIOMET 3i. The Institute of Odontology, recognized as an authority in dental implantology, is one of the world’s leading research institutions. In 2006, the Institute was ranked second with regard to scientific publications worldwide.
As part of the agreement, the Institute of Odontology will provide research and product development services to BIOMET 3i. Additionally, the Institute will use BIOMET 3i Products for undergraduate and postgraduate training and teaching, as well as for patient care in the graduate clinics. Teachers at the Institute will also be available for external conferences and training.
3M ESPE hosts media tour
3M ESPE recently hosted more than three dozen representatives from leading industry media outlets to participate in a two-day event at the 3M Innovation Center, located in St. Paul, Minn. Members of the media, including Kevin Henry, editor of Proofs, participated in a series of workshops and seminars featuring the latest in innovative research, leading new products and technologies, and a commitment to educational resources for the dental industry.
Attendees were invited to experience the 3M World of Innovation, showcasing more than 40 core technology platforms used to develop the latest groundbreaking ideas for dentistry, such as ProtempTM Crown Temporization Material, the world’s first preformed malleable temporary crown. 3M ESPE unveiled two new self-etch adhesives soon to hit the market, AdperTM ScotchbondTM SE Self-Etch Adhesive and AdperTM Easy Bond Self-Etch Adhesive, the latest graduates of the company’s rigorous quality testing standards that continue to inspire customer confidence. Also making an appearance at the event were the much anticipated LavaTM Scan ST System and LavaTM Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S. — technologies helping to streamline digital workflow and define the future of dentistry worldwide.
NEXADENTAL now dealer for Premier
NEXADENTAL was recently named as a dealer for Premier Dental Products Company.
“Premier Dental Products Company is well known and respected in the dental industry,” said Cliff Herd, president and chief executive officer of NEXADENTAL. “The company and their products have the highest reputation for quality and value. We are pleased to be affiliated with Premier.”
3M, Lingualcare reach acquisition agreement
3M has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lingualcare Inc., a Dallas-based orthodontic technology and services company offering the iBraces system, a customized, lingual orthodontic solution.
“Lingualcare brings the newest generation of lingual braces, along with sophisticated digital tools to make treatment easier for doctors and patients. Lingualcare nicely complements 3M’s full line of orthodontic solutions and further broadens both our aesthetic and digital orthodontic platforms,” said Paul Keel, president of 3M Unitek.
Lingualcare’s iBraces are customized to the patient’s tooth anatomy through a proprietary process to create braces that are lower profile and more comfortable than traditional lingual braces. “We are excited by the opportunity to strengthen and enhance the iBraces customer experience with the support of 3M’s sales, service and technologies,” said Lea Nesbit, chief executive officer of Lingualcare.
Biodontics students visit Pentron Clinical
Pentron Clinical Technologies recently welcomed students from the Biodontics Educational Program for a daylong session to learn about dental product development and manufacturing. This is the second consecutive year that Pentron Clinical, a leading dental products manufacturer, has hosted the Biodontic students.
The group of 30 dental students, from such renowned institutions as the University of Connecticut, Howard University, New York University, Marquette University, Meharry Medical College, and the University of Southern California, started with a tour of Pentron’s manufacturing facilities followed by a lunch and learning session with presentations on research, development, and product marketing. The event culminated in the students participating in a group exercise to develop an innovative dental product and presenting their results.
The Biodontics program is directed by Dr. Edward Rossomando at the University of Connecticut Health Center. The program consists of lectures and visits with various business leaders, entrepreneurs, management executives, scientists, architects, and dental manufacturers.
NCOHF launches Toothfairy Campaign
The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) has launched the Toothfairy Campaign, a national effort focused on raising funds to provide direct access to oral health education and treatment to the nation’s youngest and most vulnerable children.
“The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) is moving quickly and compassionately to support delivery of comprehensive services to eliminate the silent epidemic of pediatric dental disease,” said Dr. Gordon Christensen, a member of the NCOHF Board of Directors. “I urge every dental professional in America to support the Toothfairy Campaign as we transform children’s pain and hopelessness into healthy smiles and bright, productive futures.”
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, pediatric oral health disease is the top chronic pediatric illness in America. The Toothfairy Campaign brings individuals, corporations, foundations, and media partners together as a team to help deliver the comprehensive oral health care solutions needed to eliminate this totally preventable disease.
Announced at the American Dental Association’s annual session, the campaign is part of the Foundation’s national effort to raise awareness about pediatric dental disease.
For more information on NCOHF, please call (800) 559-9838 or visit www.NCOHF.org.
GC America holds sales meeting
GC America recently held its national sales meeting in Savannah, Ga. Several awards were handed out, including:
- The Toshio Nakao Award for overall sales achievement (salesman of the year) went to Todd Cretors from Arizona. The runner-up to the Toshio Nakao Award for overall sales achievement went to Raymond Potter from Colorado. Vicki Troxel, Debbie Iacono, Rosanne Strash, and Ryan Neroy won the second runner-up for overall sales achievement award for their shared territory in Southern California.
- The Donald McKenzie Award for new product sales went to Raymond Potter.
- The J.J. Nevin Award for Rookie of the Year went to Angela Usher from Minnesota
- The Western Region was the winner of The Region of the Year. Bill Myers is the Western Regional Manager. Member of the Western Region are Todd Cretors, Debbie Iacona, Ryan Neroy, Tom Meintz, Tut Nguyen, Raymond Potter, Rosanne Strash, Vicki Troxel, Kelly Meyer, Marlyse Williams, Richard Atany, and Marty Rigutto.
- Laboratory Division, Overall Sales Achievement Award, went to Richard Atany and Martin Rigutto.
NCOHF announces new board
The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) elected a new slate of officers and named six new members to its Board of Directors at its recent annual meeting.
The new slate of officers includes Dan Even, president of Sybron Dental Specialties; Robert Hayman, chief executive officer of Discus Dental; Tom Engels, retired vice president and general manager of 3M ESPE; Scott Anderson, president of Patterson Dental Supply, Inc.; Christopher T. Clark, executive vice president and chief operating officer of DENTSPLY; Dr. Cherilyn G. Sheets, private practice; and Fern K. Ingber, president/chief executive officer, NCOHF.
New board members elected for a three-year term include Dr. Gordon Christensen, founder/director of PCC; Karen A. Gledhill, Esq., Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson; P. Christopher Holden, president of Heraeus; Kevin L. Mosher, vice president and general manager, Nobel Biocare; Gilia (Jill) Rethman, RDH; and Dr. John N. Williams, dean of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. Continuing members are Dr. Joseph Greenberg, private practice; Fred Joyal, chief executive officer of 1-800-DENTIST; and Dr. Michael Miller, president of Reality Publishing.
“NCOHF is honored and privileged to have this powerful group of highly regarded leaders working together to aggressively respond to the silent epidemic of pediatric oral disease” Ingber said.
Septodont creates materials division
Septodont, Inc. manufacturers of Septocaine and other well known pain control products announced the creation of a new materials division focusing on restorative dental and infection control products.
Septodont currently markets a number of products that fall within the materials category. The organization of a dedicated division was initiated due to the commitment and availability of quality proprietary materials that enhance the restorative results of esthetic dentistry, while also providing OSHA-approved, environmentally safe products for the practice.
Septodont Materials Division will use the identifiable tooth logo employed by the pain control division, but color-coded blue to distinguish between the two.
Paul Mondock, senior vice president of sales and marketing, will oversee the U.S. Pain Control and Materials division. Tim Latimer, national sales manager for materials, is building a dedicated sales force that will be in place by the beginning of next year.
Christine Corsette has recently joined Septodont as the marketing director of the materials product line. Corsette brings her experience as both product manager and marketing director from other well-known dental manufacturers. She will be responsible for marketing, professional relations and product development.
Septodont materials are available from the dental supply dealer. For more information contact (800) 872-8305 or visit www.septodontusa.com
Pappas helps Habitat for Humanity
Dr. Chris Pappas, manager of clinical education and marketing for Bisco Inc., recently participated in his first “build” with the Habitat for Humanity’s Northern Fox Valley division.
The two-story home that the team worked on was being built in the Valley View area of St. Charles Township (Illinois). His day started by carrying bundles of shingles to the roof, then the team installed fascia boards, drip edging and roofing tar paper and architectural shingles.
Dr. Pappas’ construction background began at the age of 10, when he would assist his father, Nikolaos Pappas, a general contractor, with construction jobs (typically, home improvement projects). He plans to increase my participation level with Habitat for Humanity in the future.
CRETE meets in San Francisco, makes plans
The Center for Research in Education and Technology Evaluation’s (CRETE) Industry Advisory Council (IAC) held its 8th bi-annual meeting during the recent ADA Annual Session. At the meeting, chaired by Carl Bretko, senior vice president of JEP Management, the IAC endorsed the construction of a CRETE Clinic at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. The CRETE Clinic, the first of its kind at any U.S. dental school, will allow dental companies to furnish dental operatories with the latest in equipment and products. The CRETE Clinic will develop educational programs to introduce new technologies and products into dental education and encourage technology transfer, innovation and entrepreneurship in dental practice.
The dental industry is represented at the IAC by JEP Management; A-dec; Patterson Dental Co.; Benco Dental Co.; National Dentex Corp.; Centrix, Inc.; Harry J. Bosworth Co.; DentalEZ Group; Oragenics, Inc.; Premier Dental Products; Sakaduski Marketing Solutions; Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc.; and Henry Schein, Inc.
The IAC formed a committee to oversee fundraising and operations for the CRETE Clinic. Once operational, the combined expertise of a diverse faculty will provide CRETE with a unique venue to tackle a variety of problems related to the improvement of oral health care. With this in mind, Dr. Richard Valachovic, executive director of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), was invited to discuss how dental manufacturers, distributors, and laboratories can work with the ADEA to promote delivery of oral health care to underserved populations in the U.S. Dr. Valachovic described the present conditions of oral health care access and what dental schools have been doing to help alleviate the problem. Dr. Valachovic, along with Dr. Sharon Turner, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, and Candy Ross, Director of Clinical Affairs, DEXRS, LLC, applauded the IAC’s efforts in encouraging an interactive partnership of academia, government, and industry in dentistry.
The two-hour meeting also included reports on the Biodontics Educational Program (BEP) and the Product Evaluation Research Laboratory initiative endorsed by IAC members. The IAC expressed its satisfaction in the successful expansion of the BEP to include six U.S. dental schools and to have graduated nearly 60 dental students.
The IAC will reconvene in February and continue advising CRETE on enhancing the presence of the dental industry in dental schools and promote the introduction of products and new technologies into the dental curriculum.
For information on how your company can participate in the CRETE Clinic, please contact Dr. Edward Rossomando by email at [email protected].
PLANMECA celebrates 20 years
PLANMECA USA, Inc. celebrates 20 years of growth and success in 2007! PLANMECA first started distribution of the Proline CC Panoramic X-ray in 1987. Since that time, PLANMECA’s home office has grown into a facility of more than 55,000 square feet, offering the dental community a full-range of dental equipment. From the original Proline CC Pan, to the most recent introductions of ProMax 3D X-rays, and the complete line of delivery units and Triangle operatory cabinetry, PLANMECA has become a leader in the dental industry for quality, selection, and excellent product support.
Midmark announces sterilizer promotion
Midmark Corporation’s newest dental promotion for all Midmark authorized dental dealer equipment sales representatives called the “Think Outside the Box” promotion kicked off October 1, offering cash rebates or free product to customers purchasing Midmark M11 or M9 UltraClave® Automatic Sterilizers, and incentives to dealer representatives.
Under the terms of this promotion, with the purchase of a Midmark M11 or M9 UltraClave® Automatic Sterilizer, the end-user will receive a $400 rebate check from Midmark or a Midmark M250 Soniclean® Ultrasonic Cleaner with Safety Basket; no sterilizer trade-in required. Plus, with each sterilizer purchase and donation of their old sterilizer to Direct Relief International®, they will receive an additional $200!
The “Think Outside the Box” promotion also enables dealer representatives to earn incentives for the sale of the eligible products until December 31, with delivery taken by January 15, 2008. Dealer representatives have the opportunity to earn a Bose® SoundDock® Digital Music System or a 30GB Apple® iPod®.
All Midmark authorized dealer sales representatives are eligible to participate. For questions regarding this promotion, please contact the Midmark Promotions Department at (800) MIDMARK ext. 7575.
UDD rocks the Opryland Gaylord Hotel
United Dental Dealers (UDD) recently hosted its annual meeting, themed, “UDD ROCKS!” at Nashville’s Opryland Gaylord Hotel and Resort. The meeting surpassed all prior meeting attendance with 18 distributor member companies and 23 vendors present.
The UDD Rocks program further demonstrated the rock-solid strength of this group of individual dental dealers from across the country. The meeting began with a networking event focused on team-building. A highlight included a 32-foot rock-climbing wall. The three fastest climbers were Tony Zaffarese (Marus Dental); Eric Gajeski (Dental City); and Shari Peggs (Dental City). Face-to-Face sessions between distributors and vendor partners occurred during the second day. These rotations gave meaningful time to review sales and build programs to grow business in the upcoming year. The meeting concluded with an Awards Banquet recognizing the key performers during the past year (see list).
New Members: Essie Dental Supply; Westdent; Tiger Supply, Inc.
Advertising Support: Dental Products & Service
Website Support: Carolina Dental Supply, Inc.
Pro Advantage Support: Cedar Dental Supply Co.
Warehouse Performance Increase: AM-Touch Dental, Inc.
Warehouse Overall Support: Reliable Dental Supply & Service
Vendor of the Year: Crosstex International
Warehouse Vendor of the Year: Medicom, Inc.
United Dental Dealers is a subsidiary of National Distribution & Contracting, Inc.
Crosstex acquires Strong Dental Products
Crosstex International has acquired Strong Dental Products, Inc, the pioneering manufacturer of comfort cushioning and protective devices for X-ray film and digital X-ray sensors.
One of the lead products acquired by Crosstex is Edge-Ease®, a soft foam X-ray cushion that provides an extremely comfortable edge on film packets and digital sensors. In addition, Crosstex will be adding a new portfolio of digital X-ray offerings (Sensor Slippers®, Wrap-Ease®, BiteWing-EaseTM, and Slip-EaseTM), each of which serve to improve patient comfort, protect both the patient and the digital sensors, as well as enhance practitioner ease and efficiency throughout the radiographic process.
According to Andrew Whitehead, vice president of sales and marketing, “Strong Dental Products not only allow us to expand into the rapidly growing digital radiography marketplace, but they also serve as a perfect complement to our new Patient’s ChoiceTM product line. With dental hygienist and inventor, Vonda S. Manley, RDH, MS joining the Crosstex family as resident hygienist, Crosstex will be poised to develop an even broader range of innovative and convenient patient comfort and infection control products to enhance the efficiency and safety within the dental community.”
Manley, founder of Strong Dental Products, originated the innovative category of “all-in-one” infection control, comfort cushions and barrier sleeves for dental imaging devices as a way to solve the problems experienced during her personal patient interaction. “I became very concerned about the discomfort my patients experienced while undergoing dental X-rays,” Manley said, “so I created a line of products to address patient comfort issues while protecting the sensitive equipment. I believe that Crosstex can take these unique products and open them up to an even wider market — helping to further my commitment to improve patient care.”
All Strong Dental products will now be available through the Crosstex network of distributors. For more information on Crosstex infection control products please call Crosstex International at (888) 276-7783 (toll free), (631) 582-6777, or visit www.crosstex.com.
Remedent, Inc., signs UK distribution agreement
Remedent, Inc., has signed an exclusive multiyear sales and distribution agreement with Savant Distribution Limited, UK for Reme)senseTM, Remedent’s product to treat sensitive teeth.
The agreement gives Savant exclusive distribution rights to sell and distribute Reme)sense in the United Kingdom and Ireland through all distribution channels. The agreement will continue in force for a period of three years and shall automatically be renewed for successive five-year terms unless terminated by written notice at least six months prior to the end of the initial one-year period.
Zest Anchors celebrates 30th anniversary
Zest Anchors, Inc., celebrated its 30th company anniversary on Nov. 17. Founded in 1977 by Max Zuest after selling Zuest Dental Laboratory, the company manufactured the original Zest Anchor Attachment for roots. The company now managed by the son Paul Zuest is responsible for worldwide manufacturing of the top-selling Locator® Attachment System. Zest Anchors, Inc. has recently expanded their machining operations into a second 17,000-square-foot new building near the company headquarters in Escondido, Calif.
The company will celebrate its milestone by taking all of its employees and their spouses on a four-day cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Dec. 6-10.
For more information and the complete story of the company, visit www.zestanchors.com.
